West Branch's Dave Pedersen joins the podcast with talk about his career in the golf business - primary building them. He's worked all over the country as well as in Ireland. He's worked for a few guy you have have heard of...and will tell a few stories about them both!
Chris Coen, Director of Agronomy at Glen Oaks Country Club, joins the podcast to discuss his career that has seen stops in Creston, West Liberty, Amana and West Des Moines – with a couple 'grow in' stops included. Coen, who likes to fish and hunt, has seen a lot change both on and off the course over the time he started in the turf business.
Brian Abels, Golf Course Superintendent at Ames Golf & Country Club, join the podcast to chat about his (very) early start in the business - thrown into the mix you might say. While no day is the same, Abels enjoys the challenge of the next task in front of him and usually finds a way to make light of any unforeseen situation that might arise.
2024 IGA Sean Flanders Volunteer of the Year Greg Lederer joins the podcast to chat about his start in becoming a well respected rules official for the Iowa Golf Association and his involvement in the 2019 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur hosted by his home course Cedar Rapids Country Club. Along the way Lederer has seen a few things on and off the course that I think you'll enjoy!
Rocket Tour Golf Founder Helena Stanton joins the podcast to share her story as a competitive junior ski racer and tennis player and then later as an avid golfer. Brought to Boulder, Colorado by beautiful mountains and opportunity, she began a 10-year business journey as co-owner of a pioneering craft-beer brand doing the brand marketing and design. While in the beer industry, she played regularly and noticed there was something missing on the bags of avid and professional golfers – style that combines the best of traditional classic looks but with bold modern details and would appeal and inspire younger golfers. She began sketching, designing and crafting products that have developed into the products and brand it is today. She believes that your golf bag is part of your on-course or at-the-club wardrobe and that it should always be fresh, look great, and say a bit about who you are. Rocket Tour supports and outfits more than 250 collegiate golf programs, junior golf programs, state golf associations and charity initiatives.
– 100th Episode –
Adam Thoms, Associate Professor – Turfgrass Management and Sports Turf at Iowa State University, stops by the podcast again to review the 2024 year of golf from the turfgrass side of things. Thoms also shares some answers to questions golfers might have now that their courses are closed for the year and snow will be falling on the greens soon if not already across the state.
Todd Stice, Manager, Rules (Technology, Content and Education) with the United States Golf Association (USGA) joins the podcast to enlighten the audience on the rules of golf, tell a few stories from his experiences and reminisce about growing up with the game (walk – don't take the cart!) in Keokuk.
Waterloo's Tom Christensen stops by the podcast to chat about growing up and playing a lot of golf with many great players who have called Waterloo home. Christensen, who has served the IGA in many capacities, remembers fondly of how the IGA has grown and strengthened over the years. You might even hear a couple good stories from Christensen too...sometimes you quit after six holes or you have to carry your own bag out west!
Katie Baldwin, USGA Foundation Major Gifts Officer, stops by the podcast to let the listeners know all about the great things the USGA Foundation does and continues to improve. While separate, Baldwin explains how the IGA and USGA Foundation work together to make the game of golf as good as it can be for all those in the game.
Mason City's Jared Doerfler joins the podcast to share his new adventure – Hanna Golf. From a putter that found its way into the bag in college to now as orders are being mailed out from his own 'shop', Doerfler is full steam ahead with his vision and determination to make a dent in the market.
Dave Gaer joins the podcast to talk about his days on the Asian Tour traveling with Payne Stewart, playing in tournaments with Kenny Perry, Greg Norman and others. Gaer, who is sustained a wrist injury in South Africa, remembers his first IGA event when Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member George Turner took him under his wing shortly after winning the Des Moines City Tournament as a young golfer.
Iowa City's Jeff Schmid, an Iowa Section PGA Professional, joins the podcast to talk about his recent success on golf's biggest stages. Schmid talks about his teaching philosophy as well and how he learned to play the game at an early age and continues to find success on the course. Schmid also gives his thoughts on what it will take for those competing in the Iowa Amateur at Finkbine Golf Course to hoist the trophy after 54 holes.
IGA staff Katelynn Hogenson and Karli Kerrigan join the podcast to share all the exciting details of the upcoming 100th Iowa Women's Amateur hosted by Sunnyside Country Club in Waterloo. New divisions, post-round social gatherings and a lot of good golf are in store for sure!
Fort Dodge's Judd Gibb joins the podcast to recall his days growing up playing as much golf as he could, while playing other sports as well. Gibb talks about his playing and coaching days at Iowa State University as well as his success as a player. Gibb, who recently made the cut at the 2024 U.S. Senior Open, mentions meeting Tiger Woods at the 2020 PGA Championship in San Francisco...well, his bodyguard to be exact.
Golf Professional at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona, Zach Steffen, joins the podcast to talk about his life in the golf business – including a start on the PGA Tour at the John Deere Classic. Steffen, who grew up in Des Moines, remembers playing evening rounds with his dad as his game matured as a junior golfer.
Alex McCarty, Tournament Director of the Principal Charity Classic, joins the podcast to talk about the event, set for May 29 - June 2. Alex started his career in 2014 as the Tournament Manager with the Principal Charity Classic. Throughout the last seven years he has managed elite professional golf tournaments including the BMW Championship and U.S. Senior Open. He is a native Iowan and a graduate of Simpson College.
Katelynn Hogenson, IGA COO, visits the podcast to chat about her experience as a Rules Official at the 2024 Augusta National Women's Amateur, which included some priceless memories on the grounds of and around Augusta National Golf Club. Simply surreal...
Clive's Jordan Weber joins the podcast to discuss his recent success on a worldwide professional golf tour, the NEXT Golf Tour. Enough success to earn him a spot in a handful of Challenge Tour starts and one on the DP World Tour events in Europe - what a deal!?
Tyler Johnson, of Mason City, joins the podcast to chat about his latest venture that he can't keep in stock – Toddler Golf Bags. Johnson, the 2019 IGA Match Play Champion, and his Charlie Golf Co. has taken on a life of their own. Sit back and listen to how it all started.
Spencer Groessl and Jeff Webb join the podcast to the speak about the Evans Scholars Foundation and their caddie program that is in place at a few IGA member clubs around the state and those that are starting one this year! It's exciting times ahead for sure with this program in the state of Iowa. As background, the Western Golf Association promotes the use of youth caddies and supports the Evans Scholars Foundation's efforts to award full tuition and housing college scholarships, now at the University of Iowa, to high-achieving caddies with limited financial means.
