A Record-Shattering Spring for Iowa Women’s Golf

PHOTO: Brian Ray/Hawkeyesports.com Iowa's Madison Dabagia lines up a putt at Finkbine Golf Course.

It’s been a spring season to remember for the Iowa women’s golf program.

Since February—when the Hawkeyes began the second half of their schedule in Boca Raton, Florida—Iowa women’s golf has broken a total of four school records. Megan Menzel, the 13-year head coach of the Hawkeyes, has been glad to see the hard work of her team paying off.

“Our group was incredibly young this year—mainly made up of freshmen and sophomores,” said Menzel. “I knew we would have some growing pains, but they’ve really made great strides this spring—improving and getting better as individuals and as a team. I’m excited to see what this group can accomplish in the coming years.”

Here’s a recap of the records the Hawkeyes shattered in the past few months.

Lowest 18-Hole Team Score

The first of many records to fall in 2024 was the lowest 18-hole team score in program history, which was broken in February at the Westbrook Spring Invitational at Westbrook Village Golf Club in Peoria, Arizona.

The Hawkeyes shot a 280 (8-under-par)—the lowest 18-hole team score in school history in the second round of the tournament. But the young group wasn’t done. In the final round, Iowa shot a 279 (9-under-par)—breaking the record once again.

Sophomore Madison Dabagia and junior Paula Miranda each led the way with a pair of 69s on the par 72 course while sophomore Riley Lewis and sophomore Kaitlyn Hanna shot 70 and 71, respectively.

“Madi and Paula did a great job of leading the way for us, and it is exciting for them to hold the record,” said Menzel after the tournament.

The previous record low was a 282 set in 2015 at the Johnie Imes Invitational in Columbia, Missouri, at Old Hawthorne Golf Course. The lineup from that team was Amy Ihm (16BS), Jessica Ip (18BA), Briana Midkiff (19PharmD), Jessie Sindlinger (17BBA), and Elisa Suarez (18BBA, 19MS).

PHOTO: Brian Ray/Hawkeyesports.com Iowa’s Paula Miranda pumps her fist after making a putt during a tournament this season.

Lowest 54-Hole Team Score at Iowa

In Arizona, Iowa also shot its best 54-hole team score in school history. The Hawkeyes delivered an 847 (288-280-279) over the two-day event, shattering the previous mark of 864 set in 2015.

Iowa improved during every round of the tournament. After opening with a score of 288 (even par), the Hawkeyes followed with a 280 (8-under-par) and 279 (9-under-par). For the three-round tournament, every Iowa golfer shot under par at some point—with 12 of the 15 posted rounds ending at or below par.

For the season, Iowa has also posted six of the top 17 team rounds in program history.

Lowest 54-Hole Individual Score

The last of three records to fall in Arizona was the lowest 54-hole individual score in program history. Both Dabagia and Miranda set the record with a 209, with Dabagia matching the record the following week at the UNF Collegiate at the Jacksonville Golf and Country Club in Jacksonville, Florida.

“It was great to see Madi put together back-to-back weeks of under-par golf,” said Menzel after the tournament in Florida.

The previous 54-hole individual record was a 211, which was set by Ihm at the 2016 Big Ten Championships and matched by then-freshman Shannyn Vogler at the 2023 National Golf Invitational.

Lowest 18-Hole Round

In Florida, Dabagia also tied the best 18-hole round in program history with a 66 (6-under-par). She carded seven birdies during the round, which tied Lea Zeitler (23BA) for best in Iowa women’s golf history.

Zeitler shot her 66 during the Rebel Beach Invitational in 2021 at Spanish Trail Country Club in Las Vegas.

The Hawkeyes are now off until the fall season, which starts in September.