Iowa PGA Golf Official Publication of the Iowa PGA Section
The OAKHILL OPPORTUNITY
Clair Peterson Feature
SUMMER PREVIEW
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Table of Contents Vol. 1 | Issue 3 | Summer Issue
Iowa PGA Board of Directors Officers President | Aaron Krueger, PGA Wakonda Club Vice President | Matt Sherlock, PGA Edmundson Golf Course Secretary | Erin Strieck, PGA Pinnacle Country Club Honorary President | John Valliere, PGA Glynns Creek Golf Course
Directors Gene Bears Jr., PGA Ankeny Golf & Country Club Brian Buerman, PGA Elmcrest Country Club David Crawley, PGA Muscatine Municipal Golf Course John Dinnebier, PGA Briarwood Golf Club Kevin Dorrington, PGA Harris Golf Cars Travis Vest, PGA Blue Top Ridge Steve Watt, PGA Glen Oaks Country Club
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IAPGA Executive Director Message from Greg Mason, PGA
06
Wakonda Club Assistants Aaron Krueger: President’s Report
07
2019 Iowa PGA Schedule
08
Contract Extension Through 2022 Iowa Open + Blue Top Ridge
12
Iowa Golf Association Chad Pitts’ Third Opportunity
13
2019 Iowa PGA Junior Tour Schedule
19
81st Senior PGA Championship The Oakhill Opportunity
24
John Deere Classic - Thriving One-on-one with Clair Peterson
28
5th Annual Corba-Puma Junior Cup Matches Junior Cup Matches Recap
PGA of America Staff District 8 Director Dave Schneider, PGA Career Consultant JD Drimel, PGA Regional League Manager - PGA Jr. League Frank Chieppa, PGA
Iowa PGA Section Staff Executive Director | Greg Mason, PGA Assistant Executive Director | Tess Goudy, PGA Tournament Manager | Casey Harvey, PGA Junior Golf Coordinator | Brady Sharkey Tournament Assistant | Bailee Wallace
Iowa PGA 3184 Highway 22 Riverside, IA 52327 Phone: (319) 648-0026 | Fax: (319) 648-0008 IowaPGA.com | IowaPGAJuniorGolf.com
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Iowa PGA Executive Director: Greg Mason, PGA
A Message From The Iowa PGA
Greg Mason, PGA | Iowa PGA | Executive Director Hopefully each of you played more than one round of golf in 2019. This edition of our all New Digital Magazine features two of our Iowa PGA Professionals, both over 50 years young, that had the pleasure of playing two of golf’s majors. They will share a little of their experiences at these events. Jeff Schmid, a Cedar Rapids Kennedy and University of Iowa graduate, had a fun month of May. He qualified for two Majors. He qualified for the PGA Championship at Bethpage Black through his 8th place finish at the PGA Professional National Championship in April. Schmid, a two-time winner of the Waterloo Open, has played many tours in the states and overseas; he said Bethpage was the toughest golf course he had ever played. Though he didn’t make the cut he said it was an experience of a lifetime to play on that stage. Both he and Proehl qualified for the Senior PGA through their finishes at last fall’s PGA Senior Professional Championship in Pt. St. Lucie, FL. Schmid traveled to Rochester, New York and the historic Oak Hill CC the week after the PGA. He said that it was a fun week on a different level as he was able to see old friends that he had traveled with and played against while playing on the minitours and overseas. It had to be a great two weeks for Jeff and his family. Proehl, an Atlantic High School and Grandview University graduate, played well at the Senior PGA Championship and made the cut to play on the weekend. Chad was able to qualify in three Champions Tour events in 2018, so he knew a little bit about what to expect at the Senior PGA. It is a great honor to play in a Major, but for a Club Professional to advance to the weekend against regular Tour players, is/was quite a feat. As an Iowa PGA member since 1988, I can’t tell you how proud I was of these two men while they represented their facilities, their families and the Iowa PGA family. Congrats to both men on their accomplishments. As we grow our magazine, we will do more feature articles on many of the accomplishments our Iowa Golfers have had and will have over the years. We will start to include segments on golf instruction, club-fitting and many other things related to golf. For those interested in marketing with us, we will have spots available for you to place an ad. Just look for our special marketing page within the pages of our magazine. This digital magazine goes to over 15,000 people on our email list along with being sent over our social media channels. If you wish to be a part of something new in the Iowa Golf scene, please feel free to email me at gmason@pgahq.com. You can always call the office at 319-648-0026 as well. Have a great rest of your summer and we will have our next issue out around October 1st. Have fun, Play Well “Mase”
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Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
April 21 - May12
The Iowa PGA hosts three Junior and Pee Wee events for the Fall Series. One of the fall tournaments is an ACE point event on the Iowa PGA Junior Tour, and two are MAJOR point events. 2019 marks the second year of the Iowa PGA Fall Series. Most Fall Series events are open to non-members and members. Members will receive a discount on their entry fees for the Fall events. www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com
Iowa PGA Junior Fall Series: Iowa PGA Junior Open | August 4-5 Blue Top Ridge - Riverside Sponsors | EMC & Trusted Choice Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa
Iowa PGA Pee Wee Fall Series: Iowa PGA Pee Wee Open | August 5 Stone Creek GC - Williamsburg
Iowa PGA Junior Tour Fall Classic | Sept. 7-8 Thunderhills - Peosta Sponsors | Principal Charity Classic, Bushnell Golf, Bug Soother, Camelbak, & Shattuck-St. Mary’s Albaugh Junior Invitational | Sept. 21-22 Talons of Tuscany GC & CC - Ankeny Sponsor | Adidas Golf
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President’s Report
Aaron Krueger: President’s Report Aaron Krueger, PGA President, Iowa PGA Director of Golf, Wakonda Club
By: Danny Lawhon Des Moines Register
Help wanted: 4 emergency caddies with Wakonda ties working at Principal Charity Classic The Wakonda Club’s emergency caddie task force was at maximum overdrive on Saturday. If club Director of Golf Aaron Krueger had to find another substitute caddie, who knows? Maybe he would have found himself on a bag. In all, four current or former staff members at the course hosting the Principal Charity Classic have found their way into impromptu caddie positions this week for a number of reasons. Daniel Wilson is on the bag for Stephen Leaney of Australia, whose caddie had to visit the hospital after his foot became swollen. Drew Slings is looping for Woody Austin, whose caddie suffered a back injury just before the start of tournament play. Mike Jones, a former club staff member, is the caddie for P.H. Horgan III this week. And topping them all is Tyler Christians, who found his way into a caddie bib for the first time on Saturday morning, as former Principal champion Brandt Jobe and his regular caddie, William Carlucci, ended their working relationship in the middle of Friday’s first round. Carlucci walked away from the gig on the first hole, his and Jobe’s 10th of the day. Jobe had a friend finish out the opening 18 holes, and then he paid Krueger a visit. “I was hanging out by the bag room, and (Jobe) was like, ‘Aaron, I need some help. I need a guy for tomorrow,’” Christians recalled. And Aaron (looked over at me and) said to him, ‘Here you go.’” Christians had never caddied at any official level before — quite the situation in which to enter the spotlight. “I think rumor kind of got around. I feel like I was (the) talk of the caddies, and then it kind of spread everywhere today,” Christians said, a bit sheepishly. Wilson remembers his first weekend on the bag in Des Moines when he caddied for Jay Haas in last year’s event. He didn’t have to help read putts that week, and he didn’t think that was part of the job description for Leaney, either. “And then (Friday), we go out there, and all of a sudden he starts asking me on a couple putts, and I got tossed in the fire there,” Wilson said. “It wasn’t too bad. I play out here a decent amount, so I know everything pretty well.” He was more worried about surviving the gauntlet of the so-called Green Canyon, where grandstands surround the final three holes. “When they toss the ball to you on the 18th green, it’s just like, ‘Please don’t drop it, please don’t drop it’ going through your head,” Wilson said. It was smooth sailing for Christians, too. Jobe shot a 5-under 67 to reach that same number for the tournament. “He only hit it in one bunker,” Christians said. “That’s where I was the most nervous. You’ve got to go through a whole class to do that.” There’s no set rule in how a caddie gets paid for his work by his pro in these situations, although Krueger said the usual resolution is a daily fee. There’ll be more in store for Christians and Jobe, though. When the pair departed the golf shop together following the round, Jobe turned back and said, “I’ll see ya tomorrow.” “I mean, that’s good news,” Christians said. “So it couldn’t have been too bad today.” No, not too bad for a rookie at all.
See you on the course,
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Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
2019 Iowa PGA Schedule
2019 Iowa PGA Tournament Schedule Course
Date
Tournament
July 2
John Deere Classic Pre-Qualifer
Pinnacle CC
July 5
John Deere Classic Pre-Qualifer
Short Hills CC
July 8
John Deere Classic Open-Qualifier
Pinnacle CC
July 15
Pro-Junior
Pheasant Ridge GC
July 22-23
Iowa PGA Professional Championship Presnted by OMEGA and Club Car
Amana Colonies GC
July 29
Pro-Assistant
Briarwood GC
August 2-4
86th Iowa Open Presented by Riverside Casino & Golf Resort
Blue Top Ridge
August 5
Junior-Senior Draw
Burlington GC
August 8-9
Iowa PGA Senior Professional Championship
Glynns Creek GC
August 12
Pro-Facility
Geneva Golf & CC
August 19
NB Golf Cars and M&M Golf Cars Foundation Pro-Am
Glen Oaks CC
September 3-4
Iowa Assistant PGA Professional Championship
Blue Top Ridge
September 9
Pro-Scratch/Pro-Senior Scratch
Oneota Golf & CC
September 16
Pro-Senior
Veenker Memorial GC
September 23
Bitco Insurance Companies Pro-Am
Davenport CC
September 26-27
Iowa Cup Matches
Crow Valley GC
September 30 - October 1 Iowa PGA Shootout
The Preserve at Rathbun Lake
October 3-6
31st Senior PGA Professional Championship Supported by Golf Advisor.com and John Deere
Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa
October 7
Pro-Superintendent
Sunnyside Golf & CC
November 14-17
43rd NCR Assistant PGA Professional Championship Supported by Srixon | Cleveland Golf | XXIO | GolfAdvisor.com | John Deere
PGA Golf Club
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Iowa Open + Blue Ridge Top
Blue Top Ridge and Iowa Open
Contract Through 2022
The Iowa PGA is proud to announce a new three-year contract with Blue Top Ridge and Riverside Casino and Golf Resort to host the Iowa Open through 2022. Blue Top Ridge has played host to the Iowa Open since 2017. Blue Top Ridge was designed by renowned architect of championship golf courses, Rees Jones. Blue Top Ridge combines everything that is expected of a championship golf course in the Midwest. Playing over 7,500 yards, Blue Top Ridge is rated by the USGA as the most difficult golf course in the state of Iowa. The scenic course lends itself to spectators with ample space for them to move around the golf course freely while combining great golf with great views.
Most famously, Zach Johnson is a 2-time winner of the event. Players like Labron Harris, Ken Schall, Curt Schnell, JD Turner, Mike McCoy, Mike Bender, Mark Egly and Sean McCarty are all past winners as well. Administered by the Iowa PGA Section, the championship continues this long history of quality golf in the state of Iowa.
The Andy Meardon Pro-Am is played on Thursday of the Iowa Open and will benefit local Charities. This year’s event features Foundations that impact lives within in the Iowa community. Proceeds will go towards the USS Iowa Museum, University of Iowa Dance Marathon, the GIVE Foundation and the Iowa PGA Foundation. The GIVE Foundation provides a structured golf program for injured Iowa Veterans Started in 1927, the Iowa Open has been a year-round who use the Iowa City VA Health Midwest golf championship with a long list of Care System, Sioux Falls VA Health Care Syswinners and participants that have shaped the tem and VA Central Iowa Health Care System. game both in Iowa and around the country. 8
Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
Iowa Open + Blue Ridge Top
The Iowa PGA Foundation utilizes the game of golf to positively impact lives through charitable giving with emphasis on scholarships, junior golf and injured veterans. The 54-Hole Championship, in its 86th year, is open to Professionals and Amateurs alike with a full field of 144 players and will be played on August 2-4, 2019. There will be both an open and senior divisions with the winner of the open division taking home $25,000 (based on full-field of 144 players). The field is made up of players from all over Iowa as well as 10-15 different states. We wish to thank owners Dan and Bobby Kehl along with General Manager Dan Franz and Director of Golf Bryan Haas for their dedication in hosting the Iowa Open through 2022.
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10 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
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Iowa Golf Association
Chad Pitts | Executive Director | Iowa Golf Association
Third Opportunity, A Great One These past few months have been a blast, I just recently returned from a trip to Bandon Dunes Resort in Oregon. I was invited to serve on the rules committee for the USGA Amateur Four-Ball Championship. Some of you have experienced a USGA Championship while many others may have not, so I thought it would be fun to share my experience. There is a lot of work that goes into a USGA championship, even one that isn’t on television such as the Four-Ball. The goal of the USGA is to provide the best experience possible for the players as a reward for qualifying, as well as crowning a deserving champion.
the Pacific Ocean which bordered three of the holes at Pacific Dunes and only one at Old Mac. When we first arrive as members of the rules committee, we walk both courses to get familiar with what we will encounter. It helps because if we see something unique about a course and aren’t sure how we are going to play it for the championship, we can ask about it at our rules meeting. For instance, at Old Mac many bunkers have “sleeper” railroad ties in their construction, so that is something we had to take into account for.
in the group in front, you have the responsibility of maintaining proper spacing in the subsequent groups. It is also important to notify the pace of play officials of adjusted starting times so that they have proper information when determining if a group has missed a checkpoint. Finally, you announce every group which gives the players that ‘Championship feel’.
As a referee, I had a terrific match. Both teams birdied the first two holes With a two-course setup, we have radios with multo get off to great starts. One side kept tiple channels and very large range so that we have it going by ultimately making birdies Some USGA Championships require two courses the ability to only speak with those at our course on five of the first six holes to go three while others are contested over just one. The USGA but also ability to get in touch with everyone on the up. They never looked back, eventualAmateur Four-Ball is one that requires two, so that entire property if needed. There are various assignly securing a four and three victory. I means double the prep work. ments for the members of the rules committee, which only had to make one ruling during the is larger when you have two golf courses. These match, which involved a player’s ball From the administration and rules side, there are duties include starters, scorers, rules rovers, regumoving on the putting green after he things like picking out teeing grounds and hole lar rules officials, pace of play checkpoint officials, had addressed it (no penalty in 2019!). locations for all the various rounds, determining how match play referees, and observers. However, multiple times I was asked you are going to categorize certain things rules-wise by the two teams to determine who creating local rules supplements for both courses, I was the starter for the Pacific Dunes course during was away, which can be very crucial in roping off starting tee areas and scoring areas, and both stroke play rounds and then I was a referee in match play. As the referee I had a duty more. the first round of match play. to keep my group moving and in position with the group in front of them as The two courses we used at Bandon Dunes Resort Thankfully, during my time as the starter, everyone we progressed around Old Mac. were Old Macdonald, which was the main course, showed up to the tee on time and ready to play, and Pacific Dunes, which served as the stroke play so there were no rule issues. However, I spend a It was the third USGA Four-Ball I had co-host. good deal of time answering rules related questions the privilege to work and it was a lot of for players. You also have the duty of making sure fun. Well, up until it took me 24 hours A big advantage for the USGA in this instance is that groups start exactly on time. If they cannot start on to get back to Iowa due to flight delays both of these golf courses have very little marking time, perhaps due to a ball search in the group and missed connections…this weather that needs done. On both courses there was only one has sure been great! penalty area to mark
12 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
Iowa PGA Junior/Pee Wee Tour Schedule
2019 Iowa PGA Junior & Pee Wee Tour Tournament Schedule Date
Tournament
Course
July 1-2
44th Iowa Boys Jr. PGA Championship Qualifier
Ellis Park GC | Glynns Creek
July 2
Iowa City Junior at Brown Deer
Brown Deer GC
July 2
Legacy Junior Academy Invitatinal
The Legacy GC
July 7
Greater Cedar Rapids Junior
Hunters Ridge GC
July 7
Greater Cedar Rapids Pee Wee
Hunters Ridge GC
July 8
Willow Creek Pee Wee
Willow Creek GC
July 9-10
Des Moines Junior
Willow Creek GC
July 9
Quad Cities Junior at Palmer Hills
Palmer Hills GC
July 11-12
44th Iowa Boys Junior PGA Championship
Gates Park GC
July 11
Airport National Junior
Airport National
July 11
Airport National Pee Wee
Airport National
July 12
Western Illinois University Junior
Harry Mussatto GC
July 12
Western Illinois University Pee Wee
Harry Mussatto GC
July 14
Parent Junior at Bos Landen
Bos Landen Golf Club
July 15
Southeast IA Junior
Bos Landen Golf Club
July 15
Southeasat Iowa Pee Wee
Pella Golf and Country Country
July 18
Galesburg Junior Open
Lake Bracken GC
July 18
Iowa Games Junior
Veenker Memorial GC
July 18
Iowa Games Pee Wee
Veenkner Memorial GC
July 18
Lake Panorama Junior
Lake Panorama NGC
July 18
Lake Panorama Pee Wee
Lake Panorama NGC
July 22
Junior Tour Team Event & Stroke Play
Briarwood Golf Club
July 23
Iowa PGA Cedar Rapids Junior
Gardner GC
July 25
Iowa PGA Junior Champonship
A.H. Blank GC
July 27
Larry Crawford Junior
Grinnell College GC
July 27
Larry Crawford Pee Wee
Grinnell College GC
July 29
Eastern Iowa Junior
The Meadows GC
July 29
Eastern Iowa Pee Wee
The Meadows GC
July 29-30
Junior Tour Mid Summer Classic 18-hole Divisions
Otter Creek GC | Tournament Club of Iowa
July 30
Quad Cities Junior at Glynns Creek
Glynns Creek GC
August 2
Pheasant Ridge Junior
Pheasant Ridge GC
August 2
Walters Ridge Pee Wee
Walters Ridge GC
August 4-5
Iowa Junior Open 13 & Under
Amana Colonies GC | Stone Creek GC
August 4-5
Iowa Junior Open 14-15
Blue Top Ridge
August 5
Iowa Pee Wee Open
Stone Creek GC
August 6
Beaver Creek junor
Beaver Creek GC
August 6
Glynns Creek Pee Wee
Glynns Creek GC
August 6
Iowa City Junior at Finbine
Finkbine GC
August 9
Iowa PGA Waterloo Junior Classic
Irv Warren Memorial
August 9
Iowa PGA Waterloo Pee Wee Classic
Irv Warren Memorial
August 11
Parent Junior at Pinnacle
Pinnacle CC
August 12
Quad Cities Junior/Pee Wee at Pinnacle
Pinnacle CC
August 20
Junior Tour Classic/Pee Wee at Indian Creek
Indian Creek GC
September 7-8
Iowa PGA Junior Tour Fall Classic
Thunder Hills CC
September 21-22
Albaugh Junior Invitational
Talons of Tuscany
13 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
All Star Pro Golf was founded in 1957 Spencer, Iowa. As one of the United States' largest pro shop distributors, All Star Pro Golf serves public and private courses across the country. With a sales staff of PGA Professionals, we understand the unique needs of pro shop managers. We've highlighted some of our most popular products on this site, but have access to thousands of additional supplies.
2019 Catalog www.allstarprogolf.com
All Star Corporate Marketing was formed to help our customers with promotional items in branding their business, or for those with golf events looking for gifts and items to help make their day on the course a success.
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Special thanks to The Principal Charity Classic for their continued support of the Iowa PGA Junior Tour. The Principal Charity Classic will be the title sponsor of the Junior Tour for the 10th season in 2019. www.iowapga.com 14
Iowa PGA Pee Wee Tour A developmental tour for Juniors 13 & under
Upcoming 2019 Events Administered by Iowa PGA Section Staff Greater Cedar Rapids Pee Wee Hunters Ridge GC Pee Wee Mid-Summer Classic Woodward GC Southeast Iowa Pee Wee Pella G & CC Iowa Pee Wee Open Stone Creek GC Pee Wee Tour Championship Ankeny Golf and Country Club
$50 Membership Includes: • • •
•
•
The Iowa Pee Wee Tour has over 20 events exclusively designed for juniors 13 and under who want to start experiencing tournament play. Parents are encouraged to participate as a caddy and to help with rules and etiquette on the course. The Iowa Junior Tour does not allow caddies or spectator assistance. Pee Wee players also do not accrue Player of the Year Points.
Full Schedule For more information or registration, visit www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com or call the office at (319) 648-0026
Pee Wee Tour tee gift and bag tag or divot tool USGA Rules of Golf book Exclusive opportunity to compete in Pee Wee Tour and Junior Tour events administered by the Iowa PGA Section Staff Access to Pee Wee Tour & Junior Tour online directory, which includes information and registration on all tournaments. Interactive BlueGolf software, which has advanced features such as shot tracking, personal profile, Facebook integration, and more!
Iowa PGA Junior Tour A full tournament experience for Juniors 18 and under
2019 Junior Tour MAJOR Point Events 44th Iowa Boys PGA Junior Championship Gates Park GC | Waterloo, IA Junior Tour Mid-Summer Classic Otter Creek GC | Tournament Club of Iowa Iowa Junior Open Blue Top Ridge | Riverside, IA Iowa PGA Junior Tour Fall Classic Thunder Hills CC | Peosta, IA
2019 Junior Tour ACE Point Events Greater Cedar Rapids Open Southeast Iowa Junior Junior Tour Team Event & Stroke Play Iowa PGA Cedar Rapids Junior Iowa PGA Junior Championship Eastern Iowa Junior Iowa PGA Waterloo Junior Classic Full Schedule For more information or registration, visit www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com or call tthe office at (319) 648-0026
$50 Membership Includes: • • •
• •
•
Junior Tour tee gift USGA Rules of Golf book Exclusive opportunity to compete in Major and Ace Point events administered by the Iowa PGA Section Staff Ability to compete for the POY Title Access to the Junior Tour online directory, which includes information and registration on all tournaments. Interactive BlueGolf software is used, which has advanced features such as shot tracking, personal profile, Facebook integration, and more!
The Iowa Junior tour has over 80 tournament opportunities in 2019. Play in competitive tournaments across Iowa and Western Illinois and compete for the Player of the Year!
The kids thank you for coming. We do, too. See you next year. May 26-31, 2020
www.principalcharityclassic.com Iowa Golf Magazine - Fall/Winter Issue 20
For those interested in marketing with us, we will have spots available for you to place an ad. Take a look at our options below. If you wish to be a part of something new in the Iowa Golf scene, please feel free to email gmason@pgahq.com. You can always call the office at 319-6480026 as well.
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Click Here For Details 30 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Spring Issue
The Oakhill Opportunity
The Oakhill Opportunity
Proehl & Schmid Take On Majors
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The Oakhill Opportunity It is not every day that a teaching PGA Professional gets the chance to play in a PGA Tour event where the lights are the brightest. The Iowa PGA Section sent two members, Chad Proehl and Jeffery Schmid to the 81st KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship.
“I actually didn’t even end up seeing it but I had a student reach out to me from Missouri and told me he saw it”, Schmid added. “He gave me some grief but I’ll have to go back and look at it because it’s an experience you cannot put a price tag on. It is like how often are you going to be on TV? Playing well is one thing but getting to experience it is another. It is so hard for me because I am so competitive but you don’t realize how cool that experience really was because you want to play so well.”
It was a long road for Schmid as he drove out to New York for the 101st PGA Championship at the daunting Bethpage Black in Farmingdale, New York. A road that ended two days short as Schmid missed the cut but understood where he was in the moment and looked forward to the next task. Schmid then drove Proehl’s story ended a little different at the PGA Seto the Senior PGA Championship at the Oakhill Country Club in nior Championship. Proehl made the cut shooting 76 Pittsford, New York. on Thursday and then eventually shooting 1-over-par with three birdies to tie him for 50th place heading into “I had played with quite a few of those guys at the Senior PGA Saturday. Proehl shot back-to-back 74s to tie for 52nd Championship unlike at Bethpage where I knew one guy, Zach Johnson”, Schmid said. “It was more like a reunion because I had place in the tournament, but it was a weekend he will played with the guys my age in Japan and South America. It was not soon forget. a really cool experience.” “It was exciting, and definitely new territory for me, the It is not all about golf when you have relationships outside of the atmosphere there was so unique”, Proehl said. game that really create a fun atmosphere. Proehl’s run at the PGA Senior Championship was his “It was cool with us both being there, we went through it togeth- first major. Out of college, he wanted to be a club proer”, Schmid said. “I’ve only been here a couple years so Chad and fessional and worked very hard in doing so. He did not Judd Gibb are kind of like my best friends when we were at tour- chase the PGA Tour as most guys do at a young age so naments. Chad is such a great, easy-going person. We were able his time is now to cross off all the bucket list items and this was one of them. to go out to eat a few times and play a couple practice rounds. Overall it made the experience more enjoyable and relaxed.” What was the best part of your experience? Back-to-back missed cuts for Schmid left him wanting more, yet “Besides my wife coming along, just being one of the guys in the locker room. In addition, being around them realizing what he had accomplished along the way, a feat many cannot topple. Schmid was featured on the PGA Champions Tour and I think some of them get a bad reputation if they have one bad encounter”, Proehl stated. Academy, a segment that aired on NBC Golf.
20 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
The Oakhill Opportunity “However, if they saw another 100,000 people over the years everything situation would be fine. I can tell you I never had one bad experience with any of them.” Proehl said during the interview he was working a little backwards by making his run attempting to make the PGA Champions Tour and that he was so lucky to work in the Iowa PGA Section. As the conversation wore down, I learned more about the human being that Chad Proehl is and not just the golfer that I set out to interview. Therefore, I asked him if there was anything else, he would like to add to the story. “Yeah. It was an awesome experience and I am very fortunate to have gone through it. I always want to make sure that they know I am so appreciative of my family and everyone I have worked with at Sugar Creek GC. I luckily have made some really good friends in the Iowa Section. Those people have pushed me along the way, and have just been great friends. There’s a lot of good people in our Section so I want to make sure that is in the story and I want them to know I have a lot respect for them. Young and old, does not matter”, Proehl added. We’re lucky to have such great representatives in our section.
www.iowapga.com 21
2020 PGA Junior League “A fun, social and inclusive opportunity for boys and girls to learn and enjoy the game of golf.� PGA Jr. League teams are made up of girls and boys 13 years old and younger that are captained by a PGA or LPGA Professional. These PGA and LPGA Professionals serve as coaches and are at the forefront of creating a welcoming enviroment for all to enjoy the game.
Check out www.pgajrleague.com for teams near you! What PGA Jr. League Players Receive:
Home and Away Team Jerseys Instruction from a PGA Professional Team practices PGA Jr. League t-shirts PGA Jr. League Bag Tags
Awards
PGA Jr. League Hat
Opportunity for All-Star Advancement
PGA Jr. League Drawstring Bags Access to the PGA Jr. League Website Access to the PGA Jr. League Online 5-6 regular-season league competitions
Store
Participant fees to play on a PGA Jr. League team are determined by each individual Team Captain and may vary from team-to-team. Parent Involvement Similar to other youth recreational sports, PGA Junior League encourages and relies on parental involvement. In addition to making sure participants get to matches and practices, parents can play an important role in the success of their team: Team captain/assistant Coach Team-mother Match monitor/scorer Player recruitment
Drive, Chip & Putt Sponsored by the Masters Foundation, the USGA and the PGA of America
The Drive, Chip & Putt Championship is a national program for juniors 15 and under. Juniors compete in three golf skills - driving, chipping and putting. Juniors first compete at a local qualifier throughout Iowa and Western Illinois, then the top 3 from each local site will advance to one of two Sub-Regionals. The top two Sub-Regional qualifiers in each age division advance to the Regional Final. The overall winner in each age division from the Regional will advance to the Championship at Augusta National! The Iowa PGA will be hosting the neighborhood local-qualifier in addition to the last two local-qualifiers. These neighborhood qualifiers will be run by the courses PGA Professional and their staff. Sites and dates for all qualifiers can be found below. Visit www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com/drive-chip-and-putt/ for more information.
2019 Iowa Qualifying Sites Local Qualifiers: Pleasant Valley, Iowa City, IA - July 17 Warrior Run, Norwalk, IOA - July 28
Sub-Regional:
Glen Oaks CC, West Des Moines, IA - August 11
Regional:
2019 Iowa Neighborhood Qualifying Sites
Age Divisions Boys 7-9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15
Girls 7-9 10 - 11 12 - 13 14 - 15
Colorado Golf Club, Parker, CO - September 8 *Division determined by age at
Neighborhood Qualifiers: Emerald Hills GC, Okoboji, IA - July 11
Sub-Regional:
Lakeside GC, Fort Dodge, IA - July 27
Regional:
Colorado Golf Club, Parker, CO - September 8
the Final in April 2019
www.drivechipandputt.com
www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com
John Deere Classic - Thriving
THE JOHN DEERE CLASSIC IS HERE TO STAY... Clair Peterson John Deere Classic Tournament Director John Deere Classic Tournament Director, Clair Peterson sat down with Bailey Turner from the Iowa PGA for a one-onone interview during the John Deere Classic Junior Open. A tournament that is held annually before the PGA Tour takes over the Quad Cities for the John Deere Classic. A year ago, the John Deere Classic raised $190 million for charity and is consistently ranked in the top three tournaments in terms of charitable giving on the PGA Tour despite being the smallest market on the circuit. In fact, the John Deere Classic has been held in the Quad Cities for 49 consecutive years. “When you realize where the PGA Tour goes there’s no small markets anymore”, Peterson said. “We feel privileged to still be a part of the PGA Tour; it’s truly a community success story.” John Deere has been a title sponsor for this event for 20 straight years and that ranks as the third longest sponsor on the PGA Tour. “We’ve certainly come to understand that the charitable impact of the John Deere Classic is a huge reason why John Deere feels really good about being our title sponsor.” 24 Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue
The University of Western Illinois studied the economic impact that the John Deere Classic has on the Quad Cities. The results were astounding. There is a $53 million impact on the Quad Cities when the PGA Tour comes to town. Volunteerism is a big deal on the PGA Tour; the tournament crossed the 2,000 mark for the first time in tournament history. “We remind ourselves how important the volunteers are. The PGA Tour has recognized the success we’ve had here; we actually won the award for the best title sponsor integration throughout our tournament, which is pretty neat.” The John Deere Classic has won the award for the most engaged community four out of the last six years. Peterson notes that this community and tournament has the “all in mindset.” The tournament was named Tournament of the Year in 2016, safe to say things are going well in the Quad Cities. “We don’t ever take anything for granted here. We for sure don’t take the John Deere title sponsorship for granted either.”
John Deere Classic - Thriving Growth. The strength of field, the number of spectators, sponsors, and the health of event has been in Peterson’s words “dramatic.” A few years ago, the tournament only had 1,200-1,400 volunteers and now it sits above 2,000. The John Deere Classic has over 80 local sponsors now that work in different capacities. When they first started in the 90s, the purse was only $1.3 million. The purse has now risen to bustling $6 million. “We used to be a tournament where players would start their careers or what you might call journeymen make this a stop along the way. I think we’ve used our sponsor exemptions really well over the years to develop our relationships with new young players on the tour.” Since 2002, the tournament has exceeded expectations with sponsor exemptions to up-and-coming stars like Zach Johnson, Jordan Spieth, Bryson DeChambeau, Justin Thomas, and Patrick Reed. But in 2007, the John Deere Classic only featured seven players from the British Open and all the players lost their luggage. “Our brand was tarnished pretty badly after that.” In 2008, Peterson & Co. went “all in” and sponsored a 100-seat jet shuttle directly to the tournament. “It has been a great asset to us. Players like, Steve Stricker, Davis Love III, Bubba Watson, and Rickie Fowler have all been able to play in our tournament because they have also taken advantage of our hassle-free shuttle. Honestly, they probably wouldn’t be playing here if we didn’t have it.” The world is always evolving, and looking to make the next big step. The John Deere Classic administration realizes that. “Growth, it’s something you have to do in this arena. None of these other events are standing still; they are all being creative and coming up with new ideas. You have to adapt, be creative, and most importantly grow. I truly think that is something we’ve never lost sight of.” It’s evident that the John Deere Classic is alive and well, for many more years to come!
Pictured: Sean McCarty, Head PGA Professional from Brown Deer Golf Club, competing at the 2018 John Deere Classic.
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Iowa Junior Open Blue Top Ridge Riverside, IA August 4-5, 2019
Junior Tour Divisions and Format: Girls 14-15 (18- Holes)* Girls 16-18 (18-Holes)*
Boys 12-13 (18- Holes)* Boys 14-15 (18-Holes)* Boys 16-18 (18-Holes)*
Entry Deadline: July 31, 2019 (Register online at www.iowajuniorgolf.com) Entry Fee: $100-$150
* This event is open to members and non-members of the Iowa PGA Junior Tour. * The Iowa Junior Open 9-hole divisions will be played on August 4-5 at the Amana Colonies GC and Stone Creek GC. * The Iowa Pee Wee Open will be played on August 5th at Stone Creek Golf Club. * The champion of the Boys 16-18 division will recieve a free round in the Amateur Division in the 2020 Iowa Open at Blue Top Ridge.
Starting Time: Day 1: 1:00 p.m. Tee Times | Day 2: 8:00 a.m. Tee Times (Awards and lunch will be included with entry fee) Contact Information: Iowa PGA Brady Sharkey, Junior Golf Coordinator Email: bsharkey@pgahq.com Web Site: www.iowapga.com Office Phone: (319) 648-0026 Fax: (319) 648-0008 This event is a Major Point Event on the Iowa Junior Tour. The Iowa PGA will take entries, process tee times, and communicate all details to players and the tournament host. The Iowa PGA Staff will also be on site to administer the event.
Iowa Section PGA of America - 3184 Hwy. 22, Riverside, IA 52327 Phone: 319-648-0026 - www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com
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2020 DATE | TBA
Pheasant Ridge Golf Course & The University of Northern Iowa Tuition is only $699!
Eligibility The Academy is open to boys and girls ages 12-17. Under NCAA rules, high school graduates are ineligible.
JUNIOR GOLF ACADEMY Fun Evening Activities!
Waterloo Bucks Baseball Game Airline Amusement Park Golf Skills Challenge Contest Cedar Falls Aquatic Center Par 3 Golf Challenge
Sign Up with a Friend!
Spend time with a golf buddy and improve skills at the same time! Juniors can request roommates on the registration form, OR sign up now and be paired with another Academy attendee. Form a golf friendship for life!
Week-long Academy Includes: • 4 days of intensive instruction from Iowa PGA Professionals ( average ratio is 4:1) • Daily playing lessons and tournament competition supervised by PGA Professionals • Final day tournament and awards for each junior • Four nights room & board on the UNI campus - 3 meals and an afternoon snack daily • PGA mementos and group photo • PGA Professional clinic • Video Analysis • Fun contests and prizes • Advice for those desiring to play collegiate golf
John Bermel, Head PGA Professional at Pheasant Ridge Golf Course and also the head coach for the men and women’s golf team at UNI, has been the lead instructor for the academy for over 15 years. He and his staff do an excellent job hosting this program!
Iowa PGA Junior Golf Academy
Thank you to our Sponsor, PING, for providing tee gifts!
To learn more, visit www.iowapgajuniorgolf.com or call us at 319-648-0026
Junior Cup Matches Recap
Gateway PGA Edges Iowa PGA The 5th Annual Cobra–Puma Junior Cup Matches ended in a heart wrenching loss for the Iowa PGA. The Junior Cup Matches were held at the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, Illinois where the Gateway PGA edged the Iowa PGA 16.5-15.5. The Iowa PGA was on the cusp of their first Junior Cup victory. The Junior Cup Matches are a Ryder Cup Style event, which features members of the Iowa PGA Junior Tour facing off against members of the Gateway PGA Junior Tour. The tournament started with Fourball matches and Gateway held a 8.57.5 lead. The programs tied in the singles matches at 8-8 resulting in a one point loss for the Iowa PGA.
The 2019 roster for the Iowa PGA Team Boys 16-18 Tyler Vaske, Knoxville, IA Nate Juffer, Des Moines, IA Burke Pitz, Des Moines, IA Boys 14-15 Matt Briggs, Burlington, IA Will Simpson, Pella, IA Nile Petersen, Cedar Rapids, IA Boys 12-13 Evan Smith, Knoxville, IA Maxwll Tjoa, Cedar Falls, IA
“The biggest thing for this year was just the atmosphere, it was certainy competitive”, Iowa PGA Captain Brady Sharkey said. “It was kind of tense at times but it was truly good competiition. The golf course and staff at Sunset Hills was vEry welcoming. The course was also in great shape and the Iowa PGA appreciates all of their efforts before and during the event. We really look forward to hosting the 2020 Cobra-Puma Cup Matches.”
Girls 16-18 Paige Hoffman, W. Des Moines, IA Jenna Krogulski, W. Des Moines, IA Taylor Sedivec, Granger, IA
The 2019 Iowa Junior Tour Team was comprised of players from the 2018 Player of the Year point list.
Girls 14-15 Rylee Herford, Newton, IA Saffire Sayre, West Des Moines, IA Erika Holmberg, Bettendorf, IA
The Iowa PGA will provide coverage of the 2020 Cobra – Puma Junior Cup Matches on www.iowapgajuniorgolf. com and on its social media pages.
Girls 13 & Under Saleah Vivanh-Vong, Des Moines, IA Lauren Briggs, Burlington, IA
Iowa PGA Golf Magazine - Summer Issue 28
Iowa PGA Foundation Swings with Kids Program How Does the Swings with Kids Program Work? Our goal is to have PGA Professionals partner with school districts to raise funds for the equipment.The equipment is specially designed for safe, indoor and outdoor use and comes with complete curriculum and activities, allowing PE teachers to easily implement the program in their classes. Exposing more children to golf in a fun environment will hopefully encourage their continued play throughout life. This is a great way to strengthen golf in your school district!
Charlie Burkart Scholarship The Iowa PGA Foundation annually awards a college scholarship in memory of Charlie Burkart, PGA member for 49 years and head professional at Elmcrest Country Club in Cedar Rapids for 42 years. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students with their education. The scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who will continue contributing to the game of golf.
Iowa PGA Foundation Burkart Scholarship
Our Mission The Iowa PGA Foundation utilizes the game of golf to positively impact lives through charitable giving with emphasis on scholarships, junior golf, and injured veterans. www.iowapgafoundation.org
Injured Veterans Supporting programs and services that help our injured veterans. In 2007, the Iowa PGA formed a partnership with Riverside Casino and Golf Resort and Iowa City VA Health Care System to form the GIVE Foundation. This Foundation is a not-for-profit organization to provide a structured golf program for injured veterans.
This scholarship is awarded to high school seniors who will continue contributing to the game of golf. The Iowa PGA Foundation annually awards a college scholarship in memory of Charlie Burkart, PGA Member for 49 years.
Swings with Kids This program helps kids excel by introducing them to life skills that the game of golf provides. Teaching life skills including character, honesty, integrty, respect, perseverance, and cooperation. Tri-Golf Set-$700 Plastic golf equipment specifically designed for children in K-5th Grade. Golf Xtreme Set-$1,250 Real golf equipment specifically designed for children in grades 6th-8th to be exposed to more advanced golf techniques.