Camaraderie, Competition & Combat: Honoring Our Veterans Through Golf

Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast

Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast
Camaraderie, Competition & Combat: Honoring Our Veterans Through Golf
May 05, 2025 Season 4 Episode 12
Tim Newman & Chris Rocha

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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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Episode Artwork Camaraderie, Competition & Combat: Honoring Our Veterans Through Golf 1:20:58 Episode Artwork Golf, Grit, and Brotherhood: Highlights from the Golfweek Amateur Tour 1:20:15 Episode Artwork “Wait... Where Are My Clubs?” + Mission Inn Madness & Senior Golf Vibes 1:23:39 Episode Artwork Hurricanes, Hilton Head, and Heartfelt Tee Shots, Featuring Steve Kubik & JR "The Mayor" 1:30:20 Episode Artwork The Heart of Amateur Golf: Community, Competition, and Camaraderie 1:13:09 Episode Artwork Golfing Adventures: New Pacific Northwest TD, Senior Champions, & Upcoming Tournament Excitement 1:16:18 Episode Artwork Legacy and Inspiration: Honoring John Livoti, and Celebrating Special Olympian Jared Stancil 1:37:36 Episode Artwork Teeing Up Success: Vic Werner's Journey, 2025 Golf Rules Insights 1:01:18 Episode Artwork Golfing Spirit Unleashed: New Your Upstate Senior Tour Insights, and Southern Icebreaker Champions 1:26:15 Episode Artwork From Classroom to Championship: Nick Lanas’ Golf Journey, Atlanta Leadership Announcement, and Southern Icebreakers Preview 1:21:57 Episode Artwork Tales of Triumph Fresh Faces and Future Competitions 1:08:42 Episode Artwork Teeing Up Change: North Carolina Course Highlights, and Chicago Tour Ambitions 1:23:02 Episode Artwork Victory and Vision: Director's Cup Triumph, Cabot Farms Spotlight, and 2025 Golf Season Launch 1:27:53 Episode Artwork Champion Stories and Strategies: Golfweek Amateur Tour & Senior Amateur Tour National Championship Stories 1:05:41 Episode Artwork Golfweek Adventure: National Championship Challenges, Hurricane Helene Impact, and Rising Golf Stars 53:39 Episode Artwork Road to Hilton Head: Contest Challenges, Rule Insights, and Community Spirit 1:12:02 Episode Artwork Championship Stories From French Lick 1:26:18 Episode Artwork Leadership on the Greens: Donnie Thomas’ Golfweek Tour Success, Record-Breaking Scores, and TPC Scottsdale/French Lick Excitement 1:06:06 Episode Artwork Unlocking Golf Potential: Transforming Junior Golfers into Champions and Rule Simplification 1:09:09 Episode Artwork Milestone Memories: Celebrating 50 Episodes, Golfweek Tour Stories & Dennis McCormac Insights 1:24:18 Episode Artwork Palmetto Dunes Updates & Renovations Ready For National Championship, Roles With Roger, & How did Mick do? 1:06:26 Episode Artwork Golfing Laughter and Legacy: Unforgettable Moments on the Course 1:23:11 Episode Artwork Champions and Challenges: Cajun Classic Highlights 1:23:01 Episode Artwork Unforgettable Golf Tales: Veteran Insights and Tournament Highlights 1:27:43 Episode Artwork A Salute to Service and Sport: Golf's Role in Veteran Journeys 1:11:30