Submitted photo: Nate McCoy (right) stands with FDCC pro Steve Fuller after winning the Fort Dodge Amateur men’s division on Sunday.

The Fort Dodge Amateur has always held a special place in the memories of Nate McCoy.

McCoy, a former Iowa State University standout who won a state title while playing for West Des Moines Dowling, fired a round of 8-under 63 here Sunday at the Fort Dodge Country Club to capture his first FD Am open division title.

Ron Peterson of Urbandale won the senior division, firing a round of 4-under par 67. Dave Gaer of Des Moines shot an even-par 71 to win the super senior title, while Fort Dodge’s Terry Miller claimed the newly-formed Legends division.

McCoy’s father, Iowa amateur golf legend Mike McCoy, won the FD Am’s open division three times, including back-to-back golds in 1993 and ’94. For Nate, though, the championship had eluded him until this year.

“I have so many great memories of coming here,” McCoy said. “I remember my dad chipping in on 18 to win it one year. The big water tower, the pool…this is just a tremendous course and a great meet.

“I’ve had a lot of mental struggles with certain holes over the years here, and just have some bad history with holes. It felt good to come out and get some birdies early on.”

McCoy had a 31 on the back-nine after starting on hole No. 10. He then closed with a 32, that included three consecutive birdies at 7, 8 and 9.

The 63 was the second lowest FD Am score in the tournament’s 76-year history, topped only by Colin Pearson’s 62 in 2013.

“I felt like I was chasing (the leaders) all day,” McCoy said. “I had heard they were in the clubhouse at 5-under so I knew I needed to make up some ground. I haven’t really been playing a lot of (competitive) golf (lately), and there were some really good players here, so I knew I had to post a low score.”

McCoy, the two-time reigning Iowa Golf Association player of the year, surged past Spencer Clatt and Lukas Pany, who finished tied for second at 5-under 66. Will Simpson and Jake Weissenburger tied for fourth at 4-under 67.

Defending open champion Zach May tied for 10th overall, with reigning NJCAA Div. I national champion Grant Greazel finishing in a tie for 13th. Fort Dodge’s Eddie Doyle and Lucas Peed were in a group that finished tied for 27th at 3-over.

McCoy, who works for the IGA, will be back at the FDCC in July representing the organization for the U.S. Senior Amateur qualifiers for both men and women.

“The course is just great,” he said. “It drains so well even after the heavy rains we got (that forced Saturday’s round to be called off). I really love coming up here to play.”

Miller edged fellow Fort Dodgers Dave Hanson and Dave Sergeant for the inaugural Legends crown. Miller carded a three-over par 74, besting Hanson (75), Sergeant (76) and multi-time senior winner Joel Yunek (76) — a Lake City High School graduate.

FORT DODGE AMATEUR

(Fort Dodge Country Club 35-36–71)

Open Division

1. Nate McCoy, Ankeny -8

2. (tie) Spencer Clatt, Gilbert -5

2. (tie) Lukas Pany, Ames -5

4. (tie) Will Simpson, Pella -4

4. (tie) Jake Weissenburger, Clive -4

6. (tie) Jon Olson, Ankeny -3

6. (tie) Matt Schlueter, Davenport -3

8. (tie) Brock Seiser, Waukee -2

8. (tie) Trevor White, Charles City -2

10. (tie) Jack Winkel, Ankeny -1

10. (tie) Calvin McNeeley Pleasant Hill -1

10. (tie) Zach May, Ames -1

13. (tie) J.D. Anderson, Johnston E

13. (tie) Grant Smith, West Des Moines E

13. (tie) Cody Brandau, Mason City E

13. (tie) Grant Greazel, Marshalltown E

Senior Division

1. Ron Peterson, Urbandale -4

2. Terry Cook, Norwalk +1

3. (tie) Kirk Macumber, Winterset +2

3. (tie) Michael Arndorfer, Livermore +2

3. (tie) Frank Chiodo, West Des Moines +2

3. (tie) Tony Malizia, Palm City +2

3. (tie) Bret Taylor, Booneville +2

8. (tie) Tony Newkirk, Des Moines +3

8. (tie) Kevin Flanagan, Cedar Rapids +1

Super Senior Division

1. Dave Gaer, Des Moines E

2. David Studer, Keokuk +4

3. Rick Gorbell, Cedar Falls +6

Legends Division

1. Terry Miller, Fort Dodge +3

2. Dave Hanson, Fort Dodge +4

3. (tie) Dave Sergeant, Fort Dodge +5

3. (tie) Joel Yunek, Mason City +5