Hawkeye Hospitality in the Desert

By JAMES ALLAN
hawkeyesports.com

IOWA CITY, Iowa – For more than a decade, the University of Iowa women’s golf team has enjoyed Big Ten hospitality during its visit to the desert to play in the Westbrook Invitational.

Nestled in a retirement community in Peoria, Arizona, sits retirees from all over the country, but it includes a strong contingency of supporters from the Midwest with Big Ten Conference allegiances. These retirees hosted the Hawkeyes and treated the golfers with a top-notch collegiate golf event.

“They have created an atmosphere very similar to a professional golf tournament,” said Iowa head coach Megan Menzel. “They have the local sheriffs blocking off the streets for golfers to cross, they have fans waiting at the back of greens and cheering players on.

“The outside golf staff wear their Wisconsin bibs to pull up the carts each morning and they host all the teams in their homes for a dinner. These people have become like family, and they have stayed in contact with some of our players after graduation.”

Iowa’s golfers are fortunate to play in tournaments both internationally and across the country, but the event in Arizona is always a favorite.

“Westbrook was always a highlight on our competition calendar — the golf course and weather, but most importantly, the connections we made with the host families,” said former Hawkeye Elisa Suarez. “They have always been welcoming and excited to have the Hawkeyes playing in the field.

“Personally, I was fortunate to have a special bond with Arnie and Bonnie. They treated me like family and would even send me birthday wishes each year. I will always be grateful for Arnie and Bonnie, my “adoptive” grandparents.”

“Westbrook was always one of my favorite tournaments and I looked forward to it every year,” said former Hawkeye Brianna Midkiff. “The support we had there was extraordinary. The families we stayed with were so welcoming and we really appreciated them opening up their homes to us.

“They quickly became part of our Iowa women’s golf family, so much so that both my parents and I still keep in contact with the family I stayed with. It truly is a special tournament and that is all thanks to the wonderful Hawkeye supporters in Arizona.”

Within the past year, three of the biggest supporters — Leon Putnam, Arnie Gaarde and Dick Roseland — passed away.

“We, unfortunately, lost three great men from our crew,” said Menzel. “They will be missed as they were three of our biggest fans.

“Leon was our coordinator and first host at Westbrook. He loved the Hawkeyes and would have his cart ready for our team to use during the tournament. He was on the first committee to make this tournament so special. He and his wife, Marla, always had their Hawkeye flag hanging in their backyard on the ninth hole.

“Arnie’s only flaw was he was a Cyclone, but for a week each year, when the Hawkeye women’s golfers were there, he was a Hawkeye through and through. He and his wife, Bonnie, became friends with our Hawkeye parents and stayed in touch with our players even after they graduated.

“Dick and his wife, Diane, have been hosting us from the beginning and Dick was always out on the course cheering the team on. He loved to hear about the players’ rounds and hosted me as well. He was always interested in what the athletes were studying.”

The Hawkeyes traveled to Phoenix on Friday, and they will play a practice round Saturday before beginning tournament competition with 36 holes on Sunday. The 54-hole event with conclude with the final 18 holes on Monday.

“We are looking forward to connecting with everyone again this year on Saturday night for our own version of the Hawkeye Huddle,” said Menzel. “This year Chris Erickson will take over the duties and keep things going, making this a special event for our program.”

“It has been a real treat to watch the collegiate golfers each year at the Westbrook Invitational,” said Erickson. “As an Iowa graduate, we’ve especially enjoyed the women from the University of Iowa and their coaching staff. They are always gracious about spending time with us each year. We are big fans.”

The tournament is held at the Westbrook Village Golf Club – Vistas Course (par 72, 6,230 yard) with 14 teams in attendance. Wisconsin is the host school for the event.