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This week on Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, we’re honoring Military Appreciation Month with an episode that hits deep and swings strong. Hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha sit down with two incredible veterans whose stories remind us how competitive golf events can become lifelines of community, connection, and healing.

First up: Navy veteran Warren Hodges

Warren spent 14 years in the Navy maintaining military aircraft like the EA-6B Prowler and the Super Hornet. But his most meaningful moment? Re-enlisting in an armory named after his grandfather. Now five years into the Golfweek Amateur Tour, Warren has played a staggering 77 rounds, proving that the drive for excellence and camaraderie doesn’t retire when the uniform comes off.

Then: Army veteran Chris Legare

Chris takes us into the heart of Iraq, where he served as a combat engineer clearing routes under mortar fire. His stories are raw, powerful, and unforgettable. Golf and fishing have become his “happy place”, helping him navigate the difficult terrain of PTSD, reintegration, and life beyond the battlefield. For Chris, the amateur golf community isn't just a weekend activity; it’s a mission of healing.

What you'll hear in this episode:

- Stories of sacrifice, service, and transition to civilian life

- How amateur golf competition provides structure and support

- The trust, mentorship, and golf community that veterans find on tour

- Reflections on Military Appreciation Month and the power of shared experience

- Tour updates, upcoming local golf tournaments, and a reminder to submit your Player of the Month nominations by May 5th!

If you're looking for more than just a golf podcast for everyday golfers, this episode will move you, challenge you, and remind you why this Tour is so much more than a scorecard.

Whether you're a long-time Golfweek member or just love great amateur golf podcasts, join us as we honor those who served and still show up strong on the fairways.

Listen now and tee up some perspective.

Visit amateurgolftour.net and senioramateurgolftour.net to learn more about upcoming amateur golf tournaments near you.

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Welcome back to Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, your favorite amateur golf podcast where the stories are real, the community is tight, and the competitive golf events bring everyday golfers together from across the country.

This week, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha take you on a journey through one of the most heartfelt and fun chapters yet in the Golfweek Amateur Tour. From first-time victories to powerful stories of resilience, this episode captures what makes the amateur golf community unlike any other.

Greg Gunnels’ First Win
After five years of dedication, Greg finally secures his first win on tour, and it’s not even the best part. He shares how one Bloody Mary at a Louisiana South event led to deep friendships and a true sense of brotherhood. Despite having a local Houston tour, Greg keeps coming back to Louisiana for one simple reason: “Those are my brothers over there.” This is amateur golf at its most meaningful.

Roger Claytor’s Story of Strength
Recognized as the March National Player of the Month, Roger opens up about supporting his wife through her cancer battle and how the Golfweek Amateur Tour community showed up for them in a big way. From his home in Richmond, Roger’s decade-long commitment to the tour and his family is nothing short of inspiring. And when his wife rang that victory bell, the tour gave her a championship belt of her own. If you ever doubted that golf tournaments could change lives, this story will prove otherwise.

Tour Wrap-Up
From Richmond to Louisiana South, this episode highlights everything that makes local golf tours special: competitive spirit, camaraderie, and a community that rallies around each other on and off the course. Whether you're playing through pouring rain, chasing personal bests, or just soaking in a weekend with your golf buddies, there’s nothing quite like being part of the Golfweek Amateur Tour.

Want to be part of the story?
Join a tour near you amateurgolftour.net
Senior division? Head over to senioramateurgolftour.net

Don’t Forget:

Nominate your Player of the Month by May 5th

Enter the Srixon irons raffle for just $10 via Venmo (@TimNATC) — because showing up club-less is only funny once

Whether you’re grinding for a National Championship or just here for the golf tips, laughs, and community, this episode is packed with everything everyday golfers love. Thanks for being part of the Golfweek Amateur Tour family!

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:

Win a set of ZX7 MK2 Srixon irons (4-PW) and support the podcast!

Just $10 per entry – details in the show notes and on social. Venmo - @TimNATC (note it as Srixon Irons Podcast)

Support the show

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Hey there! Ever show up to a competitive golf event... without your golf clubs? Our resident rules guru, Roger, did just that, and lived to tell the tale (and shoot respectably!). In this episode of Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, Tim Newman, Chris Rocha, and Roger tee up the laughs, drop some serious amateur golf rule knowledge, and spotlight the passion that fuels our golf community.

We’re also heading to the beautiful Mission Inn Resort for the Howie in the Hills regional, where players took on the rare Florida hills and came out swinging—including former PGA Tour pro Dave Rummels, who staged an epic Champ Flight comeback with four birdies on the back nine. And yes, he’s 67 and just returned to amateur golf tournaments after decades as a pro.

Plus, we dive into what makes senior golf events such a vibe: camaraderie, relaxed competition, and stories that go beyond the scorecard.

Highlights & Tee-rific Moments:

• Roger’s hilarious “no clubs” story (seriously, check your trunk!)
• What’s OB vs. penalty area? Learn the golf rule definitions that could save your round
• Dave Rummels’ comeback after SEVEN straight bogeys—mental game on point
• The highs and hills of Mission Inn: Las Colinas & El Campeon courses
• How local golf tours bring players together from all over the country
• The difference in energy between the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Golf Tour
• A heartfelt reminder of the impact this amateur golf podcast has had on players, especially veterans

Don’t Forget:

Nominate your Player of the Month by May 5th

Enter the Srixon irons raffle for just $10 via Venmo (@TimNATC) — because showing up club-less is only funny once

Whether you’re grinding for a National Championship or just here for the golf tips, laughs, and community, this episode is packed with everything everyday golfers love. Thanks for being part of the Golfweek Amateur Tour family!

Support the show

Podcast Homepage
Golfweek Amateur Tour
Senior Amateur Tour
Facebook
YouTube
Srixon
Jondo Sunglasses