Greenside - Official Podcast of the Iowa Golf Association

Hogan Hansen, winner of the 74th Herman Sani Tournament joins the podcast to chat about his recent win, growing as a player and the ups and downs of being a golfer in college. Don't miss interviews with recent champions at the 45th Iowa Senior Amateur too – Ben Peters (Senior Division) and Tom Norton (Super Senior Division) as they drop by as well!

Charlie Hoyle, recent 121st Iowa Amateur champion and U.S. Mid-Amateur qualifier, joins the podcast to chat about his early days in England, going to college in South Carolina, mini-tour life (the grind!) and his current position as Assistant Men's Golf Coach for the University of Iowa. Oh...and we'll talk about his recent success as a player too!

Kaitlyn Hanna, winner of the 99th Iowa Women's Amateur Championship, joins the podcast to discuss her recent win at Iowa City's Finkbine Golf Course. Hanna, an Omaha native, is quite the businesswoman and has some pretty 'cool' clients. Oh, and she's been to Augusta with driver, putter and wedge in hand!

Ethan Blomme, recent winner of the Iowa Junior Amateur, joins the podcast to talk about his recent success, including qualifying for the U.S. Junior Amateur to be contested in South Carolina. Blomme, who likes to compare his game year to year using various stats, tells us about a new hobby he's picked up when not on the course – chasing turkeys...kind of! Also, hear from our recent IGA Match Play and Women's Match Play Champions, Zach May & Hannah Bermel.

Derek Peng, Gavin Matthias and Paige Hoffman join Clint on the podcast to talk about their background in the game of golf, what they are looking forward to this summer as a PJ Boatwright Jr. Intern with the IGA and their picks for the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club.

Did you know – In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis. All five of the IGA's full-time staff were once PJ Boatwright Jr. Interns.

Sam Herrmann, of Muscatine, winner of the 38th Iowa Mid-Amateur Championship hosted by Geneva Golf & Country Club. Herrmann talks about his three days of success on his current home course, growing up on a course where he could hit a lot of wedges and sharpening his game at Loras College. Sit back and enjoy!

Clint talks with both Open and Senior Division winners of the 27th IGA Four-Ball Championship hosted by Burlington Golf Club. The course yielded some birdies, but but far from an easy walk in the park according to many players, including our champions.

David Combs, of West Des Moines, joins the podcast to relive his days growing up playing multiple sports, including golf in Minnesota. Combs recounts stops along at the way at Simpson College, working for the IGA and now continuing his passion of teaching and coaching – while trying to play the game he loves when time allows. Combs, who had a strong 2022 campaign on the course, including his first USGA national championship at the U.S. Mid-Amateur last year, looks forward to this season and improving his already solid game.

Dr. Adam Thoms, Assistant Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University, joins the podcast to talk and educate about the ups and downs of the turf industry - specifically being a golf course superintendent. Dr. Thoms provides valuable feedback that you can take back to your club or facility and help other understand why things happen when and how they do on the course.

Trevor Ullestad, 2017 Iowa Amateur champion, joins the podcast to catch us up on what he has been up to since graduating from the University of Missouri and his life chasing professional golf as a career. Ullestad, who grew up in Jewell, played with some of the best in college and feels like he has what it takes to make it.

Rick Tegtmeier joins Clint and Chad on the podcast to chat about his life in the turf industry. Tegtmeier has been in the golf course maintenance business for 40+ years and is currently the Director of Grounds for Des Moines Golf and Country Club, a 36 hole, Pete Dye designed, private club in West Des Moines. Tegtmeier became a Certified Golf Course Superintendent in 1985 and earned the Master Greenkeeper Certificate in 2015 - learn about both distinctions on this episode. You might even hear a story about the police showing up one time during his career....helicopter and all!

Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Ken Schall joins the podcast to talk about his days growing up and playing a lot of golf in Waterloo. Schall shares tales of his trip to New Mexico State to play college golf (and his first night in town), life on the PGA Tour, teaming up with a young phenom in Michigan and playing with Lee Trevino with a few 'great' players in the group behind him at the U.S. Open.

Sarah Bidney, PGA, Director of Instruction – Wakonda Club, joins the podcast to talk about getting her start in the game of golf, how she found herself on the Johnston High School team (with a new jacket no less!), following her passion with a legendary coach at Simpson College and on to the world of the golf professional. Bidney has won numerous Iowa Section PGA and national awards for her development of players and for her teaching methods and is always willing to help a golfer succeed no matter what they shoot.

Mark Gambaiana stops by the podcast to share stories from his summer inside the ropes caddying for Roger Rowland on the PGA Champions Tour in 2022. Gambaiana, who you might know from this Up & Down the Iowa Golf Scene columns, got his start in the game of golf at on of many 9-hole courses in Iowa and shares his memories from those days as well.

Jake Miller, Regional Affairs Director in the Midwest Region for the USGA, stops by the podcast. The USGA’s Regional Affairs Team is comprised of a nationwide network of professionals who serve as key liaisons between the Association and State and Regional Golf Associations. Miller, a life-long Green Bay Packers fan, recalls how he got his start into the golf administration world and takes listeners through his stops in Florida (briefly!), Utah and now with the USGA. He also shares some highlights from the past year of the USGA and what's on the horizon!

Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Doug Snook and current Iowa Section PGA Executive Director Greg Mason join the podcast to share their memories of working together in Waverly and remember how things used to get done versus how things happen today on and off the golf course at a facility. Sit back and enjoy these two (still young at heart) buddies share some laughs.

Fort Dodge's Dave Sergeant joins the podcast to talk about his days as a junior golfer playing from dawn to dusk many times with fellow Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Tom Chapman, Jr. Sergeant's career covers several decades and he recalls playing with and against many of the great competitors the state has had to offer. Learn about who shares a similar interest with Sergeant of Lionel Trains as well!

Mark Egly, Class of 2022 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member, joins the podcast to share memories of how his passion for the game began years ago when playing golf with family. One of the best teachers of the game around, Egly talks about how it's up to each player on how good they want to be and he's always willing to help. It's said no one has given away more free range balls than Mark Egly – it's things like that that sets him apart from many.

J.D. Anderson and Darin Fisher, who both grew up in small Iowa towns, join the podcast to talk about their recent success at two of the biggest tournaments in Iowa each year – The Northwest of Amateur and Herman Sani Tournament. Find out why Fisher's -6 start to his round through five holes a 'few' years ago never got finished...it's a good one!

Ruby Chou, a senior at Iowa State University, recently won the 98th Iowa Women's Amateur hosted by Cedar Rapids Country Club. Chou shares her memories of growing up with the game in Taiwan, playing golf with her sister, practicing a lot and much more! Also listen to what Chou has been into this summer off the course - hopefully you haven't seen her.

Dubuque's Anna Jensen joins the podcast to chat about her recent victory at the 11th IGA Women's Match Play Championship, adjusting to and some advice regarding college golf as well as what's on her latest shopping list!

Jon Brown joins the podcast to discuss a Hall of Fame career, as well as some battles growing up playing against his older brother Jim Brown. Jon talks about near misses and a few of the highlights over a lifetime of golf – including an incredible win at the 2003 Ottumwa Amateur?!

Lots of championship golf has been played since the last episode – Clint sits down with Aaron Clausen (Lake Creek Amateur), Nate McCoy (The Classic and Iowa Mid-Amateur), Jeff Collett (IGA Senior Match Play), Nate Stevens (U.S. Junior Qualifier) and Michael Takacs (U.S. Junior Qualifier) on the podcast to bring you up to date on the game around the state.

Clint talks with five players, including several with ties to Iowa, who are all moving on to Final Qualifying for the U.S. Open. You'll hear from Jack Lundin, Mac McClear and Garrett Tighe, who qualified at Riverside's Blue Top Ridge Golf Course, Connor Peck who traveled to Omaha to grab a spot and Charles Jahn, who visited Illinois and came home with success.

Terry Cook joins the podcast to preview the IGA Four-Ball (Coldwater Golf Links), where he and partner Joe Palmer look to defend in the Senior Division once again. Cook also gives some insight on his hometown Spencer Country Club, host of the 2022 Iowa Mid-Amateur, as well as his thoughts on how wrestling and golf relate in terms of competing at a high level. You might even hear a story of his start in the game of golf at Willow Creek Golf Course with Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Ken Schall - no shirt required...

Dubuque's Eric Lucy visits the podcast following the 2022 Masters this past weekend. Lucy shares how he got started with his 'Masterful' collection and some of the stories from along the way. From badges, to spectator guides and beyond this episode is one you don't want to miss.

We welcome back Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Gene Elliott to continue our discussion. Gene dives into his magical and historic 2021 golf season that took him across the pond and back for a summer he (and many golf fans) will never forget! Sit back and enjoy...

Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Gene Elliott joins the podcast to talk about his early days in the game of golf and how it has taken him all over the world. From Butch Harmon to David Leadbetter to wins at the two biggest senior amateur tournaments in the world last year, Gene shares stories from his journey on and off the course.

Tony Lutz, originally from the Waterloo/Waverly area who resides in Oregon now, recently completed his 'mission' to play golf in all 99 counties in Iowa. With the help of friends, co-workers and the Iowa PGA Section Golf Card, Lutz was able to tackle the task! Listen to him tell tales of his travels across the state.

Erin Strieck, PGA Head Golf Professional at the Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Illinois, joins the podcast to share stories of how she caught the 'golf bug' early in life and how that has shaped her into who she is today. Strieck was recently elected as President of the Iowa Section at the Iowa PGA Annual Fall Meeting and Merchandise Show in October 2021, becoming the first female to be elected President in the Iowa PGA Section. She will also serve as the Iowa PGA Foundation President during her two-year term. 

We continue our discussion with  2007 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee Jock Olson, a native of Marshalltown, who has been a golf professional for over 35 years. Olson currently serves as Director of Club Relations for ForeTees, LLC, a position he has held since 2009. Listen for his stories about Patty Berg, Paul Krause, Butch Harmon and more!

Clint and Chad welcome 2007 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee Jock Olson to the podcast. Olson, a native of Marshalltown, has been a golf professional for over 35 years. His first job came at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club as an assistant, the start of a journey that led him the head golf professional at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., one of the top-ranked courses in Minnesota annually, from 1994-2009. Jock also served as head golf professional at the Cedar Rapids Country Club from 1983 to 1993 and the Burlington Golf Club from 1976 to 1982. Olson currently serves as Director of Club Relations for ForeTees, LLC, a position he has held since 2009.

We continue our chat with Joe Foley, USGA's Director of Regional Affairs for the Midwest Region. Foley talks about what the last two years have been like for the USGA, what is ahead with new CEO Mike Whan, the USGA's move (somewhat) to Pinehurst and trying to get a U.S. Open in the central time zone. Sit back & enjoy!

USGA Midwest Regional Affairs Director Joe Foley joins Clint and Chad on the podcast to talk about a wide range of topics including Foley's work with the Rules of Golf, what the relationship with an Allied Golf Association means to the USGA and ping pong with Tony Finau. 

We continue our conversation with Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Barb (Thomas) Whitehead about her days on the LPGA Tour, bringing a pro-am back to where she grew up and turning back the clock to her win at the 1995 Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open (a LONG way from Sibley).

Barb (Thomas) Whitehead, originally from Sibley, joins the podcast with Clint and Katelynn to chat about her 19-year career on the LPGA Tour. Whitehead also recounts stories of growing up and finding her love for the game in Northwest Iowa. A three-time Iowa Women's Amateur champion (1979, 1981, 1982) and 2008 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Whitehead's determination and competitive spirit were second to none during her days on the course.

Matthew Walker, of Ottumwa, joins the podcast to talk about his recent win at the Nebraska Open. Walker, who is currently playing in the 1st Stage of Korn Ferry Q-School, shares his thoughts on being a young professional and the outlook he has on his future. Also Clint gets you updated on USGA events that involved players from Iowa and the 2021 Iowa Cup, won by the Iowa Section PGA.

Andrew Huseman, winner of the 2021 Briarwood Amateur in late August joins the podcast to discuss his recent success. Chad Pitts drops by too to bring us up to speed on the Director's Cup held at Dismal River Club, Mullen, NE. 

David Eichhorn, Jr., Golf Course Superintendent at Marshalltown's Elmwood Country Club, joins the podcast to look back over a year ago until now on the changes at club since the derecho hit the state of Iowa. Catch up on who brought home titles from the Briarwood Amateur, IGA Women's Mid-Am Series Event #3 and some exciting news out of Michigan for one of Iowa's best!

Jim Sedrel, CGCS at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, joins the podcast to look back over a year ago at not one, but two devastating storms that hit the club in 2020 and discuss what the recovery effort looked like. Also get up to speed on results from the 43rd Iowa Senior Amateur hosted by The Preserve Golf Course on Rathbun Lake. Find out how many Iowans will be represented at this year's U.S. Senior Amateur Championship as well!

Des Moines' Zach Steffen, winner of the 72nd Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises at Hyperion Field Club, stops by the podcast to chat about his second career title of the event.  Laura Leszczynski also visits to discuss a couple things – Her win at the 56th Iowa Senior Women's Amateur hosted by Indianola Country Club and her recent success at the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur qualifier held at Stone Creek GC in Williamsburg earlier in the week. Other topics covered include 60th Women's Club Team Championship and U.S. Senior Amateur qualifying results.

Ames' Joy Chou joins the podcast to talk about her recent victory at the Iowa Women's Amateur hosted by Dubuque Golf & CC, where she successfully defended her title from 2020. Levi Slings, a member of Hyperion Field Club and IGA Communications Committee member, also stops by to give us his outlook and overall thoughts about the 72nd Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises, coming up August 6-8.

New Sharon's Trent Lindenman, low amateur of the Waterloo Open, stops by the podcast to talk about his recent success. Clint brings you up to date on the rest of the world of golf, including Gene Elliott's play at The Senior Open hosted by Sunningdale Golf Club, Sunningdale, Berkshire, England.

Sperry's (Google it!) Charles Jahn joins the podcast following his 'overpowering' performance at the 119th Iowa Amateur hosted by Wakonda Club in Des Moines. Catch up on other golf news as well from around the state and even an update from across the pond!

Clint gets you caught up on the IGA Match Play and IGA Women's Match Play Championship from last week hosted by Talons Golf. Both champions join the podcast. Other highlights include U.S. Amateur Qualifying, U.S. Senior Open at Omaha CC, British Senior Amateur from the UK and John Deere Classic insight on players with Iowa-ties. Wakuee's Chad Proehl and Osage's Troy Merritt are also teeing it up this week at the John Deere Classic, but were not mentioned on the podcast. The Iowa Amateur will be held next week at Wakonda Club in Des Moines – stop out to see some really good golf being played by players from across the state!

Des Moines' Cory Schultes, fresh off playing over 200 holes in one day last week, joins the podcast to tell us more about why he played 'all day' and where the idea came from a few years ago. Get up to speed, as always, within the world of golf too as Clint recaps the weekend!

Connor Peck, winner of the 2021 Fort Dodge Amateur joins the podcast to chat with Clint about his recent victory and his outlook on the upcoming IGA Match Play Championship, where Peck is slated to defend his title from last year. Also get up to speed on U.S. Open results, LPGA action and the IGA Father/Son & Parent Child Championship hosted by Jester Park Golf Course over the weekend!

Carson Schaake, former University of Iowa golfer, joins the podcast as he prepares for this week's U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course in San Diego, CA. Carson went through both Local and Final Qualifying to reach this year's event and will have his brother Alex, also a former UI golfer, on the bag as his caddie. Carson will join three others with Iowa ties competing at the U.S. Open, including Zach Johnson, Chris Baker and Troy Merritt.

Clint recaps the weekend in golf including play on the PGA and LPGA Tour, a look at the leaderboard of the IGA Women's Mid-Am Series Event #2 and the Carroll Amateur. Nate, winner of the 2021 edition of the Carroll Amateur, joins the podcast to recount his second (2019 & 2021) victory at the historic event. 

TEASER – Look for an episode coming with one (maybe more) entrants in this week's U.S. Open with ties to the state of Iowa.

Clint brings you up to speed on the recent U.S. Women's Open, U.S. Open Final Qualifying, the Memorial on the PGA Tour and much more. J.D. Anderson, winner of the 2021 Southeast Iowa Amateur, and Leanne Smith, winner of the 58th Iowa Women's Forever 39 Match Play Championship, join the podcast as well.