The Rochau Open: A golf tournament with heart

The banner at the 2002 Rochau Open

     Drive around Cedar County, Iowa, and you'll run into one town that has an intersection with stoplights.

    That's the county seat of Tipton and the home of the Rochau Open, a golf tournament that honors a former resident and business owner.

    Rick Rochau, a graduate of Tipton High School, operated an appliance store until he was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away in March 2003 of complications from the disease. The father of two sons was 46 years old.

    Later that year, his family and many friends put together a golf tournament to raise funds in his memory. The money would go to some of his interests, which included hunting and fishing.

    And so it has, for 20 years now.

    There were more than 100 people playing golf last Saturday at the Tipton Country Club. The event was won by a team that included Rick's eldest son, Larry.    

    The Rochau Open raises money for causes such as the Wounded Warriors Project, a non-profit for veterans who want to go hunting. There are also funds given to groups that introduce youngsters to hunting. 

    Other donations: The Stead Children's Hospital at the University of Iowa, which got an immediate $5,000 in 2022, and After-Prom, an activity for Tipton High School students.

    The 2022 tourney was interrupted by rain just once, and most folks sought shelter in the Greenside Pub, now part of the Tipton Country Club and run by Tim and Katie Ryan.

    The clubhouse itself is new and features the restaurant, plus a pro shop and one of those huge interactive golf games.    

    Tipton should be proud of this event, always held on the third Saturday in August. 

    It is a fine example of how small-town Iowa pulls together and it also illustrates the loyalty of folks to the community.

    Rick Rochau surely was watching from above.

    

A team of four men tees off on the
first tee at the Tipton Country Club