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
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