Greenside - Official Podcast of the Iowa Golf Association

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 join 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 Wood 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.

Molly Biggs and Thomas Gould, both with ties to Iowa, stop by the podcast to kick off 2024. Both were interns in 2023 with the USGA's Green Section and were excited to share their experiences from that chapter of their lives. You might even hear a couple stories about recent Greenside guest, Zach Nicoludis - USGA!

Reilly Smidt, former P.J. Boatwright Jr. Intern with the IGA, joins the podcast to chat about his love for golf and the architecture that goes along with it. Smidt has had the fortune of playing several great facilities recently and shares with the listeners what that has been like and what to look for when you are out playing one of your favorite spots!

Brian Hickey, of Palmer Hills Golf Course, and Paul Miller, of Paul Miller Design, Inc., join the podcast to share some exciting news and things still in the works for the course in Bettendorf. If you haven't visited Palmer Hill GC recently, we're willing to bet you'll want to in 2024 after listening to this episode!

Zach Nicoludis, Regional Director, Central Region, joins the podcast to speak on and about the USGA's Green Section and his journey in the turfgrass business along the way. Working on a golf course during high school inspired Zach to pursue a degree in turfgrass science at Penn State University. Upon completing his degree, he worked as an assistant superintendent at St. Clair Country Club in Pittsburgh, Pa., French Creek Golf Club in Elverson, Pa., and Bidermann Golf Course in Wilmington, Del. Zach went on to become the South Course Superintendent at Wilmington Country Club in Wilmington, Del., where he spent four years before joining the USGA Green Section.

Collin Foster, a 2011 Herman Sani Scholar, joins the podcast to bring us up to speed on what's he been up to since his days at Waukee High School and then on to Ames to play golf for the Cyclones. An Elite 89 Award winners while in college, Foster recalls the days of junior golf, making the transition to college and a much higher level of golf and making the most of his time on and off the golf course. Foster also discusses balancing his lifestyle then and now with being Type 1 Diabetic.

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

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

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

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

Derek Peng, Gavin Matthias and Paige Hoffman join Clint on the podcast to talk about their background in the game of golf, what they are looking forward to this summer as a PJ Boatwright Jr. Intern with the IGA and their picks for the 2023 U.S. Open at Los Angeles Country Club. Did you know – In 1991, the USGA established the P.J. Boatwright Jr. Internship Program. This program is designed to give experience to individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in golf administration, while assisting state and regional golf associations in the promotion of amateur golf, on a short-term, entry level basis. All five of the IGA's full-time staff were once PJ Boatwright Jr. Interns.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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