Send us a text

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.

Support the show

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

Send us a text

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.

Support the show

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

Send us a text

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

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