​Mitch Oard tees off on the first hole in match play at the City Golf Tournament on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The event, rich in history, continues to attract players who treat it as a summer ritual, a tradition that Bloomington has honored for nearly six decades since its inception. Ike Martin embodies that enduring spirit. Even after nearly 60 years of participation, he remains grateful for every summer moment the Bloomington City Golf Tournament brings, a sentiment he holds more deeply than ever.
Just two weeks prior, Martin found himself waking up in a hospital, unsure how he had arrived there. He had suffered heat stroke, a scare that forced him to take a week off from work. Yet as soon as the doctors would allow it, he was eager to return to what he loves: his favorite tournament, now in its 98th year. He is the defending Super Senior champion, and his path through the event underscores the persistence and resilience that have defined his career.
On Sunday, July 12 at Cascades Golf Course, Martin defeated Burke Geene 2 up in a match that advanced him into the final four, setting his sights on a record 14th title. He had also opened with a 7 and 6 victory on Saturday, and his run included a comeback from a one-hole deficit at the turn. Reflecting on his performance, Martin said, “I don’t know how I did it. A week and a half ago, they were peeling me out of here in an ambulance. So all this is a positive.”
Throughout his long career, the 71-year-old Martin has shown remarkable durability, continuing to compete despite past surgeries on his back and knees and even a hand that required work last year. He has delivered lopsided wins, executed clutch shots, and endured setbacks—from wild bounces to opponents who caught fire for a day. Facing death itself now sits alongside those trials, yet he remains a fierce competitor.
Just a couple of weeks ago, after spending a hot, muggy day mowing fairways for long hours, Martin decided to return for nine holes around 5:30 p.m. He joked afterward that his wife gave him a stern talking-to for his risk-taking. “It was the stupidest thing, because I didn’t hydrate,” Martin recalled. “And I’m lucky that the people who were here immediately went to work on me and basically saved my life. I had no pulse, my blood sugar was 200. I was not drinking any fluids.” He spent the night in the hospital, remembering only the clock in his room reading 1:30. The following day, doctors wouldn’t discharge him until he passed urine to confirm kidney function.
Martin’s stamina was drained after back-to-back rounds—a rarity for him these days—but his competitive fire burned bright. “It doesn’t have the same urgency this year, simply because I know what could have happened,” he acknowledged. Yet he remains the same determined opponent, having battled back from a 2-down deficit after 11 holes against a long-hitting foe, then closing out with wins on 16 and 17.
The EMT’s words still echo in his memory: “Twenty more minutes and you wouldn’t be here.” Gratitude remains a constant companion for Martin, a sentiment that colors his approach to the game and to every tournament moment. He stands ready for what lies ahead, grateful for the chance to compete and for the support that carried him through his darkest hour.
As the tournament unfolds, Martin is part of a high-stakes final four, positioned among the top four seeds in pursuit of that elusive 14th title. His journey this year—soaked with a near-fatal health scare, renewed determination, and the relentless drive of a veteran champion—has become a defining chapter in the City Golf Tournament’s storied history. The day’s action features many compelling matches, including a showcase by Rory Brown on the first hole during match play, underscoring the depth of talent in a field where every stroke matters and every comeback has a story.