Herman Sani (right) is seen talking with Gene Sarazen in August, 1950. Sani served as IGA President in 1929.
The recipients of the 2024 Herman Sani Scholarships, presented by the Iowa Golf Association Foundation (IGAF) have been announced. Crew Klinger, of Williamsburg, Drew DeGabriele, of Mason City, Hannah Pettitt, of Urbandale, Makenna Carlson, of Story City, will receive a four-year scholarship of $2,000 per year ($8,000 total).
Those individuals will be recognized at the Herman Sani Golf Tournament and Dinner held at Echo Valley Country Club, in August.
Crew Klinger, son of Mike and Ericka Klinger, is a graduate of Williamsburg Community High School and will be attending Central College to study Engineering.
“It is truly an honor to be a Sani scholar,” he said. “This prestigious scholarship will help me continue my academic and golf careers at Central College. I’m grateful to be in this position to carry on Mr. Sani’s legacy and give back to the game that has done so much for me.”
Drew DeGabriele, son of Bryan and Sethanne DeGabriele, is a graduate from Mason City High School and will attend North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) for two years and then transfer to a 4-year university to complete my undergraduate and graduate degrees. Drew plans to major in either sports statistics or math education and coaching.
“As a 2024 Herman Sani Scholar, it means a great deal to me that I will get to further my education in hopes of serving as a leader and making a lasting impact on my community while also pursuing my professional goals,” he said. “I am thankful for the opportunity to represent the values and passion for golf that Mr. Sani and the scholarship program have exemplified.”
Hannah Pettitt, the daughter of Nate and Sarah Pettitt, is a graduate of Waukee Northwest High School and will attend South Dakota State University to study Biochemistry.
“I am very grateful and honored to be a recipient of the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “As I attend South Dakota State next year this additional financial support will help me accomplish my ambitious goals in the classroom and on the course. I am excited to represent the Iowa Golf Association and Mr. Sani through this impressive scholarship.”
Makenna Carlson, the daughter of Michaela and Shane Carlson, is a graduate of Roland-Story High School and plans to study Professional Golf Management at the University of Nebraska (Lincoln).
“I am deeply honored to receive the Herman Sani Scholarship,” she said. “Growing up in the world of golf, I have been fortunate to learn from some of the best in the game. My passion for golf has always been clear — I’ve long envisioned it as my career. The opportunity provided by the University of Nebraska Lincoln for golfers like myself is truly incredible. I am eager to share my enthusiasm for the game and educate others about its remarkable aspects and his scholarship will help make this dream a reality.”
The Herman Sani Scholarship Program was established in 1958. Herman Sani had a passion for golf and young people. Sani was the first director of the Iowa Golf Association and served the organization for over 30 years. This scholarship was created in his memory with the purpose to assist Iowa students to further their education. As of 2024, 203 college-bound students have been awarded this four-year scholarship.
Most of the scholarship money comes from the generous donations by individuals and corporate sponsors. Since 2013 the Coppola family of Norwalk has contributed $250,000 to the Herman Sani Scholarship Fund. The Iowa Golf Association and point events from around the state also make significant contributions to the fund. For more information about the scholarship visit our website at www.iowagolf.org/scholarships.
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