IAGA Quick Hits | 7.10.25
Alex Holder wins 125th Indiana State Amateur at Purdue’s Ackerman-Allen Course, youngest in over 50 years
From Indiana Golf
In a thrilling final round filled with pressure, heat, and heart, Alex Holder of Fort Wayne, Indiana, captured the 125th Indiana State Amateur Championship title at Purdue University’s Ackerman-Allen Course, becoming one of the youngest champions in over five decades.
Battling through three days of intense competition under sweltering conditions with temperatures climbing into the 90s, Holder emerged from a tightly packed leaderboard to hoist the trophy — thanks to a remarkable back nine that featured three birdies and a clutch eagle on the par-5 16th hole.
Holder entered Monday’s final round with a three-shot lead, but nothing came easy. The day opened with challenging starts for many players, and Holder was no exception.
“I wanted to get off to a good start,” Holder said “but I got off to a really bad start today and I didn’t have much going my way. The front nine was really rough.”
That adversity didn’t last. The 17-year-old settled in, remained patient, and slowly turned the tide. “I just kind of kept playing and kept staying patient — there’s birdies out there,” he said. “I think I got settled in a little better on the back nine and was able to ease up and play more of my game.”
Hughes Brothers Help Establish Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship
From Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund
Former caddies and members gathered at The Country Club on May 15 as Ouimet Alumni Chris and Dan Hughes formally announced the creation of the Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship, the latest of the Ouimet Fund’s 200 named endowed scholarships.
Thanks to the collective generosity of caddies, members, family and friends, the Sean “Sonny” Fleming Scholarship was established in honor of a longtime beloved friend and caddie at The Country Club. In honor of Sonny’s spirit and dedication, this endowed award is for a current Ouimet Scholar who caddied or still caddies at The Country Club and exemplifies the best of Sonny.
“Back in our junior year of college, we were invited us to speak at a luncheon at TCC about what the Ouimet Fund meant to us,” said Dan Hughes. “I mentioned then that I hoped to someday give back by starting a scholarship in someone’s name. Seven years later, I’m thrilled we’re making that a reality.”
“Launching this scholarship is a way for us to begin to pay it forward for the next generation as well as keep the legacy going for a man who positively touched the lives of many over the years at TCC,” said Chris Hughes.
West Virginia Golf Association Announces 13th Class of the West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame
From West Virginia Golf Association
The West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame revealed its first-ever inductees in 2009, when the incomparable pair of William C. Campbell and Sam Snead were enshrined as the inaugural class. Since that time an impressive list of those who made a profound impact on the game of golf in the Mountain State have been honored.
The West Virginia Golf Association (WVGA) is extremely excited to announce the 2025 West Virginia Golf Hall of Fame inductees: David Bradshaw, originally of Harper’s Ferry and now a resident of California, Weirton native Mike Krak and Sam O’Dell of Hurricane. They will be enshrined in ceremonies conducted later this year and join 20 who have been recipients of this prestigious honor.
Trina Arnott – a volunteer with a smile
From Washington Golf
There are several contributing factors toward a WA Golf championship running smoothly, with an atmosphere that’s equal parts comfortable, welcoming, and well-conducted.
Volunteers – whether starting, scoring, rules-officiating or scorekeeping – provide just that. Trina Arnott, for example, has lent her service (and her smile) to WA Golf competitors for the better part of 12 years, becoming a well-known presence at championship sites throughout Western Washington.
Arnott, from Olympia, first volunteered at Salish Cliffs Golf Club in Shelton around that time, at the behest of one of her friends who had also done so. Although there were butterflies early on, she associates the experience with positive memories.
“It was my first one,” she said of her nerves with a laugh.
Over a decade later, in 2025, Arnott has already served in championships such as the Washington Champion of Champions, Women’s Amateur and Women’s Mid-Amateur, all staged at The Home Course, a friendly drive away from the capital city.
Sheer enjoyment of being around players at any outing, as well as the event staff, are just part of what drives Arnott to continue to donate her time.