We are only one month into the 2026 Elk year, and Lodge 590 has already achieved some truly outstanding accomplishments.
The Iowa Elks Spring Conference was held April 24–25 at the Des Moines Holiday Inn and Convention Center, followed by the Southeast District Deputy Clinic on Sunday morning, April 26. Leading Knight Ryan Drey, Exalted Ruler Matt McCormick, and I had the opportunity to attend. Throughout the weekend, we gained valuable insight into our roles and responsibilities for the upcoming Elk year, along with best business practices to help strengthen and grow our Lodge.
During the general business session on Saturday afternoon, Lodge 590 and PER Jason Tjarks were recognized for our participation in the 2025–2026 Veterans Leather Program. This marked our first involvement since 2014, and our members stepped up in a big way—collecting and donating 34 hides. These donations were processed into wheelchair gloves and therapy kits for veterans, directly supporting those who have served our country.
We also received exciting news from the Americanism Essay Contest. In the 6th grade division, Annemarie Livorsi, our Lodge 590 girls winner, placed second in the state, while Liam Cavanaugh earned third place in the boys division. Both students plan to share their award-winning essays during our Flag Day celebration in June—an event you won’t want to miss.
I would also like to recognize our 2026 Lodge 590 scholarship recipients:
$6,000 Winners: Rylee Corbett, Ella Keune, Evan White $4,000 Winners: Amal Eltayib, Jesse Varner
Congratulations to all of these outstanding students on their achievements.
As we move into May, we have several important events coming up:
- Mother’s Day Brunch: May 10, 9:30 AM – 1:30 PM
- Veterans Fish Fry (Marshalltown, IA): May 16
- Opening Weekend for the Lodge Pool: May 23
- Lodge 590 Anniversary: May 24
- June 1, 2026: New Member Initiation, 7 PM
Exalted ruler update
I am thrilled to report that the recent Iowa Elks Spring Convention was a tremendous success! Our lodge received multiple awards, including a special recognition for our Veterans deer hide donations—an achievement that has eluded us since 2014! This milestone reflects the hard work and dedication of our members. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this success!
As we look forward, we are excited to announce that our next member initiation will take place on June 1st, along with the installation of our new officers. It’s a wonderful opportunity to welcome new faces into our lodge and to set the stage for another productive year.
With the arrival of nice weather, we can’t wait to see everyone at the lodge. Let’s gather together to enjoy the warmth of the season and the camaraderie of our community. Your presence makes all the difference!
Looking forward to seeing you all soon!
Respectfully yours,
Matt McCormick
Exalted Ruler
Golf Course Superintendent Update
The turf is perking up as the soil temperatures rise. The up and down of the Iowa weather dictates the number of golfers, everything is definitely going in the right direction. Derby days is coming up soon, I remember one year long ago when we played with snow flurries! Don’t forget to make a tee time and get your juniors signed up for golf camp in June.
Ned Giles
Golf PGA Pro Update
Hello Elks Members!
I am excited to be a partner for the 2026 golf season. I have been a PGA Member and in the golf industry for almost two decades. I am looking forward to working with many of you throughout the season, and leading the junior and veteran programs. Some of you may already know me from Golfletics in Coralville, and I hope to expand that network this year.
My goal this season is to support the membership and create opportunities for golf education. Hopefully we can grow the relationship and support member engagement within the Elks Lodge. Each month, I will update a golf tip and provide golfer education opportunities that are coming up. Don’t forget to sign up your kids for the junior program in June!
Spring Golf Tip – Find Your Tempo
A simple way to improve your swing tempo is to think “1-2” during your swing – emphasize the “onnneee” on the backswing and a quicker “two” on the downswing. The key is to keep the tempo smooth on the backswing and slightly quicker in the downswing. Practice the rhythm early in the season to adopt a repeatable tempo and golf sequence. If you’d like help dialing in your tempo or any other part of your game, feel free to reach out for a lesson.
Austin Kopp, PGA
Pro Shop Manager Update
We held our first golf event of the 2026 season with the Master’s Pick-A-Pro on Saturday, April 11th. We ended up with 16 hearty souls, who braved the chilly 50 degree rainy day and we thank you! Congratulations to Steve Sproule. He was the only person to pick Xander Schauffele and their combined score secured the win!
Men’s League kicked off their season on Thursday, April 23rd. They will continue through August 20th, with the exception of Thursday, July 2nd. There will be no men’s league that night.
New merchandise continues to arrive on a weekly basis. Stop by the Pro Shop to see what’s new!
With the arrival of the month of May, are diving right in with the start of regular golf activities!
Our first men’s only event will be Derby Days on Saturday, May 2nd. We are hopeful for great weather!
Friday Night Couples Golf kicks off on Friday, May 1st. Please contact Kim Jordan via email at [email protected] if you would like to get on her weekly email list. This is a no pressure, FUN night of golf. Kim does the pairings/format and switches up the foursomes every week (you still play with your partner), so this is a great way to meet new people. Entry is only $5 per couple.
Normal greens/cart fees apply without golf memberships. We would love for you to join us!
Women’s league play will be every Tuesday, May-September. The exception is the first Tuesday of the Month, which is Super Tuesday.
This month’s Super Tuesday is May 5th, Cinco De Mayo! Contact Abby Pals via email at [email protected] for more information. If you have a GHIN handicap, you may have noticed the option to join the Lodge 590 Summer GHIN Challenge. There is no cost to join.
This is a fun opportunity to have a little competition amongst all our Elks golfers…men, women and juniors. The Challenge will run from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Once you join, all you have to do is post your scores to GHIN as you already do. There will be a running leader board all summer long. You must have a minimum of 3 scores posted to be “ranked” on the leader board. There will be awards for the TOP 3 at the end of the challenge! Let’s have a GREAT SUMMER on the golf course!
And finally, we are hosting the Iowa City Golf Association 2-Person Ryder Cup on Saturday, May 30th.
This is a 27 hole competition and registration can be found at iowacitygolf.com.
As always, questions or ideas?… [email protected]
Fairways and greens,
Brenda Lewis
General Manager Update
May is one of the most exciting months at the Lodge as we transition fully into the spring and summer season. Golf is in full swing, the pool is right around the corner, and our calendar is filling up with great events for members and families to enjoy.
Welcome Our New Executive Chef
We are excited to welcome Executive Chef Paige Knebel to the Lodge this May! Chef Knebel brings great experience and energy to our kitchen, and we’re looking forward to the impact she will have on our food and dining programs.
Together with Jerry Murphy, Banquet Chef, the kitchen will be open more hours and available for more diverse offerings.
If you see Paige around the Lodge, please be sure to give her a warm welcome!
Golf Outings
Saturday, May 2 – Kick off the month with our Derby Days Golf Tournament!
Saturday, May 30 – We’re proud to host the ICGA Two-Man Ryder Cup on May 30th. This competitive and exciting event brings great energy to the course—be sure to check for any course impacts and come out to support the players.
Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 10
Celebrate the special women in your life with our annual Mother’s Day Brunch at the Lodge. Enjoy a delicious spread in a welcoming setting—perfect for making the day memorable. Reservations are highly recommended.
Pool Season is Almost Here!
Summer is just around the corner, and we’re excited to announce that Pool Opening Weekend is Saturday, May 23th!
Now is the time to get ready for the season:
☀ Purchase your pool memberships before opening day
☀ Plan for a summer full of fun, food, and relaxation at the Lodge
We’re looking forward to another great pool season with our members and their families.
May truly sets the tone for the summer ahead. Thank you for being part of Elks Lodge 590—we look forward to seeing you out on the course, at brunch, and poolside very soon.
Peter Kessler