Iowa Golf Teams Gear Up for Exciting Fall Season and Big Ten Showdown
Iowa's golf teams gear up for the new season, with men's and women's squads focusing on key tournaments and player performances.
Iowa Golf Teams Gear Up for Exciting Fall Season and Big Ten Showdown
As Iowa City transitions from a sun-soaked summer to the refreshing crispness of autumn, both the Iowa men’s and women’s golf teams are gearing up for a new season filled with hopes and aspirations. With football fever on the rise, the greens at the James M. Hoak Family Golf Complex might just be where the action unfolds for golf enthusiasts in our community.
The women’s team, led by veteran Head Coach Megan Menzel in her 15th year, is motivated to rebound from a 14th place finish at last season’s Big Ten Championship. Ximena Benites, a promising third-year player, shone brightly last season with a 74.81 average, topping the team with 77 birdies and even scoring an eagle. Alongside her, seniors like Riley Lewis and Kaitlyn Hanna are eager to build on their respective averages of 76.37 and 78.66, while newcomers Cailyn Rogers and Sunny Tianlang Wang bring fresh energy to the roster.
Upcoming Tournaments and Goals
The upcoming Boilermaker Classic on September 1-2 marks the women’s team’s first step of the season. With several key players returning and new talents joining the mix, hopes are high for a significant improvement. Over at the men’s side, Head Coach Tyler Stith, now in his 12th year, is focused on elevating his team from a similar 14th place finish. Gage Messingham, the only fourth-year player, recorded the lowest team average at 72.2 last season, while Maxwell Tjoa made headlines with a team-best performance of six-over par at the Big Ten Championship.
Both teams are putting in great efforts, with a keen eye on the horizon that includes the Visit Knoxville Collegiate for the men’s team from September 5-7. While the stakes are raised this season, talented first-year players, like Oklahoma State transfer Grant Grudgel, who has impressive accolades despite resilience from a prior wrist injury, are eager to show what they can contribute.
Context of Competition
Speaking of competition, the women’s golf team will also soon face formidable opponents at the Big Ten Championships taking place from April 18-20, 2025, in Havre de Grace, Maryland, on the renowned Bulle Rock Golf Course. This 54-hole stroke-play event promises not only a test of skill but also the thrill of facing strong rivals like No. 5 Oregon and No. 7 USC, among others. The course, designed by Pete Dye, is consistently ranked as the top public course in Maryland, encouraging a competitive atmosphere for golf.
Curious fans can follow tournament progress through live scoring on Scoreboard, powered by Clippd, ensuring that supporters won’t miss a swing or putt from their favorite Hawkeye players. Not only does this event draw attention for its competitive edge, but it also stands as a celebration of the sport, with past champions and current draws available from platforms like AmateurGolf.com.
As both teams embrace the new season, it’s clear they’re ready for the challenges ahead. With seasoned players, eager newcomers, and a supportive community backing them, there’s something to be said for the excitement in Iowa City — spring’s hopes are in full swing as golf season unfolds.