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Greenside - Official Podcast of the Iowa Golf Association

Greenside - Official Podcast of the Iowa Golf Association

By Iowa Golf Association

Greenside explores a wealth of topics surrounding the world of golf in Iowa and beyond. From Rules of Golf education to recaps with IGA Champions to anything golf related, we'll look to keep you entertained.
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Making a career of it – Part II

Greenside - Official Podcast of the Iowa Golf AssociationOct 28, 2021

00:00
23:24
The Next Step

The Next Step

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!?

Mar 22, 202424:37
What's in the bag?

What's in the bag?

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.

Feb 23, 202420:39
Best summer job

Best summer job

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.

Feb 09, 202429:20
Couple of tomorrow's best

Couple of tomorrow's best

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!

Jan 11, 202433:50
Reilly, do you have a copy?

Reilly, do you have a copy?

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!

Dec 25, 202320:50
New & Exciting

New & Exciting

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!

Dec 14, 202335:45
Keeping things green

Keeping things green

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.

Dec 04, 202331:33
Balancing it all

Balancing it all

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.

Oct 23, 202328:53
Hogan & More

Hogan & More

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!

Sep 05, 202322:53
Coaching & Playing

Coaching & Playing

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!

Aug 07, 202340:07
Proud Hawk

Proud Hawk

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!

Jul 21, 202317:44
Running the numbers

Running the numbers

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.

Jul 12, 202318:45
Meeting the 2023 interns

Meeting the 2023 interns

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.

Jun 14, 202331:50
Play It Again, Sam

Play It Again, Sam

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!

May 30, 202319:35
Champions Crowned in Burlington

Champions Crowned in Burlington

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.

May 10, 202311:05
Finding a way

Finding a way

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.

Mar 30, 202345:56
Talking Turf

Talking Turf

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.

Mar 03, 202327:28
Giving it a shot

Giving it a shot

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.

Feb 02, 202323:51
Rick from Rockford

Rick from Rockford

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!

Jan 11, 202358:10
Go get it 'Pro'

Go get it 'Pro'

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.

Dec 20, 202238:05
Teaching the game

Teaching the game

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.

Dec 08, 202231:42
Dream Season

Dream Season

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.

Nov 22, 202247:38
Miller Time

Miller Time

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!

Nov 01, 202230:26
Surrounded by good people

Surrounded by good people

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.

Oct 14, 202247:52
Walking the course

Walking the course

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!

Sep 28, 202255:35
On the range with Mark Egly

On the range with Mark Egly

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.

Sep 12, 202235:48
Small town boys

Small town boys

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!

Aug 18, 202241:51
Learning from experience

Learning from experience

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.

Aug 05, 202218:47
Putting the work in

Putting the work in

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!

Jul 14, 202227:18
Younger Brother

Younger Brother

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?!

Jun 24, 202231:54
Playing Catch-up

Playing Catch-up

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.

Jun 07, 202250:38
One More Step Ahead

One More Step Ahead

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.

May 18, 202201:08:24
Grinding It Out

Grinding It Out

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...

May 02, 202225:48
Masterful Collection

Masterful Collection

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.

Apr 13, 202238:26
Gene's Journey – Part II

Gene's Journey – Part II

We welcome back Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Gene Elliott to continue our discussion. Gene dives into his magical and historic 2021 golf season that took him across the pond and back for a summer he (and many golf fans) will never forget! Sit back and enjoy...

Mar 31, 202236:09
Gene's Journey

Gene's Journey

Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Gene Elliott joins the podcast to talk about his early days in the game of golf and how it has taken him all over the world. From Butch Harmon to David Leadbetter to wins at the two biggest senior amateur tournaments in the world last year, Gene shares stories from his journey on and off the course.

Mar 23, 202234:51
99 of 'em

99 of 'em

Tony Lutz, originally from the Waterloo/Waverly area who resides in Oregon now, recently completed his 'mission' to play golf in all 99 counties in Iowa. With the help of friends, co-workers and the Iowa PGA Section Golf Card, Lutz was able to tackle the task! Listen to him tell tales of his travels across the state.

Feb 23, 202226:45
The Pinnacle of Golf

The Pinnacle of Golf

Erin Strieck, PGA Head Golf Professional at the Pinnacle Country Club in Milan, Illinois, joins the podcast to share stories of how she caught the 'golf bug' early in life and how that has shaped her into who she is today. Strieck was recently elected as President of the Iowa Section at the Iowa PGA Annual Fall Meeting and Merchandise Show in October 2021, becoming the first female to be elected President in the Iowa PGA Section. She will also serve as the Iowa PGA Foundation President during her two-year term. 

Feb 04, 202226:05
Been a few places – Part II

Been a few places – Part II

We continue our discussion with  2007 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee Jock Olson, a native of Marshalltown, who has been a golf professional for over 35 years. Olson currently serves as Director of Club Relations for ForeTees, LLC, a position he has held since 2009. Listen for his stories about Patty Berg, Paul Krause, Butch Harmon and more!

Jan 14, 202219:04
Been a few places

Been a few places

Clint and Chad welcome 2007 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee Jock Olson to the podcast. Olson, a native of Marshalltown, has been a golf professional for over 35 years. His first job came at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club as an assistant, the start of a journey that led him the head golf professional at Interlachen Country Club in Edina, Minn., one of the top-ranked courses in Minnesota annually, from 1994-2009. Jock also served as head golf professional at the Cedar Rapids Country Club from 1983 to 1993 and the Burlington Golf Club from 1976 to 1982. Olson currently serves as Director of Club Relations for ForeTees, LLC, a position he has held since 2009.

Jan 03, 202224:26
Midwest Joe – Part II

Midwest Joe – Part II

We continue our chat with Joe Foley, USGA's Director of Regional Affairs for the Midwest Region. Foley talks about what the last two years have been like for the USGA, what is ahead with new CEO Mike Whan, the USGA's move (somewhat) to Pinehurst and trying to get a U.S. Open in the central time zone. Sit back & enjoy!

Nov 17, 202127:31
Midwest Joe

Midwest Joe

USGA Midwest Regional Affairs Director Joe Foley joins Clint and Chad on the podcast to talk about a wide range of topics including Foley's work with the Rules of Golf, what the relationship with an Allied Golf Association means to the USGA and ping pong with Tony Finau. 

Nov 04, 202127:10
Making a career of it – Part II

Making a career of it – Part II

We continue our conversation with Iowa Golf Hall of Fame member Barb (Thomas) Whitehead about her days on the LPGA Tour, bringing a pro-am back to where she grew up and turning back the clock to her win at the 1995 Cup Noodles Hawaiian Ladies Open (a LONG way from Sibley).

Oct 28, 202123:24
Making a career of it

Making a career of it

Barb (Thomas) Whitehead, originally from Sibley, joins the podcast with Clint and Katelynn to chat about her 19-year career on the LPGA Tour. Whitehead also recounts stories of growing up and finding her love for the game in Northwest Iowa. A three-time Iowa Women's Amateur champion (1979, 1981, 1982) and 2008 Iowa Golf Hall of Fame inductee, Whitehead's determination and competitive spirit were second to none during her days on the course.

Oct 21, 202129:25
Chasing the dream

Chasing the dream

Matthew Walker, of Ottumwa, joins the podcast to talk about his recent win at the Nebraska Open. Walker, who is currently playing in the 1st Stage of Korn Ferry Q-School, shares his thoughts on being a young professional and the outlook he has on his future. Also Clint gets you updated on USGA events that involved players from Iowa and the 2021 Iowa Cup, won by the Iowa Section PGA.

Sep 30, 202116:20
Winding Down

Winding Down

Andrew Huseman, winner of the 2021 Briarwood Amateur in late August joins the podcast to discuss his recent success. Chad Pitts drops by too to bring us up to speed on the Director's Cup held at Dismal River Club, Mullen, NE. 

Sep 20, 202128:31
Hold on to your hat

Hold on to your hat

David Eichhorn, Jr., Golf Course Superintendent at Marshalltown's Elmwood Country Club, joins the podcast to look back over a year ago until now on the changes at club since the derecho hit the state of Iowa. Catch up on who brought home titles from the Briarwood Amateur, IGA Women's Mid-Am Series Event #3 and some exciting news out of Michigan for one of Iowa's best!

Sep 02, 202143:56
Looking Back Twice

Looking Back Twice

Jim Sedrel, CGCS at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, joins the podcast to look back over a year ago at not one, but two devastating storms that hit the club in 2020 and discuss what the recovery effort looked like. Also get up to speed on results from the 43rd Iowa Senior Amateur hosted by The Preserve Golf Course on Rathbun Lake. Find out how many Iowans will be represented at this year's U.S. Senior Amateur Championship as well!

Aug 25, 202127:58
Summer Days

Summer Days

Des Moines' Zach Steffen, winner of the 72nd Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises at Hyperion Field Club, stops by the podcast to chat about his second career title of the event.  Laura Leszczynski also visits to discuss a couple things – Her win at the 56th Iowa Senior Women's Amateur hosted by Indianola Country Club and her recent success at the U.S. Senior Women's Amateur qualifier held at Stone Creek GC in Williamsburg earlier in the week. Other topics covered include 60th Women's Club Team Championship and U.S. Senior Amateur qualifying results.

Aug 13, 202138:56
Chou defends title at Iowa Women's Amateur; Slings talks Herman Sani Tournament at Hypo

Chou defends title at Iowa Women's Amateur; Slings talks Herman Sani Tournament at Hypo

Ames' Joy Chou joins the podcast to talk about her recent victory at the Iowa Women's Amateur hosted by Dubuque Golf & CC, where she successfully defended her title from 2020. Levi Slings, a member of Hyperion Field Club and IGA Communications Committee member, also stops by to give us his outlook and overall thoughts about the 72nd Herman Sani Tournament presented by Coppola Enterprises, coming up August 6-8.

Aug 04, 202145:01