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This week on the Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha close out the season with a celebration of everything that makes Amateur Golf Competition so special: grit, camaraderie, friendly trash talk, and the incredible people who keep the Golfweek Amateur Tour moving forward.

To wrap the year, Tim and Chris welcome two Directors’ Cup champions whose stories capture exactly what our Golf Community is all about.

First up is Orlando Tour Director Terry Lawson, who somehow turned a year of double knee replacements into one of the most impressive comeback stories we’ve seen on the Golfweek Amateur Tour. From surgery to the National Championship to battling the yips and a lingering cold, Terry still managed to lead one of the strongest senior turnouts in the country. He talks recovery, mindset, community, and why he’s determined to come back next season as a single-digit handicap golfer. His passion for building connection and creating a “family feel” at every event, reminds us why players love this tour so much.

Then we head to Kansas and catch up with Tour Director David Keene, fresh off his Directors’ Cup win. David shares how consistency, structure, and community engagement helped him drive momentum all season long. From managing flights and skins to operating a tour that stretches across Kansas City, Wichita, and the Ozarks, David proves that great Local Golf Tours thrive when the details matter. He also talks about past injuries, future plans, and the importance of keeping competitions fun, fair, and pressure-tested for everyday golfers.

Throughout the episode, Tim and Chris highlight what makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour and Senior Amateur Tour the premier destinations for Amateur Golf Tournaments in the country: competitive formats, season-long storylines, friendships that feel like family, and a shared love of showing up, grinding it out, and playing like pros.

If you’re passionate about Competitive Golf Events, love hearing the behind-the-scenes stories from tour directors or want to be part of a thriving Golf Community, this season finale hits the sweet spot.

Enjoyed the episode?
Share it with your golf crew, follow the show, and get ready, next season is already shaping up to be bigger than ever.

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In this episode of Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha celebrate the champions, stories, and camaraderie that make this tour, Where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

Fresh off the National Championships, we sit down with winners from both the Golfweek Amateur Tour and the Senior Amateur Tour to relive their biggest moments. From Jeff Wong’s short-game masterclass to Ricardo Almeida’s first-ever El Paso national title, these champions share the mindset, course strategies, and mental resilience that defined their victories.

We also highlight the community heartbeat behind the competition, tour directors, fellow players, and families, reminding us that amateur golf isn’t just about scores; it’s about stories, friendships, and growth.

As we look ahead to the upcoming season and Black Friday kickoff, Tim and Chris reflect on lessons learned, celebrate milestones, and offer a reminder to every competitive golfer: patience, preparation, and passion build champions on and off the course.

Listen in for:

• The secret to performing under pressure at national championships
• What the short game reveals about consistency and confidence
• Senior Amateur Tour champions on friendship, focus, and fierce competition
• The post-win chaos and emotions of national champions
• Tour-wide support moments that prove this golf community is family

Follow the Golfweek Amateur Tour online at amateurgolftour.net and the Senior Amateur Tour at senioramateurgolftour.net. Subscribe, share, and join the community where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

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The Ryder Cup sting is still fresh, but it’s also the perfect reminder that preparation and focus separate winners from the field. In this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha reflect on what went wrong in match play and how amateur golferscan apply those same lessons to their own game as Nationals week approaches.

Special guest Drew Flavell from the Jacksonville Tour joins the conversation to share his insights on golf adapters, a simple yet game-changing tool that allows golfers to swap shafts, adjust launch angles, and fine-tune tempo without the cost of a full new set. Drew breaks down how adapters work, when they make sense, and how to improve your performance with smarter gear choices.

Then Roger’s Rules returns with a clear and practical look at the “2-by-2” sprinkler head myth. Roger explains when relief really applies, how to find your nearest point correctly, and why two club lengths isn’t always the answer. The team also discusses how to use the USGA Rules of Golf App, when to play two balls, and how self-policing protects both your scorecard and your reputation.

As Nationals approaches, Tim and Chris share final preparation tips, covering time-zone adjustments, travel routines, and the mindset needed to finish strong. Whether you’re chasing a championship in A-Flight or grinding in C-Flight, this episode is your reminder that gear, rules, and preparation all play a role in performing your best.

This is Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, where Amateurs Play Like Pros.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Ryder Cup disappointment reminds players to control what they can.
• Golf adapters offer affordable customization for better performance.
• Understanding the rules prevents avoidable penalties during competition.
• The Golfweek Amateur Tour community thrives on integrity, camaraderie, and competition.
• Nationals week success comes from preparation, focus, and mindset.

CONNECT WITH US

• Learn more about the Golfweek Amateur Tour: amateurgolftour.net
• Explore the Senior Amateur Tour: senioramateurgolftour.net
• Download the USGA Rules of Golf App for on-course rulings
• Subscribe for the Nationals recap and future episodes

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The Golfweek Amateur Tour National Championship is less than 30 days away! In this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha share the essential details you need to know before heading to Hilton Head.

We cover:

• Registration and waitlist management – why payment matters now
• Pre-tournament skins game at Palmetto Dunes Hills Course ($60 exact cash)
• Course rotations, including B-Flight split on Championship Sunday
• Registration night Thursday, 4:30–6:30 PM with live podcast broadcast
• No spectator carts or special requests
• Daily lunches and networking opportunities after each round
• Two-Man Challenge registration opens October 1st
• All prizes this year will be Visa gift cards

Get ready for competitive golf, camaraderie, and three incredible days of amateur golf competition at the National Championship.

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The stage at TPC Scottsdale was set, and the East Coast came to play. In this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha break down the thrilling action where East Coast players captured four of the five flight titles, including a pair of playoff finishes that kept fans on edge.

Chris shares first-hand stories from Arizona, including Championship Flight winner Wally Nelson’s back-to-back 69s and Marcus Worth’s runaway A-Flight victory. We also hear about Jermaine Luke’s dramatic two-hole playoff win in D-Flight and the Atlanta sweep in C and D Flights, which is fueling talk of new regional rivalries.

But it wasn’t just about golf swings and scorecards; this event was about community. Longtime sponsor Xerxes “Zeus” reflects on his 20-year journey with the Golfweek Amateur Tour, proving once again that this tour is more than competition; it’s about friendships, family, and life-changing connections.

Plus, with the Golfweek Amateur Tour National Championship just weeks away, we update you on registration (A-Flight and C-Flight are already sold out!) and preview what promises to be one of the most competitive and memorable finales yet.

Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned competitor eyeing Hilton Head, this episode captures the fun, passion, and camaraderie that make the Golfweek Amateur Tour Where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

Listen in to hear:

• Chris’s behind-the-scenes look at the Scottsdale event
• Key highlights from each flight’s winners and playoff drama
• An inspiring sponsor story from Xerxes “Zeus”
• National Championship registration updates and rivalries to watch
• Why this tour is more than golf—it’s about community and connection

Register today at amateurgolftour.net before the remaining flights sell out!

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Dedication and camaraderie continue to define the Golfweek Amateur Tour, and this week’s episode brings those values front and center.

Tim Newman and Chris Rocha spotlight July Player of the Month, Dan Hubbard, whose commitment to the Louisiana North Tour goes far beyond his own game. Driving 4–7 hours from Texas to compete, Dan not only plays but also pours into the community, knowing every member by name, hosting pre-tournament “Pick ’Em” podcasts with his partner Trey, and creating a family-like atmosphere that elevates the entire tour.

We also dive into the story of 1st Lieutenant Marshall Daniel of the El Paso/Las Cruces Tour. A West Point graduate and active Army officer, Marshall’s balance of military service and golf excellence is nothing short of inspiring. Fresh off rounds of 66–68, he shares how discipline, course management, and passion fuel his competitive edge.

As the regular season nears its close, tour directors nationwide are nominating players whose commitment extends beyond the scorecard; driving hours to events, uplifting fellow competitors, and embodying what makes this golf community so unique. With the National Championship in Hilton Head fast approaching this October, the countdown is officially on!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• The incredible dedication of Dan Hubbard and how his efforts shaped the Louisiana North Tour
• Why camaraderie often matters more than course quality
• Marshall Daniel’s military discipline and championship-level golf performances
• Stories from across the country of members going above and beyond for their local tours
• How players are making their final pushes for points heading into Hilton Head

Take action:

Register for your final events, lock in your points standings, and don’t forget to submit your August Player of the Month nominations before the season wraps up.

Where Amateurs Play Like Pros – The Golfweek Amateur Tour!

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With just 67 days until the National Championship, the competition is heating up, and so are the stories! In this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha bring you a powerful mix of record-breaking golf, inspiring fundraising, and the camaraderie that makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour truly special.

We start in Arizona, where Gabe and his team are on the verge of hitting $10,000 raised for the V Foundation, proving once again that golf can be a powerful force for good. Then, we head to Louisiana to hear from Rod Baronet, who delivered one of the most jaw-dropping performances in tour history, rounds of 68 and 63 at Oak Wing, not only setting the lowest two-day score ever but also shooting his age for the first time at 65. His patient, strategic mindset is a masterclass for every amateur golfer.

Chris also shares highlights from his recent trip to Hawaii, including the unforgettable beauty (and challenges) of island golf. Plus, we give you the latest updates on regional championships, Player of the Month nominations, and the ongoing raffle for a brand-new set of irons.

Whether you’re chasing your own personal best, playing for a cause, or just soaking in the joy of our golf community, this episode is packed with the stories and strategies that make amateur golf competition so addictive.

In This Episode You’ll Learn:

• How the Arizona Tour is making a major impact in the fight against cancer
• The mental approach behind Rod Baronet’s historic tournament performance
• Why patience and course strategy can beat raw power in competitive golf
• Updates on Regional Championships and the road to the National Championship
• How camaraderie fuels performance on the Golfweek Amateur Tour

Links & Resources:

• Golfweek Amateur Tour: amateurgolftour.net
• Senior Amateur Tour: senioramateurgolftour.net

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What does it really take to go really low in Amateur Golf Competition? In this episode of Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha sit down with Lance LaCombe, fresh off firing a bogey-free 63 at the Slammer & Squire course at World Golf Village, one of the lowest rounds ever recorded on the Golfweek Amateur Tour.

Lance takes us deep inside the championship mindset, sharing how he kept his head clear, managed every shot with intention, and why avoiding doubles is often more important than chasing birdies. You’ll hear how mental clarity, strategic course management, and knowing your own tendencies are the keys to scoring and how most players are just one mental mistake away from blowing up a round.

But that’s not all.

We also catch up with the flight champions from the 2025 Virginia Tech Regional, including A-flight’s comeback story of the week, an 82 followed by a 71. Every champion shares their unique approach to preparation, performance, and what it feels like to grind out a win in a high-stakes amateur golf tournament.

We wrap the episode with a data-packed look at some of the lowest scores in Amateur Golf Tour history, from legends like Joe Jaspers and Jeff Wong, and how those players continue to separate themselves through consistent, smart, competitive golf.

This episode is packed with insights for anyone playing Amateur Golf—from seasoned Championship Flight competitors to Weekend Warriors grinding for their first win. It’s all about mindset, strategy, and learning from the best.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How Lance LaCombe stayed bogey-free and what he was thinking on every shot
• The biggest scoring mistakes lower-flight players make (and how to stop making them)
• Why “avoiding the big number” matters more than you think
• The biggest differences in decision-making between Champ and A Flight golfers
• Tournament tips and emotional wins from the Virginia Tech Regional flight champions
• The mental habits elite amateur golfers use to stay consistent
• Historical low rounds from top names on the Golfweek Amateur Tour
• A statistical breakdown of score patterns among the best in the field

Featured Guests:

• Lance LaCombe, who carded a historic 63
• Regional champions from all flights at the 2025 Virginia Tech Regional
• Commentary and insights from hosts Chris Rocha and Tim Newman

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This week, we celebrate grit, growth, and the golfers who make the Golfweek Amateur Tour feel like home.

Meet Traci Taylor, the first female Member of the Month to be featured on the podcast. After a fractured hip ended her marathon career, Traci turned to golf and never looked back. Now a fierce competitor with over 120 rounds under her belt, she’s proof that perseverance, passion, and a strong putting game can carry you far. Even while blind in one eye, she’s climbed from D-Flight to C-Flight, recruited more women to the game, and become a true ambassador for the Arkansas Golfweek Amateur Tour.

We also go behind the scenes with Tim Horan, Tour Director for the Philadelphia and New Jersey Golfweek Amateur Tours, to find out how he’s built two of the most sought-after local tours in the country. From locking down private country club tee times to balancing schedules and player expectations, Tim shares the hustle it takes to make each weekend unforgettable.

Oh, and yes, we talk birthdays, scheduling chaos, and what happens when a golf tournament lands on your kid’s big day. It’s equal parts heartfelt and hilarious.

In this episode:

• Traci’s transition from marathons to competitive golf
• How she’s grown the Arkansas Tour’s female presence
• The power of putting, even when vision is impaired
• Why course quality and community matter more than trophies
• Tim Horan’s strategy for securing elite venues
• The art (and chaos) of scheduling tournaments
• Honoring all June Members of the Month nominees

Whether you’re chasing a trophy or your next round with friends, this episode is a reminder of why we say: Where Amateurs Play Like Pros!

Explore more at amateurgolftour.net

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Kurt Lambert just did something most amateur golfers only dream of—firing a bogey-free 64 to tie the course record at his home club in Minnesota. On this episode, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha break down Kurt’s unforgettable round and how his rivalry with Matt Fossey pushes them both to elite levels of performance. With handicaps of +2.0 and +1.2, this is amateur golf at its finest.

We also dive into the action at the Fripp Island Regional, where A-Flight winner Scott Edwards birdied the final hole for the win, B-Flight champ Max Emerson prevailed using borrowed clubs, and C-Flight’s Eric Walker proved that course management always matters.

Tim and Chris also discuss their personal takeaways from recent travels, the importance of finding joy in competition, and a special V Foundation fundraiser happening on the Arizona tour.

Whether you're chasing the cut line or chasing a record, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

• Kurt Lambert’s record-tying 64 and the power of friendly rivalry
• Standout moments from Fripp Island Regional winners
• Chris Rocha’s shift from A-Flight to B-Flight and what it taught him
• Golf as a family sport and community builder
• Fundraising through golf: V Foundation initiative in Arizona

Want to get in the game?
Find your local tour and start playing competitive amateur golf today:
➡️ amateurgolftour.net
➡️ senioramateurgolftour.net
Support the Arizona fundraiser: https://www.32auctions.com/gwatvfoundation

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