Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast

Hosted by Tim Newman & Chris Rocha

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to the Golfweek Amateur Tour Podcast! If you love amateur golf, the thrill of competitive golf events, and the camaraderie of the golf community, this is the podcast for you! Join hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha as they bring you the latest from the Golfweek Amateur Tour, covering everything from all of the local golf tours through the road to the National Championship. We’ll break down recent golf tournaments, highlight standout players, and dive into what makes amateur golf competitions so much fun. But that’s not all, we sit down with tour directors, course pros, and players from across the country to hear their stories, get insider perspectives, and maybe even pick up a few tips along the way. And, of course, we’ve got Roger’s Rules, where we tackle the quirkiest, most debated rules in golf (because let’s be honest, we all need a refresher sometimes). This isn’t just another amateur golf podcast, it’s a golf podcast for everyday golfers who love the game, the grind, and the great people that make up the Golfweek Amateur Tour. So hit subscribe, grab a drink (or a range bucket), and let’s talk golf!

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60 recent

June 15, 20261 hr 10 min

Driving Change: Arizona’s Nationwide Cancer Fundraising Push, Golf Memories, and a New Hole-in-One

The Golfweek Amateur Tour is about more than competition. It's about community, camaraderie, and making a difference. This week, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha welcome Arizona Tour Director Gabe Garcia and Assistant Director Jordan Isaac to discuss an ambitious nationwide fundraising campaign benefiting the V Foundation for Cancer Research. What began as a successful Arizona initiative is now expanding across the entire Golfweek Amateur Tour family, creating opportunities for players from every market to contribute to an important cause. Gabe and Jordan share details about the upcoming online auction featuring golf packages, stay-and-play experiences, and bucket-list golf destinations from across the country. They also discuss how every Golfweek Amateur Tour market can participate through creative fundraising efforts, 50/50 raffles, closest-to-the-pin contests, and member-driven initiatives. The conversation goes beyond fundraising as the group reflects on the impact cancer has had on members of the Golfweek Amateur Tour family, including the ongoing challenges faced by National Tour Director Dennis McCormac and his wife Jennifer. They also discuss plans to honor veterans, cancer survivors, and those we've lost by sharing their stories throughout the campaign. Later, Tim, Chris, Gabe, and Jordan share personal stories about golf, family, fathers, and the memories that keep bringing us back to the game. If you've ever wished for just one more round with someone special, this conversation will resonate. Plus: Arizona's nationwide V Foundation fundraising initiative How Golfweek Amateur Tour members can participate Upcoming online auction featuring golf packages from around the country Stories honoring veterans and cancer survivors Gabe's move to the Champ Flight Chris discusses another hole-in-one on the El Paso Tour Tim's love for the U.S. Open and why it's golf's greatest championship Memorable father-son golf stories Ryder Cup rivalry updates between Arizona and El Paso Whether you're a Golfweek Amateur Tour veteran, a first-time player, or simply a fan of Amateur Golf, this episode highlights what makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour such a special Golf Community. Where Amateurs Play Like Pros. For more information on the Golfweek Amateur Tour, visit:https://www.amateurgolftour.net For more information on the Senior Amateur Tour, visit:https://www.senioramateurgolftour.net Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

June 1, 20261 hr 29 min

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 Senior Amateur Tour Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 18, 20261 hr 18 min

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.netsenioramateurgolftour.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

May 4, 20261 hr 13 min

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.netsenioramateurgolftour.net Join a tour. Meet your community. Play where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

April 20, 20261 hr 23 min

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

April 6, 20261 hr 35 min

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

March 23, 20261 hr 35 min

From Local Tours to National Dreams: Building the Ultimate Golfweek Amateur Tour Golf Experience

Welcome back to another episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour Podcast, where amateurs play like pros and every round has a story. This week, we’re diving deep into the heart of Golfweek Amateur Tour competition, from tour growth to unforgettable moments on the course. Tim and Chris sit down with Alabama Tour Director Scott Parker, who’s quietly building one of the most respected local golf tours in the country. Scott shares how his Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Tour have exploded in growth, what it takes to run high-level amateur golf tournaments, and why pace of play might be the most underrated factor in competitive golf. Then, we head to Orlando, where Chris Rocha caught up with champions across multiple flights, highlighting what makes this golf community so unique: competition, camaraderie, and a whole lot of grit. Why Alabama might be the most underrated destination in amateur golf How strong relationships drive success in competitive golf events The real impact of pace of play on tournament quality Why two-day events are becoming the future of golf tournaments What separates top players from the rest (hint: it’s not just talent) Behind-the-scenes stories from Orlando’s rising amateur golf competition Chris brings you on-the-ground interviews with flight winners who battled tough conditions, demanding greens, and serious competition: Champ Flight: A comeback round under pressure A Flight: Strategic driving and course management B Flight: Staying mentally tough through adversity C & D Flights: Grit, resilience, and pure love for the game This isn’t just about scores, it’s about the Golfweek Amateur Tour experience: Traveling across the country for golf tournaments Building lifelong friendships Competing in a true amateur golf competition environment Chasing that ultimate goal, the National Championship What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Orlando Winners Recap:Why It Matters:If you’ve ever thought about joining a local golf tour, this episode shows you exactly why you should. Ready to tee it up?Visit amateurgolftour.net or senioramateurgolftour.net and find a tournament near you. Because this is where everyday golfers become competitors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

March 9, 20261 hr 14 min

Inside the Golfweek Amateur Tour: Real Stories from Competitive Amateur Golf

In this episode of the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha dive into another great week in the world of the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Tour Competition. The episode kicks off with a conversation featuring Sean Redmond, who is making big moves in Virginia as the new Senior Amateur Tour Director while continuing to build the Richmond Golfweek Amateur Tour community. Sean joins the show during a busy regional weekend featuring nearly 190 players competing across two championship golf courses. Sean shares what it takes to run successful competitive golf events, the importance of building relationships with players, and how tour directors across the country work together to strengthen the Golfweek Amateur Tour brand. From securing great golf courses to keeping events affordable for players, Sean explains how the focus always comes back to delivering a world-class experience for everyday golfers. One of the biggest themes of the conversation is something every amateur golfer understands: the brotherhood that forms through local golf tours and tournaments. Whether you’re a Champion Flight competitor or a D-Flight grinder, the goal is the same: to compete, improve, and enjoy the game with a community of golfers who share the same passion. Chris also brings coverage from a recent two-man Amateur golf tournament, interviewing champions from multiple divisions. These interviews highlight what makes Golfweek Amateur Tour events special: friendly competition, tough weather conditions, clutch shots, and golfers from across the country coming together to compete. Among the highlights: • A Champ Flight team battles through wind, rain, and cold to secure the win• Division II champions talk about “ham-and-egg” teamwork to stay consistent• Third Flight champions describe a tight final-round battle• Senior Amateur Tour champions discuss clutch eagle shots and course strategy• Chris shares the experience of competing head-to-head with the eventual winners The episode wraps with a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like for tour directors to balance running tournaments, playing competitive golf, and building a national golf community. If you love Amateur Golf, competitive tournaments, and the stories behind everyday golfers chasing their best rounds, this episode delivers. Because at the Golfweek Amateur Tour, this is truly Where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 23, 20261 hr 15 min

Quiet Hole-in-One, Loud Lessons: Cowboy Golf, Course Management & Senior Icebreaker Highlights

Where Amateurs Play Like Pros! This week on the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, we bring you everything that makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour & Senior Amateur Tour special: unforgettable moments, hard-earned victories, and the kind of camaraderie that defines our golf community. We kick things off with Champ Flight standout Ty Taylor from the El Paso Tour, fresh off his third hole-in-one, and maybe the quietest ace in Golfweek Amateur Tour history. No roar. No fireworks. Just a striped six-iron into the wind at Rio Mimbres… and then the realization that it disappeared. Classic. Ty walks us through: His 190-yard par-3 ace in brutal Deming wind Why he almost kept playing the hole-in-one ball (rookie move avoided) How he’s stacked up 55 birdies, 4 eagles, and 5 wins in 31 Amateur Golf tournaments Why eliminating “hero shots” is the key to better scores in Competitive Golf Events If you’re a high handicapper trying to level up your tournament game, this is gold. The difference between Champ Flight and the rest? It’s not magic. It’s avoiding triples and playing smart. Then we shift to Hilton Head Island for coverage from the Senior Icebreaker Regional, one of the most relaxed, competitive, and fun stops in our National Championship season. We hear from: Eli Villanueva (Champ Flight) - From 7 back to playoff victory Keith Breazeale (A Flight) - Steady 80-80 consistency under pressure Michael Anderson (B Flight) - Two-time Senior National Champion, doing what he does best David Yi (C Flight) - 88-88 and walks away with the win Butch Novak (D Flight & Tour Director) - Playoff victory and a Firestone plug This is what Amateur golf tournaments are about. Different flights. Different journeys. Same competitive fire. We also get a Myrtle Beach tournament update from Chris Rocha as he preps for a team event and breaks down the strategy behind managing weather, tee times, and team scoring. If you love tournament golf, competitive strategy, and stories from everyday golfers chasing the next great round, this is your golf podcast for everyday golfers. Listen. Compete. Travel. Win. Find your tour at:amateurgolftour.netsenioramateurgolftour.net Because this is Where Amateurs Play Like Pros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

February 9, 20261 hr 9 min

From Brutal Playoffs to New Tour Directors: Inside the Golfweek Amateur Tour

The Golfweek Amateur Tour Podcast is back with an episode that perfectly captures what Amateur Golf Competition is all about, grit, camaraderie, and golfers who simply refuse to quit when conditions get tough. Hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha are joined by Jason Harris and new Milwaukee Tour Director Keith Cowan for a wide-ranging conversation that covers brutal playoff weather, tour growth across the country, and why the Golfweek Amateur Tour continues to be one of the most welcoming local golf tours in the country. From five-hole playoffs in near-freezing temperatures to packed leaderboards and sold-out amateur golf tournaments, this episode highlights the competitive edge and strong golf community that defines the tour. Episode Highlights Surviving the Elements - Jason Harris recounts winning a D-Flight playoff in 30-degree temperatures with 40-mph winds in North Florida. Competitive golf does not stop for weather. Playoffs at Every Level - From Champ Flight to D Flight, the competitive fire burns just as hot. This is what real amateur golf competition looks like. Milwaukee Welcomes Keith Cowan - A military veteran and passionate golfer, Keith steps in as the new Tour Director with big plans for growth, inclusion, and community engagement. Course Talk & Insider Picks - Palencia earns high praise in Florida, while TPC Wisconsin headlines the Milwaukee schedule with limited spots and major demand. Tour Momentum Is Real - Membership numbers are climbing, tournaments are filling fast, and regional events like Orlando and Myrtle Beach are already on players’ radar. Why This Episode Matters This is not just a golf podcast for everyday golfers, it’s a behind-the-scenes look at why competitive golf events thrive when the focus is equal parts competition and camaraderie. Whether you’re chasing points, a National Championship berth, or simply great competition with great people, the Golfweek Amateur Tour delivers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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