Indiana Golf Association, Peru, IN (July 10) –
The 2025 IGA/IWGA Match Play Championship concluded on Thursday at Rock Hollow Golf Club in Peru, Indiana, capping off four days of high-stakes play and showcasing the grit, talent, and heart of Indiana’s amateur golfers. Across the men’s, women’s, senior, and super senior divisions, each championship match came down to the 18th hole — a fitting finish for a week full of drama and resilience.
Bell and Cook Claim Super Senior and Senior Titles in Nail-Biters
The IGA Super Senior Championship saw 78-year-old Mike Bell edge out Michael Stephens in a 1-up victory, marking an inspiring comeback after major neck surgery in 2023.
“You don’t have to be a muscle person. You just have to stay in shape,” Bell said. “I hit the ball well all week, even if I didn’t putt great. To come back in 2025 and win after everything—I’m just really fortunate.”
In the IGA Senior Championship, Jeff Cook delivered one of the tournament’s most precise shots of the week, landing his second shot on 18 within an inch of the cup to defeat David Chambers 1-up.
Hare Battles to Men’s Championship Title
The men’s bracket was loaded with top-tier competition, and Thursday’s final between Gavin Hare and Liam Harvey lived up to the billing. The two traded the lead throughout the round in a match defined by focus and mental fortitude. Hare ultimately pulled ahead on the 18th hole to secure the title.
“I started off stroke play strong, and that helped set the tone,” Hare said. “Match play is a grind. It’s one hole at a time. Me and my caddy, Preston, just stuck to our mindset.”
“Everyone I played this week—Liam, Ian, all the guys—are such strong competitors. The 21-hole match earlier was wild, but this whole week was just fun, competitive golf.”
Potter-Bobb Goes Back-to-Back in Women’s Division
In the women’s final, Julia Potter-Bobb squared off against Taylor Larkins in a closely contested match. With both players trading holes throughout the round, the match remained tied late before Potter-Bobb pulled ahead on the final green — securing her second consecutive Match Play title.
“This week, I just wanted to survive and advance,” said Potter-Bobb. “Taylor has had such a strong summer, so I knew I needed to bring my best. She wasn’t going to give anything away easily.”
Reflecting on her back-to-back titles, Potter-Bobb shared, “Last year’s win was emotional—and this year’s win came on the one-year anniversary of my mom’s funeral. I’m in a different place now, but I still feel her with me. To go back-to-back and honor that journey—it means a lot.”
