BETTENDORF, Iowa — Known for its 100-year-old oak trees, rolling hills, ponds and a variety of teeing options, Palmer Hills Golf Course in Bettendorf is celebrating several major achievements as it ends its 2024 season.
Now, Palmer Hills can add another acclaim to the list! The Iowa Golf Association (IGA) has named Palmer Hills the 2024 18-Hole Golf Course of the Year.
"We owe a lot of thanks to a lot of people starting with the Mayor, City Administrator, Assistant City Administrator, and City Council for their support of the golf course and providing us with the resources needed to make Palmer Hills such a special place," PGA Head Golf Professional John Waddell said in a press release.
Brian Hickey, golf maintenance manager for the facility, echoed Waddell's sentiments.
"This award is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and passion of our entire staff. Their commitment to excellence day in and day out is truly inspiring, and I am grateful for every one of them. We are reminded that it is not just recognition of where we are today, but a reminder of our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement. We are excited for what the future holds and look forward to welcoming even more golfers to Palmer Hills in the years to come."
This nomination for the IGA award came from Palmer Hills regular, Bob Walsh. Walsh joined Waddell, Hickey and Bettendorf's Culture & Recreation Director Kim Kidwell on Nov. 19, where Mayor Bob Gallagher recognized Palmer Hills at the City Council's regular meeting for its achievements.
Golf Course of the Year isn't the only milestone Palmer Hills has achieved. Golf instructor Butch Haverland was named 2024 Iowa PGA of America's Teacher of the Year. This accomplishment comes as Haverland just finished his tenth season as a PGA Junior League Coach, four of those seasons spent at Palmer Hills.
Before coming to Palmer Hills, Haverland was the men's golf coach at Black Hawk College.
"Butch came to us with a ton of experience and a tremendous reputation," Waddell said. "Since his arrival at Palmer Hills, he has taken instruction of programming to another level. He also brought us our first PGA Junior League team, the Palmer Panthers! He comes to the golf course every day with a great attitude. He is very deserving of being named the Iowa PGA Teacher of the Year."
At the Nov. 19 city council meeting, Haverland shared his appreciation.
"I've worked all around the country, and I've never had more fun at a golf course than Palmer Hills. The people are so nice, the facility just keeps getting better and better, and I pinch myself that I get to go there and help people learn this game."
Kidwell praised the awards received by Palmer Hills and Haverland.
"Palmer Hills is much more than just a golf course. It is a place of mentorship, community collaboration, and environmental sustainability, with programming for youth and adults. Our staff is second to none, and we will continue to provide an excellent course with outstanding service to the community," she said.