Indiana Golf Association & Indiana Women’s Golf Association
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN (July 15-18) — The 2024 IGA and IWGA Match Play Championship brought together the finest golfers for a week of competition at Purdue University’s Ackerman-Allen Golf Course. Over four days, players across four divisions—Super Senior, Senior, Championship Men, and Championship Women—battled through stroke play and match play formats, culminating in dramatic final showdowns.
Super Senior Division
The Super Senior division showcased veteran talent with Jerry McMullen (5 seed) and John Kendricks (3 seed) advancing to the championship round after overcoming Skip Runnels (8 seed) and Jon Kelly (7 seed) in the semifinals. McMullen, known for his strategic play and composure, secured a decisive 7&6 victory against Kendricks in the final.
Jerry McMullen (L) John Kendricks (R)
Reflecting on his performance, McMullen praised the course conditions and the efforts of the grounds crew: “The course conditions were great. Despite weather challenges and fallen trees, [The Grounds Crew] did an exceptional job maintaining the course. It was just a great experience all around.”
Senior Division
In the Senior division, Michael Williams (16 seed) defied expectations by reaching the final against Lee Crannell (2 seed). Williams, who had previously won the championship, added another title to his name with a 2Up victory over Crannell. Williams’ journey to the final was marked by resilience and clutch performances.
Michael Williams (R), Lee Crannell (L)
“Things got a little hairy there when I missed two six-footers, and my putter got cold,” Williams recounted. “Then the momentum switched, and that’s match play. It doesn’t take much; when you know you’ve got them down, you have to finish.” Williams also shared a poignant personal note: “This win is special. I lost my dad on Easter Sunday. When you’re 56… you’re used to calling your dad after a win.”
Men’s Championship Division
Nic Hofman (L) , Derek Tabor (R)
The Men’s Championship division delivered high drama, with Nic Hofman (5 seed) and Derek Tabor (26 seed) advancing to the final after navigating through a tough Final Four that included Weston Ogden (25 seed) and Clay Stirsman (22 seed). Hofman triumphed over Tabor with a 3&1 victory, showcasing his skill and poise.
Hofman discussed his approach and preparation, saying, “I thought I played solid. The stroke play could have been a bit better, but I felt good. After last week at the Open, I had to regroup. It’s about staying patient and calm, and going back to basics.” He also reflected on his steady mindset: “It’s easy to get frustrated, but understanding that golf is just a game helps keep things in perspective.”
IWGA Women’s Championship Division
Julia Potter-Bobb (L), Simone Senk (R)
The IWGA Women’s Championship featured a thrilling final between Julia Potter-Bobb (5 seed) and Simone Senk (10 seed). Potter-Bobb, who had not won a Match Play title in eight years, clinched victory with a commanding 6&5 performance. This win was particularly emotional for Potter-Bobb, who had faced personal challenges leading up to the tournament.
“I almost didn’t play this week,” Potter-Bobb revealed. “I recently lost my mom, and I told my husband that I couldn’t compete. He encouraged me to think it over, and now I’m grateful that I did.” She also shared a unique aspect of her final match: “It was funny heading into the final round against Simone because this is the third year in a row we’ve met on the first tee in the championship match.”
The 2024 IGA and IWGA Match Play Championship ended with dramatic victories and heartfelt moments, celebrating the exceptional talent and spirit of all competitors.
About the IGA and IWGA
The IGA is one of 59 allied golf associations as recognized by the USGA and administers the USGA handicap and course rating system, serves as a clearing house for the rules of golf and runs amateur championships for both men and women.
The IWGA exists to promote the game of golf while maintaining the traditions and integrity of the game to women amateur players throughout the state of Indiana.