Successfully defending an Iowa Amateur Championship is a rare accomplishment. Doing it on your home course is even more impressive. Cedar Falls native Owen Sawyer (above) accomplished both this week, capturing his second consecutive Iowa Amateur title at Beaver Hills Country Club.

Sawyer entered the final round with a one-shot lead and quickly seized control of the championship. An eagle on the par-5 second hole, followed by a birdie on the third, gave the defending champion early momentum. After a steady stretch of pars, he faced his biggest test of the day on the par-5 seventh.

“I had an unfortunate shank on the seventh hole, which forced me to take a drop,” Sawyer said. “I ended up making a nice up-and-down with a wedge to save par, so I just got my head back on straight heading into the back nine.”

Any thoughts of a comeback quickly faded as Sawyer responded with five more birdies, including four on the inward nine, pulling away from the field. When he reached the 18th green, he was greeted by Beaver Hills members, Iowa State teammates, family, friends, and many of the junior golfers he coaches throughout the summer.

“I got choked up during the awards ceremony because it just means so much to me to have this kind of support out here,” Sawyer said. “These are people who watched me grow up and are always on my team, and I’m just so appreciative of all they have done for me.”

As Sawyer returned to the 18th green for trophy photos, a young fan called out, “Way to go, Owen!”

With a smile, Sawyer responded, “Appreciate it, buddy!”

For Sawyer, the victory carries special significance. As a Beaver Hills Country Club member and Cedar Falls native, he adds another memorable chapter to his hometown golfing résumé. In 2021, Sawyer helped lead Cedar Falls High School to the Class 4A state championship on the same course with his father serving as head coach. This week, he claimed his second Iowa Amateur title with his father once again by his side—this time as his caddie.

Sawyer’s victory marks the 14th time a player has successfully defended the Iowa Amateur Championship. After leading from the opening round in both 2025 and 2026, he also became the first player in championship history to win consecutive Iowa Amateur titles while leading wire-to-wire in each championship. His three-round total of 66-70-64—200 secured a seven-shot victory.

Nate McCoy of Ankeny made a strong final-round charge to claim runner-up honors, firing a five-under-par 67 to finish one stroke ahead of Ames’ Brock Snyder.

Clive’s Jake Weissenburger posted a bogey-free 67 to finish at six under par for the championship, tying for fourth place with Cedar Falls native Maxwell Tjoa.

The Iowa Golf Association extends its sincere appreciation to the staff, membership, and volunteers at Beaver Hills Country Club for their outstanding hospitality and support in hosting the 124th Iowa Amateur Championship.

Complete Results