Ward Captures First IGA Match Play Championship After Three-Week Delay
The IGA Match Play Championship reconvened Wednesday at Talons Golf after a three-week hiatus caused by severe flash flooding. Despite the unexpected delay, the championship delivered a memorable finish as Waukee’s Jonathan Ward (above) claimed his first IGA Match Play title.
Ward defeated Adel’s Jon Brown, 2&1, in a championship match that featured momentum swings, spectacular birdies and eagles, and clutch shot-making from both competitors.
“I’ve been battling some back spasms this week and I didn’t even know if I was going to play today,” Ward shared. “I woke up, got some good rest, and was able to find some success out there.”
Ward entered the championship fresh off competing in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, where his week was cut short due to the lingering back injury. Even so, he drew confidence from his performance against one of the nation’s strongest junior fields.
“Playing well in the U.S. Junior Amateur Championship last week on an incredibly hard golf course definitely gave me some confidence heading into today,” Ward said. “I knew that if I just kept doing what I was doing, I’d be hoisting the trophy.”
One of the day’s most remarkable storylines came before the championship match even began.
At 58 years old, Brown entered the semifinals with more years than the other three semifinalists combined. Ward (16), Ethan Blomme (19) and Owen Sawyer (21) had a combined age of 56, making for one of the most unique semifinal fields in recent IGA Match Play history. Brown proved experience can still compete with youth, advancing to the championship match with a comeback 2&1 victory over Blomme.
After trailing by three holes through the first 10 holes of the semifinal, Brown steadily chipped away at the deficit, making timely putts down the stretch to earn his place in the final.
Ward’s path to the championship included an impressive 6&4 semifinal victory over Cedar Falls’ Owen Sawyer. Ward caught fire with eight birdies during the match to secure his spot in the afternoon final.
Special thanks to the staff and members of Talons Golf for graciously welcoming the Iowa Golf Association staff and competitors back to complete the championship after the weather-related postponement. Their hospitality and support ensured a memorable conclusion to this year’s IGA Match Play Championship.