×

Gibb wins PGA Professional Championship

AMANA — Judd Gibb knew he needed to post a low score Tuesday to come out on top at the Iowa PGA Professional Championship.

And that is exactly what the Fort Dodge resident did.

Gibb fired a 5-under-par 67 to claim the title at the Amana Colonies Golf Course with a three-round total of 2-under. His 67 was the lowest score among the 57 golfers who took part in the event.

Jeffrey Schmid, whom Gibb topped in a playoff, was runner-up with Sean McCarty placing third. Jay Giannetto and Chad Proehl tied for fourth and Ryan McClintock placed sixth.

With the victory, Gibb has received an exemption to play in the 2020 John Deere Classic — something he also achieved 10 years ago.

“The prize money and playing in the club pro championship is great and an honor, but I can’t wait to get home to see my family,” Gibb said. “But the biggest enjoyment was getting to text my son, Andrew, and tell him I need a caddy in the John Deere Classic. That was amazing.”

He will also get to play in the 53rd PGA Professional National Championship to be held April 26-29 at Omni Barton Creek Resort and Spa in Austin, Tex.

“I’m still in a bit of shock,” Gibb said. “The Amana Colonies has never been one that fits my eye with a lot of dog-leg lefts which isn’t great for me. I never want the ball going left. The course played extremely difficult. If you missed a fairway it was most likely in the hazards or worse.

“The greens were great. I played as well as I could the first two rounds and couldn’t do better than 74-73.”

Behind McCarty, who has claimed several titles around the state, Gibb was shooting for a Top-5 finish to earn an exemption.

“That was my goal,” he said. “Sean never comes back (from leading), but I got out there and made a couple of putts, turned in a 2-under and though, you never know.

“In the playoff, Jeff, who is a close friend, missed a four-footer for birdie and all I had was a tap-in for birdie.”

This marked the 23rd time Gibb has played in the event and his second win, which he called “crazy” at 50 years old.

“Lots of things have went my way the last few weeks,” Gibb said. “The extreme heat kept people away from lessons and I took that opportunity to practice.”

Gibb, representing Lakeside Golf Course, opened with a 74. He added a 73 in the second round, overcoming McCarty and climbing six spots, who was the leader entering the final round. Gibb’s total also earned him the senior division title.

A blistering-hot 33 on the back-nine lifted Gibb as he recorded three birdies and six pars. He played bogey-free golf in the third round, carding two more birdies and seven pars on the front.

Gibb’s 10 birdies were tied for second-most and he was 3-under on the Par-4 holes, recording 23 pars and five birdies.

The event featured 54 holes on day one followed by 18.

At the PGA Professional National Championship next year, the Top-20 finishes earn an exemption into the 102nd PGA Championship.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today