Three Iowans Qualify for U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship
Storms and weather delays made for a long, challenging day at Cedar Falls’ Beaver Hills Country Club during the USGA U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship Qualifier. Despite the soggy conditions and extended delays, three Iowans rose to the occasion and punched their tickets to one of amateur golf’s most elite stages.
Luke Slaymaker (right) of Marion led the field with a flawless round of 66 (-6), earning medalist honors and securing his place in the championship. Slaymaker recorded six birdies and was the only player in the field to go bogey-free.
“I did a really good job putting myself in position off the tee today,” Slaymaker said. “With the wet conditions and soft greens, the course was really gettable, and I was able to take advantage of the birdie opportunities.”
His exceptional round came after a difficult start to the day. Slaymaker arrived on site at 7:30 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. tee time but had to wait five grueling hours due to inclement weather.
“The morning was tough with all the storms,” he said. “I had to warm up twice, so that was a bit different.”
Slaymaker’s poise in navigating the delays speaks to his resilience and adaptability—qualities that will be crucial as he competes in his first USGA championship.
“This is my first USGA championship, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to compete,” he said. “I used to live in the Scottsdale area, so I’m excited to make the trip back.”
Joining Slaymaker at the national championship will be Dennis Bull of Norwalk, who fired an impressive 69 (-3). His round featured two birdies and an eagle, and he capped the day with a clutch birdie on the par-4 18th to clinch his qualifying spot.
Frank Anderson of Marion claimed the third and final qualifying spot with a 70 (-2), emerging from a three-man sudden-death playoff against Adam Moyers of Burlington and Willis Gaer of Des Moines. The trio played two extra holes before Anderson secured the last spot.
The 2025 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship will be held September 13–18 at Troon Country Club in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Dennis Bull
Frank Anderson