2024 Annual Awards announced

On Friday, November 1, the IGA Board of Directors named recipients of the 2024 Annual Awards in six categories. We are pleased to announce this year’s honorees.

9-Hole Course of the Year – Rock Valley Golf Course

Rock Valley Golf Course has been named the IGA’s 2024 9-Hole Course of the Year.

Rock Valley Golf Course is constantly described as a beautiful and wonderful facility to come and play, while their clubhouse, bar, and kitchen keep busy.

Success at the course is evident with growing memberships over the last few years, but the true testament to the condition of the course is arriving at the clubhouse on any given day and seeing cars with out-of-county or out-of-state plates.

RVGC has undertaken many projects around the course that have improved its condition, including the addition of multiple bunkers to the course, tree removal that had been detrimental to the condition of greens, rough, and fairways while also maintaining a level play that is competitive and still plays to the history of RVGC.

“We’ve added cart paths, been strategic in re-leveling tee boxes as needed and overseeding the greens and fairways to maintain the health of the course,” RVGC member Vaughan Ranschau said. “We have also added our own program for youth involvement that awards prizes as they accomplish goals.”

18-Hole Course of the Year – Palmer Hills Golf Course

Palmer Hills Golf Course has been named the IGA’s 2024 18-Hole Course of the Year.

Located in Bettendorf, Palmer Hills GC features 100-year-old oak trees, rolling hills, meticulously maintained fairways, and a meandering creek that comes into play on 11 holes. The course offers a challenge and a beautiful setting for golfers of all levels.

Also located at the facility is The Forge – an 18-hole putting course. The course covers 56,500 square feet and has four putting greens, providing flexibility in setup. Each green contains multiple holes, which are routed out and back. Tees (Cup holder stands) and holes are moved routinely to reduce wear. The greens are bent grass and roll around 11 on a Stimpmeter, which is the same speed as the main course.

Palmer Hills GC is also committed to junior golf. In 2024, 220 kids went through the First Tee program at Palmer Hills in addition to over 1,500 rounds as part of the Youth on Course program the course supports in partnership with the IGA. The course also supports PGA Jr. League, which brings family and friends together around fun, team golf experiences with expert coaching from PGA and LPGA Professionals.

Each year since 2018, Maintenance Superintendent Brian Hickey has worked with Bettendorf Middle School to organize a field trip to Palmer Hills. At the course, Bettendorf eighth graders learn the science behind golf course management through a program called First Green. In 2023, more than 300 Bettendorf eighth graders participated in First Green.

Palmer Hills encourages players to Tee it Forward to increase the pace of play and improve the enjoyment of the golfers. The scorecard lists the suggested tee based on how far a player can hit their driver. The suggested tees are also listed on a sign just outside the clubhouse near where the carts are staged.

Projects implemented in 2024 at Palmer Hills GC included the addition of new tees to cater to a wide variety of skills. In some cases, forward tees have been moved closer to the hole. In other cases, tees have been installed behind the existing tees to lengthen the course. A putting green was installed near the 1st tee, nets were installed on two sides of the driving range, and trees were removed to widen fairways and improve fairway growing conditions.

“Palmer Hills Golf Course excels in every aspect, from its well-maintained facilities and dedicated staff to its innovative and sustainable practices,” KC Jones said. “The course’s commitment to quality, community, environmental stewardship and wildlife conservation is outstanding.”

9-Hole Superintendent – Mike Finch, Hawarden Golf Club

Mike Finch, Hawarden Golf Club, is this year’s IGA 9-Hole Superintendent of the Year.

Finch is yet another outstanding example of the many superintendents of 9-hole golf courses across the state of lowa. Working long hours through the golf season with limited human and budgetary resources, Finch has overcome hurdles to produce one of the better maintained and playable 9-hole courses in northwest lowa.

Now completing his ninth season as superintendent, Finch spends his busy days mowing fairways, cutting rough, changing holes, mowing tees and greens, spraying for knot weeds, crabgrass and clover, fixing irrigation lines, top dressing and aerating greens, tree maintenance, keeping the equipment in running shape and a multitude of other problem-solving activities that are part and parcel to maintaining a quality golf course.

Finch has implemented several course improvements, including the formation of a practice area for iron play in previously unused space, automating all fairway sprinkler values, and the creation of a memorial golf tournament that, in five years, has raised more than $12,000 for enhancements to the tee boxes, cart paths, patio furniture, and other improvements.

“Mike takes great pride in his work, stretches resources, has brought new ideas, and maintains the course with the player’s perspective in mind,” Mark Gambaiana said. “Over the years, he’s done a great job keeping the turf in shape through all types of challenging weather conditions and the greens are always well maintained.”

18-Hole Superintendent – Dane Wilson, Wakonda Club

Dane Wilson, Wakonda Club, has been named the IGA’s 2024 18-Hole Superintendent of the Year.

For the past year, Dane has transitioned from golf course maintenance to golf course building as he oversaw the full restoration of Wakonda Club.

His work included rebuilding six greens, greatly expanding 12 others, reshaping and building all 57 buckers, planting 90 new trees, and installing a new irrigation system. Wakonda Club also regrassed all fairways and tees and laid over six trucks of sod. During the restoration Dane showed great leadership and skill in completing this work on time and under budget for the club.

“While this restoration has been difficult politically, physically, emotionally and more, Dane has been incredible in his work and expertise to successfully pull the project off,” Wakonda Club member Kevin Grimm said.

Dane spent countless hours planning, executing, growing in, and now maintaining a new course with the restoration. From hours of meetings to countless calls with vendors, Dane meticulously planned each detail and secured bids for each phase of the project. Included in the restoration was a brand-new irrigation system and pump house to improve our efficiencies and save money going forward. His new programs not only conserve water and save money but also provide firmer conditions in the fairways and greens for the membership to enjoy.

“Wilson’s stewardship of Wakonda Club has been nothing short of extraordinary,” Alex McCarty, Tournament Director, Principal Charity Classic said. “Under his leadership, the course has consistently been in pristine condition, offering an exceptional experience for both players and spectators. His meticulous attention to detail and commitment to excellence are evident in every aspect of the course.”

Club Manager of the Year – Chris Klahn, Valley Oaks Golf Course

Chris Klahn, Valley Oaks Golf Course, has been named the IGA’s 2024 Club Manager of the Year.

Klahn has actively advocated for junior, senior, and women’s golf, ensuring that Valley Oaks GC is a welcoming place for players of all ages and skill levels. He oversaw numerous events in 2024, including outings by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, local athletic boosters, and many more. In addition, he has managed countless company golf outings and holiday gatherings, which are executed to perfection.

Klahn also plays a significant role in coordinating and participating in weekly after-work golf leagues that create an atmosphere that appeals to and attracts golfers of all abilities.

With Klahn’s leadership, Valley Oaks has seen several course and facility improvements, which has led to a significant increase in rounds played year after year. His efforts have helped transform Valley Oaks into a sustainable operation, which was not necessarily the case before his arrival.

“Chris brings an infectious energy to the course, fostering a sense of camaraderie among members, while promoting a positive and engaging work environment for his staff,” Patrick Drennen said.

PGA Pro of the Year – Greg Mason, Iowa PGA Section

Greg Mason, Iowa PGA Section, is the IGA’s 2024 PGA Professional of the Year.

Mason, a true friend and forward-thinking advocate for the game of golf, was elected to membership in the PGA of America in 1991, and was named Executive Director of the Iowa PGA Section in 2018.

His leadership qualities have been seen state-wide, with not only his involvement with the IPGA Section but also as President of the Iowa Golf Council, which features representatives of Iowa’s major golf associations (IGA, PGA, GCSA, Club Managers).

Mason continues to provide a resource to the IGA as well, fostering open and honest dialogue to help grow the game of golf in the state of Iowa. Mason was also openly in favor of the Golf House Iowa project and key in getting the IPGA Section to contribute in an extremely generous way.

“Greg and I talk frequently,” stated Chad Pitts, IGA Executive Director. “I expect that we have quite a bit more communication than most in our respective positions in other states. That has led to tremendous collaboration amongst the IGA and Iowa PGA. Even though we serve a different segment of golfers, our mission and interests cross paths all of the time. ‘Mase’ has been a wonderful resource for our staff. We are grateful for that.”

Mason’s leadership helped the IPGA Section earn the 2024 Herb Graffis Award, given annually to one of the 41 PGA of America Sections that has shown tireless dedication to grow the game of golf and furthering player-development programming in the community.

Mark Egly, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Des Moines Driving Range for the past 30 years, is instrumental in showcasing the exceptional work the IPGA Section is accomplishing under Mason’s leadership. He has been honored with the 2024 Deacon Palmer Award, which recognizes a PGA of America Golf Professional who exemplifies remarkable integrity, character, and leadership in overcoming significant challenges in their life.

NOTE – The IGA Annual Awards Banquet is scheduled for Friday, December 6, at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona. We will communicate a schedule of events to the public, including the price to attend very soon. 

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