History made at inaugural Iowa Adaptive Open
The Iowa Golf Association (IGA), known for hosting some of the state’s premier golf tournaments, reached a historic milestone this past weekend. In partnership with the Iowa Amputee Golf Association (IAGA), the IGA proudly presented the inaugural Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open Championship, held at Terrace Hills Golf Course in Altoona.
This groundbreaking championship welcomed adaptive golfers from across the country, representing a diverse range of abilities and backgrounds. Competitors played across seven distinct sport classes, designed to ensure fair and competitive play for individuals with limb impairments, neuromuscular, and neurological conditions.
The event began on Friday with a spirited Scramble, pairing adaptive and non-adaptive golfers for a fun-filled afternoon of friendly competition and camaraderie. Although severe weather shortened the round, the connections formed and stories shared made a lasting impact. For many adaptive athletes, it was more than a warm-up—it was a rare chance to bond with peers who share similar journeys and passions.
Weather Challenges, Athlete Resilience
As championship play approached, excitement was met with an unwelcome guest: storms. Heavy rain Friday night and into Saturday morning rendered several fairways unplayable, forcing significant adjustments to the format. Undeterred, players adapted to the conditions and teed off late Saturday evening after attending a players’ dinner and banquet. Most competitors were able to complete up to nine holes before nightfall suspended play.
Less than 12 hours later, players returned to the course Sunday morning, many arriving at sunrise to resume the competition. Their determination and resilience shone through in an exciting final stretch that saw three Open Division champions crowned.
Open Division Champions
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Men’s Open Division: Ryan Brenden (Pierce, NE) — 107 (Even)
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Men’s Senior Division: Steve Husome (Cedar Falls, IA) — 117 (+10)
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Men’s Super Senior Division: Bruno Garla (Villa Park, IL) — 129 (+22)
Sport Class Division Champions
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G1 Flight: Ryan Brenden (Pierce, NE)
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G2 Flight: Kyle Erickson (Minneapolis, MN) — 111 (+4)
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G3 Flight: Josh Tankersley (Kingsville, TX) — 118 (+11)
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G4 Flight: Trevor Belcher (Hopkinsville, KY) — 127 (+20)
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G5 Flight: Jonathan Snyder (Westmont, IL) — 122 (+15)
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G8 Flight: Robby Donarski (Franklin, WI) — 113 (+6)
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G15 Flight: Pryce Holcombe (Quincy, IL), who also walked away with a new TV, courtesy of the players’ dinner raffle
Complete Results
The inaugural Prairie Meadows Iowa Adaptive Open was more than just a tournament—it was a celebration of athletic excellence, community, and the power of inclusive opportunity. The IGA looks forward to building on this success and continuing the championship for years to come.
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