Golf 99: Discovering Iowa, One Golf Course at a Time

What started as a personal goal during the summer of 2020 became an extraordinary journey across Iowa.In this episode, we talk with Randy Sikkema, of Pella, author of Golf 99: A Travel Guide to the State of Iowa Featuring All Its Golf Courses. Randy set out to play golf in all 99 Iowa counties, and along the way, his adventure grew into a remarkable project documenting all 390 golf courses in the state.But Golf 99 is about much more than golf courses. As Randy traveled from county to county, he discovered the people, communities, landscapes, landmarks, and unexpected points of interest that make each part of Iowa unique. The book combines information about the state's golf courses with stories and observations from the road, photographs, and a look at the character of the communities he visited.In our conversation, Randy talks about what inspired the journey, what he discovered while visiting all 99 counties, and what surprised him along the way. We also explore the sheer scope of researching and putting together an 852-page guide to Iowa's golf courses and the many places and people he encountered during the journey.Whether you're a golfer looking for a new course to play or an Iowan looking for a reason to explore a part of the state you've never visited, Golf 99 offers a unique invitation: get out, travel Iowa, and discover what is waiting just around the next corner.

Newton's Erik Larsen, Founder and Owner of Larsen Golf, joins the podcast to bring a unique perspective to golf course architecture and land planning. Larsen is also a former President of the American Society of Golf Course Architects.For over 40 years, he’s honed his craft, not just running his own successful design business, but also serving as Arnold Palmer’s right hand at Arnold Palmer Design Company.  While the “King” of golf rightfully commanded the spotlight, Larsen’s contribution, though often unseen, was instrumental in shaping some of the world’s most renowned courses.Sit back and enjoy some stories from his past, Veenker Memorial and days as a caddie for an Iowa Amateur champion!Larsen can be reached for more information at:Phone: 904-631-7480Email: [email protected]

Mason City's Joel Yunek joins the podcast to talk golf, the legal side of the world and traveling/playing golf in Ireland. Yunek admits he was never the best player but feels like he carved out a nice career, that's still going by the way, playing the game of golf. Sit back, grab a pint if you'd like and enjoy - it's been a while!

West Branch's Dave Pedersen joins the podcast with talk about his career in the golf business - primary building them. He's worked all over the country as well as in Ireland. He's worked for a few guy you have have heard of...and will tell a few stories about them both!

Chris Coen, Director of Agronomy at Glen Oaks Country Club, joins the podcast to discuss his career that has seen stops in Creston, West Liberty, Amana and West Des Moines – with a couple 'grow in' stops included. Coen, who likes to fish and hunt, has seen a lot change both on and off the course over the time he started in the turf business.

Brian Abels, Golf Course Superintendent at Ames Golf & Country Club, join the podcast to chat about his (very) early start in the business - thrown into the mix you might say. While no day is the same, Abels enjoys the challenge of the next task in front of him and usually finds a way to make light of any unforeseen situation that might arise.

2024 IGA Sean Flanders Volunteer of the Year Greg Lederer joins the podcast to chat about his start in becoming a well respected rules official for the Iowa Golf Association and his involvement in the 2019 U.S. Senior Women's Amateur hosted by his home course Cedar Rapids Country Club. Along the way Lederer has seen a few things on and off the course that I think you'll enjoy!

Rocket Tour Golf Founder Helena Stanton joins the podcast to share her story as a competitive junior ski racer and tennis player and then later as an avid golfer. Brought to Boulder, Colorado by beautiful mountains and opportunity, she began a 10-year business journey as co-owner of a pioneering craft-beer brand doing the brand marketing and design. While in the beer industry, she played regularly and noticed there was something missing on the bags of avid and professional golfers – style that combines the best of traditional classic looks but with bold modern details and would appeal and inspire younger golfers. She began sketching, designing and crafting products that have developed into the products and brand it is today. She believes that your golf bag is part of your on-course or at-the-club wardrobe and that it should always be fresh, look great, and say a bit about who you are. Rocket Tour supports and outfits more than 250 collegiate golf programs, junior golf programs, state golf associations and charity initiatives. – 100th Episode –

Adam Thoms, Associate Professor – Turfgrass Management and Sports Turf at Iowa State University, stops by the podcast again to review the 2024 year of golf from the turfgrass side of things. Thoms also shares some answers to questions golfers might have now that their courses are closed for the year and snow will be falling on the greens soon if not already across the state.

Todd Stice, Manager, Rules (Technology, Content and Education) with the United States Golf Association (USGA) joins the podcast to enlighten the audience on the rules of golf, tell a few stories from his experiences and reminisce about growing up with the game (walk – don't take the cart!) in Keokuk.