For the first time since 2004, the annual golf tournament that brings Iowa’s top professionals and amateurs together has a full field. The entry deadline for the Aug. 19-21 Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open was still three weeks away when the field of 144 players was completed.
The last time the field was full also was the last year the tournament was held at Lake Panorama National, until it returned there in 2010. The tournament previously was played at Lake Panorama National from 1985 to 1998.
A contract between the Iowa Section PGA and Brokers International Ltd. brings the tournament to the LPN for five years. The Panora insurance marketing company committed $25,000 annually to the event, making it the major sponsor.
One reason the field filled so quickly this year was because the Iowa Section PGA board decided to open it to 40 out-of-state players. In the past, it was limited to players living in Iowa or with Iowa ties.
Zack Vervaecke of Grimes, head golf professional at Jester Park Golf Course near Granger, is returning to defend his title as the 2010 tournament champion. He earned a $7,000 check for the win. The top prize for 2011 has been increased to $10,000.
Also returning is Sean McCarty, head pro at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville, who has won the Iowa Open three times and took second place in 2010. Jerry Smith of Scottsdale, who has earned more than $2.3 million as a professional golfer since 1987, also will play. He took home third place last year.
A number of other well-known professional and amateur golfers also will be playing, plus many young out-of-state players trying to move up in the ranks of professional golf. Spectators are encouraged. There is no admission charge.
A pro-am tournament Aug. 18 kicks off the weekend with a 12:30 p.m. start. A total of 34 teams will compete, with the professionals playing for $6,050 in cash, including $1,500 to the winner. All pros also will receive an appearance fee. Amateurs will play for $4,300 in gift certificates.
The three-day, 54-hole tournament will begin Aug. 19 at 8 a.m. Signs listing all the Iowa Open champions since the tournament began will be posted along the cart path leading to the first tee. Players will be introduced each morning as they tee off.
Everyone will play both Friday and Saturday. Sunday’s final round will be limited to the top 70 players and ties. On Sunday, standard bearers will follow the final 25 groups to display players’ scores, and players’ names will be announced as they arrive on the 18th green.
An awards ceremony will be held on the 18th green as soon as the final group has played in and the winner determined.
Zack Vervaecke, left, head pro at Jester Park, will play in the 2011 Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open to defend his 2010 title. He met recently with LeRoy Oxley of Panora, who is in his second year as Tournament Director.
Susan Thompson
Thompson Communications
5150 Panorama Drive
Panora, IA 50216
(641) 755-4382
thomcomm@netins.net
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