Iowa PGA Tour Edge Pro-Assistant, August 25th, 2008

Tour Edge

The 2008 Iowa PGA Tour Edge Pro-Assistant was held at Finkbine Golf Course and Brown Deer Golf Club on Monday, August 25th, 2008.  The format for this event was one best ball of two gross with two professionals from the same facility forming teams.  The Iowa Section PGA would like to thank Tour Edge for this title sponsorship along with Tim Doherty (Finkbine Golf Course) and Sean McCarty (Brown Deere Golf Club) for hosting the event.

Pro Assistant Winners

From Left: Derek Birt, Mark Morrissey (Tour Edge), Sean McCarty

Team Division Results

1st Team 108** Sean McCarty 64 65 129 -14 $525.00
    Derek Birt         $525.00
2nd Team 104 Kevin Kwak 68 61 129 -14 $455.00
    Adam Turner         $455.00
3rd Team 105 Kevin *Kwak 68 62 130 -13 $385.00
    Michael Scott         $385.00
4th Team 114 Jim Webb 68 66 134 -9 $280.00
    Chad Proehl         $280.00
5th Team 112 Matt Nice 68 67 135 -8 $52.50
    Brian Lorenz         $52.50
  Team 115 Bryan Haas 68 67 135 -8 $52.50
    Bryan Luedtke         $52.50

** Sean McCarty and Derek Birt won a sudden death playoff on Hole #1


Round 1 Team Skins
 

1 Team 100 John  Bermel Pheasant Ridge Golf Course 3 $53.33
           
    Adam  Luehmann Pheasant Ridge Golf Course   $53.33
           
2     ** 8 Tied   4  
           
3     ** 4 Tied   3  
           
4     ** 3 Tied   2  
           
5     ** 4 Tied   3  
           
6 Team 114 Jim  Webb Sugar Creek Municipal GC 3 $53.33
           
    Chad  Proehl Sugar Creek Municipal GC   $53.33
           
7     ** 4 Tied   3  
           
8 Team 105 Kevin  *Kwak Crow Valley Golf Club 2 $53.33
           
    Michael  Scott Crow Valley Golf Club   $53.33
           
9     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
10     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
11     ** 3 Tied   4  
           
12     ** 3 Tied   3  
           
13     ** 3 Tied   2  
           
14     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
15     ** 12 Tied   4  
           
16     ** 3 Tied   3  
           
17     ** 2 Tied   2  
           
18     ** 2 Tied   3  


Round 2 Team Skins
 

1     ** 5 Tied   3  
           
2     ** 6 Tied   4  
           
3     ** 6 Tied   3  
           
4 Team 100 John  Bermel Pheasant Ridge Golf Course 3 $80.00
           
    Adam  Luehmann Pheasant Ridge Golf Course   $80.00
           
5     ** 4 Tied   2  
           
6     ** 3 Tied   3  
           
7     ** 3 Tied   3  
           
8     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
9     ** 2 Tied   2  
           
10     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
11     ** 2 Tied   3  
           
12     ** 3 Tied   2  
           
13     ** 9 Tied   3  
           
14     ** 3 Tied   2  
           
15 Team 109 Brant  McGivern Red Hawk Golf  Learning Ctr 3 $80.00
           
    Kevin  DeNike Red Hawk Golf  Learning Ctr   $80.00
           
16     ** 3 Tied   3  
           
17     ** 2 Tied   2  
           
18     ** 5 Tied   3  

2008 First American Bank Iowa Open Awards Ceremony

This is the awards ceremony from the 2008 First American Bank Iowa Open.  Click HERE for tournament results and video interviews associated with this event.

McCarty dominates par 5s on way to Iowa Open title

Rick Brown

By Rick Brown, Des Moines Register

In Sean McCarty’s perfect world, a golf course would play to a par of 90. Every hole would be a par 5.

"That would be my dream golf course, I’ll tell you that," McCarty said after winning his third Iowa Open golf championship Saturday at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club.

McCarty finished three shots in front of Jason Knutzon after a final-round 74 and a 54-hole total of 9-under-par 210. McCarty also collected a first-prize check of $5,482.

Known for his prodigious length off the tee, McCarty was 11 under par for the championship on the South Course’s five par-5 holes.

"It’s obviously a benefit if you can bomb them out there and keep them in play," said McCarty, 35, the head pro at Brown Deer in Coralville.

McCarty had two eagles and eight birdies on the 15 par-5 holes he played. He also had four pars and one bogey, when he lost his drive right on No. 16 during the second round and was penalized stroke and distance.

McCarty, who also won the Iowa Open in 1997 and 2005, added the title to the Herman Sani Invitational championship he won earlier this month.

McCarty won both with a heavy heart. His mother, Mary, died of cancer in December. His father, Mike, died of a heart attack in May.

"Every good shot I hit, I thank them," Sean said.

McCarty, a father of four, got some help from his 9-year-old daughter Grace, who rode in the golf cart with him all three days and showed a talent for filling divots.

"It was fun to have her along," he said. "When we were on No. 13, she already had drawn up a plan for me on No. 16. She said, ‘Let’s hit it down the middle, not over there by that house (like Friday).’ She was looking out for me."

McCarty started the final round with a three-shot lead over Knutzon and six over defending champion Jon Olson. All three spent most of the day treading water.

"It didn’t seem like any of us could get anything going," McCarty said.

Knutzon, who also closed with a 74 and won $4,386, came to the first tee in white pants his wife wanted him to wear.

"I ruined them on the first hole," Knutzon said.

His first drive went left, nearly landing in a creek. He tried to hit a shot from a soggy lie, knocked it in a hazard and stepped in the water after losing his balance. Knutzon made double bogey. McCarty three-putted for bogey.

McCarty’s lead fluctuated between three and five shots over Knutzon and Olson, who finished third at 215.

 

Sean McCarty Wins 2008 First American Bank Iowa Open

First American Bank

Riverside Casino and Golf Resort

Supporting Sponsor – Riverside Casino and Golf Resort


The 2008 First American Bank Iowa Open Golf Championship was held at Des Moines Golf & Country Club (South Course) on August 21st -23rd. This 54-Hole Iowa Section PGA administered event serves as Iowa’s premiere golf championship open to both amateur and professional golfers who reside in Iowa or attend college full time in the state.

Click HERE for important tournament details and pairings for the first two rounds. Click HERE for pre-tournament press release.

IOWA PGA FIRST AMERICAN BANK IOWA OPEN ON DEMAND VIDEO

Video interview with Jason Knutzon following his first round where he shot a 69

Rick Brown from the Des Moines Register interviews Jon Olson following his first round where he shot a 68

Video interview with Sean McCarty following his first round where he shot a 69

Rick Brown from the Des Moines Register interviews Sean McCarty following his second round where he shot a 67

Rick Brown from the Des Moines Register interviews Jason Knutzon following his second round where he shot a 70

Rick Brown from the Des Moines Register interviews Sean McCarty after he won his third Iowa Open.

First American Bank Iowa Open Awards Ceremony

From Left: Sean McCarty, Grace McCarty, and Tom Eckstaedt of First American Bank


From Left: Cory Braunschweig (low amateur) and Tom Eckstaedt of First American Bank

Final Results – Par = 219

CLICK HERE FOR PAYOUT INFORMATION

-A identifies Amateurs

1st Sean McCarty Solon, IA 69 67 74 210 -9
               
2nd Jason Knutzon Altoona, IA 69 70 74 213 -6
               
3rd Jon Olson Ankeny, IA 68 74 73 215 -4
               
4th Jordan Weber Cedar Falls, IA 73 73 70 216 -3
               
5th Zachary Vervaecke Urbandale, IA 74 74 72 220 +1
               
6th Cory Braunschweig-A Urbandale, IA 74 73 74 221 +2
               
7th Chris Black Independence, IA 71 77 74 222 +3
               
8th Gene Elliott-A West Des Moines, IA 74 72 77 223 +4
               
  Wade Pettitt-A Carroll, IA 78 73 72 223 +4
               
10th Adam Collins W Des Moines, IA 70 73 81 224 +5
               
  Jed Dirksen-A Hampton, IA 72 73 79 224 +5
               
  Barrett Kelpin-A Kalamazoo, MI 70 79 75 224 +5
               
13th Luke Joy-A Des Moines, IA 78 73 74 225 +6
               
  Chad Proehl Urbandale, IA 73 78 74 225 +6
               
15th Tracy Vest Waukee, IA 75 75 76 226 +7
               
  Bryan Haas Riverside, IA 74 76 76 226 +7
               
17th Jay Horton Ames, IA 78 73 76 227 +8
               
  Dan Ganahl Guttenberg, IA 75 73 79 227 +8
               
  Marshall Gavre Fairfield, IA 76 77 74 227 +8
               
  Ross Menke-A Sioux Falls, SD 76 75 76 227 +8
               
  Adam Seitz-A Bettendorf, IA 74 79 74 227 +8
               
22nd Ryan Smith Muscatine, IA 74 76 78 228 +9
               
  Thomas Lathrop-A Oskaloosa, IA 75 77 76 228 +9
               
  Todd Larson Marion, IA 75 77 76 228 +9
               
25th JD Anderson-A West Des Moines, IA 75 78 76 229 +10
               
  Judd Gibb Norwalk, IA 75 77 77 229 +10
               
27th Kevin DeNike Davenport, IA 72 80 78 230 +11
               
  Cedric Bertin Ames, IA 77 73 80 230 +11
               
  Chris Brant-A Edwardsville, IL 74 81 75 230 +11
               
  Brad George-A Marion, IA 79 74 77 230 +11
               
  Bret Taylor-A Council Bluffs, IA 74 75 81 230 +11
               
  Darin Fisher Albia, IA 80 76 74 230 +11
               
  Chris Winkel Ankeny, IA 77 76 77 230 +11
               
34th Jim Curell-A Boone, IA 77 76 78 231 +12
               
  Eric Lindquist-A Ames, IA 77 77 77 231 +12
               
  Brian Lorenz Eldridge, IA 78 73 80 231 +12
               
  Scott Hart West Des Moines, IA 78 80 73 231 +12
               
38th Terry Cook-A Johnston, IA 79 78 75 232 +13
               
  Nate Mccoy-A West Des Moines, IA 71 82 79 232 +13
               
  Aaron Smith-A Pella, IA 76 80 76 232 +13
               
41st Michael Wuertz-A Davenport, IA 74 79 80 233 +14
               
  John Shawver Newton, IA 78 76 79 233 +14
               
  Ken Schall West Des Moines, IA 75 82 76 233 +14
               
44th Noah Henson Keokuk, IA 80 79 75 234 +15
               
  Scot Cook-A Clive, IA 76 79 79 234 +15
               
  John Dinnebier Waukee, IA 75 79 80 234 +15
               
  Justin Schulte-A Urbandale, IA 76 78 80 234 +15
               
  Adam Turner Galesburg, IL 83 76 75 234 +15
               
49th Luke Carson-A Des Moines, IA 73 80 82 235 +16
               
  Jared Walahoski-A Urbandale, IA 80 76 79 235 +16
               
  Nathan Smith Agency, IA 75 75 85 235 +16
               
52nd Adam Miller Fort Dodge, IA 77 80 79 236 +17
               
  Mark Ruthey Port Byron, IL 77 81 78 236 +17
               
  Rod Cheney-A West Des Moines, IA 81 78 77 236 +17
               
  Nate Pettitt Carroll, IA 73 79 84 236 +17
               
56th David Combs-A West Des Moines, IA 75 80 82 237 +18
               
  Paul DelVecchio Bettendorf, IA 79 79 79 237 +18
               
  Curtis Holck-A Ankeny, IA 81 77 79 237 +18
               
  Chris Kramer-A West Des Moines, IA 77 76 84 237 +18
               
60th Zack Anderson-A Iowa City, IA 74 81 83 238 +19
               
  Nathan Leary-A Waterloo, IA 82 74 82 238 +19
               
62nd Bryan Luedtke Iowa City, IA 76 81 83 240 +21
               
63rd Matt Mickelson-A Lamoni, IA 78 80 83 241 +22
               
64th Dustin Miller Cedar Rapids, IA 80 78 84 242 +23
               
65th Bryce Dengler-A Waterloo, IA 82 76 85 243 +24
               
  Bob Vanscoy Urbandale, IA 79 80 84 243 +24
               
67th Jeff Osby-A Newton, IA 83 76 86 245 +26
               
  Corey Schultz West Des Moines, IA 84 76   *MC*  
               
  Brad Walkup-A Des Moines, IA 76 84   *MC*  
               
  Reid Petersen-A Ankeny, IA 77 83   *MC*  
               
  Al Pottebaum-A LeMars, IA 83 77   *MC*  
               
  Andy Petersen-A Davenport, IA 81 79   *MC*  
               
  Josh Bruder-A Lakeville, MN 80 81   *MC*  
               
  Scott Howe W Des Moines, IA 80 81   *MC*  
               
  Joe Foote Indianola, IA 80 81   *MC*  
               
  David Ranney Lamoni, IA 78 83   *MC*  
               
  Mark Clouse Forest City, IA 82 79   *MC*  
               
  Brad Clark Cedar Falls, IA 78 83   *MC*  
               
  Paul Soener-A Windsor Heights, IA 81 80   *MC*  
               
  Josh Janeczko-A Urbandale, IA 81 81   *MC*  
               
  Chad Minard-A Clive, IA 84 78   *MC*  
               
  Luke Slaymaker Center Point, IA 79 83   *MC*  
               
  Rusty Grant Clive, IA 78 85   *MC*  
               
  Kevin Kwak Crystal Lake, IL 79 84   *MC*  
               
  Ian OBrien West Des Moines, IA 82 81   *MC*  
               
  David Studer-A West Des Moines, IA 85 78   *MC*  
               
  Matthew Grimm Wellman, IA 81 82   *MC*  
               
  John Peters-A Muscatine, IA 80 83   *MC*  
               
  Bill Douglass-A Panora, IA 80 84   *MC*  
               
  Connor Elekes-A Des Moines, IA 82 82   *MC*  
               
  Kyle Bermel-A Keota, IA 81 83   *MC*  
               
  John Brown-A Clive, IA 83 82   *MC*  
               
  Jim Webb Johnston, IA 82 83   *MC*  
               
  John Putbrese-A Norwalk, IA 82 83   *MC*  
               
  Steven Fuller Fort Dodge, IA 78 87   *MC*  
               
  Joe Ward Urbandale, IA 83 82   *MC*  
               
  Chad Pitts-A Urbandale, IA 85 81   *MC*  
               
  Patrick Ryan-A Marshalltown, IA 90 76   *MC*  
               
  Ben Pettitt West Des Moines, IA 84 82   *MC*  
               
  Carl Johnson-A West Des Moines, IA 79 87   *MC*  
               
  Brock Worley Cedar Rapids, IA 81 85   *MC*  
               
  Sam Zoske-A Marshalltown, IA 80 87   *MC*  
               
  Ryan Swenson-A Williams, IA 81 86   *MC*  
               
  Ryan Rinnels Des Moines, IA 84 84   *MC*  
               
  Jeremy Danilson West Des Moines, IA 83 85   *MC*  
               
  Andrew Corderman Sac City, IA 81 87   *MC*  
               
  Michael Lathrop-A Indianola, IA 84 85   *MC*  
               
  Bill Corrick-A Fairfield, IA 84 85   *MC*  
               
  Randy Larson-A Coralville, IA 80 90   *MC*  
               
  Don Winker West Des Moines, IA 86 84   *MC*  
               
  Dave Carlson-A Clive, IA 86 85   *MC*  
               
  Blake Jensen-A Ames, IA 86 85   *MC*  
               
  Jake Pearson-A West Des Moines, IA 84 87   *MC*  
               
  Robert Wahlert-A Waukee, IA 81 90   *MC*  
               
  Wade Lawrence-A West Des Moines, IA 89 84   *MC*  
               
  Patrick Eich-A Carroll, IA 88 86   *MC*  
               
  Trent Drake-A Urbandale, IA 91 84   *MC*  
               
  Stephen Kelly-A Marion, IA 84 98   *MC*  
               
  Andy Brooks-A Bettendorf, IA 92 91   *MC*  
               
  Pat Erb-A Marion, IA 88 96   *MC*  
               
  Andy Glenn West Des Moines, IA 93 91   *MC*  
               
  Brandon Burke-A Houston, TX 81 78   *DQ*  
               
  Mark Rohde Marshalltown, IA 80     *WD*  
               
  Joe Palmer-A West Des Moines, IA 77 77   *WD*  
               
  Ron Peterson-A Des Moines, IA 75 79   *WD*  
               
  Tom Mellon Ankeny, IA 77 78   *WD*  
               
  Jim Henry West Des Moines, IA 83 39   *WD*  
               
  Dave McSpadden Ottumwa, IA 86     *WD*  
               
  Skip Holton Waterloo, IA       *NC*  
               
  Kyle Ritchie Bedford, IA       *NC*  

 

‘Greedy’ golfer still holds Open lead

Rick Brown

By Rick Brown, Des Moines Register

Rick Tegtmeier, the director of grounds at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club, was having lunch in the maintenance building Friday when he had an unexpected visitor.

"I looked up and there was Sean McCarty," Tegtmeier said.

McCarty tried to give his drive on the par-5 16th hole a little extra juice during the second round of the Iowa Open golf championship. The ball landed somewhere near the maintenance shop just off the 16th fairway of the South Course.

"I was just coming over to check on them and see what they were doing," McCarty joked.

McCarty never found his ball. The stroke-and-distance penalty led to his only bogey in an otherwise spectacular 6-under-par 67 that gave the 35-year-old pro a three-shot lead heading into today’s final round.

"For the most part, it was a good, solid round," said McCarty, whose closest pursuer is Jason Knutzon.

McCarty, who opened with a 69, is at 10-under 136.

"I drove it about as good as I can," McCarty said. "And then I tried to get a little greedy (on No. 16)."

Knutzon shot 70 after opening with a 69. Defending champion Jon Olson of Ankeny is in third, six shots back, after rounds of 68-74.

"I’ve got a chance to catch him," said Knutzon, 32, a two-time winner on the Asian Tour. "Ten-under is a good score for him, and I’m sure he’s happy. I’m happy with 7-under. Hopefully we’ll have a good match (today)."

McCarty, who successfully defended his Herman Sani Invitational title earlier this month, is trying to win a third Iowa Open. He also claimed the title in 1997 and 2005.

He’s moved into a commanding position this week because of his dominance on the par-5 holes.

McCarty played the South Course’s five par-5 holes in 5-under par during Thursday’s first round. He was 4-under par on the three front-nine par-5 holes Friday – two birdies and an eagle on No. 8.

But it was an uncharacteristic back nine for McCarty. He parred the par-5 13th hole and then bogeyed No. 16 after his wayward drive.

"I was trying to cut it around the corner hard and get it way down there," McCarty said.

He interrupted Tegtmeier’s lunch instead.

"He hit one in my shop," Tegtmeier said.

Knutzon has a hill to climb, but he’s not backing down from the challenge.

"I’d rather be three up," Knutzon said. "I’m sure he’s had many three-shot leads. I’ve had a few myself. It is different playing with the lead. We’ll just have to go play golf."

Olson’s 5-under 68 leads at Iowa Open

Rick Brown

By Rick Brown, Des Moines Register

Playing a par-73 course doesn’t do much for a golfer’s ego.

"(A round) doesn’t look as good," Jon Olson said. "Not quite as sexy. But hey, that’s OK."

Olson opened defense of his Iowa Open championship by shooting a 5-under-par 68 on the South Course of the Des Moines Golf and Country Club on Thursday.

"I’ll take it," said the Ankeny pro, who finished a shot ahead of two-time Iowa Open champion Sean McCarty and Asian Tour veteran Jason Knutzon.

Olson said Thursday was a perfect day for him. He left himself with yardages that he was comfortable with, adding confidence to his recent success.

"Everything set up perfectly for full swings," Olson said.

His best example came at the par-3 15th hole, where Olson hit a 5-iron to 2 inches and tapped in for birdie.

Olson started his round on the back nine and had five birdies in the first seven holes. He shot 32 on the back nine after a bogey at the 17th, then came home in 36 with two more birdies and a bogey.

McCarty, the Iowa Open winner in 1997 and 2005, played the South’s five par-5 holes in 5 under par.

"Thank God for par-5s," said McCarty, who was paired with Olson.

McCarty eagled No. 13 with a driver, a 5-iron and a 20-foot putt. He also birdied three of the other four par-5s. McCarty had just one bogey, at No. 18.

Knutzon was playing his first competitive round since missing the cut at the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic in Silvis, Ill., the second week of July. The Altoona pro had surgery on his left shoulder in May.

"I’m probably at 80 percent," said Knutzon, 32.

Knutzon said that he worked so hard to get ready for his PGA Tour opportunity that he might have put too much strain on that shoulder.

He had a strain-free front nine Thursday, carding four birdies to make the turn in 4-under 33.

"I faltered a little bit coming in," Knutzon said. "I got it to 5 under after No. 11, but I didn’t birdie either of the downwind par-5s (13, 16) coming in and made a bogey at the (par-3) 17th."

Knutzon has won twice on the Asian Tour, and he plans to return there this fall.

"My wife (Rustina) is expecting in a few weeks," Knutzon said. "I’ll return to Asia a few weeks after that, assuming everything is OK."

Knutzon will return from Asia for the first stage of qualifying for the PGA Tour in late October.

The Iowa Open field will be cut to the low 70 players and ties after today’s second round. The final round will be played Saturday.

First American Bank

Zach Johnson Iowa Disaster Relief Challenge Presented by Aegon

Zach Johnson Iowa Disaster Relief Challenge

IOWA CITY – 2007 Masters champion Zach Johnson will headline an exhibition at the University of Iowa’s Finkbine Golf Course on Friday, Sept. 12, that will raise funds for disaster relief across the state of Iowa.

The Zach Johnson Iowa Disaster Relief Challenge presented by AEGON USA will feature Johnson, a native of Cedar Rapids and a graduate of Drake University in Des Moines, Chris DiMarco, and Quad Cities-area native Todd Hamilton in a nine-hole challenge that will also feature three of professional golf’s rising stars.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

Ian Nicoll – August 2008 PROfile

Ian Nicoll

Name:   Ian Nicoll
Age:  39
College/University: Westfield State College
Year Turned Pro: 1992, Class A in 1998
Facility: TPC Deere Run
Career Low Round/Course: 67/ Tekoa Country Club

What was your motivation to become a PGA Professional?
I always enjoyed golf growing up and it only made sense to couple that with a Business Degree.

What was your greatest moment in golf?
Hole in one on #16 at Tekoa Country Club, and becoming General Manager at TPC Deere Run.

What clubs are currently in your bag?
Titleist D-2 Driver, Titleist 585*H 17°, Titleist 2B Irons, Vokey SW, Studio Stainless Newport 2.5
[Read more...]

2008 First American Bank Iowa Open Golf Championship

First American Bank

The 2008 First American Bank Iowa Open Golf Championship will be held at Des Moines Golf & Country Club (South Course) on August 21st -23rd.  This 54-Hole Iowa Section PGA administered event serves as Iowa’s premiere golf championship open to both amateur and professional golfers who reside in Iowa or attend college full time in the state.  Iowa Section PGA Professionals residing in Illinois are also eligible to compete in this annual championship.   This year’s event is comprised of 132 of the best golfers in the state of Iowa and Iowa Section PGA boundaries.   2007 Masters Champion, Zach Johnson won this event in 2002 and 2001.

Past champions competing in this year’s event are:

Cory Braunschweig, Urbandale, IA  2006
Kevin DeNike, Davenport, IA  1993, 1989, 1987
Gene Elliott, West Des Moines, IA  1996, 1985
Sean McCarty, Solon, IA  2005, 1997
Jon Olson, Ankeny, IA  2007
Ken Schall, West Des Moines, IA  1995, 1988

Tee times for the first two rounds will begin starting at 7:30 A.M. on Thursday, August 21st and Friday, August 22nd.  The final round will consist of the low seventy and ties and will be contested on Saturday, August 23rd with tee times off of #1 Tee with high scores teeing off first.  Video interviews and up-to-date results will be posted at www.iowapga.com

The Iowa Section PGA would like to thank First American Bank for their continued support of this championship.  This is the third consecutive year that First American Bank has sponsored this event.  The Iowa Section PGA would also like to thank Participating Sponsor, Riverside Casino and Golf Resort.  The 2009 Iowa Open Golf Championship is scheduled to be conducted at Blue Top Ridge which is the golf course owned and operated by the casino. 

[Read more...]

2008 Iowa PGA Junior Tour Championship

 

Article Courtesy of The Burlington Hawk Eye
By MATT LEVINS
 

Steven Ihm knew he had work left to do. Trouble is he didn’t have much time left to get it done. Trailing Braden Gaal of Washington by two shots with two holes to play during Tuesday’s final round of the Iowa Section PGA Junior Tour Championship at Spirit Hollow Golf Course, Ihm had little margin for error.  Ihm rose to the occasion, ramming home a pair of 20-foot birdie putts to force a playoff.

Ihm then birdied the first playoff hole to capture the Boys 16-18 division crown. Ihm need not worry about qualifying for the Dubuque Wahlert High School team. His victory virtually assured him a spot on the team and a place in the history book. “This feels pretty good,” Ihm said. “I wasn’t really hitting the ball very good, but boy was I scoring.”

Also winning titles were Dillon Patritto of Ottumwa in Boys 11-under, Cassie Wang of Urbandale in Girls 13-under, Eric Krull of Buffalo Center in Boys 12-13, Tyler Smith of Oskaloosa in Boys 14-15, Taylor Sprank of Bettendorf in Girls 14-15 and Katie Purcell of Ames in Girls 16-18. 

Gaal looked like he had the Boys 16-18 title wrapped up. He had a two-shot lead with two holes to play. That would have been nearly insurmountable in most cases, but Ihm had other ideas. Ihm kept his hopes alive by birdying the 389-yard, par-4 13th hole, ramming home a 20-foot putt. Then, on the 370-yard, par-4 14th hole, he was staring at another 20-foot birdie putt, this one to force a play. The ball found nothing but the bottom of the cup and just like that, Ihm and Gaal were heading back to the 376-yard, par-4 first hole for a playoff. 

The next two shots would ultimately determine the outcome. While Ihm put his tee shot down the middle of the fairway, Gaal found the heavy rough and trees left of the fairway. With Ihm looking at an easy second shot to the green, Gaal was forced to go for the green on his second shot. When the shot came up short, Ihm nailed down the win by sticking his approach shot to five feet. He knocked in the birdie putt for the win. “When I hit my drive down the middle, I think he thought he had to put it on the green with his second shot,” Ihm said. “It wasn’t too bad of a round. It was a very good day.” 

Purcell, who will be a junior at Ames High School this fall, took another step forward in her quest to become the best girls golfer in the state. She followed up her 2-over-par 74 on Monday with another 74 on Tuesday to win the Girls 16-18 title by 11 shots over Sarah Boss of Waterloo. Purcell won the title despite a rare triple-bogey on No. 14. She countered that with four birdies on the back nine. 

“I hit into the fescue, then left it in there with my next shot,” Purcell said. “Other than that, I felt I hit the ball pretty good. I was just really consistent throughout the course.”

While Purcell was happy with the win, she was even happier that two of her Ames teammates — Lauren Schwab and Erica Thompson — have also had big summers. Schwab finished seventh in the Girls 16-18 division, while Thompson won the Ames City Championship. “I think we are going to have a really good team,” Purcell said. “This gives me confidence going into the winter. It makes me want to go out and play even more.”

Sprank, who will be a sophomore at Davenport Assumption High School, carded the first eagle of her career to propel her to a three-shot victory over Susan Kirschenman of Huxley in the Girls 14-15 division. Sprank hit her drove down the middle on the 453-yard, par-5 second hole, then knocked a 7-iron from 155 yards out to 40 feet. She curled in the putt for the first eagle of her career. That jump-started her round and sent her on her way to victory. “I was really excited,” Sprank said. “I was a little nervous going out with the lead, but I just took it shot by shot and didn’t worry about anyone else.”

Smith finally got over the hump in a major event, carding a 76 in the final round to win the Boys 14-15 title by four shots over Blake Huser of Altoona. Smith, who trailed Huser by two shots after the first round, went to Burlington Golf Club Monday afternoon and played 18 more holes with his father. The extra practice paid off on Tuesday. Smith used a birdie on No. 3 to get his round started on a positive note.

“I was really pleased with the way I played today. I came back from two shots down to win by four,” Smith said. “This is my first win in a PGA major points event. I’ve come close before, I finished second two or three times and got third a couple times. This is the last tournament of the year, so it was nice to go out with a bang.” 

Krull used a pair of birdies to propel him to a five-shot win over Spencer Payne of Davenport in the Boys 12-13 division. Krull , who led Dylan Daxon of Taylor Ridge, Ill., by one shot entering the final round, knocked his approach shot from 140 yards to within five feet on the 365-yard, par-4 sixth hole and lipped out an eagle putt on No. 4 before tapping in for a birdie.   “I felt comfortable. I have played in many tournaments. I have the experience,” said Krull, who picked up his fifth win of the summer.

The season ending Junior Tour Championship was held Monday and Tuesday, August 11-12, 2008 at Spirit Hollow GC in Burlington, IA.  The Iowa PGA would like to thank Rob Higgins, head PGA Professional and Aaron Luttenegger, operations manager for hosting this Major Point Event on the Iowa PGA Junior Tour.  Each participant was again treated to great tee gifts both days courtesy of Brad Wuhs and Bridgestone Golf.  The Iowa PGA appreciates Brad and Bridgestone’s support these past two years.  The Iowa PGA would like to congratulate all juniors who participated in the 2008 Junior Tour, hope you all had a great summer, enjoy your fall and spring and good luck! 

2008 Iowa PGA Junior Tour Championship

Sponsored by

Brad Wuhs, Iowa PGA Sales Representative

 


From left to right:  Cassie Wang, Anna Cullinan, Brooke Bessine

 


From left to right:  Jared hoelzen, Jacob Luett, Dillon Patritto

 

Boys 11 & Under
  Round 1 Front 9 Round 2 Back 9 18-Hole Total
Dillon Patritto, Ottumwa, IA 49 46 95
Jacob Luett, Clinton, IA 47 52 99
Jared Hoelzen, W. Burlington, IA 55 56 111
       
Girls 13 & Under
  Round 1 Back 9 Round 2 Front 9 18-Hole Total
Cassie Wang, Urbandale, IA 41 40 81
Anna Cullinan, Bettendorf, IA 45 40 85
Brooke Bessine, Gladstone, IL 57 56 113

 


From left to right:  Steve Ihm, Braden Gaal, Kyle Menke

Boys 16-18
1st Braden Gaal Washington, IA 69 74 143
           
  Steven Ihm Peosta, IA 70 73 143
           
3rd Kyle Menke Fairfield, IA 77 72 149
           
4th Corbin Gardner Ottumwa, IA 77 73 150
           
5th Austin Teel Davenport, IA 76 78 154
           
6th Alex Hansche Iowa City, IA 81 77 158
           
  Ryan Schlueter Davenport, IA 75 83 158
           
8th Andrew Hornick Iowa City, IA 79 80 159
           
9th Bennet Klostermann Dyersville, IA 79 81 160
           
10th William DeDoncker Bettendorf, IA 80 81 161
           
  Evan Vandemore Bettendorf, IA 81 80 161
           
12th Owen Bell Davenport, IA 80 82 162
           
13th Keegan Bohn Bettendorf, IA 79 84 163
           
14th Derek Byrnes Fairfield, IA 81 83 164
           
15th Michael Maller Davenport, IA 89 80 169
           
16th Jacob Ward Bettendorf, IA 91 92 183
           
17th Isaac Brown Robins, IA     NS
           
  Jordan Henry Erie, IL     NS
           
  Chad Minard Clive, IA     NS
           
  Christopher White Washington, IA     NS

*Won sudden death playoff of 10th hole for victory. 

 


From left to right:  Ryan Gutz, Blake Huser, Tyler Smith

Boys 14-15
1st Tyler Smith Oskaloosa, IA 73 76 149
           
2nd Blake Huser Altoona, IA 71 82 153
           
3rd Ryan Gutz Storm Lake, IA 75 79 154
           
4th Alex Thode Washington, IA 82 73 155
           
5th Tyler Granneman Ottumwa, IA 75 82 157
           
6th Tyler Gunderson Lisbon, IA 79 81 160
           
7th Kyle Cave Solon, IA 82 81 163
           
8th Chad Hatch Burlington, IA 88 76 164
           
9th Cody Palmer Ottumwa, IA 81 87 168
           
10th Christian Archer Ottumwa, IA 85 91 176
           
  Matt Schlueter Davenport, IA 85 91 176
           
12th Dillon de Perrot Washington, IA 97 88 185
           
13th Kristopher Millard New London, IA 94 94 188
           
14th Micah Alden New London, IA     WD
           
  Austin Young Muscatine, IA     NS
           
16th Ian Tucker Swisher, IA 88   NS
           
17th Ryan Maske Iowa City, IA 91   WD

 


From left to right:  Dylan Daxon, Spencer Payne, Eric Krull

Boys 12-13
1st Eric Krull Buffalo Center, IA 75 76 151
           
2nd Spencer Payne Davenport, IA 79 77 156
           
3rd Dylan Daxon Taylor Ridge, IL 76 82 158
           
4th Patrick Grasso Ankeny, IA 82 80 162
           
  Harrison Moore Cedar Rapids, IA 78 84 162
           
6th Eric Rock Oakland, IA 81 83 164
           
7th Corbin Blythe Williamsburg, IA 84 82 166
           
8th Drew Slings Williamsburg, IA 84 84 168
           
  Britton Vander Linden Indianola, IA 86 82 168
           
10th Carson Whittington Creston, IA 87 82 169
           
11th Walter DeDoncker Bettendorf, IA 86 91 177
           
  Zach Denny Cedar Rapids, IA 95 82 177
           
13th Will Wallace Moline, IL 96 89 185
           
14th Samuel Goodson Indianola, IA 90 98 188
           
15th Nick Ward Bettendorf, IA 100 107 207
           
16th Walter Davies west des moines, IA 101   WD

 


From left to right:  Susan Kirschenman, Victoria Grasso, Taylor Sprank

Girls 14-15
1st Taylor Sprank Bettendorf, IA 81 80 161
           
2nd Susan Kirschenman Huxley, IA 84 80 164
           
3rd Victoria Grasso Ankeny, IA 94 84 178
           
4th Megan Furnish Cedar Rapids, IA 92 87 179
           
  Taylor Hill Council Bluffs, IA 95 84 179

 


From left to Katie Purcell, Sara Boss, Hailey Sheldahl 

Girls 16-18
1st Katie Purcell Ames, IA 74 74 148
           
2nd Sarah Boss Waterloo, IA 83 76 159
           
3rd Hailey Sheldahl Ottumwa, IA 79 81 160
           
4th Alexandra Curry Shenandoah, IA 81 80 161
           
5th Alex Zenor Cedar Rapids, IA 85 77 162
           
6th Jaci Thode Washington, IA 82 83 165
           
7th Lauren Schwab Ames, IA 85 84 169
           
8th Brenna Haskins Davenport, IA 83 94 177
           
9th Ashley Hogenson Muscatine, IA 95 89 184
           
10th Meagan Bewley Davenport, IA     NS