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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)

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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

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This week on Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha tee it up with two incredible guests who represent everything we love about amateur golf and our amazing golf community.

First up is Steve Kubik, Augusta Tour Director and proud Marine veteran, who gives us a behind-the-scenes look at running competitive golf events—even when thousands of trees are down after a hurricane! From course conditions at Orangeburg and Parris Island to the camaraderie on the Senior Amateur Golf Tour, Steve’s stories are the stuff of legend. And get this: he’s rocking a 2.8 handicap... with zero formal lessons. (Marine grit for the win!)

Then we welcome our February Player of the Month, John Robinson Jr., aka "The Mayor of Hilton Head." JR shares the powerful story behind his pre-shot ritual—a tribute to his late father that’ll hit you right in the feels. He also dishes out local secrets for making the most of the RBC Heritage tournament, including where to watch, where to eat (hello, Stu’s Sub Shop 👀), and how Hilton Head hospitality makes it all unforgettable.

And don’t miss the big giveaway! We're raffling off a brand-new set of Srixon ZX7 MK2 irons (4-PW) to help fund our podcast travels. Just $10 per entry gets you in the running to upgrade your bag and support your favorite amateur golf podcast!

Whether you're into local golf tours, chasing that next national championship, or just love hearing real stories from everyday golfers, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughs, and heartfelt moments.

HIGHLIGHTS & TAKEAWAYS:

• Steve Kubik on managing Augusta’s golf tournaments post-hurricane
• Why military discipline helped him thrive in amateur golf competition
• Favorite courses on the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Tour
• JR’s emotional pre-shot tribute to his dad
• Insider tips for Hilton Head and the RBC Heritage
• Southern hospitality, great subs, and the ultimate golf community vibe
• A can’t-miss Srixon irons raffle for just $10!

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)

LEARN MORE & JOIN THE TOUR:

Explore the Golfweek Amateur Tour near you: (https://amateurgolftour.net)

Senior golfers, check out: Senior Amateur Golf Tour (https://senioramateurgolftour.net)

FOLLOW US FOR MORE:

Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring the people, courses, and stories that make the Golfweek Amateur Tour the best golf podcast for everyday golfers.

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Amateur golf is more than just birdies and bogeys—it's about the friendships, the shared experiences, and the unforgettable moments that happen between the shots. In this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha bring you stories from the Golfweek Amateur Tour that showcase the power of community in amateur golf tournaments.

🏆 Kevin Odom from Louisiana North shares his thrilling playoff victory at Stonebridge, but more importantly, he talks about the camaraderie that makes competitive golf events so special. He even jokes that his fellow players will be "carrying his coffin one day"—a true testament to the friendships formed on tour.

🎸 Jeff Helbig, Nashville Tour Director, takes us to Muscle Shoals, Alabama, where Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail hosts some of the best local golf tour stops in the country. We dive into the Fighting Joe and Schoolmaster courses, their affordability, and the area's legendary music history—where artists like Aretha Franklin and Bob Seger recorded their biggest hits.

🔥 Other episode highlights include:

✔️ Why Louisiana’s golf scene is about more than just great courses—it's about family.

✔️ The Shoals Regional tournament—an unbeatable opportunity to play championship courses at an incredible value.

✔️ The importance of supporting our golf community through tough times.

✔️ The hidden golf gems of Nashville and why its golf scene is a sleeping giant.

✔️ Fun golf strategy talk, including why aiming for the bunkers (yes, really) might be the right move on some holes.

Whether you're chasing a trophy or just looking to connect with fellow golfers, the Golfweek Amateur Tour is where competition and community come together.

📢 Call to Action:

Don't miss your chance to experience the best in amateur golf competition! Find a Golfweek Amateur Tour event near you and become part of this incredible golf community. Visit AmateurGolfTour.Net to register for upcoming golf tournaments and follow the action!

🎧 Subscribe and listen to "Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast" wherever you get your podcasts!

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What if your golf equipment could tell tales of unexpected layovers and fair-weather challenges? Join us on this episode as we explore the vibrant world of the Golfweek Amateur Tour, where every piece of gear has a story, and each course promises an adventure. From young golfer John’s inspiring journey to Julio's excitement as our newest tour director from the Pacific Northwest, we dive into the inclusive and dynamic spirit that makes our tour truly special.

Picture yourself playing on prestigious courses like Santiam, Langdon Farms, and the iconic Bandon Dunes. Not only do we discuss the logistics and thrills of golf travel, but we also share the exhilaration of organizing extended trips with friends to bucket-list destinations. Conversations with champions like William Carter, winner of the Senior Icebreaker Tournament, and Larry Hyman, the B flight champion, bring to light the competitive essence of the game, illustrating the resilience and strategy required to triumph under challenging conditions.

As we look toward upcoming events, the anticipation is palpable. Whether it's the regional tournament victories that secure early spots in national championships or the competitive spirit of our members in the Pacific Northwest, each moment is a testament to the camaraderie and unpredictability of the sport. We encourage you to participate in our ongoing contests and explore the opportunities that await, as we celebrate the shared passion and excitement that unites our golfing community.

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What makes a legacy unforgettable? Join us as we pay tribute to the extraordinary life of John Livoti, whose unique character and love for golf left a profound mark on the Golfweek Amateur Tour community. We are honored to welcome Jared Beard, the tour director from Columbia, South Carolina, who brings stories of laughter and warmth, capturing John's indomitable spirit. Reminiscing about Italian restaurants and the unmistakable charm of John's New York accent, we celebrate the man who turned simple moments into cherished memories.

Our episode takes a turn towards inspiration with the remarkable journey of Jared Stancil, a Special Olympics athlete and talented golfer. Jared shares his story of perseverance, from winning eight gold medals to the supportive companionship of the community that fuels his passion for the game. His insights into overcoming challenges and savoring victories on the golf course are lessons in resilience and positivity that resonate far beyond sports. We delve into Jared's world, where determination and love for golf create a bond that transcends competition.

To honor those who embody the spirit of community and sportsmanship, we announce our exciting "National Member of the Month" and "National Member of the Year" contest. This initiative celebrates the outstanding individuals who enhance the tour environment. With reflections on camaraderie and the power of supportive relationships, we invite you to witness the lasting impact of these community members, whose contributions create a nurturing and vibrant space for both the tour and the game of golf.

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This episode explores the heart of the Golf Week Amateur Tour through engaging discussions with new tour directors and a special focus on the rules of golf. We welcome Vic Werner, the Senior Arkansas Tour Director, as he shares his journey and insights about enhancing the competitive experience while fostering community among players. The episode also addresses essential rule clarifications to better equip golfers for the challenges they may encounter on the course.

• Introduction of co-host and special guests
• Welcoming new directors to the Golfweek Amateur Tour
• Vic Werner discusses his role as Senior Tour Director
• Importance of community and camaraderie within the tour
• Overview of exciting upcoming events and must-play courses
• Roger clarifies important golf rules for all players
• Tips for new members and embracing a fun, competitive atmosphere
• Final thoughts on the spirit of golf and fostering connections among players

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