Modifications Made to Qualifying for USGA Amateur Events

MARCH 22, 2023 | LIBERTY CORNER, N.J.
By Julia Pine, USGA

In an effort to continuously enhance and evolve the competitor experience, the USGA is announcing significant modifications to its amateur championship qualifying model for the first time in more than 20 years. These changes, which will take effect for the organization’s four premier amateur championships beginning in 2024, will allow the events to retain their openness while ensuring that high-caliber players are provided ample opportunity to earn a spot in the field and that qualifying can be conducted at the highest level among growing entries and field sizes.  

“The openness and aspirational nature of our championships is a defining characteristic of USGA championships,” said Brent Paladino, senior director, Championship Administration. “As the number of entries and qualifying sites have continued to increase on a yearly basis, we looked at ways to evolve our structure to ensure the long-term sustainability of qualifying without excessively burdening Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) and host clubs. These revisions will provide players with additional pathways to our championships through traditional qualifying, expanded exemption categories and performance in state, AGA, regional and national amateur championships.” 

In 2022, the USGA accepted 44,737 total entries and collaborated with AGAs to conduct a combined 678 qualifiers across 15 championships. 

The most significant revisions for 2024 are to the U.S. Amateur, which will move from a one-stage, 36-hole qualifying format to a two-stage qualifying format with 45 18-hole local qualifying sites and 19 18-hole final qualifying sites. Other adjustments include: 

• Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings; 

• Expansion of World Amateur Golf Ranking® (WAGR) exemption category to top 100 ranked players (previously 50);  

• Establishment of local exemptions, which include top finishers in USGA championships, state/AGA amateur championships and top 600 WAGR players. 

Changes to the other championships/ qualifying structures are outlined below:

U.S. Women’s Amateur 

• Modest reduction in qualifying sites through the establishment of geographic rotations; 

• Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings;  

• Expansion of WAGR exemption category to top 50 players (previously 25). 

U.S. Junior Amateur / U.S. Girls’ Junior 

• Alignment of qualifying structure to encourage AGAs to conduct joint or concurrent qualifying;  

• Exemptions for state, AGA, regional and national junior amateur champions based on established criteria and historical WAGR event power rankings;  

• U.S. Junior Am expansion of WAGR age-filtered exemption category to top 100 (previously 85);  

• U.S. Girls’ Junior expansion of WAGR age-filtered exemption category to top 50 (previously 40). 

There will also be a lowering of Handicap Index® limits across all four championships and modifications to the performance policy that will be announced later. Determinations on the individual state, AGA, regional and national championships that will be part of the 2024 exemption criteria will be published prior to the release of entries for the respective championship. 

The modifications will result in a net reduction of 94 qualifying sites, while providing more opportunities for players to earn a spot in a USGA championship through expanded exemptions, state/AGA amateur championships and traditional qualifying. 

Entries for 2024 USGA amateur championships will open next spring. The 2024 U.S. Amateur will be held at Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn.; the 2024 U.S. Women’s Amateur will be held at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla.; while the 2024 Junior Amateur will be held at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills, Mich.; and the 2024 Girls’ Junior will be played at El Caballero Country Club in Tarzana, Calif.  

Click HERE to view this article and others on the USGA’s website.

IGA Course Rating Volunteer: Winston Yost

Winston Yost at St. Andrews Links - The Old Course in Scotland.

1 – Where are you originally from? If not from Idaho, what brought you here?
       I moved to Idaho in 2014 to be closer to my first grandson. Prior to that, I lived in Colorado.

2 – What is/was your career occupation?
       I was a pilot for Continental Airlines for 38 years. I ended my career flying the B-777.

3 – What is it about the game of golf that you love so much?
       The competition.

4 – What made you want to volunteer for the IGA? When did you start?
       I’ve played many courses throughout the U.S. and Europe, and I’ve always wondered how a course
        got its rating and who did it.

5 – What do you hope to get out of volunteering for the IGA? What motivates you to keep coming back?  
        I love to volunteer for something I enjoy. Some years there are a significant amount of changes in the Course Rating Guide and some years there are just a few. I’m not only volunteering but learning something new.

6 – What has been your favorite memory from volunteering for the IGA?
       The rating at Whitetail Golf Club was memorable because I’ll probably never get a chance to play there again.
                   
7 – What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
      If one is curious about how a golf course is rated and enjoys playing golf, then come out and volunteer to join the rating team. I would say it takes about a year or seven ratings to understand the process. That’s how long it took me. And, I am still learning new things every year I do it.

8 – What is your fondest memory on any golf course?
I got to hit range balls alongside Arnold Palmer at his Bay Hill Club & Lodge. I also was able to take a photo with him.

9 – When were you introduced to the sport? By who?
      I was introduced to the game by my dad and played on the high school golf team.

10 – What is your home club? How often do you play?
       I play out of Warm Springs Golf Course in Boise, Idaho, where I teed it up 86 times in 2022. I know this because I keep a spreadsheet of all the rounds of golf I play and who I play with throughout the year.

11 – What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
       I was on a team that qualified for the National Oldsmobile Scramble finals in Orlando for three different years in the 1990s.

12 – Who would be a part of your dream foursome to play a round of golf with?
     This is a typical question often asked of golfers. My answer is that I have played many rounds with pros and some PGA Tour players. All of them are fun to watch except me. At this stage of my life, I’m just happy to play with whomever I’m paired with.

13 - What has been your favorite golf course that you have played?
         Carnoustie Golf Links, Scotland

14 – Describe your golf game in six words or less.
        Jekyll and Hyde

15 – What's one item that you can’t live without?
       This could be a trick question…I’ll have to think about this one.

Welcome to 2023

Written by Caleb Cox, Executive Director 
 
As I try to muster hope for sunnier days and warmer temperatures — all thanks to the six extra weeks of winter so graciously given to us by the groundhog some 2,500 miles away — I wanted to pause and reflect on a few things that have been making the golfing landscape in Idaho much brighter. 

One of the biggest changes to this landscape, or so in the last few years, has been the new way that many of us are enjoying our golf clubs in the wintertime. Several years ago, there were very few public places in Idaho where you could go with a group of people to play a round of golf on a simulator or fine-tune your game in the winter months. We all knew the small handful of people that would brave the cold and get out to play a round in January just to say they did, but for the majority of us, this was not our norm. 

Today though, it is apparent that this landscape is changing in our great state. Golf courses have joined the movement by putting in simulators and indoor hitting bays for indoor tournaments, practice, and club fittings, while new entertainment venues continue to pop up regularly with the latest and greatest ways for golfers of all abilities to swing their sticks indoors without breaking any televisions or windows.

But, indoor simulators and the really bright lights next to the interstate aren’t the only ways that golf exists during the winter months. Many players turn to greener pastures by traveling to warmer climates as a way to feed their golf itch in the dog days of winter. 

Left to right: Steve Mattis, Vikki Mattis, Tracey Robinett & Bruce Robinett (2023 Vegas Getaway)

We, at the IGA, kicked off the winter season with some December golf in Palm Desert, California. Nearly 50 golfers joined us in our inaugural Palm Desert Getaway as we played three championship-style courses: La Quinta Resort Mountain Course, Desert Willow Resort Mountain View Course and Indian Wells Golf Resort Celebrity Course. These courses were in great shape, and we couldn’t have asked for better weather as our participants enjoyed beautiful green fairways in 70-degree weather. While this was the IGA’s first getaway in recent history to the desert, it was a very successful endeavor, and we look forward to possibly returning to Palm Desert later this year or early 2024. 

Also returning this year was the IGA’s annual Las Vegas Getaway.  Per usual, 120-plus people from all over the state of Idaho and the Pacific Northwest joined us for three days of fun, competitive golf at the Revere Golf Club in Henderson, Nevada. This event is always one of our favorites because it gives us a chance to get out of the cold, and sometimes snow, and back on the golf course with many of you. This year’s weather and competition did not disappoint. 

It has been great to see the many ways that wintertime golf has grown this year for Idaho players. I don’t know about you, but swinging clubs in the winter is a wonderful thing for me. It helps remind me that the unwanted gift so willingly given to us by Punxsutawney Phi will go away and that we will once again get to chase that little round ball around the green grasses we so desperately miss. 

IGA fills newly created Junior Golf Administrator position with familiar face

Chris Carew (Junior Golf Administrator)

BOISE, Idaho — The Idaho Golf Association is pleased to welcome another member to its team — making the official number, seven.

With much excitement, Chris Carew has accepted the new Junior Golf Administrator position - a newly created spot on the Idaho Junior Tour team. Prior to joining the staff full-time, Carew spent the last two summers as the Southwest District Coordinator for the Junior Tour. In addition, Carew has served as the assistant head coach for the College of Idaho men’s and women’s golf teams for the last two seasons.

Carew has additional experience in the golf industry as a former USGA P.J. Boatwright Intern — having spent his 2020 summer as the Championship Operations Intern at the IGA. He also turned professional following college, where injury and COVID-19 derailed his chances of going through Q-School and pursuing his dream of playing on Tour.

As a result of his hire, Carew stated: “I am excited to be a part of the IGA, and in specific, the Idaho Junior Tour where I can now serve in a bigger capacity. I am thrilled at the opportunity to help grow junior golf across the state.”

Outside of work, Carew enjoys spending his free time with his girlfriend, Belén Montgomery. The two of them enjoy the outdoors, whether that be camping or hiking with their two dogs: Simba and Emma. When time allows, Carew also enjoys making his way around the golf course.

“I’m excited to bring [Chris] on to the Junior Tour,” exclaimed Junior Tour Director Cecilia Baney! “He has been a part of the Junior Tour the last couple of seasons as the Southwest Coordinator and Hogan Cup Captain. Because of his gregarious personality, [Chris] has been able to build great relationships with our juniors, parents and club professionals. He brings a wealth of knowledge with his experience in playing collegiate golf and coaching at the collegiate level. I am excited to continue growing the Idaho Junior Tour with him on board.”

The IGA officially welcomed Carew to the staff on Feb. 1, 2023.

IGA Championships Volunteer: Kathy Steele

1 – Where are you originally from? If not from Idaho, what brought you here?
I was born in New Bern, North Carolina, and grew up mainly in Springfield, Virginia.  My husband’s job with Boise Cascade is what brought us here, and in 2001, we made our third move back to Boise. This last move is the longest I have ever lived anywhere. We have moved seven times in 21 years for my husband’s job.

2 – What is/was your career occupation?
I was a flight attendant for United Airlines for five years. I also worked for the Yakima Washington School District as a special education aide for 8 ½ years.

3 – What is it about the game of golf that you love so much?
I love the fresh air, the exercise, and meeting fellow golfers.

4 – What made you want to volunteer for the IGA? When did you start?
I had just finished volunteering 50 hours a week for the Special Olympics World Winter Games here in Boise and needed to find something else to fill my time. So, when the opportunity came up to help with the IGA, I jumped on it. I believe I have been volunteering with the IGA for about eight years.

5 – What do you hope to get out of volunteering for the IGA? What motivates you to keep coming back?
I love meeting new people and getting to go to different golf courses in the Boise area.

6 – What has been your favorite memory from volunteering for the IGA?
Getting to shuttle junior golfers from all over the world as they tried to qualify for the U.S. Junior Amateur & U.S. Girls’ Junior.

7 – What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
It is fun, and the IGA staff is well-organized and delightful!

8 – What is your fondest memory on the golf course?
My three holes-in-one.

9 – When were you introduced to the sport? By who?
When I was in junior high; however, I didn’t really take up the game until 1985. My father got me started.

10 – What is your home club? How often do you play?
Hillcrest Country Club (Boise) is my home course. I like to play at least three times a week.

11 – What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
That I was a flight attendant.

12 – Who would be a part of your dream foursome to play a round of golf with?
Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus, Annika Sorenstam

13 - What has been your favorite golf course that you have played?
Old Course - Saint Andrews Links (Saint Andrews, Scotland)

14 – Describe your golf game in six words
Lousy, but I keep hanging in.

15 – What's one item that you can’t live without?
My phone with GPS for golf courses.

IGA Course Rating Volunteer: Jim Swartley

1 – Where are you originally from? If not from Idaho, what brought you here?
I moved to Idaho in 1958 when my parents moved to McCall while I was in the 8th grade. Other than education and the military, I have lived here ever since.

2 – What is/was your career occupation?
Physician, Ophthalmologist

3 – What is it about the game of golf that you love so much?
I enjoy the challenge of the course or your fellow competitor, and it involves being outside.

4 – What made you want to volunteer for the IGA? When did you start?
I was interested in how Course Rating was done and have since enjoyed the intellectual challenge that it involves. I began volunteering for the IGA in 2011.

5 – What do you hope to get out of volunteering for the IGA? What motivates you to keep coming back?
I don’t really expect to get anything out of volunteering. I keep coming back because I enjoy Course Rating and the people who I rate with.

6 – What has been your favorite memory from volunteering for the IGA?
There have been many trips we have made to do Course Ratings that are very special. However, rating the Yellowstone Club was probably the highlight.

7 – What would you say to someone who is thinking about volunteering?
It takes a special person to do Course Rating. You have to enjoy numbers and long days on the course, not always playing golf.

8 – What is your fondest memory on the golf course?
Winning low net, twice, in the Crane Creek Cup.

9 – When were you introduced to the sport? By who?
I first played a little in high school. I went out with friends.

10 – What is your home club? How often do you play?
Crane Creek Country Club (Boise). I average about three times a week.

11 – What's something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I worked as a smokejumper during my college summers.

12 – Who would be a part of your dream foursome to play a round of golf with?
Tiger Woods, Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus

13 - What has been your favorite golf course that you have played?
Arnold Palmer’s Bay Hill Club and Lodge (Orlando, FL)

14 – Describe your golf game in six words
Trying to improve.

15 – What's one item that you can’t live without?
Unfortunately, it seems like I can’t be without my phone.

A membership worth paying for

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

It’s the middle of winter. The cold air is forcing us into more layers of clothes than we care to wear. Snow covers the majority of our courses throughout the state. And quite frankly, very little golf is being played at the moment in the Idaho Golf Association, especially with the posting season being closed until mid-March. So, why is this time of year important to golfers around the state? IGA Memberships.

I know, I know. You are probably rolling your eyes, but if you will indulge me for just a few moments of your time, I will tell you why it’s important.

The very first reason, and quite frankly the main reason, why any golfer gets an IGA Membership year after year is to have a Handicap Index - the number many of you believe is just the average of what you shoot over par.

Without turning this into a school lecture, let me quickly explain what a Handicap Index is. According to the World Handicap System, a Handicap Index is “the measure of a player’s demonstrated ability calculated against the SLOPE RATING of a golf course of standard playing difficulty.” So, the number that you see at the top of your semi-monthly newsletter from the IGA is a calculated number that is based on the scores that you post and a number of other things. (If you are curious about what other things go into that calculation, give us a call!)

This number, your Handicap Index, is essential for any golfer that plays competitive golf. It doesn’t matter if you play in IGA Championships or league play at your local course. This number is how golfers compete against each other regardless of skill level or age, and have that competition be on an even playing field.

Your Handicap Index can even be used in a casual match with your friends while you compete for nothing more than bragging rights and/or a few drinks (alcoholic or not) following the round.

So, in my opinion, and yes it’s biased, paying the $40 for your 2023 IGA Membership is worth that amount alone.

Well, you might be shaking your head in agreement that I make a valid point, but I sense that you are maybe ever-so curious as to what else an IGA Membership does for you. Don’t worry. I got you.

This membership, which one can renew or begin on January 1, 2023, gives its members a free subscription to the Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine — a publication put together by our friends at the Pacific Northwest Golf Association. The magazine's exclusive content is not only about what is happening in our region of the country pertaining to golf news, but it includes news specific to Idaho, discounted rates to some of the top golf destinations in our area, the what’s what of golf equipment, and much more.

Another reason to sign up is that you also get exclusive travel benefits through one of our partners, Affinity Travel. Everyone wants to get out and about in different capacities, so why not get killer savings on hotels & resorts, as well as tickets to concerts, movies, sporting events, and more? A benefit that definitely gets under-utilized!

Another key perk that comes with renewing your handicap is the opportunity you get to play in IGA Championship events, headlined by the State Amateur and Women’s State Amateur. (The 2023 venue for these events is by far one of the best public courses in the IGA and definitely a fan favorite…Sorry, guys! The 2023 Tournament Schedule will be released soon!) The caliber of players that fill these fields are the cream of the crop. The championships provide an excellent opportunity for any golfer to showcase their game.

Though there are a few more benefits that haven’t been mentioned, which you can find by visiting our website, the IGA is always looking to grow and offer the best it can for its members. A new benefit that will be offered in 2023, which was introduced in September, is our Ladies Play Days — a series of one-day events that are geared toward our female membership, providing an opportunity for lady golfers to compete in low-key, non-championship events. The first event was our “Ladies 9 and Wine” at Falcon Crest Golf Club in Kuna, ID, which I might add was an absolute hit! And for guys that are feeling left out, the goal is to have member days for men and women by 2024! Stay tuned for those.

With the new year right around the corner, the IGA is working toward releasing even more member benefits throughout the 2023 season. So, if you were hesitant in any manner toward buying or renewing your membership for 2023, I hope I dispelled any hesitation for you.

What are you waiting for?!

Oh, I almost forgot. Use discount code IGA23 for $5 off your registration before February 28, 2023. Didn’t I say I got you?!

Grateful for the health of the game; honoring its legacy with new Idaho Golf Hall of Fame

Written by Caleb Cox, Executive Director

It is certainly hard to believe that our golf season has drawn to a close. With the cooler temperatures and the changing of the leaves, it seems natural to reminisce about this past season, and be thankful for what the year has brought us.

We here at the IGA are grateful that golf is a growing and thriving sport in the state of Idaho. It wasn’t too many years ago that one could hear regular conversation across the state, speculating that game of golf was a dying sport locally.

IGA members posted more than 380,000 scores at state association clubs, and posted 145,000 scores at courses across the rest of the world. These numbers clearly indicate that golf in the Gem State is thriving and will continue to trend towards good health for years to come, and we are truly grateful for that.

Included in our gratefulness, we should also consider those working in the industry. Each day, thousands of PGA professionals, pro shop assistants, outside services staff, grounds crew members, and food and beverage staff across the country serve you and I, the everyday amateur golfer. They have worked tirelessly through the beautiful Idaho spring, summer, and fall months to make our experience the best it can be. To all of those out there working in the golf industry, thank you for your tireless efforts. They have not gone unnoticed. You are one of the main reasons that this game is so great. We are very thankful for you!

Finally, our gratitude turns in one final direction: the rich golf history that Idaho has to offer. From great players to great leaders, many men and women have led our courses, leaderboards, and endeavors within the golf community in a fashion that is worthy of recognition and respect. We at the IGA would like to express our gratitude to these leaders, and also enshrine their legacy in a way where all people will be able to learn about them and their endeavors. It gives me great pleasure to announce that the IGA Board of Directors and staff will be creating an Idaho Golf Hall of Fame, and will be inducting its inaugural class in 2024. We hope that this new Hall will serve to both educate those seeking knowledge, while also honoring the history of Idaho’s great golf legacy.

From all of us in the IGA family, we truly hope everyone enjoys a wonderful Holiday Season!

Check out Caleb’s article in the Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine and others by clicking HERE.

USGA to create National Development Program

by Tom Cade, Editor of the Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine

It’s on.

The United States Golf Association is set to launch a national development program, selecting and nurturing promising young golfers to be able to eventually compete on the world stage.

At the annual International Association of Golf Administrators (IAGA) conference, held Nov. 6-9 at the Grand Hotel Golf Resort in Point Clear, Ala., a general session was conducted by USGA Chief Championships Officer John Bodenhamer and Managing Director Team USA Heather Daly-Donofrio, who outlined for the audience a five-year plan to develop the next generation of golf talent in the U.S.

The IAGA is made up of golf administrators of the USGA’s Allied Golf Associations (AGA) and other national and international golf-related organizations.

The creation of a national team is not a new concept in the golf world. Many other countries have a national squad, including Australia, Spain, Ireland, England, Finland, South Korea, and, close to home, Canada. In particular, Golf Canada (that country’s counterpart to the USGA) has had success in upping the game of their players with the three levels of squads – National Junior, National Amateur, and Young Pro – for men and women.

John Bodenhamer, USGA chief championships officer, outlines the creation of a U.S. national development program at the IAGA conference on November 8, 2022. Prior to joining the USGA staff in 2011, Bodenhamer served as CEO/executive director of Washington Golf and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association from 1990-2011.

The aggressive five-year timeline will be based on collaboration with the USGA’s AGAs, which Washington Golf, Oregon Golf Association and Idaho Golf Association are a part of. This timeline consists of discussions of resources, rankings and regional events in 2022/2023; beginning to identify talent and launching of grant programs by mid-2023; finalization of plans for regional events by the AGAs in 2024; launching of regional events by AGAs in 2025; and opening of regional developmental camps in 2026.

In 2023, the AGAs will assist the USGA in identifying young talented players, initially selecting 25 junior girls and 25 junior boys.

Ultimately, the three levels of the U.S. National Team will follow in the model of a National Junior Squad, National Amateur Squad, and Young Pro Squad.

Getting to the point of finally deciding to create a national development program has been a long journey. Bodenhamer tells of an early conversation with David Fay, who was the longtime USGA executive director until retiring at the end of 2010. At an IAGA conference 16 years ago, Fay had made the comment to the golf administrators that it wasn’t the USGA’s job to grow the game or develop players.

At the time, Bodenhamer was in the audience as the CEO of Washington Golf and the Pacific Northwest Golf Association, and he remembers thinking, “As I sat there and noodled on it, I wasn’t quite sure that was right, but it was a different time back then. In 2015 and 2016, some things happened that really changed my mindset on it.”

What happened was the U.S. lost the Walker Cup, then lost the Curtis Cup, and then for the first time Team USA did not win a medal at the World Amateur Team Championship.

For the first time in history, the U.S. did not hold at least one of those trophies during a calendar year.

It was a wake-up moment.

In 2016, golf had returned to the Olympics for the first time in over a century. A global team event, the game proved it belonged in the Olympics, generating high TV ratings from fans and enthusiastic participation from players. In watching the support the other countries had put into developing their golf talent and putting a team together, it convinced Bodenhamer that the U.S. was being left behind.

By then, Bodenhamer had become the USGA’s chief championships officer. He returned from the 2016 Olympics and floated the idea of a national team concept again, but knew it wasn’t the right time yet, as the association had other things on its plate at the moment.

Then, 18 months ago, Bodenhamer had a conversation with Mike Whan, who had just left his position as commissioner of the LPGA and had not yet been hired as the USGA’s new CEO. He told Whan about the team concept, and Whan got really charged up about it.

“And when Mike stepped into his new role at the USGA last year, he really embraced the idea (of a national team),” said Bodenhamer. “I give him all the credit in the world for this. He grabbed it. He’s run with it. As long as ‘U.S.’ is in the ‘USGA,’ we need to think about these things, to do this for our country. Creating future stars is good for everything we do.”

Bodenhamer also sees the program as a way of leveling the playing field, providing opportunity to talented young people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to excel. He gives the example of former PGA TOUR player Jason Gore, who until recently had been the USGA’s player relations director. When Gore was a talented young junior player, his parents were contemplating taking a second mortgage on their house to finance young Jason’s entry fees and travel expenses.

“Thankfully they made the decision to do that,” Bodenhamer says. “Imagine if they didn’t. Jason would not have had the career he has had. We see the USGA as being able to create a program which will provide opportunities to these young players.”

Daly-Donofrio is a two-time winner on the LPGA Tour and former head coach of Yale University’s women’s golf team. She has seen it all from every angle, and knows the answers to most questions people have about this fledgling program.

“People ask why college programs increasingly go outside the U.S. to recruit players for their teams,” she says. “The answer is obvious: young international players are so much more experienced; they have better training, better coaching, better practice habits. This all comes from the national programs which nurture these talented kids.”

When asked why there is a need for a national development program, Daly-Donofrio’s response is, “Why not? Every other sport has it in some form, and many other countries have it for golf.”

And when the caution is brought up that this program is only for elite players, Daly-Donofrio has a ready response: “When people see the U.S. flag on the leaderboards in this country and around the world, it signifies a rising tide that lifts all boats. It is an aspirational image, giving fans of all ages something to identify with, something to root for and be part of. At the end of the day, the goal is to see more U.S. players at the top of leaderboards. And this is how we can accomplish that goal.”

At the USGA’s annual meeting in February 2023, more information about the program will be unveiled.

It’s going to be good.

Click HERE for a complete look at this article.

Tom Cade is the editor of Pacific Northwest Golfer magazine, published by the Pacific Northwest Golf Association. From 2010-2015 he served as president of the Northwest Golf Media Association, and in 2016 received the NWGMA Distinguished Service Award. He was the editor and publisher of America’s St. Andrews, the book about Chambers Bay and the 2015 U.S. Open. He also was editor of the centennial history book for Inglewood Golf Club (published 2019), and editor of the centennial history book of Washington Golf (published 2022). He is a regular member of the Golf Writers Association of America.

IGA announces 2022 Players of the Year

BOISE, Idaho—As the 2022 season has come to a close, the Idaho Golf Association is excited to announce the names of the individuals who have earned their respected Player of the Year Award. With two brand new categories being introduced this year (Men’s Master-40 and Women’s Mid-Am), the following have been crowned:

MEN
-Seth Jones (Men’s POY)
-Jesse Hibler (Men’s Master-40 POY)
-Scott Masingill (Senior Men’s POY)

WOMEN
-Kelli Ann Strand (Women’s POY)
-Lori Ruiz (Women’s Mid-Am POY)
-Kris Fenwick (Senior Women’s POY)

The IGA would like to congratulate these individuals for an amazing year of golf and all they have accomplished on the course this season.

MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SETH JONES

Emerging as an upcoming star on the IGA circuit, Seth Jones put together a list of impressive outings during his inaugural IGA season. Having played in four events—never finishing outside the top 10—Jones demonstrated that one can both “drive for show, and putt for dough.”

Seth Jones playing alongside State Am winner, Jeffrey Anderson, at Idaho Fall Country Club.

No matter the format, Jones always seemed to find himself in contention at each tournament he played. Starting off the season with an impressive showing, Jones finished tied for fifth at the U.S. Open Local Qualifier, which was held at Banbury Golf Course in Eagle, Idaho.

He followed up that performance with his first and only victory of the year at the IGA Match Play Championship. Jones then finished the year with good showings at the State Amateur (T8) and Tournament of Champions (T3).

”Seth has worked very hard on his game over the last few years to get ready for collegiate golf and it shows in his play this summer,” said Nicole Bird, Manager of Rules and Competitions for the IGA. “He started with a strong win at the IGA Match Play Championship… and was in contention at the IGA State Amateur until the last hole when an unfortunate bounce from a cart path sent his ball out of bounds…He wanted to win the honor of Player of the Year, so he was able to come to the IGA [TOC] and obtain those final points he needed to win the title.”

Jones has arrived.

MEN’S MASTER-40 PLAYER OF THE YEAR: JESSE HIBLER

Though late to the scene, Jesse Hibler made the most out of his limited appearances this season. Always being in contention, Hibler showed consistency and fight in each tournament—never finishing lower than sixth in each of his four showings. Hibler won the award by a mere 12 points over runner-up, Chris Boquette.

Jesse Hibler hitting his second shot into the par-4 17th at Jug Mountain Ranch during the IGA Mid-Amateur Championship.

Starting his season with a tie for sixth at the U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier held at Falcon Crest Golf Course, Hibler rattled off a second-place finish at the IGA Mid-Amateur Championship, and two victories at the Pacific Northwest Golf Association’s Master-40 Amateur and the IGA’s Tournament of Champions — all three occurring within four weeks of each other in August and September.

Bird said this about Hibler’s play this season: “Jesse was only able to play in a few events this year, but he made the most of it for sure! He started strong with a second-place finish at the IGA Mid-Amateur Championship at Jug Mountain Ranch that went down to the last hole…That experience prepared him well for the following week when he played Jug Mountain Ranch—one of the hardest courses around—again but this time for the PNGA Master-40 championship, which he won for the second year in a row. Finally, he was able to cap off his season with a win at the IGA TOC in some tough, rainy conditions to earn the first-ever title of IGA Men’s Master-40 Player of the Year.”

SENIOR MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: SCOTT MASINGILL

The G.O.A.T of men’s golf in the state of Idaho doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon. With some fabulous play, including two victories this season, Scott Masingill continues to drink from the bottomless Fountain of Youth. Playing in both regular and senior events, Masingill showed he’s still got it—even beyond the age of 70.

In his six events this tournament season, Masingill, as the young bucks say, “balled out.” Here are his finishes at this year’s events:

Scott Masingill rolls in the winning putt on the second playoff hole at Jerome Country Club.

-PNGA Senior (2)
-IGA Match Play Championship (T9)
-IGA State Amateur (T11)
-IGA Senior Amateur (1)
-PNGA Master-40 Amateur (Match Play)
-IGA Senior Tournament of Champions (1)

"The name Scott Masingill rings a bell with many, and he is no stranger to the Player of the Year honor in Idaho,” Bird said. “[Scott] played lots of golf this summer and earned points in everything! One of the big highlights came in the final round of the IGA State Amateur at Idaho Falls Country Club when he beat his age in competition for the first time since his birthday, shooting 69 on the day. Just a few weeks later, he did it again at the IGA Senior Amateur Championship at Jerome Country Club in the 2nd round!… Scott had an outstanding year and is very deserving of this award.”

WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: KELLI ANN STRAND

By taking the award for the second year in a row, Kelli Ann Strand showed her fellow competitors once again why she is repeatedly at the top of the leaderboard at every event she plays in. Her length off the tee was the biggest advantage she had over her competitors—constantly having scoring clubs in hand while others did not.

”Kelli Ann is a repeat winner of this award, and it is well deserved,” said Bird. “Her junior and amateur career with the IGA has been full of victories at several tournaments.”

Kelli Ann Strands hits her tee shot on the par-3 ninth hole with fellow competitor, Sheryl Scott, looking on.

En route to her lone victory this year, Strand posted a women’s course record of 64 at The River Club in Boise during the stroke-play portion of the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship. She had every facet of her game dialed in for competition that week. Strand proved she is near impossible to beat when everything is running like a well-oiled machine.

Later in the season, Strand took eventual Women’s State Amateur winner, Carly Carter, to the wire where she fell just short of winning her second event of the year. With that finish, Strand secured the Women’s POY award by just three points over Carter.

“I think the pivotal moment to her winning the IGA Women’s Player of the Year this year came on the back-nine of the stroke-play portion of the IGA Match Play Championship at The River Club,” Bird said. “[Kelli Ann] made the turn at even par and was in the mix of several players to earn the #1 seed heading into the match-play portion. However, she made birdie after birdie on the back-nine, shooting an unbelievable 28 for a score of 64. The event was her first experience at match play, but she handled it like a pro and earned the honor this year.”

Now playing college golf at the University of Nebraska, Strand looks to keep trending upwards.

WOMEN’S MID-AMATEUR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LORI RUIZ

Lori Ruiz played some exceptional, consistent golf during the 2022 tournament season. Taking both the medalist position at the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier held at Falcon Crest GC and first place at the IGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship, Ruiz set herself up nicely to take home the first Women’s Mid-Amateur POY Award.

Lori Ruiz hits her approach shot into the par-4 sixth hole at Elkhorn Golf Club in Sun Valley, Idaho.

Bird stated: “Being unable to attend the USGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship in Florida due to a scheduling conflict, [Lori] traveled to Jug Mountain Ranch a week later for the IGA Women’s Mid-Amateur Championship. Down by two strokes after the second round, [Lori] had her best round in the final round of very steady golf, shooting 74 for the victory.”

Relying on her good ball striking and a dependable flat stick proved to be the trick for Ruiz this summer. Having played several tracks that demanded its participants to hit it straight and on point, Ruiz’s game set up nicely for her at those courses. Knowing how to win events, Ruiz held strong while her competition faltered around her.

Along with her two wins, Ruiz also received POY points for her performance at the 2021 PGA National Club Championship and for making it to the semi-finals of the IGA Women’s Match Play Championship.

SENIOR WOMEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR: KRIS FENWICK

The IGA couldn’t think of a more well-deserving recipient for the 2022 Senior Women’s Player of the Year than Kris Fenwick. As someone who has shown pure dedication to this craft, Fenwick’s hard work showed on multiple occasions throughout the year. Owning a swing that almost every golfer around would covet, Fenwick had her game ready to go, no matter who her opponents were.

”The Senior Women’s Player of the Year honor has long been a goal of Kris Fenwick’s,” Bird explained. “This season started with a putting lesson and a new putter that led to some much-needed confidence on the greens.”

Kris Fenwick stripes a tee shot on the par-4 fourth hole at the IGA Senior Women’s Amateur held at Jerome Country Club.

Bird went on to further explain: “This new assurance is what led her to take [Kelli Ann] to the 15th hole of the IGA Match Play Finals. It was an exciting match to watch. Her hot putter carried over to her third-place finish at the IGA Women’s Senior Amateur, as well as her second-place finish at the IGA Women’s Mid-Amateur. This event included a final-round score of 69 on one of the hardest courses out there! She capped off a fantastic season of golf with her first victory of the year at the IGA Senior Women’s Tournament of Champions.”

Here is how she placed in the seven events, which doesn’t include her Four-Ball victory with Karen Darrington at the beginning of the tournament season:

-2021 PGA National Club Champ (2)

-PNGA Women's Senior & Super Senior (T13)

-2022 IGA Match Play Championship (2)

-2022 IGA Senior Am (T3)

-2022 IGA Mid-Am (2)

-IGA Senior TOC (1)

FINISHING THOUGHTS

The IGA would like to personally thank each individual who played in a tournament run by the IGA this year. There was some phenomenal golf played and a lot of great competition. The IGA is looking forward to another great season next year and would like to encourage future participation by any interested in playing against the best in the state of Idaho.

Congratulations again to Seth Jones, Jesse Hibler, Scott Masingill, Kelli Ann Strand, Lori Ruiz and Kris Fenwick on their amazing accomplishments this season and wish them the best of luck next year!

For a complete look at the total point breakdown of each division, click HERE!

Team pride leads local professionals to repeat victory

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

BOISE, ID—The air loomed over TimberStone Golf Course with a certain heaviness as players began wrapping up their individual matches. Countenances were varied to the point that each victor walked off the green with what appeared to be a little pep in his step, while those who had lost their team valuable points, appeared as if a personal thundercloud lingered above their heads, ready to pour at any time. It was clearly evident that one team had a few more smiles than the other.

What was looking to have been a much closer competition after round one’s results turned quickly into one of the most lopsided wins in Carter Cup history. Team Rocky Mountain PGA had flexed its professionally-sized golf muscles while it routed Team Idaho Golf Association, 40.5-19.5.

“The competition [was] phenomenal,” said Joe Malay, Team IGA Captain.

The overall score would paint a plethora of stories in the minds of those who beheld it, allowing the imagination to run wild. It could be taken that Team IGA was simply outmatched and not as talented as Team Rocky Mountain, or that one team’s sticks went cold while the other’s stayed toasty warm throughout both days. Whatever the reasons may be, which could include the two reasons already listed, the overarching disparity between the two teams comes down to a single word: pride.

“The mentality [for my team] I would say is pride,” said Michael Kastner, Team Rocky Mountain PGA Captain. “These are our best players and they come here with a sense of pride, and they very much want to win and hold up their end of the bargain. That is just their mindset. They love to grind…The competitive juices flow and [they] just want to make it happen.”

It wasn’t long after the final pairing had reached its conclusion that Team Rocky Mountain PGA was shuffling its way back out into the cold for a team photo. The players were laughing and enjoying themselves. It was as if pride, the unofficial theme for the event, was the “11th Man” on the squad and in the middle of their make-shift circle. There was a certain confidence displayed as the team celebrated with “man-hugs” and a certain jockeying as players shared how many points they contributed to their team’s overall score.

“There is a comfort zone,” Malay said. “I think the pros are more comfortable in their position. They go into it with the idea that we are professionals, and we’ve taught these individuals.”

Nick Blasius, of Team Rocky Mountain PGA, hits his approach shot on the par-5 14th.

Just from those few moments alone, a total outsider would have been able to distinguish that the victors of the 2022 Carter Cup held a certain level of pride within themselves as individuals but as a collection of PGA Professionals — the very individuals who teach each of us the game of golf and all its little intricacies.

Though they aren’t playing on Sundays on CBS or NBC for a lucrative amount of money, golf is their livelihood. There is a reason why they turned professional and the rest of us didn’t.

”The IGA Team is filled with very talented, amateur players,” Kastner explained. “The only difference is over time our professionals are a little more hardened in tournament golf formats. While amateurs play a lot of tournament golf, they don’t necessarily live it like we do all the time. It’s important to realize that when you are an amateur and you are playing a professional, most guys are going to feel like I am an underdog…I think there is more probably more confidence with the professionals than the amateurs.”

As the opening round came to a close, the gap between Team IGA and Team Rocky Mountain PGA was only two points. The matches had gone back and forth all morning, and the two-some of Mike Hamblin and Nick Blasius took the lead back for Team PGA to finish the morning session with the lead — a lead they never again relinquished to their amateur foes.

Brian Swenson/Fran Matthias 0.5 - 2.5 Lance Rieber/Brady Nelson

Jason Azzarito/David Bishop 0 - 3 Justin Snelling/Travis Hofland

Bob Wheeler/Gilbert Livas 3 - 0 Jim Empey/Tyson Bowen

Nate Smith/Jeff Anderson 3 - 0 Ben Bryson/Tad Holloway

Scott Masingill/Austin French 0 - 3 Mike Hamblin/Nick Blasius

6.5 - 8.5

The afternoon foursome matches were a serious time of mourning for Team IGA. In what was standard golfing weather for Fall in Idaho and a format of play that favors PGA Professionals more so than amateurs due to experience, the moment may have been a bit too much for the second-place finishers.

Jason Azzarito, of Team IGA, watches his putt carefully on the par-3 13th.

For a sport usually based on the performance of a single individual, Team IGA struggled to gel like their opponents. It very well could have been the first time that some of these players ever met, let alone played with each other.

Not taking away from the caliber of players that the amateurs are by any stretch of the imagination, but it was clearly evident that experience, poise, connectivity, etc. were key factors in what led Team PGA to a lopsided win not only in the foursome matches but in general. With 15 points on the line, Team IGA scrounged together three and a half points to the professionals’ nine and a half.

David Bishop/Fran Matthias 2 - 1 Jim Empey/Mike Hamblin

Bob Wheeler/Brian Swenson 0 - 3 Justin Snelling/Tad Holloway

Scott Masingill/Jeff Anderson 0 - 3 Ben Bryson/Lance Rieber

Austin French/Gilbert Livas 0 - 3 Travis Hofland/Tyson Bowen

Jason Azzarito/Nate Smith 1.5 - 1.5 Brady Nelson/Nick Blasius

3.5 - 9.5

Round three’s singles matches showed somewhat of a push and some pride from Team IGA — not wanting to get completely shut out on the last day of the competition. The amateurs wanted to prove they could keep up with their local professionals and possibly steal a few points out from under their noses.

The charge, though unsuccessful, was led by the likes of former Korn Ferry Tour player Nate Smith for Team IGA — getting points in each of the three sessions for his team and earning a total of seven and a half points for them. His highlight, and maybe one for the team, was Smith’s hole out for the eagle during his singles match against Bryson on the back nine.

Scott Masingill 2 - 1 Tad Holloway

Fran Matthias 0 - 3 Mike Hamblin

Bob Wheeler 0 - 3 Jim Empey

Gilbert Livas 2 - 1 Travis Hofland

Brian Swenson 1.5 - 1.5 Lance Rieber

Austin French 0 - 3 Nick Blasius

Jeff Anderson 1 - 2 Brady Nelson

Nate Smith 3 - 0 Ben Bryson

David Bishop 0 - 3 Tyson Bowen

Jason Azzarito 0 - 3 Justin Snelling

9.5 - 20.5

With the next Carter Cup taking place in 2024, pros and amateurs alike are already looking forward to the next time these two teams can square off against each other. Team IGA will be hoping for some sweet revenge and a do-over following this year’s performance. Team Rocky Mountain PGA will look to show that unconquerable pride again as it hopes to keep the Carter Cup trophy in its unbreakable grasp.

Tracy wins World Hickory Open

Article and images attributed to Tom Tracy

Susan Tracy, of Star, Idaho, playing out of River Birch Golf Course, captured the Ladies Division of the 2022 World Hickory Open, played in the Highlands of Scotland on October 11-13. The W.H.O. annually draws hickory shaft enthusiasts from around the world to compete over classic Scottish courses. The great Sandy Lyle has won the men’s division twice. Tracy ran away with the gross competition, winning by 22 strokes on three difficult, world-famous links courses near Inverness.

The 54-hole stroke play event was held over the links of Nairn, Castle Stuart and Royal Dornoch Golf Clubs in cool, blustery and sometimes wet conditions. She bested competitors from Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, Spain, the U.S. and other countries.

High scores were the rule on the long, tough courses played with 100-year-old clubs. Brutal slopes, bunkering and wind made the tourney a test of survival for both gents and ladies. Tracey’s final round of 90 at Castle Stuart was far and away the best ladies’ score of the tourney, with the seaside wind howling over the last nine.

2022 World Hickory Open participants posing for a group photo in their throw-back garb.

“The scoreboard was not quite up to date, so I wasn’t sure where I stood entering the last round,” Tracy said. “My husband, Tom, decided to caddy for me the third day, which helped with some decisions and especially in avoiding the bunkers, which are brutal, often with faces 5 to 8 feet high in front of you. I think I was only in two bunkers on the last day. It also helped that we arrived in Scotland a month before the event, and were able to play some great links courses like Brora, Tain, Golspie, Gullane, Kilspindie and Dunbar beforehand. And, I had a bunker lesson from the pro at Tain GC, which saved me a few shots!”

Tracy started playing hickory golf in 2018 after Tom talked her into it. She still much prefers her modern clubs, but she has won several events in the U.S., including the Pacific Northwest Championship four times, the Arizona Desert Hickory, and the U.S. Hickory Open—finishing as the runner-up in this event in 2021. Her next scheduled hickory event is the popular Arizona Desert Hickory in February 2023.

Shirley Englehorn - Northwest Shooting Star

Article published by and credited to the Pacific Northwest Golf Association

Shirley Englehorn, an 11-time LPGA Tour winner and major champion, passed away on October 2, 2022 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She was 81.

Englehorn’s accomplishments on and off the course were legion, and those who knew her remember a person whose love for the game knew no bounds.

Born in Caldwell, Idaho in 1940, Shirley grew up in a house next to the third tee of Fairview Golf Course, a public nine-holer in Caldwell. From the time she was nine years old she wanted to become a professional golfer.

As a teenager, Shirley dominated women’s amateur golf in Idaho. She won the Idaho Women’s State Amateur three years in a row (1956-1958), and won the McCall (Idaho) Amateur in 1957 and 1958.

Englehorn won the Trans-Mississippi Amateur at age 15, and remains the youngest to ever win that title.

After graduating from Caldwell High School, Shirley won the 1959 Oregon Women’s Amateur. In her final competition as an amateur, Shirley won the 1959 PNGA Women’s Amateur, held that year at Columbia Edgewater Country Club in Portland.

She turned professional later in 1959, with initial sponsorship support from Spokane’s Athletic Round Table.

During her playing days on tour, she was a devotee of the 1-iron, a long-forgotten butterknife of a club that required a level of precision few possessed. Jack Nicklaus enjoyed hitting a 1-iron, but even he did not make it part of his clinics as Englehorn did for years. In fact, in her later years her email address incorporated her nickname, Dimples, with her favorite club: “Dimple1iron.”

Her direct approach and exceptional abilities, first as a player and competitor, and later as a coach, teacher, mentor and friend, left an indelible mark on the LPGA, the golf community at large, and on those who knew her.

“She was a wonderful player and could have won many more tournaments than she did,” said Kathy Whitworth, the World Golf Hall of Famer who lost in a playoff to Englehorn in the 1970 LPGA Championship. “Unfortunately, she had two incredibly bad accidents that most people probably would never recover from. She did recover, though, and returned to win again. She had a lot of courage.”

Those accidents occurred on horseback and an in automobile, the first coming at an equestrian event in Georgia in 1960, right after she turned pro, and the second in 1965 when she was in a near-fatal car crash. The latter earned Englehorn the Ben Hogan Award, given by the Golf Writers Association of America to a golfer who successfully comes back from illness or injury.

Shirley was named the LPGA National Teacher of the Year in 1978. She played in her final LPGA Tour event in 1979.

Shirley became the director of instruction at Garden of the Gods Resort in Colorado Springs, where she built a loyal following of students for more than 30 years.

In addition to being a national television sports broadcaster, she wrote numerous articles for various golf publications, including Golf World, Golf for Women and Sports Illustrated. From 1964 to 1976, Shirley was on the Sears Sporting Goods Advisory Staff, the only woman to be selected for such a role.

In 1991 she received the Ellen Griffin Rolex Award for her dedication as a golf instructor, and she was inducted into the LPGA Professionals Hall of Fame in 2014. She had been inducted into the North Idaho Athletic Hall of Fame in 1984.

In 2016, she received the LPGA Pioneer Award, a mark of achievement as a player who kept the door alive after the LPGA’s founding.

*For a complete look at this article, please click HERE.

2022 Volunteer of the Year

BOISE, Idaho—The Idaho Golf Association is pleased to announce Kathy Steele as the 2022 Volunteer of the Year. This annual award is given to an individual chosen by the IGA for going above and beyond as a volunteer in assisting the IGA with its various functions and needs.

Steele was selfless as she gave of her time and talents in helping the IGA at multiple events during the 2022 golf season. Serving in multiple capacities (shuttle driving, scoring and registration), she easily caught the attention of the IGA staff as someone who was more than happy to help. She volunteered at the following events this year:

-IGA Match Play (The River Club)
-Idaho Junior Amateur (RedHawk GC)
-U.S. Open Qualifier (Banbury GC)
-U.S. Junior Amateur Qualifier (RedHawk GC)
-U.S. Girls Junior Amateur Qualifier (RedHawk GC)
-U.S. Mid-Amateur Qualifier (Falcon Crest GC)

“[Kathy Steele] is someone we can always count on to help out with any of our events,” said Nicole Bird, Manager of Rules and Competitions for the IGA. “She's comfortable with scoring, shuttling, registration, etc. It doesn't matter what task we ask her to help with, we know she will have it under control every time! [Kathy] loves being around golf and we love having her at our events!”

The IGA would again like to thank Kathy Steele for all she did this year. It would also like to express its gratitude to each of its volunteers who served in their various roles. Without them, the IGA couldn’t do what it does.

*The IGA relies on volunteer help for each event it hosts. Individuals are assigned at least one role during an event. Those roles consist of live scoring, registration, player-shuttle services, starting and rules officiating. With the appropriate training given for each role, individuals come from all over the state to assist at tournaments or IGA-member services like Course Rating. 

For those interested in volunteering next season, please send an email to nicole@idahoga.org.

Kicks and giggles amongst competition for first

Jennifer Harper sinks a crucial par putt on 15 to keep her lead.

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

SUN VALLEY, Idaho—As players gathered from around the state, each representing their home course as its regular club championship winner, they looked to bring Elkhorn Golf Club to its knees before it beat them to the punch. Inclement weather loomed in the distance for both rounds of the 2022 Tournament of Champions, peaking its ugly head in and out—giving the IGA staff and players a brief scare each time it did.

What was meant as a celebration for those who qualified, still had the familiar ring to it that IGA Championships do. Still trying to have fun, the fields for both men and women still wanted to compete for the silver trophy and bragging rights back at their respective clubs. It was Jennifer Harper, the Sun Vally Resort Club Champion, who went wire-to-wire in her victory as she posted a 74-79=153 (+9). Jesse Hibler claimed victory on the men’s side as he posted a tournament-best 72-70=142 (-2)—being invited to the event as the 2019 TOC Champion.

Harper held strong all week as she was constantly pursued by the likes of Katie Dearing (Eagle Hills Club Champion) and Abby Black (The Club at Spurwing Club Champion). Dearing, who finished in second place, had found herself with two shots as the final women’s group made their way to the closing nine. Knowing no lead is safe in the game of golf, Harper remained steady as she had all week by executing shots like her huge 12-footer for par on the 15th hole. At one point during her round, Harper was heard saying, “I love long putts!”

Jesse Hibler shortens the dogleg-left par-4 17th with a perfect drive in the middle of the fairway.

Hibler, who is an absolute beast when it comes to ball striking, put on a clinic for all those who watched this fall weekend. Needing particular angles into some of these contoured greens, Hibler had his ball on a rope as he moved it around the course at will. Watching his competitors fade by the wayside, like first-round co-leader Marc Rhoades who shot an 83 (+11) on day two, Hibler continued to execute like he has all summer—finishing second at the IGA’s Mid-Amateur and then winning the PNGA’s Master-40 Men’s Championship. Even though Hibler did not have the most birdies in the field, he was the most consistent—eliminating crucial mistakes that happened to many this past weekend.

Playing at roughly 6,500 yards for the men and 5,300 yards for the women, Elkhorn GC had pulled out its bag of tricks as it provided a tough but fair venue for the men and women. With drivable par-4s like hole No. 1—which saw Dearing about pin-high in the bunker after her tee shot landed on the green—and par-5s that could be stretched northward of 650 yards, players were kept on their toes and forced to play every club in their bag. The field was forced into thinking its way around the course and had there been no rain, players could have pulled another Phil Mickelson from their repertoire by taking the driver out of the bag and going with multiple long irons or 3-woods instead.

Trying something new this year, players were welcomed to the event with walk-up songs during their opening rounds like those who competed in the Senior TOC event. Having been given the option to choose their songs, some participants selected traditional songs like Thunderstruck by AC/DC or Seven Nations Army by The White Stripes. On the other end, players who did not choose a song during the registration process were gifted a song by the IGA, which made for some kicks and giggles as players were welcomed to choices like Who Let the Dogs Out by Baha Men or Uptown Funk by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson.

The IGA wanted to express its appreciation to all those who participated in its events this year and hope to see you all next year!

Click HERE for a complete leaderboard.

Undecided weather proves for tough TOC

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

SUN VALLEY, Idaho—What was originally designed as a reward for club champions around the Idaho Golf Association turned into a few hours each day of cold, wet golf. Most players layered themselves with lots of clothing. Cart covers were dusted off, while a few unfortunate souls bared the rain coming in at a 45-degree downpour. Yet, the field endured the weather for the 2022 Senior Tournament of Champions. Well, almost the entire field.

Nestled between the mountain ranges surrounding the Sun Valley area is Elkhorn Golf Club. As a true test for almost every golfer who steps foot onto its grounds, the tournament venue welcomed the more senior competitors in the IGA. Men and women competed in four divisions: Senior Men, Super-Senior Men, Senior Women and Super-Senior Women. Each coveted the silver hardware that awaited the tournament’s winners. However, only four could claim first place and bragging rights over all those who showed up: Scott Masingill (Senior Men), Fran Matthias (Super-Senior Men), Kris Fenwick (Senior Women) and Marilyn Celano (Super-Senior Women).

Masingill, who had trailed first-round leader Bret Rupert by two shots, put together an impressive final round 71 to finish at a four-under-par 140—winning by four over Rupert. Having stayed steady and preventing Mother Nature from rattling him too much, the G.O.A.T. of men’s golf in the state of Idaho capped off what had already been an impressive year of golf with his Senior Amateur win and Scotch Pines Club Championship title. Always gracious in victory and humble in defeat, Masingill looks to keep his momentum going heading into next season.

Fran Matthias hits an iron off the tee on the short par-4 10th.

For the Super-Senior Men, the theme for the 2022 season has been the competition between Fran Matthias and Mike Rawls—each having had the chance to claim victory over the other this season. Yet, Matthias, the RedHawk Club Champion, kept the winning streak alive as he pulled away from Rawls and his other fellow competitors by shooting 71-67 = 138 (-6) this week. As the lone man under par, Matthias is certainly making a name for himself here in the IGA. Hoping to stay in good form, he will have to keep it up as Russ Calkins, Kip Reeder, Rawls and the bunch stay hot on his heels.

In the Senior Women’s division, Fenwick again showed why she is a force to be reckoned with every season. The Lamey Cup participant and 2019 & 2021 TOC winner played her game as she defended her title against the likes of Stacey Camara, Jen Davis, and others. With the weather being a constant factor throughout the week, having a game that puts her in the middle of the fairway and a chance to hit the green gives a big advantage to her, especially with what she and the rest of the field had to deal with. Going 72-78 = 150 (+6), Fenwick managed to hold on to her lead as many struggled to regain momentum following Thursday’s lightning delay.

Kris Fenwick pumps her fist after making a big birdie putt on No. 9 green

Celano, the Super-Senior Women Champion, needed every hole of this event to pull out her victory. Going into the final hole tied with runner-up Brenda Pickett, Celano won with a double bogey on the last. Both ladies battled it out to the end. Knowing it would come down to a single shot, Pickett, who had left her approach shot in the front rough, jokingly asked if I wanted to hit her shot for her. Celano, who had just watched Pickett lip-out her double-bogey putt from nearly two feet, tapped her putt in confidently and secured herself the win by going 80-80 = 160 (+16).

After two long days of golf in cooler, wet conditions and two lightning delays in the middle of it all, players left Elkhorn with smiles and a deeper appreciation for a great, successful year of golf.

Until next year, the IGA thanks all those who have participated in its events and invite you all to do so again next year!

Click HERE for the complete leaderboard.

Patience, good golf, self-forgiveness necessary in come-from-behind victory

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

MCCALL, Idaho—It was quiet. Almost too quiet. As if uncomfortableness loomed over the group of players and spectators around the 18th tee box. Each was awaiting the outcome of a very competitive final round of golf. If one had listened hard enough, they could have heard a pin drop— cutting through the thickness of silence. With the tournament on the line, this group was all work and no play.

It was an impressive comeback by Jason Azzarito, having claimed the top spot on the podium at last week’s championship event. Being the only player in the entire field to have subpar rounds on all three days, Azzarito shot possibly his best 3-under-par round—finishing with an overall score of 5-under-par 211 to win by a single stroke over the 36-hole leader, Jesse Hibler.

“Gosh, [Jesse], what an amazing player,” Azzarito said. “He’s so solid throughout. I am more proud of beating him than you know anything else… He is a solid golfer all the way throughout. He didn’t give me a lot of opportunities. He didn’t play his best, but I mean, not his best out here is a 74, and that’s a dang good score.”

There they were. Azzarito and Hibler had found themselves tied after 53 holes. The championship had come down to the last hole, which just happened to be the hardest ranked hole of the week—having averaged 1.22 strokes over par.

The threesome had each hit their tee shots. Chris Boquette, who was in third, and Azzarito found the fairway, while Hibler had pulled his tee shot just left into the narrow sliver of rough between the short grass and the penalty area. Boquette put his approach shot pin-high about 15 feet left of the hole. Azzarito then proceeded by pushing his second into the greenside bunker. With the door wide open for Hibler to make a move, he did the one thing you can’t do on No. 18. He hit it long.

Jason Azzarito hits his approach shot on the par-4 18th hole.

Unable to save par, Hibler’s fate now rested in the hands of Azzarito. Needing to get up and down to win, Azzarito did just that as he watched his 6-footer drop for par. After exchanging a handshake and a “good playing” with one another, Azzarito’s ascent to the scoring area was more than likely euphoric. Meanwhile, the look of defeat encompassed Hibler—he knew he had no one to blame but himself.

For the champion, his play throughout the entire week was one of poise and patience. Jug Mountain wasn’t going to make it easy for him or for any golfer in the field. As mentioned before, a straight ball off the tee and having the ability to put the ball on the right side of the hole would be the perfect formula for a ‘W.’ It just happened to be Azzarito who did it best. Did he do it without a blemish? No. He just happened to do it the best.

“I’m surprised I think for one,” Azzarito said with a chuckle. “It is such a hard course. You don’t get a break at any point. You just have to play good golf throughout the entire time. I am proud of myself for doing that, and also, I was just hoping to give myself a chance today. I was happy to find myself in a good situation. I am happy with how I played.”

For an event that produced a scoring average of 83.23 for the entire week, it would still blow one’s mind that only one individual kept all three rounds under par; Azzarito having shot 71-71-69. His ability to bounce back from a poorly-struck iron shot or a lipped-out putt allowed him to keep his scores in the red and best the field.

Jason Azzarito stands perplexed as ball misses target. His reaction was common body language displayed by many in the field this week.

He stated: “Well, I think going in, you have to know that you are going to have some bad holes out here. A 75 is a solid score on this course. If you know that going in, then you are a little bit more forgiving on your bad shots because you know that it is a really hard course. You’re going to have some of those. That was kind of my mindset going in.”

Yes, Azzarito made 13 birdies, but what was even more impressive was how he responded to the adversity he faced this week en route to his come-from-behind victory. He had six bogeys and a double—including almost giving the tournament away as he bogeyed holes 16 and 17 during the final round. Yet, he remained strong, kept fighting, and captured his first Idaho Golf Association Championship.

Click HERE for a look at the leaderboard for all three days.

Mid-Amateur Payout:

1st Place Gross: $650 (Jason Azzarito)

2nd Place Gross: $500 (Jesse Hibler)

3rd Place Gross: $350 (Jeff Anderson)

4th Place Gross: $275 (David Bishop)

5th Place Gross: $200 (Brian Swenson)

6th Place Gross: $150 (Bob Wheeler)

7th Place Gross: $100 (Chris Carew)

1st Place Net: $550 (Ryan Hansen)

2nd Place Net $450 (Chris Boquette)

3rd Place Net: $300 (Jay Sutton)

T4th Place Net: $175 (Mike Montoya)

T4th Place Net: $175 (Jake Rynearson)

T6th Place Net: $90 (Michael Hayes)

T6th Place Net: $90 (Jeff Fowers)

Comeback victory over local golfing idols

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

MCCALL, Idaho—Why is it that people are drawn to sports? Is it the Top 10 moments? Is it the story of the underdog conquering the Goliath? The list could go on and on, but for the 2022 Women’s Mid-Amateur at Jug Mountain Ranch, it was the comeback by the eventual winner that made the event so compelling as a fan. A true test of endurance and patience, especially in a sport that demands both on every shot of every round played.

In the Women’s Mid-Amateur, Lori Ruiz took down the six-time champ Karen Darrington and Kris Fenwick by carding an impressive 74 (+2) in the final round to finish at 19 over par for the tournament—winning by four shots over Fenwick.

Starting her final round two shots back of the leader, which was Darrington at the time, Ruiz knew it was now or never in terms of making a move for the victory circle. Having just come off an impressive showing at the U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur Qualifier as the medalist, Ruiz looked to keep that same mojo going on a course she had never played before until this week.

Ruiz, the longest player in the women’s field, would normally have that to her advantage on every other course except Jug Mountain. However, she found herself having to play more 5-woods and long irons off the tee to get into position to hit some difficult pins, all while avoiding the long grass and penalty areas.

She said: “I knew that safe play was going to probably be what got anybody a ‘W’ out here, and as long as we kept it in play and tried to stay hopefully somewhere on the right side of the green, we were going to be OK.”

Lori Ruiz going with 5-wood off the No. 1 tee.

With three bogeys on the front nine, Ruiz had managed to stay within one shot of Darrington, who had shot four over on her front nine. Needing to get something going, Ruiz pulled off what could be the shot of the tournament. Pulling her tee shot on the par-3 10th well left, she found herself with a chip that would require her to bounce it into the hill and hope it would end up on the green semi-close to the hole.

“The up and down on 10 was pretty fun because there was no way I could get up and down if I hit the green,” she stated. “So, I knew I had to throw it into the rough and pray for a good bounce, which we got. The turning point was 10 because then [Kris] just turned it on, so competing with [Kris] the whole back nine was really what the focus was on…She was putting like a wizard out there.”

Doing just that, Ruiz executed the shot to perfection. With 10 feet left, she stepped up and sank what was a very much-needed par putt. Clearly now with the momentum, Ruiz proceeded to play the back nine of her life en route to her victory.

After a couple of bad breaks, Darrington’s lead had come and gone as she began to fade from the top of the leaderboard—having shot a very uncharacteristic 11-over-par 46 on the back nine. The race for the podium was now between Ruiz and Fenwick, who was the tournament’s round-one leader.

"The final round was so much fun,” Ruiz said. “Getting to play with two of your golf idols, [Kris and Karen], and being able to compete with them. It was going to be a win either way because of how much fun it was.”

With a five-shot advantage after nine, Ruiz’s short game and ability to maneuver the ball around a shot-shaping course was what helped her hold off a charging Fenwick, who had missed out on having three birdies in a row as her birdie putt on the par-3 14th hit the flagstick and bounced out of the hole.

Lori Ruiz on the 12th green watching as her putt is about to drop for her first birdie.

Ruiz was working on all cylinders. But how on was she? Well, Ruiz had stuck her approach shot on the short par-4 12th to eight feet, which lead to her lone birdie of the day; she narrowly missed out on a second straight birdie as she left her putt on the lip of the next hole; she then proceeded to nearly can her approach shot on the dogleg 15th. Did I mention she was nearly hole-high with an iron off the tee on the par-4 18th? And this was just her closing nine.

“So, after the first birdie dropped, I tried to do a little bit more pin-seeking,” she said.

Ruiz had brought her game when it mattered most. She had hung tight all week on a course that was brutal for even the best of Idaho’s top golfers. She had conquered what was thought to be an unconquerable beast.

Click HERE for a complete look at the final leaderboard.

Women’s Payout:

1st Place Gross: $400 (Lori Ruiz)

1st Place Net: $300 (Jennifer Harper)

"It really wasn't that bad of a 10; Neither was mine; Neither was his"

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

MCCALL, Idaho—The 5,000-foot-high golf course proved to be just as ruthless in round two as it was in round one. It had again required perfection of its victims, whch they did not return. The goal for them had been to hit it straight off the tee and to have always put their approach shots on the right side of the hole. But as balls continued to find the long stuff and not the bottom of the cup, the men and women in the two fields left Jug Mountain Ranch further away from conquering the beast than the start of the day. However, there were just a select few who had plotted their way around the track in red numbers or close to it.

Jesse Hibler continued his strong play on day two by shooting another 69 (-3). Heading into the final round with a four-shot lead over Jason Azzarito (-2), Hibler’s six under par had clearly indicated that this is his tournament to lose, which by the way he has been playing isn’t likely to happen. Leading the field with 11 total birdies between the two rounds, Hibler’s flat stick also doesn’t appear to be letting him down any time soon.

A familiar face has once again made its way to the top of the women’s leaderboard. Karen Darrington, despite shooting another 78 (+7) to currently sit at 14 over par, has positioned herself to potentially win this event for the seventh time. Yet, the leaderboard is a little more bunched toward the top than what Darrington may like. With the likes of Lori Ruiz (+16) and Kris Fenwick (+20) within striking distance, anything could happen in the final round.

To sum up the round as a whole, let’s just say there was no course record set today.

The cut line finished at 22 over par—eliminating nearly half of the men from the field.

For a complete look at both the Women’s Mid-Amateur and Mid-Amateur leaderboards, click HERE.

Golfers challenged in opening round of IGA Mid-Amateur

Written by Beaux Yenchik, Manager of Media and Communications

MCCALL, Idaho—Today’s opening round of the 2022 Mid-Amateur could be considered by some as one of the hardest rounds of golf played at an Idaho Golf Association event this year. With a challenging but fair setup, today’s competitors succumbed to the charm of Jug Mountain Ranch while slowly giving in to the golf course’s ailments: contoured greens, penalty areas on nearly every hole, and a big need for a straight ball off the tee. With only two players under par and a scoring average score of 84.5 for the two fields, this week’s Mid-Amateur has already shown us it will be a tough one.

Kris Fenwick found herself on top of day one’s leaderboard by shooting a five-over-par 76. Fending off the likes of six-time champion Karen Darrington and U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur medalist, Lori Ruiz, Fenwick stayed in control of her game on a course that demanded complete attention from her and every other golfer.

For the men, Jesse Hibler claimed the top spot by carding an impressive 3-under-par 69. Having shot even par on the front with two bogeys and two birdies, Hibler avoided any and all blemishes on his back nine while making three birdies in his first four holes.

Consistency and steadiness, two strengths demonstrated by both golfers, were helping factors for impressive rounds of golf. For a course that collected bogeys faster than kids getting candy on Halloween, today’s Women’s Mid-Amateur leader and Mid-Amateur leader held their own despite giving eight shots back to the field between the two of them.

As the field now looks to take on day two, it will be no less interesting to see who shows up.

Jug Mountain Ranch definitely flexed its muscles today.

Click HERE for a look at the complete leaderboard!