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May 2011 On The Tee Returns to The John Deere Classic in Quest for 3rd Straight Win! Trifecta? INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Course Review River Valley Golf On The Tee Radio Interview with Zach Johnson Course Review River Valley Golf On The Tee Radio Interview with Zach Johnson pg 22 pg 14 S teve tricker

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On The Tee previews the John Deere Classic and Steve Stricker's chances of winning a three peat. Also a course review of River Valley and the OTT Radio guys sit down with Zach Johnson.

TRANSCRIPT

May 2011 On The Tee

Returns to The John Deere Classic in Quest for 3rd Straight Win!

Trifecta?InsIde ThIs Issue:

Course Review

River Valley Golf On The Tee Radio

Interview with Zach Johnson

Course Review

River Valley Golf On The Tee Radio

Interview with Zach Johnson

pg 22

pg 14

steve tricker

May 2011 On The Tee May 2011 On The Tee2 3

June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee3

Cink, Oosthuizen, Love III — the field for the 2011 John Deere Classic is stacking up to be quite a challenge for two-time reigning champion, Steve Stricker, who is attempting to record an historic third consecutive win at the tournament.

Plus, those are just a few of the highlight names that have committed to play in this year’s tournament. Other commits include up-and-coming, 23-year-old Austrailian Jason Day, who tied for second this year at The Masters, Rich Beem (2002 PGA Championship), Shaun Micheel (2003 PGA) and Canadian Mike Weir (2002 Masters), Scott Verplank, Boo Weekley, Brett Wetterichy, Chris Riley, Vaughn Taylor and Chris DiMarco.

The John Deere Classic field is shaping up to truly be a classic tournament.

Not only does the tournament at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois provide one of the best opportunities for Iowa golf fans to see some of the top professional golfers on the PGA Tour, it also has a huge impact for many charities. Last year, the tournament raised $4.34 million for 500 charities, which ranked it first among regular PGA Tour events in per capita contributions at $11.57 for each of the 375,000 residents of the Quad City area and eighth overall on the PGA Tour.

The John Deere Classic is truly a wonderful event.

This issue of On the Tee, which features Steve Stricker on the cover, offers a preview of the action at this year’s John Deere Classic, as well as plenty of other golf news that directly relates to Iowa golf fans.

Coupled with the On the Tee Radio Show, the On the Tee brand is the best source of Iowa golf news and commentary for all the golf nuts in the state—which we know there are plenty as our own Hack Nation continues to grow. You can tune in to the On the Tee Radio Show every Wednesday

night from 6-8 p.m. and join us for Iowa’s only year-round golf show. On the Tee features golf pros and experts from around the country who offer their knowledge and take on everything from the casual hobbyist to the serious professionals, such as those who’ll be seeking a victory at the John Deere Classic. The program also features weekly giveaways, which you definitely don’t want to miss.

What’s more, you can now join Hack Nation on Facebook with the On the Tee Facebook page! Everything On the Tee magazine and On the Tee Radio Show have to offer can now be accessed through our Facebook page. It’s a great way to connect with your fellow golf fanatics in Iowa and the rest of Hack Nation.

On The Tee with the Hack Nation

2928 Ingersoll Ave.•DM, IA 50312PH: (515) 283-1933 •FAX: (515) 283-1646

[email protected]

The Iowa Sports Connection is published once per month with copies available by subscription. The magazine can also be found at all Casey’s General Stores across the state in addition to a few select locations in Iowa. All stories and pictures produced by ISC staff © 2008 Iowa Sports Connection. All rights reserved. Stories, pictures and other content produced by contributors © 2008 their respective owners, with limited reprint rights reserved by the Iowa Sports Connection. The Iowa Sports Connection logo is trademark ™ Iowa Sports Connection.

Wednesday Evenings6pm - 8pm on AM1700

CONTENTS4 JDC Field Ready to Challenge Stricker

11 Gilder Wins Principal Charity Classic

14 Conversation with Zach Johnson

Stricker’s Quest for Trifecta to be Challenged by Strong John Deere Classic Field!

A strong John Deere Classic field is more than ready and capable of challenging Steve Stricker, who is looking to win an historic third John Deere Classic in a row.

Bob Gilder won this year’s Principal Charity Classic golf tournament by sinking a clutch, 30-foot birdie putt. Read the full review of the tournament on page 11.

Mike Rickord ISC Publisher

PGA pro and Iowa native, Zach Johnson, joined the guys on the On the Tee Radio Show June 22. Listen to the conversation here!

STAFF

Contributing Writers: Glen Turk, John Deere Classic, PGATour.com, Molly Brown, Aaron Blau, Susan Thompson, River Valley

Contributing Photographers: IowaGolf.com, Grand View University, Principal Charity Classic, John Deere Classic, River Valley

22 Course Review: River Valley

MIKE RICKORD • President/[email protected]

JOHN STREETS • Business [email protected]

TONY ATZENI • Radio Account [email protected]

JOE STASI • Sr. Sales [email protected]

TIM WEIDEMAN • [email protected]

EDUARDO ZAMARRIPA• Staff Writer

PJ CAFFREY• Account Executive [email protected]

DELBERT CHRISTENSEN • Marketing Cedar Rapids/Sioux City

ADAM OESTREICH • Graphic Artist

LAUREN SMITH • Graphic Artist/Writer

We’ve got a hole-by-hole breakdown of River Valley. Get tips and an overview on the course.

June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee4

Classic champions in the field are John Senden (2006), Mark Hensby (2004), and J.P. Hayes (2002). A number of former Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup players who have committed are Scott Verplank, Boo Weekley, Brett Wetterich, Chris Riley, Vaughn Taylor, and Chris DiMarco. Tickets for the John Deere Classic are available athttp://www.johndeereclassic.com/or by calling 309-762-4653. The PGA Tour began its run in the Quad Cities in 1971.John Deere, whose world headquarters is in Moline, Ill., assumed title sponsorship of the tournament in 1998 and is

committed through 2016.The tournament moved to TPC Deere Run in 2000. The tournament helped raise $4.34 million for 500 charities in 2010, ranking it first among regular PGA TOUR events in per capita contributions at $11.57 for each of the 375,000 residents of the Quad City area and eighth overall on the PGA TOUR. The John Deere Classic, which includes Bird-ies for Charity, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, Ill. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise $37.94 million for charity.

More than 20 recent PGA Tour winners, includ-ing eight from this season, will try to foil two-time defending champion Steve Stricker’s attempt to win an historic three straight at this year’s $4.5 million John Deere Classic, July 4-10, at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Ill. The current-year champions who have commit-ted to date are former John Deere Classic cham-pion Jonathan Byrd (2007), two-time winner Mark Wilson, Jhonny Vegas, D.A. Points, Johnson Wagner, Michael Bradley, Brendan Steele, and Keegan Bradley. Among committed players who have won a tour-nament in the last two years are Jerry Kelly, Rocco Mediate, John Rollins, Bo Van Pelt, Heath Slocum, and former John Deere Classic champion Kenny Perry (2008). “We’re pleased and excited to have such a solid group of current champions committed to play so early in the process,” said John Deere Classic tour-nament director Clair Peterson. “Players have until 5 o’clock Friday before the tournament to commit, so we expect to add other top name players as tourna-ment week draws closer.” Up-and-coming 23-year-old Australian sensation Jason Day, who tied for second this year at The Masters, also has committed. Day was 18 years old and playing on a sponsor exemption when made the cut at the 2006 John Deere Classic, his first tourna-ment of any kind in the U.S. A number of British Open-qualified players have

Strong Field Ready to Challenge Stricker’s Quest for JDC Three-peatContributed By: John Deere Classic

committed and likely will be boarding the tournament’s non-stop Sunday evening charter to Royal St. George’s. Among them are Stricker, Byrd, Kelly, former Masters champion and Cedar Rapids (Ia.) native Zach Johnson, Bo Van Pelt, and former British Open champions Todd Hamilton and John Daly. Other recent Open qualifiers include Brian Davis, Bob Estes, Nathan Green, Spencer Levin, and Chris Tidland. Stricker, who last year obliterated the tournament’s previous 72-hole scoring record by four shots, will return to TPC Deere Run this year at-tempting to be the first player in tour-nament history to win it three times in a row. The last PGA Tour player to win the same tour-nament three times consecutively was Tiger Woods from 2005-07 at the Bridgestone Invitational. Also returning will be veteran Paul Goydos, who finished second to Stricker last year after shooting a 12-under par 59 in his opening round. At the time, Goydos was one of only four players in PGA Tour his-tory to have shot 59 in an official event. Other former major champions in the field include Rich Beem (2002 PGA Championship), Shaun Micheel (2003 PGA), and Mike Weir of Canada (2002 Masters). In addition to Byrd and Perry, past John Deere

Steve Stricker (photo cour-tesy of PGA Photo)

May 2011 On The Tee May 2011 On The Tee

June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee6 7

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Davis Love III, a former PGA Champion and captain of the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup team, has committed to play in the $4.5 million John Deere Classic, July 4-10, at TPC Deere Run. Following the tournament, Love, 47, who qualified for the British Open last month, plans to fly to England on the John Deere Classic charter, which leaves Quad City International Airport on Sunday evening and delivers players to Kent, England and Royal St. George’s Golf Club by mid-day Monday. “It is very exciting to welcome Davis Love to the John Deere Classic,” said tournament director Clair Peterson. “As someone who has amassed 20 victories during an exemplary 20-plus year career on the PGA TOUR, Davis brings great character, class, personality, and a strong game to the tournament.” On Wednesday, tournament officials also formally announced they have awarded sponsor exemptions to three up-and-coming young players:

· Scott Langley, 22, is the world’s 12th-ranked amateur and recent graduate of the University of Illinois. A native of the St. Louis suburbs, Langley won the 2010 NCAA individual championship, was low amateur at the 2010 U.S. Open at Pebble Beach (tied for 16th), and led the U.S. team to a victory in the 2010 Palmer Cup. In 2011, he was named All-Big Ten and Academic All-Big Ten. His goal this year is to represent the U.S. on the Walker Cup team, which plays the team of Great Britain & Ireland in September.

· Morgan Hoffmann, 21, a former first-team All-American from Oklahoma State, recently made his first cut as a professional at the Travelers Championship,

where he shot 8-under par 272 on rounds of 68-67-68-69. The talented former Cowboys star turned pro after his junior year, when he was a semi-finalist for the Ben Hogan Award. After playing a number of regular PGA TOUR events on sponsor exemptions, the New Jersey native plans to play the Nationwide Tour. His home base is in Florida, where he’s living with former Cowboys teammate Rickie Fowler.

· Kevin Tway, 22, a first-team All-American from Okla-homa State, is the son of former PGA Champion Bob Tway, who plans to caddie for his son at the John Deere Classic. The former Cowboys star was a finalist for the Ben Hogan Award. Tway recently turned pro and played in the Travelers Championship, where he narrowly missed the cut.

“The John Deere Classic always has been vigilant in its commitment to give excellent young players an

Davis Love III Commits to Play in the John Deere Classic

opportunity to measure their skills against experienced tour professionals,” Peterson said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how well Scott, Morgan, and Kevin perform against the best in the world.” As always in recent years, the John Deere Classic will feature an international field. This year’s field includes 27 international players, including 11 Australians, four Canadians, four South Americans, three South Koreans, three Europeans, a Zimbabwean, and a South African. These players and more than 20 recent PGA Tour winners, including eight from this season, will try to foil two-time defending champion Steve Stricker’s attempt to become the first player ever to win the John Deere Classic three times consecutively.

Tickets for the John Deere Classic are available athttp://www.johndeereclassic.com/or by calling 309-762-4653. The PGA Tour began its run in the Quad Cities in 1971.John Deere, whose world headquarters is in Mo-line, Ill., assumed title sponsorship of the tournament in 1998 and is committed through 2016.The tournament moved to TPC Deere Run in 2000. The tournament helped raise $4.34 million for 500 charities in 2010, ranking it first among regular PGA TOUR events in per capita contributions at $11.57 for each of the 375,000 residents of the Quad City area and eighth overall on the PGA TOUR. The John Deere Classic, which includes Birdies for Charity, is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in the John Deere Classic tournament offices at 15623 Coaltown Road, East Moline, Ill. Since its founding in 1971, the tournament has helped raise $37.94 million for charity.

Contributed By: John Deere Classic

May 2011 On The Tee May 2011 On The Tee7

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June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee8 9

Following another one of the most successful seasons in program history, Grand View University Head Men’s Golf Coach Chris Winkel has been voted as the NAIA Men’s Golf Coach of the Year.

Winkel becomes the first coach in Grand View athletic history to earn a national Coach of the Year honor.

Winkel led the 2010-11 Viking men’s golf squad to its second MCC title as Grand View qualified for the NAIA Championships for the second consecutive year and the third time in Winkel’s coaching career at Grand View.

The Vikings placed sixth at the NAIA Championships for the second straight year under Winkel’s guidance led by two-time All-American and MCC Player of the Year Josh Manske.

“Chris Winkel is a very deserving recipient of Golf Coaches Association NAIA Coach of the Year award. He has worked very hard to establish our golf programs as national contenders in the last few years. Back to back sixth place national finishes for the men and a runner-up conference finish this year for the women validate his efforts. We are extremely proud of the success and recent accomplishments of both programs and Coach Winkel’s influence on their success,” said Athletic Director Troy Plummer.

Grand View’s Winkel Named Men’s Coach of the YearContributed By: Grand View University

Manske Named Player of the Year

Grand View junior Josh Manske (Algona, Iowa) was voted as Player of the Year. Manske posted individual top-10 finishes in eight of nine tournaments entered this year, including two wins and three second-place finishes. One of his wins came in the NAIA Preview Invitational at Silvis, Ill., in the fall in a tourney featuring many of the top programs nationally in the NAIA.

“I am very happy for Josh, this is a well-deserved award,” said Grand View Head Coach Chris Winkel. “He has had a very good year and winning the NAIA national preview last fall is a great accomplishment. Josh works very hard, puts in a lot of effort to be the best player he can be, and makes me a better coach.”

Winkel was chosen by his peers as Coach of the Year for the second straight year. He led Grand View to the conference title and a berth to the NAIA National Championships, accomplishing both feats for the second straight year.

2011 Midwest Collegiate Men’s Golf All-Conference Team Aaron Ahrendsen (Manning, Iowa) – Grand ViewJosh Manske (Algona, Iowa) – Grand ViewDerek McConnell (Foxboro, Ontario, Canada) – Mount MercyMatt Skahill (Bettendorf, Iowa) – St. AmbroseDerrick Meier (Chilton, Wis.) - Viterbo

2010 Midwest Collegiate Men’s Golf Honorable Mention All-Conference TeamCasey Anderson (Angola, Ind.) – AshfordJosh Udelhofen (Platteville, Wis.) – ClarkeRick Fee (Phoenix, Ariz.) – Grand ViewEmery McGraw (Loveland, Colo.) – Iowa WesleyanTravis England (Moline, Ill.) – St. AmbroseJacob Schertz (Byron, Ill.) – St. AmbroseMike Hesselman (Edgerton, Wis.) – ViterboSeb Stobart (Harare, Zimbabwe) – William Penn

Contributed By: Grand View University

May 2011 On The Tee May 2011 On The Tee9

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June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee10 11

Hawkeyes to Represent USA at World University Games

am excited to see them play and I expect good things to happen.”

Both the men’s and women’s team will compete Aug. 17-20 at Mission Hills in China. The men’s team will play the World Cup Course, while the women will play the Vijay Course. The tournament will be a 72-hole stroke play format. The World University Games are held every two years, but this is just the second time that golf has been included as a sport. Each host country can choose up to six optional sports to include in the World University Games, and Thailand was the first country to add golf in 2007. Golf was not included in 2009.

Current UI Head Men’s Golf Coach Mark Hankins served as Team USA’s men’s head coach in 2007.

University of Iowa men’s golfer Vince India and former UI Head Women’s Golf Coach Diane Thomason will rep-resent the United States at the World University Games in Shenzhen, China Aug. 12-23. India has been selected as a member of the men’s golf team, while Thomason is the Head of the USA Delegation and will serve as the women’s head coach. India was one of five collegiate golfers selected to the team and will be joined by Jace Long (Missouri), Jason Millard (Middle Tennessee State), Alex Carpenter (Abilene Christian) and Nick Benton (Arkansas-Little Rock). “I’m thrilled to represent the USA at the World Univer-sity Games,” India said. “This is a great chance to play golf against some of the top young players in the world. The World University Games is a once in a lifetime op-portunity and I’m very excited for the competition.” India is coming off one of the best individual seasons in Iowa men’s golf history. He was named Big Ten Player of the Year, earned the Les Bolstad Trophy for the low-est stroke average in the Big Ten (71.08), was named first team All-Big Ten and set the school record for the lowest single-season stroke average in Iowa history. He earned individual titles at the Golfweek Conference Chal-lenge, the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate and the Hawkeye-TaylorMade Invitational as a senior. Thomason has been affiliated with USA Golf since 1986, taking women’s teams to both the World Golf Champi-onships and the World University Games. She served as Iowa’s women’s head coach for 27 years, guiding the Hawkeye women to the Big Ten title in 1991. She was national Coach of the Year in 1985 and 1990 and Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year in 1990 and 1991. She was inducted into the National Golf Coaches As-sociation (NGCA) Hall of Fame in 1994-95. “The World University Games is a once in a lifetime ex-perience for collegiate athletes,” Thomason said. “They have the opportunity to represent their country in a very competitive event, which includes players from all over the world. Our USA team is a strong team of players. I

Contributed By: Aaron Blau, University of Iowa Sports

NCAA Division I PING All-Region honorees have been announced by the Golf Coaches Association of America (GCAA) and three University of Iowa men’s golfers have been selected. Seniors Vince India and Brad Hopfinger, along with junior Chris Brant, received All-Region honors to add to their all-Big Ten accolades.

This is the second time that India and Hopfinger have earned All-Region honors, while this is the first All-Region recognition for Brant. India was an All-Region honoree in 2009, while Hopfinger was honored last season.

India, a native of Deerfield, Ill., was named Big Ten Player of the Year after putting together the best individual season in Hawkeye men’s golf history. India became just the second golfer in school history to win the prestigious Les Bolstad Trophy, awarded by the Big Ten Conference at the end of the season to the male golfer who records the lowest stroke average during the season (fall and spring). India’s regular season stroke average of 71.08 is the ninth-lowest in the trophy’s history, dating back to 1974. His current total season stroke average (71.38)

is the lowest in Iowa’s history.

India captured first place in three different tournaments as a senior, winning the Golfweek Conference Challenge, the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate and the Hawkeye-Taylor-Made Invitational. He is just the third player in school history to win three or more tournaments in a single season.

India has played in 10 stroke-play tournaments this year and has finished in the top-15 in nine of them, including eight top-10 finishes.

He is just the second player in school history to be named Big Ten Player of the Year, joining Brad Klapprott, who won the award in 1992. India was also selected as Iowa’s Male Athlete of the Year.

Hopfinger recorded five-straight top-20 finishes in the fall, including top-10 marks in each of the last three tournaments. He finished tied for third at the Fighting Irish Classic with a three-round total of 209 (-1), tied for second at the Rod Meyers/Duke Invitational with a score of 212 (-4) and tied for seventh at the Royal Oaks Intercollegiate with a two-round total of 137 (-5).

The Lake Forest, Ill., finished tied for 10th at the Hawkeye-TaylorMade Invitational and tied for 14th at the Robert Kepler Invitational in Columbus, Ohio. Hopfinger currently owns a season scoring average of 72.69 which stands as the fourth lowest in program history.

Brant made his presence known in the conference with an impressive performance at the 2011 Big Ten Cham-pionships. Brant held the lead for the first two rounds before finishing runner-up by one stroke to Illinois’ Luke Guthrie. Brant and Guthrie were the only two players in the 54-man field at the Big Ten Championships to finish even par or better. His current season scoring average of 72.17 stands as the second lowest in Iowa record books.

Brant also led the Hawkeyes at NCAA Regionals, finish-ing tied for seventh. He shared the individual lead after the first round of the NCAA Regional tournament.The Hawkeyes are currently at the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship in Stillwater, Okla. Thirty of the nation’s best programs are competing in three rounds of stroke play, vying for one of the coveted top eight spots in the match play bracket to decide the national champion. The NCAA Championship is being held May 31-June 5.

Three Hawkeyes Earn PING All-Region HonorsContributed By: Aaron Blau, University of Iowa Sports

Not valid with any other offer. Good July 1 - 31, 2011.

June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee11

Bob Gilder made a 30-foot birdie putt on No. 18, then watched Mark Brooks bogey the hole to escape with a one-stroke victory Sunday in the Principal Charity Classic. Brooks seemed assured of his first victory in seven starts on the Champions Tour when he led by three strokes with four to play. But he hit into the water on 17 and needed a nifty putt just to make bogey. He then three-putted on 18 to hand the title to Gilder, who also won this tournament in 2002. The 60-year-old Gilder earned his 10th victory on the Champions Tour but first since 2006. He closed with a 6-under 65 for a 14-under 199 total. “It’s just been a long time,” said Gilder, choking up in the emotion of the moment. “You put in a lot of work as you get older. You kind of wonder if you can do it again.” Brooks, the leader after the first two rounds, shot 68. Mike Goodes and Rod Spittle each came in at 65 to finish two strokes back. Mark Calcavecchia, who trailed Brooks by one stroke heading into Sunday, shot 69 and finished three off the lead. “That was a disaster,” Brooks said. Gilder’s victory followed 61-year-old Tom Watson’s win in the Senior PGA Championship, the first time in the 50-and-over tour’s history that 60-plus golfers have won back-to-back tournaments. It’s just the 20th time that a player 60 or over has won. Gilder also snapped a streak of four straight tournaments ending in playoffs. But even with Gilder’s clinching putt, this one appeared headed for a playoff because Brooks needed to merely two-putt from 25 feet for a tie. But he rolled his putt 5 feet past the hole, then missed the comebacker as the gallery groaned. “That was one of the few I hit past the hole all week,” Brooks lamented. “The rest were short, short, short. If had putted good today, I would have won by three or four strokes.” But he didn’t and Gilder had a long awaited victory, ending a drought of four years, eight months and 13 days since winning at the Constellation Energy Classic. His best finish previously this year had been a tie for 56th. “I thought it was going to be a playoff,” Gilder said. “That’s not a good way to lose it for Mark. It’s not a fun way to lose.” Trailing by four through 14 holes, Gilder shaved off a stroke on each of the next two holes with birdies, then got to within a single stroke of the lead when he parred 17 while Brooks bogeyed. Then came the dramatic 18th and one of the most memorable putts of Gilder’s career. “Until he hit into the water on 17, winning never really had entered my mind,” said Gilder, who had only one bogey in the 54 holes. Spittle played the last 48 holes without a bogey. He got himself onto the leaderboard by making four

birdies and an eagle during a seven-hole stretch in the middle of his round. “I could have had a few more out there and looking at the leaderboard, it would have helped,” Spittle said. “But I played well. If you can shoot 65 or 66, that makes it fun for everybody.” After two early bogeys, Goodes birdied seven of his last 12 holes to keep pace with Spittle, his playing partner. His highlight: A long chip for birdie on No. 17 after hitting into the stands. “That was the only good shot I hit on that hole,” he said. “That’s the way golf is. Sometimes it only takes one.” Calcavecchia was tied for the lead through 7, but bogeyed the par 5 No. 9 hole to fall three back and saw his hopes of a late run end with bogeys on the final two holes. Defending champion Nick Price closed with a 66 to finish six back. Price had recorded nine straight rounds in the 60s in this tournament before shooting a 71 on Saturday. Keith Fergus tied the tournament record with a 63, the best round of his Champions Tour career, after starting 76-73. He put up eight birdies in his bogey-free round, including four in a row on the front nine. The difference? He left his allergy medicine behind. “I think it kind of made me in a foul humor for two days,” Fergus said. “So I just said, ‘You know what, if I die of allergies, I’m just going to die.’ I went out and I just played well and hit the ball and made some putts, felt a little more enthusiasm about my game.” A 63 was recorded three times previously in this tournament, most recently by Tommy Armour III in the first round last year.

Long Putt on 18 Gives Gilder Principal Charity Classic TitleContributed By: Principal Charity Classic

Bob Gilder (photo by Principal Charity Classic)

Principal Charity Classic Photos

All photos courtesy of the Principal Charity ClassicBelow in order: Fred Hoiberg, Craig Stadler and Ben Jacobsen; Nick Price, Fuzzy Zoeller

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956

Erik Kuselias Interview(05/04/2011)

Lonnie Nielsen Interview(05/25/2011)

John Hawkins Interview(06/15/2011)

Clair Peterson Interview(04/13/2011)

Mark Hankins Interview(06/8/2011)

The On The Tee gang talk with Zach Johnson, PGA Pro and Iowa Native. Click on the video above to watch the full interview on YouTube.

On The Tee - Zach Johnson Interview (June 29, 2011)

June 2011 On The Tee June 2011 On The Tee15

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When nature’s beauty combines so perfectly with human imagination the outcome is indescribable by mere words. On the other hand, a well crafted and timed picture makes memorializing the otherwise indefinable possible. Such is the case at Iowa’s number one golf course, The Harvester Golf Club, in Rhodes, IA. The 7,340 yard Keith Foster design opened to rave reviews on July 1st, 2000 and has been setting the bar for Iowa golf ever since. “Compared to some of the most famous courses in the world, we recognize that The Harvester is young,” stated Harvester’s owner Dickson Jensen. “But the course design, the surroundings, and the commitment to tradition all lends to a maturity and a degree of excellence beyond our years.” After a recent trip to The Harvester Golf Club, which is just minutes northeast of Des Moines, I found myself at a loss for words, (a rarity for sure) but not on how to tell Harvester’s bold story. Therefore I have enlisted the help of golf photographer Joel Randall and Harvester’s Head Golf Professional John Haberman. Between these two highly skilled golf aficionados, it is my hope you’ll understand what makes The Harvester Golf Club so distinctive and a course that must be added to anyone’s Bucket List. Below you will be treated to four panoramic images of the finest collection of par-3’s I’ve experienced in a long time followed by a description by their 4th year head pro on what makes them so memorable.

#3, 165 yards - “Humble Crossing” The golfer is presented with a slightly downhill tee shot over one of Harvester’s beautiful water features. A new sod-wall bunker on the left will collect any “long left” shot that bails away from the water in front of and

right of the green. Accuracy is a must on this tee shot due to the ridge that runs directly through the middle of the green.

#8, 185 yards - “Serendipity” With Lake Harvester as the backdrop, this shot requires a precisely placed iron depending on the location of the pin. The hole features a front-left bunker and a green that slopes from left to right, making it difficult to get to a front left pin. That slope can also create some excitement for a back-right pin as balls will funnel towards to the hole. A true delight for those who like to shape their shots!

#14, 180 yards - “The Ridge” The Harvester offers variety on this par-3 due to two separate teeing areas. This downhill par-3 requires distance control from both tees due to a split-level green. This severely sloped green will get your attention as you approach the putting surface and demands every ounce of touch. Par here is a great score.

#17, 165 yards - “The Thresher” The par-3 17th at The Harvester might be the most daunting of our three finishing holes. A new limestone walls lines the green from Lake Harvester. A collection area and greenside bunker on the left collect those

who “bail out” from the water. A three level green requires perfect distance control depending on the hole location that day. Our back-right “Sunday Pin” might be the hardest shot on our course. To get it close, you would have to hit you 170 yard tee shot within a 15 foot circle. In conclusion, there is something magical about traveling seven hours from home to play a property so highly thought of by the golf media that has been rated Iowa’s best golf course basically since the minute it opened. And after enjoying four hours of solitude and splendor, I can say only one thing - every golf writer that played Harvester GC in Rhodes, IA before me was dead solid perfect. For more information on The Harvester Golf Club, visit their website at www.harvestergolf.com or call (641) 227-4653.

The Harvester Golf Club in Rhodes, Iowa the Epitome of Hawkeye PrideContributed By: Glen Turk IowaGolf.com

The Harvester Golf Club / IowaGolf.com

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Course Review: River Valley - Hole by Hole BreakdownRiver Valley Golf

Hole Number One | Par 4Gold: 393 yds | Black: 369 yds | White: 320 ydsA good starting hole that doglegs slightly to the right. The elevated tee box will allow you to see the entire hole. A small creek goes along the left side of the hole. There is plenty of room on this hole, but just be aware. Make sure you check the pin location before hitting your approach shot as this is one of the deepest greens on the course.

Hole Number Two | Par 5Gold: 515 yds | Black: 500 yds | White: 408 ydsKeep your tee shot to the left and you will be in good shape, as out of bounds can come into play on the right side. The big hitters will be able to carry the bunker on the right side for a few extra yards. If the wind is right some people will be able to get there in two, but any errant shots to the right will be caught by the green side bunker. Try to keep your approach shot below the pin as this green slopes from back to front.

Hole Number Three | Par 3Gold: 180 yds | Black: 165 yds | White: 130 ydsOur first par three is a tough one as it plays slightly up hill and is protected by bunkers in the front of the green. Choose your club wisely as wind and playing up hill always are a factor. Pay attention to where the pin is located on this hole as a spine runs right through the middle of this green. Hit on the wrong side and you leave your self with a long putt.

Hole Number Four | Par 4Gold: 413 yds | Black: 382 yds | White: 315 ydsA very good par four that will leave some guessing what club to use off of the tee. A creek intersects this hole about 70 yards from the green and all terrain funnels to it. Hit your tee shot too long and you may

find the creek. Leave your drive too short and it won’t kick down the hill, leaving you with a long, scary approach shot. Your approach shot is important here as anything hit too short will roll back down to the creek. Hit anything too long and you�re left on a ridge for a tough up and down.

Hole Number Five | Par 5Gold: 535 yds | Black: 520 yds | White: 495 ydsWelcome to the toughest hole on the golf course! Water guards the entire left side and there is out of bounds down the right side. The fairway is straight but you won’t be able to see it from the tee box. Trees line the left side of the fairway so try to hit a drive down the right side. This will put you in good position for your next shot. If you’re long enough you might be able to try and get there in two, but most people will lay-up to 150 yards for the shot over the pond. The green slopes from back to front and left to right. Good Luck!

Hole Number Six | Par 4Gold: 388 yds | Black: 365 yds | White: 300 ydsA dogleg par four with a bunker guarding the right side for anyone that gets too aggressive trying to cut the corner. A drive to the left side will give you the best angle of approach to this two tiered green. The bunker will catch any approach shots that are too long. Pay attention to the pin location, because this green is wider than it is deep and slopes from right to left.

Hole Number Seven | Par 4Gold: 364 yds | Black: 344 yds | White: 266 ydsA short, straight away, down hill par four. All tee shots will get an extra kick down the fairway to make your approach shot a little bit shorter. Take time with your approach shot, because two bunkers defend the right and left portions of this green. The green can be a little

challenging as it slopes from back to front and slightly left to right. Take your time, because the green may prevent your birdie opportunity.

Hole Number Eight | Par 4Gold: 388 yds | Black: 363 yds | White: 295 ydsThe mound on the right side of the fairway is a good spot to aim your tee shot. Hit directly over the mound and your ball will roll a few more yards. Hit it to the left of the mound and your left with a good angle of approach to the green. Hit to the right and it may kick behind a tree and definitely puts the green side bunker into play. Anything short on your approach is just fine, but go long and the green drops off leaving you with a tough up and down. This is a good birdie opportunity as the green slopes from back to front.

Hole Number Nine | Par 3Gold: 168 yds | Black: 141 yds | White: 120 ydsA signature par three awaits you as you round out your first nine. This hole plays up hill, over water, and is protected by two links style bunkers on the left and right side. Hit a solid tee shot or else you will find yourself in one of those deep green side bunkers, making an up and down very tough. If you find the green off the tee make sure to take your time.

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Hole Number 10 | Par 4Gold: 359 yds | Black: 350 yds | White: 325 ydsAn elevated tee box will give you a good look at this straight away par four. A drive favoring the left side of the fairway will take the right green side bunker out of play. Birdie opportunities are abundant on this hole. The green generally slopes from back to front.

Hole Number Eleven | Par 5Gold: 498 yds | Black: 472 yds | White: 454 ydsThree bunkers guard the dogleg on this short par five. You have two options, cut the dogleg or play straight away. If you cut too much off the dogleg you may find your self out of bounds. A good drive over the bunkers will drastically shorten the hole and make eagle an option. Play safe and you will still have a good opportunity at birdie. The green slopes away from the middle, so take your time when reading your putt.

Hole Number Twelve | Par 3Gold: 160 yds | Black: 140 yds | White: 111 ydsWater surrounds the entire green on this short, up hill par three. We like to call it our moat green. Don’t get too nervous because there is plenty of green between the water, even if you can’t see it from the tee box. Find the green in regulation and par should be an easy score, as this green is relatively flat.

Hole Number Thirteen | Par 4Gold: 413 yds | Black: 395 yds | White: 364 ydsTwo bunkers guard the dogleg on this downhill par four. Be careful with your drive as out of bounds is in play on both the right and left sides of the fairway. Starting your drive down the left edge of the bunkers will put you in prime position for your approach shot. A bunker on the

left side of the green is there to catch any errant shots. Check the pin location before hitting into this three tiered green that slopes from back to front.

Hole Number Fourteen | Par 4Gold: 382 yds | Black: 362 yds | White: 326 ydsA good par four with a tough green. Try to keep your drive down the right side of the fairway for the best angle of approach to the green. A bunker defends the left side of the green. Keep your approach shot below the hole as the right side of this green slopes pretty severely from back to front. Any approach shot over the green will be a tough up and down.

Hole Number Fifteen | Par 4Gold: 427 yds | Black: 365 yds | White: 325 yds

Tee it high and let it fly, as there is plenty of room left and right on this hole. Find this wide fairway and hit it on the green. The green generally slopes from back to front, but it is the subtle breaks that make this hole seem more difficult. Take your time over the birdie putt.

Hole Number Sixteen | Par 3Gold: 200 yds | Black: 190 yds | White: 171 ydsThe longest par three on the course will welcome you with bunkers protecting the left and rights sides of the green. Factor in the wind on your tee shot as the trees sometimes make it swirl. Try to keep your ball below the hole as this will give you the best opportunity to make your putt. The green is like a turtle back that generally slopes from back to front.

Hole Number Seventeen | Par 5Gold: 542 yds | Black: 515 yds | White: 410 ydsThis is the longest hole on the course. Trees line the left side of the fairway helping

protect the dogleg. The bunker is reachable down the right side of the fairway. Keep the ball in the fairway for the best chance at getting there in two. Pay close attention on your approach shot. A bunker guards the left side of the green and many shots that hit the green may funnel back to it. A small ridge intersects this peanut shaped green making any approach shot or putt difficult.

Hole Number Eighteen | Par 5Gold: 359 yds | Black: 337 yds | White: 317 ydsProbably one of the most notorious holes on the golf course! The green rises almost 100 feet above the tee box. The finishing hole is straight away up hill. Try to keep your ball in the fairway as this will help get it up to the green. When making your club choice, remember to factor in the hill. Try to keep your ball below the hole when hitting in to this three tiered green that slopes severely from back to front. Anything too short or too long will be a very tough up and down. Par is a great score on this hole! Good Luck!

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For the second year in a row, Lake Panorama National is gearing up to host the annual tournament that brings Iowa’s top professional and amateur golfers together. The Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open will be held August 19-21, with a pro-am tournament August 18. Troy Christensen, executive director of the Iowa PGA Section, said the 2010 Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open was a huge suc-cess. “I am still hearing numerous positive comments from the players regarding the event. The Panora community truly embraced the event and we can’t wait to return to that atmosphere this August.” A contract between the Iowa Section PGA and Brokers International, Ltd. brings the tournament to Lake Panorama National for at least five years. The Panora insurance marketing company commit-ted $25,000 annually to the event. Roger McCarty is the Brokers International, Ltd. founder and CEO. When the contract was signed in July 2009, he said the Brokers International Ltd. Iowa Open would be a “first class operation. We’re going to do it right, and do some things that haven’t been done before at this tournament.” Prize money for the 2010 tournament increased significantly. The total purse for the open division was $37,575, with more than $7,000 awarded in the senior division. The open division winner, Zack

Plans Underway for 2011 Brokers International Ltd. Iowa OpenContributed By: Susan Thompson

Vervaecke of Grimes, won $7,000. Now, McCarty has pledged the 2011 first place winner will receive $10,000. Additional payouts are yet to be deter-mined, but are expected to be at least as generous as 2010. Prize money is dependant on entry fees as well as sponsor funding. John Dinnebier, LPN general manager and director of golf, said the increase in prize

money enticed more players to participate in the 2010 tournament, and he’s expecting another big jump in the number of competitors this year. One reason Dinnebier expects the field to fill in 2011 is because of some changes in who can register. In the past, the 144-player field has been open only to professionals and amateurs who reside in Iowa, as well as golfers with Iowa ties. In 2011, the first 104 slots still will be reserved for Iowans. Another 40 slots will be open to out-of-state players. Once those 40 slots are taken, others interested will be placed on a waiting list. If the 104 slots reserved for Iowans aren’t filled by August 9, players on the waiting list will be allowed to register. “This is still an Iowa tournament, and we will be doing all we can to encourage our great Iowa professionals and amateurs to come out and sup-

port it,” Dinnebier said. “At the same time, we want to make the tournament as exciting as possible for players, spectators and sponsors.” LeRoy Oxley of Panora served as tournament director in 2010 and returns in that capacity this year. “I heard lots of positive comments throughout the 2010 tournament,” Oxley said. “The pros were very complimentary of the course conditions and the help provided by the volunteers.”

Admission to the tournament is free, and Oxley hopes to increase the number of spectators. “This tournament will feature some great golfers and we’re hoping more people come out and enjoy see-ing them play,” he said. While the three-day tournament for profession-als and amateurs is the main event, a pro-am tour-nament Aug. 18 also is planned. In 2010, 31 teams competed. Organizers hope to have the maximum of 34 teams for the 2011 tournament. It’s expected more than 200 volunteers will be needed to help with a variety of jobs related to the tournament. Volunteers will wear red shirts and a white cap or visor with the Iowa Open logo. Roxie Ruth and Kathy De Lucca are coordinating volun-teers. To volunteer, contact Ruth at 515-987-3635 or De Lucca at 641-755-3116. More information is available online at www.iowaopen.com. This site includes player registra-tion details, plus forms that can be downloaded for pro-am tournament registration and volunteer scheduling.

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Daily SpecialsMondays (excluding holidays) 18 Holes W/Cart $20Tuesday, Thursday & Fridays - Tee off before 10:00am 18 Holes W/Cart $25 (Tee Time Required)Wednesdays - Unlimited Golf W/Cart $35!Senior Rates Monday - Fridays before 1:00pm (55 yrs & older)Friday - ISU Students golf for half price!

2011 Tournament ScheduleJune 12 - 4 Person Best ShotJuly 10 - Couple’s Best ShotSeptember 11 - Honey Creek AmateurSeptember 25 - 4 Person Best Shot 8in. Cup October 2 - 4 Person ShambleOctober 16 - 4 Person Best Shot 8in. CupVisit Us at: www.golfhoneycreek.com

Honey Creek “Iowa’s Premier Golf Course”1323 Noble Lynx Drive Boone, IA 50036 (515) 432-6162

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