5 PGA Championship Recap 14 Vervaecke Wins Iowa Open 18 On The Tee Conversation with Scott Walker
Zach Back on Track 3rd Place at PGA vaults Zach Johnson onto Ryder Cup
“Watters is Your Low Overhead Leader!” 3001 N. Jefferson Street, Indianola, IA 50125 • (800) 322-8888 August 2010 2www.wattersautoland.net On The Tee
August 2010
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On The Tee with the Hack Nation
CONTENTS
Zach is Back and Ryder Cup Bound After 3rd Place Finish at the PGA!
5 Johnson 3rd at PGA Championships Zach Johnson finished 3rd at the PGA Championships August 15. It was the best finish by an Iowan in the history of the event. Turn to page 6 to read the recap of Johnson’s tournament and see the full leaderboard.
This is our 5th issue of our new “On the Tee” digital magazine and Zach Johnson’s second appearance on the front cover. We launched the magazine with Zach the week of the Masters and he has shared the cover boy position this year with Fred Couples, Nick Price, and Steve Stricker. In each case there has been an Iowa based storyline as Zach of course is our native Iowan and the best player to ever tee it up on the PGA from our golf-crazy state. Fred Couples made his Iowa debut at the Principal Charity Classic, Nick Price won the 2010 Principal stop on the Champions Tour, and Steve Stricker won his second consecutive John Deere Classic in the Quad Cities. Zach Johnson’s 3rd place finish in the 2010 PGA played in Wisconsin at Whistling Straights was the highest ever by an Iowan and propelled Zach into the Ryder Cup conversation and high on captain Cory Pavins list to represent the US in Wales this fall. Zach also vaulted his way up the money list at just over 2.2 million dollars in winnings this season. This golfer from Cedar Rapids, Iowa has been remarkable and, just as Kurt Warner did in the NFL, is quietly becoming a superstar without all the distractions and off-course incidents that are related to stardom. Zach Johnson is a true role model that we can all be proud of as Iowans as he represents our state with class and integrity. Zach is now the father of two boys destined to be future Iowa Hawkeye football fans and he will show the world how to balance parenting and professional golf and make us respect him on an even grander scale. This is the first year of our “On the Tee” digital magazine and it is just the tip of the iceberg for expansion in the months ahead as we prepare for the 2011 season. In addition to the digital magazine we also launched our radio show on TV and now “On the Tee” will be on the radio year round but also on your television at WHO TV 13.2 and streaming live on our web site “iowasportsconnection. com”. This combination of television, digital magazine, and state wide radio makes “On the Tee” the states leader in covering golf year round. In 2011 we will improve and expand our television broadcasts, launch “ontheteeofiowa.com” a website dedicated to all of the states golf and the portal to our partners the IGA,
14 Vervaecke Wins Iowa Open This past week, Zach Vervaecke prevailed over a stacked field of Iowa’s best golfers to win the Iowa Open. Turn to page 14 to read OTT Contributor Susan Thompson’s take on the event.
18 On The Tee Conversation The Golf Channel’s Scott Walker talked with the “On the Tee Radio Show” crew about Tiger Woods’ recent rollercoaster rides that have been his latest PGA Tour events and how a change intended to make golf more difficult did the exact opposite.
STAFF MIKE RICKORD • President/Publisher email: mrickord@iowasportsconnection.com
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Contributing Writers: Callaway Golf, Iowa Golf Association, Susan Thompson, Lake Panorama National Resort, Iowa Section PGA, University of Iowa Sports Information Department, Grinnell College Sports Information Department Cover Shot: Zach Johnson at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational
2928 Ingersoll Ave.•DM, IA 50312 PH: (515) 283-1933 •FAX: (515) 283-1646 isc@iowasportsconnection.com www.iowasportsconnection.com The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscrition. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2008 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2008 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is tradmark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.
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Mike Rickord ISC Publisher IPGA, The Golf Channel, and “iowagolf.com”. The 4th annual Hack Nation Invitational at Willow Creek in Des Moines was a resounding success in my humble opinion but the players that teed it up all 144 are my barometer and to a hack and scratch weather man or woman they all had a great time. The sponsors were fabulous this year with Golf Headquarters leading the way and supported by Toyota of Des Moines, Madhouse Beer, Callaway Golf,New Golf Cars of Iowa, Footjoy, “shankopotomus.com” and over a dozen supporting sponsors. The staff at Willow Creek led by owner Dan Clark provided impeccable professional service all day long. The 5th-annual will be bigger and better and we will make the announcement the first week of January with the location and sponsors. Zach Vervaecke from Jester Park won the Iowa Open this past week over an absolutely loaded field of Iowa professionals and the state’s best amateurs at Lake Panorama National. We are blessed in Iowa to have great golf courses and organizations like the IGA and IPGA to host tournaments all season long that allow Iowa’s finest (minus Zach Johnson) to showcase their talents and play competitive golf after college. In closing, I thank you for opening up this 5th edition of the “On the Tee” magazine and remind you to get out to the course this month and support our partner courses that have been hammered all year long by course crushing weather. Have a great month! Keep it in the short grass, hit ‘em straight! And God Bless America!
Johnson’s 3rd Place at PGA Championships Best for an Iowan Tim Weideman Communications Intern
Zach Johnson did Iowa proud August 13 Johnson hit the ball with great consistency at the 92nd PGA Championship in Kohler, all four days of the event, shooting a 69-70-69 Wisconsin. Not only that, but he did it in a and wrapping up the final day with a 2-under way no golfer from Iowa ever had before 70, finishing with a total 10-under and in a tie him by finishing in a tie for third. It was the for third place with Rory McIlroy. highest finish Now, Johnson will at the PGA turn his focus on his two Championship tournaments that are ever by an left before U.S. captain Iowan golfer. Corey Pavin selects who German will be the remaining four Martin Kaymer members for the U.S. took home the team at the Ryder Cup on trophy and, September 7. Eight spots what most have already been taken. non-Iowans will remember The Other Johnson’s about the Mistake event, Dustin Zach Johnson launchees the ball out of a bunker Johnson got Dustin Johnson had a at the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, caught up in a one-stroke lead playing Ohio. little controversy the 18th hole when his over what he ball landed in a tiny patch did not realize to be a bunker. But to Iowans, of sand. Little did Johnson know, that small this edition of the PGA Championships will be patch of sand was actually one of the many remembered for Zach Johnson’s spectacular miniature bunkers that mark the course at outing. It was his second-best career finish Whistling Straits. in a major. Earlier this year, Johnson won the Johnson, thinking the pocket of sand was Crowne Plaza Invite and, of course, was the grass that had been trampled by the crowd, 2007 Masters Champion. grounded his club and sealed his fate. The
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two-stroke penalty along with a missed putt, sent Johnson backwards to a tie for 5th place. Final Leaderboard 1. Martin Kaymer 2. Bubba Watson T3. Zach Johnson T3. Rory McIlroy T5. Jason Dufner T5. Steve Elkington T5. Dustin Johnson T8. Camilo Villegas T8. Wen-chong Liang T10. Matt Kuchar T10. Jason Day T12. Phil Mickelson T12. Paul Casey T12. Simon Dyson T12. Bryce Molder T16. Robert Karlsson T16. D.A. Points T18. Charl Schwartzel T18. Stephen Gallacher T18. Steve Stricker T18. Stewart Cink T18. Ernie Els T18. Nick Watney
-11 (won playoff) -11 -10 -10 -9 -9 -9 -8 -8 -7 -7 -6 -6 -6 -6 -5 -5 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4 -4
On the Tee’s 4th Annual Hack Nation Invitational
August 2010
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Callaway Golf: Pros Find Improvement and Success with Callaway Callaway Golf
Flanagan ties for 3rd on Nationwide Uses lower Nick Flanagan lofted FT Tour Driver and Tour i(z) ball On the Nationwide Tour, Callaway Staff Pro Nick Flanagan finished tied for tied for 3rd at the Children’s Hospital Invitational. Flanagan finished 8-under-par. Flanagan switched into the Tour i(z) ball this week from the Tour i. Callaway’s Nationwide reps also worked with Flanagan on a lesser lofted FT Tour Driver. They took his actual loft from 9.9 to 8.9 degrees and lost 300rpms and almost a full degree of launch angle. The result was an improved landing angle and increased distance. So what were the results? Flanagan averaged 291 yards off the tee this week and was 9th in the field in driving accuracy, hitting 68 percent of fairways. Well done, guys.
Pressel ties for 2nd in France (Here she is with an otter at Sea World, randomly enough.) Morgan Pressel tied for 2nd at the Evian Masters in France on Sunday. She finished 13-underpar, one shot Morgan Pressel behind the winner, and will now head to England for the Ricoh Women’s British Open. Here’s what Morgan has in her bag: Diablo Edge Tour Driver (8.5 degrees), Diablo Edge Tour Fairway Wood (15 degrees), Diablo Tour Hybrids (21 and 24 degrees), Diablo Forged Irons (5-9), Tour i(s) Golf Ball and Odyssey White Hot Tour #2 Putter. Callaway Staff Pro Vicky Hurst tied for 11th
this week in France. Here’s how the top of the leaderboard looked on the LPGA Tour: T2nd – Morgan Pressel (full bag of Callaway equipment and Odyssey putter) T 2nd – Callaway Diablo Edge Tour Driver (8.5 degrees), Big Bertha 3-wood and Callaway X-Forged Irons T 2nd – Tour i(z) Golf Ball and Odyssey White Hot XG 330 Mallet Putter. Diablo Forged 3-iron into Herman’s bag On the Nationwide Tour, Callaway Staff Pro Jim Herman had a Diablo Forged 3-iron built and he put it in the bag this week. Jim was looking for a club he could flight a bit higher off the deck and to use on long par-3s. He said the Diablo Forged has a good, penetrating flight, is still easy to hit higher, and is very forgiving. Continue on page 22 to read how pros are doing with Odyssey putters.
Good August 1 - 31, 2010.
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On The Tee Humor - Brought to you by Toad Valley
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“On the Tee” Reader Golf Outings
Boyd with beer cart girl, Natalie Boyd “The Jet” Coleman, President of OTT’s North Carolina Fan Club
Hailing from North Carolina (yes, North Carolina), Boyd “The Jet” Coleman is one of On the Tee’s most dedicated followers-and clearly one of the most stylish! Not only does he tune in to every show by streaming it live on the Internet at iowasportsconnection.com, he even tries to make it out to many of On the Tee’s events dressed up in his golf outing best. He’s also President of On the Tee’s North Carolina Fan Club. Want to be like Benny and have your pictures featured in this section? Then send them to us at isceditor@iowasportsconnection.com. Please include the names of those in the photos and also a brief description of each photo.
“The Jet” with Coach Tom Davis
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Three Chosen to Represent Iowa in USGA Men’s State Team Championship Iowa Golf Association
Mike McCoy, J. D. Anderson and Jon Brown will represent Iowa in the 9th USGA Men’s State Team Championship to be played September 14-16 at Mayacama Golf Club in Santa Rosa, Calif. More than 50 three-man teams from U.S. States and Territories are expected to compete in this biennial 54-hole Stroke Play competition. Pennsylvania won the Championship in 2009. (Last year the USGA announced that the Men’s State Team Championship would be moved to even-numbered years while the Women’s State Team Championship would remain in the odd numbered years resulting in having the Men’s Championship two years in a row.) The selection of the Iowa team was determined from the Iowa Golf Association’s Player of the Year point system for a two-year period, with 50% of 2009 points and 100% of the 2010 points counting toward each player’s total. The last 2010 event to count toward point totals was the U. S. Amateur qualifier held on Monday, August 9th at the Briarwood Club of Ankeny. Active college players are not eligible to play in the USGA State Team under NCAA rules. Mike McCoy of West Des Moines is a ninetime Iowa Player of the Year, including in 2009. Mike has been shooting some low numbers recently - He won his fifth Iowa Amateur title
in July with a record 20-under-par 54-hole score of 196 and was medalist at the U. S. Amateur qualifier with an eleven-under -par score of 66-67133. McCoy has been prominent on the national amateur golf scene for many years. He was twice a semi-finalist in the U. S. Mid-Amateur (2005 and 2008) and won the Trans-Mississippi Amateur twice (2000 and 2009). McCoy has had several top ten finishes in national events the past three years and was stroke play medalist in the 2009 U.S. Mid-Amateur. J.D. Anderson, also from West Des Moines, has twice been runner-up in the IGA State Match Play and has been one of the most consistent players in Iowa for the past decade. In 2009 he posted two wins - the IGA State Four-Ball Championship with partner Ron Peterson and the Lake Creek Amateur. He currently stands 6th in the 2010 Player of the Year race highlighted by a tie for 2nd in the Iowa Mid-Amateur, a tie for 3rd at Lake Creek and a tie for 4th in the Carroll Amateur.
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Anderson played on the 2005 Iowa Team and tied for 17th individually leading the team to a 13th place finish. Jon Brown of Urbandale is a two-time Iowa Player of the Year (2004 and 2006) and has been runner-up in that competition four times in the past six years. Brown won the Iowa Amateur in 2006 and has twice won the IGA State Match Play (2003 and 2006). He won his fourth Iowa Masters title in July and in June he won the Des Moines City Championship for the sixth time in a row and eighth overall, both records. This is the fifth straight time Jon has qualified to represent Iowa in the Championship. The USGA State Team Championship was first played in 1995. Teams from the U. S. States and Territories are represented by three man teams. Two out of three scores are counted in each round to determine each team’s total. The 10th place finish posted by the 2001 team at Hazeltine GC in Minnesota is the best finish by Iowa to date. The 2009 team of McCoy, Brown and Gene Elliott tied for 12th.
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OTT Fashion: FootJoy Tim Weideman Communications Intern
Hunter Mahan won for the second time this year August 8 and may have etched his name on many peoples’ lists of elite PGA golfers. This time, Mahan won the World Golf Championship Bridgetone Invitational in Akron, Ohio by shooting a final-round 64. With the victory, Mahan secured a spot on the U.S. Ryder Cup team. Mahan had to maintain his composure through the final round, as he entered it four strokes behind the lead. He would surge forward, however, with five birdies on the front nine and three clutch par saves down the stretch. Now, if you’re ready to rock the links like this 28-year-old, you’ll have to pick up some FootJoy apparel. Mahan
sports FootJoy’s StaSof glove, which features “a powerful grip, exceptional moisture resistance and the finest feel that’s engineered to stay softer longer,” according to FootJoy.com. As for footware, Mahan wears FootJoy’s newest featured product, the FJ ICON Shield Tip. His sharp, black-on-white shoes are customized through MyJoys.com. If you’re interested in acquring some new golf gear, direct your browser to footjoy.com. Not interested in shoes or gloves? Not a problem. “Foot” is just in the name. FootJoy carries plenty of non-footwear items for both men and women.
Hunter Mahan
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Hunter Mahan’s FootJoy Gear:
StaSof Glove
Mahan’s Custom FJ ICON
Come visit Newton’s newest indoor/outdoor driving range with sports bar. Come watch one of our many flat screen tv’s, hit some golf balls and enjoy a beer and food with some friends. Stop out today and check it out!
We are located at 6225 HWY S74 South, Newton, IA 50208 (Just 4 miles South of Newton on the Reasnor road)
Call us Anytime at: 641-792-1246 or visit: www.foreseasonsgolfpracticecenter.com
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Zack Vervaecke Wins Brokers International LTD. Iowa Open Susan Thompson OTT Contributor
The annual tournament that brings Iowa’s top professional and amateur golfers together was held Aug. 20-22 at Lake Panorama National (LPN) near Panora. The Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open drew 108 players to the course that previously hosted the tournament from 1985 to 1998. Zack Vervaecke of Grimes, head golf professional at Jester Park Golf Course near Granger, won the tournament with a threeday total of 205. Vervaecke shot 66 the first and third days, with a 73 the second day. He earned a $7,000 check for the win. Vervaecke finished fifth in the 2008 Iowa Open. “I was about as nervous today as I’ve ever been playing golf,” he said, following an awards presentation on the LPN 18th green. “I’ve never been a part of anything like this. Everyone connected with the tournament – the spectators, the volunteers, the other players – has been wonderful.” Second place went to Sean McCarty, head pro at Brown Deer Golf Club in Coralville. McCarty was two strokes behind Vervaecke, and won $4,800. Jerry Smith, who has earned $2.3 million as a professional golfer since 1987, took home $3,000 for third place with a score of 208. He won another $1,500 with the low score of 63
in the pro-am tournament. Luke Joy was the low amateur, finishing in a tie for sixth place with a three-day total of 210. Joy, of Dorset, England, was a member of the Drake University men’s golf team before graduating last spring. Mark Rohde of Marshalltown won the senior division with a final score of 214, earning a $2,258 check. The addition in 2010 of a senior division was one of the new enhancements for this annual tournament. Prize money increased significantly with Brokers International Ltd. as the title sponsor. The total purse for the open division was $37,575, with more than $7,000 awarded in the senior division. A contract between the Iowa Section PGA and Brokers International Ltd. signed in July 2009 brings the tournament to Lake Panorama National for at least five years. The Panora insurance marketing company pledged $25,000 annually to the event. Roger McCarty is the Brokers International Ltd. founder and CEO. He said his company is committed to making the 2011 Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open even bigger and better. “Everyone is having so much fun with this,” McCarty said. “The Iowa Open is back where it belongs — Lake Panorama National.”
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Zack Vervaecke of Grimes is shown with Roger McCarty, CEO of Brokers International Ltd. Vervaecke received a trophy and a check for $7,000 for his score of 11-under-par in the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open held at Lake Panorama National.
John Dinnebier, LPN general manager and director of golf, serves on the Iowa Section PGA board of directors. Continued on page 26.
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Honey Creek
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April 25 - 4 Person Best Shot 8 in. Cup June 13 - Couple’s Best Shot September 12 - Honey Creek Amateur October 3 - 4 Person Best Shot 8in. Cup October 10 - 4 Person Shamble October 17 - 2 Couple Best Shot/Chili Dip October 24 - 4 Person Sucker Pin
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Course Review: Lake Panorama National Golf Course, Panora Lake Panorama National Resort
Lake Panorama National Golf Course is the main attraction at the Resort and offers one of the best-conditioned courses in the state of Iowa. In 2008, a double row irrigation system was installed making even better course conditions for players of all skill levels. Golf Digest gives the magnificent golf course a 4-Star Rating on its Places to Play in America and it continues to host numerous Iowa Section PGA and Iowa Golf Association golf tournaments. The golf course is truly a “must play” course in Iowa. Lake Panorama National Golf Course is now host of the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open Championship. The championship will be held at the golf course from 2010 to 2014 in August. The Iowa Open is the premier professional and amateur tournament in Iowa and the staff at Lake Panorama is looking forward to hosting this tournament. The Iowa Open is put on by the Iowa Section PGA. The par 72 course, designed in 1971 by Richard Watson, offers 18 holes with a variety
of yardages. The black tees play at a demanding 7,024 yards to test the most accomplished player while the blue and white tees at 6,729 and 6,182 yards offer plenty of challenge. The red tees play at 5,265 yards. There are five ponds included in the layout in which seven holes are affected. The contour of the course is flat on the front side and rolling on the backside. There are 29 bunkers on the course, many being large and guarding fronts of greens. The rough is cut to a height of 2 ½ inches and comes into play a great deal but is fair and easy to recover from. The front 9 has grown trees that line the fairways, the back 9 has large old trees scattered throughout the valleys. The greens on the front side are medium in size and gently rolling, coming back in the greens are large, tiered, and rolling. It may sound like there is two different courses rolled into one, but the course fits together very well, and affords you the opportunity to experience many situations and conditions all in one 18 hole round. To schedule a tee time, please call us at 641-755-2024.
Lake Panorama National Resort Profile Lake Panorama National Resort and Conference Center, located on the beautiful shores of Lake Panorama, offers an 18-hole championship golf course, a full-service restaurant, banquet and meeting room facilities, and lodging accommodations all in one location. Lake Panorama National Resort can accommodate 300-plus people making it the perfect location weddings, conferences, banquets, reunions, golf tournaments, and other special events. The fully stocked pro shop provides guests with merchandise, equipment, and accessories from the biggest names in the golf industry. The PGA professional staff offers private lessons or group clinics along with expert knowledge on the latest golf equipment to take your golf game to the next level. The Links Restaurant & Lounge can be enjoyed after a round of golf or during an evening out with friends during your sta. The Links provides a wide selection of entrees, excellent buffets, an award-winning sandwich, and a full service bar that can be enjoyed by guests or tailored to your special event. The newly built Spikes facility between the 1st and 10th tees offers a stunning view of Lake Panorama and is a beautiful location to enjoy a cold refreshment during your stay. Lake Panorama National Resort welcomes your stay to central Iowa’s most unique escape destination. Call today at 1-800-879-1917 to reserve your stay.
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On the Tee Conversations: Scott Walker Mike Rickord and Bob Vanscoy had the opportunity to chat August 4 with The Golf Channel’s Scott Walker. The duo discussed with Walker Tiger Woods’ recent attempts to turn around his year and more. For the full conversation, visit www.iowasportsconnection. com and go to the “On the Tee” Radio Show’s archives. Mike Rickord: And now, he’s fresh off of Golf Central—I just watched him before we can into the studio. He’s kind enough to join us. He’s Scott Walker from The Golf Channel. You’re a busy man. You just got off the air, didn’t you? Scott Walker: I did. In fact, I’m just pulling up to the house, you know, but I get to talk to you guys before I get to say hello to my lovely wife so the priorities are in order. MR: Well, you’re a good man for taking time but what a busy weekend on The Golf Channel, of course, everybody will be watching with bated breath as Tiger Woods tries to continue his dominance at Firestone, seven out of ten, and of course you’ve got Champions Tour coverage, as well—the 3M Championship and then there’s another tournament there. Not a whole lot, unless you’re a golf geek like we are, will be watching, with your coverage, as well, with the Turning Stone Resort Championship in Verona, New York.
SW: Yeah, we do have a lot here and you know, it’s funny because the Turning Stone event I think that it’s a beautiful course that a lot of players like so, you know, for golf junkies turn that on, as well, but obviously the story is going to be Tiger Woods. And we heard him talk a little bit today. One of the things that was really interesting was he said he’s not practicing quite as much as he has been, historically. Mostly because he said, “Look, I have some responsibilities to my kids that I want to make sure I can handle well.” So, I think it’s going to be interesting to see, you know, how we’ve always seen how Tiger can bounce back but he’s having to change a lot of his patterns and that includes patterns of how he gets ready for golf tournaments. So, it will be interesting to see if he can be, as he said, more efficient and get the most out of his practice time. Because the other thing he said, too, was his putting needs help. Uh, it certainly isn’t at the standard that it was and that’s something he’ll need if he’s going to end up winning some golf tournaments, either this week or next week in the PGA. Bob Vanscoy: Well Scott, let’s talk a little bit about the scores on the PGA Tour this year. You know, we started off the year (saying) guys were going to have to get used to these new grooves, it was going make the game more difficult, and every week we turn around there’s
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a 60, 61, a 59 last week by Stuart Appleby. I mean, (do) you think the grooves might have made the game a little easier? SW: Well, you know what’s funny is I was at The Greenbriar so you know, I sat there and I talked to Stuart Appleby afterwards but there was one person that I thought was really interesting about it and I’ve known Joe Ogilvie for a while, on his Twitter page he said, “It looks like the USGA got it backwards. It looks like less spin makes golf easier.” And you particularly saw that last week at The Greenbriar. I was fortunate enough to play the course a day afterwards, which is a pretty cool thing, and what I found was that the greens were very soft. They were still so soft that if in the old days, when guys had been able to put a lot of spin on it and hook it back, you would have hooked it back into some bad places at that golf course because there are a lot of hollows and swales and ridges where you needed to put the ball basically wherever it landed it needed to stay there. So the new grooves allow that to happen and Appleby and, to a lesser extent, D.A. Points and J.B. Holmes all capitalized on that. So, yeah, I’d say guys are adjusting to whatever differences there are in the new groove and they are capitalizing, no question.
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U of Iowa and Grinnell College Receive Academic Honors University of Iowa and Grinnell College Sports Information Departments
The University of Iowa men’s golf team has earned All-Academic recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) for the 2010 academic year. As a unit, the team finished the year with a 3.32 GPA and is receiving the award for the second consecutive season. Iowa was one of four Big Ten schools to earn the recognition. “Our entire team worked hard this past year to be strong academically as well as athletically,” said Iowa Coach Mark Hankins. “Our athletes are in-season both in the fall and in the spring, so it puts a premium on their time management skills. I am very proud of this award and our student-athletes’ commitment to be the best at everything they are asked to do.” In addition to the team recognition, Brad Hopfinger and Vince India, both seniors this coming year, were both honored as All-America Scholars last spring. Hopfinger and India are the first two academic All-Americans for the program since David Sharp and Laine Brantner were honored in 1995.
“Brad and Vince take their academics and athletics seriously,” said Hankins. “This award was a goal for both of them this past season. They are very deserving and I am proud of them for exemplifying the excellence that we strive for in Hawkeye men’s golf.” Both Hopfinger and India competed in every event for the Hawkeyes last season, finishing with two of the top-five scoring averages in program history. Hopfinger’s average of 72.5 marks the best in program history, while India’s 73.1 is fourth-best. Hopfinger and India will lead a talented Hawkeye squad in 2010-11. Iowa returns every member of a team that finished second at the Big Ten Championships (best finish since 1992) and earned a second straight NCAA Regional berth. Iowa’s current national ranking (36th) is the highest in school history. Grinnell Men’s Golf Team Collects National Academic Honor The Grinnell College men’s golf team earned All-Academic recognition from the Golf Coaches Association of America. Thirteen NCAA Division III programs earned the honor, which is given to squads with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0
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or higher. Kieselbach is All-America Scholar for 2nd year in a row Grinnell College’s Pete Kieselbach ’10 (St. Paul, Minn./Mounds Park Academy) has been named a Cleveland Golf/Srixon All-America Scholar for the second year in a row. To be eligible for the honor, an individual must be a junior or senior academically, compete in at least two full years at the collegiate level, participate in 70-percent of his team’s competitive rounds or compete in the NCAA Championships, have a stroke-average under 79.0, and maintain a minimum cumulative gradepoint average of 3.2. A recipient must also be of high moral character and be in good standing at his college or university. Kieselbach helped the Pioneers achieve a historic milestone this season when Grinnell participated in the Des Moines Area Community College Invitational. Kieselbach won the individual title, Grinnell’s first individual crown since 2002, with an even-par 72 and the Pioneers claimed the team title, the program’s first in more than two decades.
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Equipment Review: Odyssey Putters Do you speak Canadian? Odyssey putters do! Odyssey finishes 1, 2, 3 on the PGA Tour In related news, players using putters made by other manufacturers agreed that they should not have even showed up to the RBC Canadian Open. Odyssey took the top-3 spots at this week’s RBC Canadian Open on the PGA Tour. Here’s the breakdown for the 3 guys who don’t get paid to play these putters, but use them anyway because they’re all about results. Winner: White Hot XG #7 Long (pictured) 2nd place: White Ice #5 3rd place: White Hot XG #7 Heavy An even DOZEN Ws for Odyssey This was Odyssey’s 12th win of the 2010 season, more than any other putter manufacturer.
never been to. (I have, however, been to Montreal and that is a very lively city. Quite cultural.) OK, on to the notes…. Notes
(And I’d kill for a chocolate frosted one of those right now.) The flat stick was the difference The winner was not the longest guy in the field—he tied for 57th in driving distance— but he tied for 4th in putts per round (27.3) and tied for 4th in putts per GIR (1.633) with his White Hot XG #7 Long putter. Likewise, the 2nd place finisher ranked 50th in driving distance this week, but led the field in putts per round (26.5) and was 6th best in putts per GIR, averaging 1.646. J.J. Henry was the top Callaway Staffer, finishing tied for 24th in Toronto, which I’ve
Odyssey Putter wins the Senior Open title, too (Like this, but longer and he only had one of them.) Odyssey’s weekend dominance began earlier in the day, when the winner of the Senior Open Championship at Carnoustie was victorious with an Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball Long putter. For more information on Odyssey putters and other golf equipment, whehter it’s clubs, balls, apparel and more, visit Callaway Golf’s website at: www.callawaygolf.com.
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“Iowa Open” Continued from page 14 He said the increase in prize money enticed more players to participate in this year’s tournament. “Last year there were about 80 players in the tournament. We are excited the Iowa Open has returned to Lake Panorama National, and grateful to Brokers International for helping us bring it here,” he said. Dinnebier, who played in the three-day tournament in addition to handling his LPN general manager duties, finished in 15th place, just 10 strokes off the lead. Many new things took place in 2010. One was players being introduced each morning as they teed off, and as they arrived on the 18th green during the final round. Coolers filled with fruit and water were scattered around the course for the players. Housing was available in private homes. Two special events were held for players’ spouses – a pool party at Prairie View Bed and Breakfast and a pontoon boat ride on Lake Panorama. Signs listing all the Iowa Open champions since the tournament began in 1927 were
posted along the cart path leading to the first tee. More than 150 volunteers assisted players and spectators throughout the tournament. LeRoy Oxley of Panora served as tournament director. “I heard lots of positive comments throughout the tournament,” Oxley said. “The pros were very complimentary of the course conditions and the help provided by the volunteers. With the increased prize money, the spectators, the whole atmosphere, they said it was like a mini-tour event.” A pro-am tournament Aug. 19 generated plenty of interest with 31 teams competing. A “draw party” was held at Lake Panorama’s Boulder Beach, as names of 31 pros were drawn to match with the amateur teams. All pros received an appearance fee. Besides Broker International Ltd., five ad-
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ditional corporate sponsors each committed $5,000 to help cover tournament expenses. Those were Allianz, American Equity, Aviva, Menadue Development, which owns The Port and Lakeside Inn on Lake Panorama, and People’s Trust and Savings Bank. Sun Mountain Sports was the putting green sponsor and Golf TEC sponsored the driving range. Another 28 businesses paid a $200 fee or committed to in-kind contributions matching that amount to become hole sponsors. Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa Section PGA, praised the LPN staff and local volunteers, calling the tournament a “phenomenal event. In my 12 years of working for the Iowa Section PGA, I’ve never seen a community come together like this to support a tournament,” he said. “Everyone here has done a wonderful job.” The 144-player field is open to professionals and amateurs who were born in Iowa, as well as golfers with Iowa ties. Tournament director Oxley said he hopes so many players register for the 2011 tournament that qualifying rounds are needed.
Class 4A Iowa High School Fall Golf Boy’s Preview Tony Atzeni Radio Accounts Manager In 2009, Dowling Catholic behind medalist Blake Waller won the Class 4A fall golf title by nine strokes over West Des Moines Valley. Two members of that state champion team are back led by junior Rob Taylor who finished 11th individually and senior Drew Hansen who was 13th overall. The top returning scorer from last fall’s state tournament played at the Davenport Country Club and is senior Dane Worley of Cedar Rapids Kennedy who finished tied for third with senior Collin Foster of Waukee. Also back after top-ten finishes are Matt Leiffert and Blake Huser, both from Southeast Polk. Overall, twelve of the top-twenty individuals could return for the 2010 fall golf season. On the list of possible returners are Kurt Martin (Jr., Ames), Broc Everett (So., West Des Moines Valley), Peter Christensen (Sr., Waterloo West), Cody Bell (Jr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy) and Ryan Maske (Sr., Iowa City High). This year’s state championship tournament will
be held at The Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, Iowa. The four district sites are Fort Dodge Golf and Country Club in Fort Dodge; Ellis golf Course in Cedar Rapids; Willow Creek golf Course in Des Moines and Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf. Iowa High School Fall Golf Class 4A District Assignments @ Fort Dodge Golf and Country Club Fort Dodge, Iowa Ames Ankeny Bishop Heelan (Sioux City) Des Moines North Dowling Catholic Fort Dodge Mason City Sergeant Bluff-Luton Sioux City East Sioux City North Sioux City West Urbandale Waukee @ Ellis Golf Course Cedar Rapids, Iowa Cedar Falls Cedar Rapids Jefferson Cedar Rapids Kennedy Cedar Rapids Washington Cedar Rapids Xavier Dubuque Hempstead Dubuque Senior Dubuque Wahlert
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Linn-Mar (Marion) Marshalltown Waterloo East Waterloo West Western Dubuque (Epworth) @ Willow Creek golf Course Des Moines, Iowa Council Bluffs Abe Lincoln Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson Des Moines East Des Moines Hoover Des Moines Lincoln Des Moines Roosevelt Indianola Johnston Lewis Central (Council Bluffs) Newton Ottumwa Southeast Polk West Des Moines Valley @ Palmer Hills Golf Course Bettendorf, Iowa Bettendorf Burlington Cedar Rapids Prairie Clinton Davenport Assumption Davenport Central Davenport North Davenport West Iowa City High Iowa City West Muscatine North Scott (Eldridge) Pleasant Valley
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