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This week on Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, Tim and Chris tee up an episode full of community spirit, competitive fire, and a few rulebook reminders just in time for Father's Day and the U.S. Open.

We spotlight May Member of the Month Ryan Nicholson, who’s already played 15 amateur golf tournaments this season, traveling across state lines and representing the Indianapolis Tour with passion and positivity. Hear about his favorite courses—from Firestone to Notre Dame’s Warren Course—and why French Lick Resort is still on his radar as a must-play.

Indianapolis Tour Director Amal Irudayaraj shares how he’s grown his tour to 125+ members in a compressed season by building relationships with premier golf courses like Sagamore and Chatham Hills. His commitment to creating a competitive golf environment that’s also welcoming shines through.

Then, USGA Rules Official Roger joins the conversation for a breakdown of what to do when you’re stuck with an unplayable ball in a bunker. He also weighs in on club throwing, sportsmanship, and how local golf tours can maintain integrity while keeping the game fun.

Plus, Tim and Chris reflect on how tour directors around the country are ramping up engagement with player spotlights, social media, and recognition programs—all reinforcing the Golfweek Amateur Tour’s core: Where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

Key Topics Covered:

- Ryan Nicholson’s 15-event journey and favorite courses

- Growth of the Indianapolis Tour under Amal Irudayaraj

- Why access to top-tier courses matters

- USGA Rules insights: Unplayable ball relief options & conduct expectations

- Father’s Day reflections & U.S. Open buzz

- Community-building through player recognition and nominations

Call to Action:

Whether you're new to the Golfweek Amateur Tour or a returning member ready to make this season your best, head to amateurgolftour.net or senioramateurgolftour.net to join your local tour. And don’t forget to follow us for more episodes of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast.

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On this episode of Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha deliver a mix of heart, humor, and high-level Amateur Golf Competition.

We kick things off with Mike Cobb, April’s Member of the Month from the Charleston tour. Alongside Tour Director Tim Sumption, Mike shares how he’s brought over 20 new players to the tour, built friendships in every flight, and kept the spirit light with his now-famous rubber snake prank. You’ll hear what makes the Charleston scene so strong and why Mike sticks around to cheer on golfers from every flight.

Then we meet Brandon Filantres, the 17-year-old phenom who recently claimed the D-Flight title at the PGA West Regional. Brandon opens up about maintaining a big lead, bouncing back from pressure, and how his journey in Amateur Golf Tournaments is just getting started.

Also in this episode:

• Must-play course shoutouts: Parris Island, Wyboo Golf Club, Orangeburg CC
• Why Joe Jaspers’ US Senior Open qualification has the tour buzzing
• How the Golfweek Amateur Tour builds community through Competitive Golf Events

Whether you’re chasing a National Championship or just love the Golfweek Amateur Tour, this episode proves once again that this is Where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

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In this special Military Appreciation Month episode of Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha spotlight two inspiring veterans whose impact on and off the course defines the spirit of the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Tour.

First, meet Jamal Garrett, a Marine and Navy veteran whose global deployments from Australia to Japan helped shape his perspective on life and competition. Now a standout on the Tidewater Golfweek Amateur Tour, Jamal shares how golf became a therapeutic outlet during his transition to civilian life. His unforgettable hole-in-one at Kings Mill is the kind of moment every golfer dreams of, and he lived it on tournament day!

Then we welcome Dave Phillips, a retired Air Force Colonel whose career spanned the end of the Cold War and command positions across multiple continents. Now serving as the DC Metro Tour Director for the Senior Amateur Tour, Dave brings military-grade leadership and planning to our Competitive Golf Events. He shares candid reflections on institutional knowledge, team-building, and running high-quality Amateur Golf Tournaments, even in the face of rising course fees and unpredictable weather.

As Memorial Day approaches, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that behind every tournament leaderboard are veterans, families, and stories of dedication and camaraderie. Whether you're a military family, veteran, or part of our Golf Community, you’ll be moved by the leadership, friendship, and resilience found in these conversations.

Also in this episode:

• Shout-out to Mike Cobb, Charleston Tour standout and April's Member of the Month
• Sneak peek at upcoming Regional events: PGA West, Cabot Citrus Farms, and Fripp Island
• Learn how you could win a set of Srixon irons through our podcast raffle
• Keep those nominations coming for May’s Member of the Month by June 5th!

This is Where Amateurs Play Like Pros, and where stories like Jamal’s and Dave’s shine brightest.

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