Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast

From the Pentagon to the Fairway + A Hole-In-One Celebration

Every golfer has a story, and this episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast delivers two of the best you'll hear all season. First, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha sit down with Richmond Golfweek Amateur Tour Assistant Tour Director Ralph Perkins. Ralph shares an incredible journey that took him from homelessness as a teenager to serving as a chef for top military leaders at the Pentagon. He talks about his Army career, deployments around the world, learning Korean while stationed overseas, and how golf became a life-changing passion that eventually led him to competitive Amateur Golf and leadership within the Golfweek Amateur Tour. Then, the conversation shifts west as Atlanta A Flight player Gran Sumrall joins the show after capturing a Regional Championship in California. Grant breaks down the challenge of competing on desert-style golf courses, the unique experience of traveling across the country for Competitive Golf Events, and why regional tournaments continue to be one of the best parts of the Golfweek Amateur Tour experience. The episode closes with a special celebration as Chris shares the story of his first-ever hole-in-one, giving listeners a front-row seat to one of the most exciting moments in Amateur Golf. Whether you're chasing a National Championship, competing in Local Golf Tours, or simply enjoy hearing great stories from everyday golfers, this episode highlights exactly why the Golfweek Amateur Tour continues to build one of the strongest Golf Communities in the country. In This Episode * Ralph Perkins discusses his Army career and service around the world * Life lessons learned from overcoming adversity * How golf became a passion later in life * Growing the Richmond Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Tour * Community-focused events supporting local charities * Gran Sumrall recaps his California Regional victory * The challenge of competing on desert golf courses * Why Regional tournaments are a must-play experience * Chris Rocha shares the story of his first hole-in-one * Updates on National Championship qualification races * US Senior Open qualifying updates from Golfweek Amateur Tour members Learn More For information on upcoming Amateur Golf tournaments, Local Golf Tours, Regional events, and the National Championship, visit: Golfweek Amateur Tour [https://www.amateurgolftour.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Senior Amateur Tour [https://www.senioramateurgolftour.net/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Golfweek Amateur Tour - Where Veterans Play Like Pros

This episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast is all about honoring veterans, Amateur Golf, and the players who embody what the Golfweek Amateur Tour is truly about: competition, camaraderie, and showing up week after week because they love the game. Tim Newman and Chris Rocha sit down with two dedicated Golfweek Amateur Tour players and military veterans: Cleveland’s Jaymee Hooshangi and Arizona’s Jordan Isaac. Jaymee shares his journey from joining the Army after high school to finding competitive golf later in life. From Air Defense Artillery to becoming one of Cleveland’s most consistent Golfweek Amateur Tour members, Jaymee talks about why tournament golf keeps pulling him back and why the friendships on tour matter just as much as the scores. Jordan Isaac brings a powerful story from his service in the United States Marine Corps, including two combat deployments to Afghanistan. He opens up about the brotherhood of service, transitioning back to civilian life, and how the Golfweek Amateur Tour unexpectedly changed his life in more ways than one… including meeting his fiancée through the tour. The episode also dives into: * Military Appreciation Month * Competitive Golf Events across the country * Arizona’s incredible Golfweek Amateur Tour schedule * The legendary Tubac stop * TPC Scottsdale regional events * National Championship memories * The grind of Amateur Golf Competition * Life on Local Golf Tours * Chris talking trash about Arizona again * Tim trying to convince everyone to move south for year-round golf * Grandkids, Big Red soda, Savannah Bananas baseball, and complete podcast chaos If you love Amateur Golf, Golf Tournaments, great stories, and the community that makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour special, this episode is for you. Where Amateurs Play Like Pros! Ready to compete in Golfweek Amateur Tour tournaments? Visit: amateurgolftour.net senioramateurgolftour.net Join a tour. Meet your community. Play where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Subscribe, share, and leave a review, because the golf community grows one story at a time.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

From Combat to Competition: Military Stories Inside the Golfweek Amateur Tour

In this powerful episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha take a step beyond the leaderboard to honor Military Appreciation Month and the incredible stories behind the players in the Golfweek Amateur Tour. This isn’t just about the Golfweek Amateur Tour Golf. This is about service, sacrifice, camaraderie, and how the Golfweek Amateur Tour community becomes a second family for those who have served. As always, this is where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Episode Highlights * Why May is one of the most meaningful months on the podcast * The connection between military service and Golfweek Amateur Tour Competition * How the Golfweek Amateur Tour creates lifelong friendships through Competitive Golf Events * The importance of recognizing veterans both on and off the course Guest Spotlight: Ricardo Almeida Jr. (El Paso / Las Cruces Tour) * 20-year U.S. Marine veteran * 2025 National Championship winner (C-Flight) * One of the most consistent competitors in Amateur golf tournaments Ricardo shares: * His journey through 20 years in the Marines, including deployments and life on an aircraft carrier * How he discovered golf while stationed in Hawaii and quickly fell in love with the game * Why the camaraderie of the Golfweek Amateur Tour reminds him of his time in the military * What it means to compete, and win, at the National Championship level Guest Spotlight: Jason Sprinkle (Alabama Tour) * 24 years of military service (Active Duty + National Guard) * Military Police background with global experience * Competitive player in the Alabama Golfweek Amateur Tour Jason talks about: * Discovering golf during his time stationed in Germany * Competing in international tournaments early in his golf journey * The importance of family support during and after military service * Why the Golfweek Amateur Tour stands out among all Amateur Golf Competition experiences What Makes This Episode Different This episode highlights the heart of Golfweek Amateur Tour, the people. From aircraft carriers to championship leaderboards, these stories show how Golfweek Amateur Tour golf tournaments bring together players from all walks of life into one connected golf community. In Memoriam Tim and Chris also take a moment to honor past guest Gaines Beard, reflecting on his impact on the game and the lasting impression he left on the podcast and the golf community.   Closing Thoughts Whether you're competing for a National Championship or just getting started in the Golfweek Amateur Tour, this episode is a reminder of what makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour special. Competition is part of it. But the people, that’s what keeps you coming back. Ready to compete in Golfweek Amateur Tour tournaments? Visit: amateurgolftour.net senioramateurgolftour.net Join a tour. Meet your community. Play where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

This IS Tour Life

This episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast delivers exactly what makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour so addictive: competition, chaos, and a whole lot of personality. Tim Newman and Chris Rocha kick things off recapping Masters Week, tournament pools, and the reality of trying to balance competitive golf with real life. From there, things shift into what really matters: the growth of Local Golf Tours, the rising cost of amateur golf tournaments, and what it takes to keep the Golf Community thriving. We’re joined by South Florida Tour Director Terry Lawson, who brings energy, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most active regions in the Golfweek Amateur Tour. From stacked fields and senior tour growth to upcoming Competitive Golf Events and regionals, Terry makes one thing clear: the competition is only getting better. Then we head to Denver with Tour Director Doug Smith, who gives a raw, honest breakdown of running Golf Tournaments in a high-cost market. From attracting younger players to creative solutions like sponsorships and pricing strategies, this is a masterclass in growing a Golf Community the right way. The episode wraps with a real conversation about the future of Amateur Golf, the importance of younger players entering the game, and why the National Championship experience is still the ultimate goal for everyday golfers. If you’re looking for a true golf podcast for everyday golfers, this is it. Key Takeaways * The reality of rising costs in Amateur Golf * How Tour Directors are adapting to keep players engaged * Why younger golfers are critical to the future of the game * Inside look at South Florida & Denver tour growth * The importance of community in Amateur Golf Competition * Why the Golfweek Amateur Tour continues to thrive nationwide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

This Cost Him 2 Strokes… (And It Happens ALL The Time)

Welcome back to the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, the amateur golf podcast where everyday golfers step into the world of competitive golf events and experience what it’s like to compete like the pros. This week, Chris Rocha takes the lead early before Tim Newman jumps in, and the episode delivers everything that makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour THE premier amateur golf tour in the country. We kick things off with a fan-favorite segment, Roger’s Rules, where Roger Cowan breaks down real situations from the course, including one he personally experienced… hitting the wrong ball. Yes, even the rules expert had a moment. From there, the conversation dives into: * What happens when you hit the wrong ball (and how costly it can be) * How provisional balls actually work in tournament play * Penalty area confusion and how to handle it correctly * Practice swings gone wrong (literally) If you play in local golf tours or any amateur golf competition, this segment alone is worth the listen. Then we head north to the Minneapolis Amateur Golf scene, where Tour Director Matt Foehse joins the show to talk about: * Growing a Golf Community in a short-season market * Packing 15 golf tournaments into a Midwest schedule * Using video and social media to grow participation * Building a next-level tournament experience (including a mobile tournament trailer setup) * Why delivering a great player experience matters more than ever This is a masterclass in how local golf tours are evolving and how directors across the Golfweek Amateur Tour are raising the bar for amateur golf nationwide. We close things out with some Masters talk, travel stories, and a reminder of what makes this tour special: competition, camaraderie, and a community that feels like family. If you’re looking for amateur golf tournaments, want to compete in a National Championship, or just love the game, this is your tour. Learn more or find your local tour: * amateurgolftour.net * senioramateurgolftour.net Because this is where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]