The 2026 Iowa Children’s Open was a tremendous success, bringing together community leaders, business partners, and golf enthusiasts for a day of fun, friendly competition, and support for the mission of The Iowa Children’s Museum. Held at Brown Deer Golf Club, this year’s event raised more than $56,000 to support hands-on learning and play experiences for children and families across Eastern Iowa.
The event was presented by United Iowa Financial and Watts Group, whose leadership support helped make the day possible. We are also grateful to the many sponsors, donors, volunteers, and golfers who came together to invest in the Power of Play.
Championship Flight
1st Place: Schroeder / Weaver / Rutt / Bohannon (51)
2nd Place: Banta / Vandemore / Boothby / Goodin (53)
3rd Place: Muhlenbruch / Pratt / Boeke / Sutherland (54)
First Flight
1st Place: Cariens / Kuene / Cordle / Hargrave (58)
2nd Place: Wagner / Lehman / Sharp / Tjarks (59)
3rd Place: Yirkovsky / Shield / Munson / McCracken (60)
Second Flight
1st Place: Rich / Grause / Weber / Aanrud (63)
2nd Place: Schladetzky / Sheeley / Pollastrini / White (63)
3rd Place: Riley / Karnes / Carpenter / Bowman (64)
Third Flight
1st Place: Kleppe / Cochran / Hawks / Hawks (68)
2nd Place: Quigley / Quigley / Quigley / Rood (68)
3rd Place: Charbon / Neff / Walters / Olson (68)
Contest Winners
Hole #1 – Closest Second Shot: Tjarks (1st), Clark (2nd)
Hole #2 – Closest to the Pin in Two: Zach Schladetzky
Hole #4 – Closest to the Pin in Two: Luke Warner
Hole #5 – Closest to the Pin (Women): Caroline Wilson
Hole #6 – Long Drive (Women): Abbi Smit
Hole #7 – Long Putt: Tyler Kruse
Hole #9 – Closest to the Pin (Men): Doug Goettsch
Hole #10 – Long Drive (Men): Jaek Shonka
Hole #12 – Closest to the Pin: Chris Goodman
Hole #14 – Closest to the Pin: Ben Hawbaker
Hole #16 – Long Putt: Derick Schroeder
Hole #17 – Closest to the Pin: Jordan Bohannon
Putting Contest Qualifier: Mark Panos
Chipping Contest Winner: Laney Fitzpatrick
More Than a Golf Tournament
Events like the Iowa Children’s Open are powered by an incredible community of supporters. We are grateful to the volunteers, sponsors, donors, and partners who helped make this year’s event a success.
Special Thanks: A special thank you to Austin Blythe, Alex Buhmeyer, Brown Deer Golf Club, the City of Coralville, Jill Donnenwerth, The Iowa Children’s Museum Board of Directors and staff, Nate Kaeding, Dan O’Neil, Think Iowa City, Tyler Todd, Carrie Wagner, and Brian Wernimont for helping make the event possible.
Event Sponsors: United Iowa Financial, Watts Group, ALPLA, Build to Suit, Carousel Nissan, CorridorLaw Group, GreenState Insurance, Midtown Family Restaurants, Pete Peraud, PIP Marketing, Randstad, Scheels, Sobaski Abbey Carpet & Floor, First Mid Bank & Trust, Tribute Eatery & Bar
Hole Sponsors: Big Grove Brewery, Crystal Group, GreenState Credit Union, Hills Bank, Hilton Garden Inn/Vue Rooftop, Hyatt Regency, McGrath Family of Dealerships, MediaCom, Skogman Realty, Vance Thompson Vision, Woodruff Construction
In-Kind Support: Chart Room, Chick-fil-A, and Vetter’s Culligan Water
Event Photos
Thank you to everyone who helped make it an unforgettable day. Your support helps ensure that children and families throughout Eastern Iowa can continue to learn, connect, and grow through the Power of Play. We look forward to seeing you on the course again next year! (Click here to view more event photos, courtesy of Joseph Cress, Think Iowa City)
