Olberding upsets #1 seed in Championship Bracket

6/18/2018

Despite the forecast calling for rain all day Monday, the sky remained clear for the first day of the 55th annual Iowa Women’s Forever 39 Match Play held at the Mason City Country Club in Mason City.

Saint Ansgar’s Beth Duenow took the lead during the stroke play qualifying round.  Her blemish free card included two birdies and six pars totaling to a 35.  Cedar Rapid’s Julie Buerman and Dubuque’s Rose Kubesheski were not far behind with an even par 36. 

After a quick lunch the ladies were back on the course with match play.  Eight players competed in the championship flight, eight in the first flight, and ten in the second flight. 

In the championship bracket #8 seed Nancy Olberding (Cedar Rapids) and #1 seed Beth Duenow were all square leading into the last hole where Nancy ultimately clenched the victory (1 up) to move on to the quarterfinals. 

Competition in the first flight also proved to be tough with #8 seed Ila Gilbert of Ankeny upsetting #1 seed Michelle Klein of Jesup 3 & 1. 

Second flight #1 seed Nicki Clayton (Greenfield) gained a point along with Mary Nelson (Ankeny), Janis Owens (Creston), Becky Schwiete (Ankeny) and Jane Suiter (Marion).

Stay tuned for more action on day two!

Schwartzkopf prevails at Women's Forever 39 Match Play

6/19/2018

Due to severe storms hitting Mason City and producing over 1.5 inches of rain overnight the front 9 was closed for day 2 of the 55th annual Iowa Women’s Forever 39 Match Play.  Luckily the back 9 was playable and used for the last two rounds of the tournament.

After 9 holes Waterloo’s Kelly Nelson was 3 up with only 2 holes to go against Nancy Olberding, good enough to advance her to the final match against Janece Schwartzkopf (Stuart).  Schwartzkopf took the lead early on and never looked back, winning 2 & 1.  She was declared the champion of the Women’s Forever 39 Match Play.

The first flight championship match included Jennifer Corkrean of Ankeny versus Carroll Dethrow of Nevada, who was the 2012 Forever 39 Match Play champion.  Corkrean ultimately prevailed, going 2 up through nine.

Nicki Clayton and Becky Schwiete battled it out in the second flight bracket.  Never losing a hole, Clayton ended up winning 2 & 1 to be named champion of the second flight.

Kelly Nelson (left) & Janece Schwartzkopf