6/1/2026 - 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

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.  

 

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:  

Win a set of ZX7 MK2 Srixon irons (4-PW) and support the podcast!  

Just $10 per entry – details in the show notes and on social. Venmo - @TimNATC (note it as Srixon Irons Podcast)

 

For a fitting DM Ken on Instagram @KRohlman74

If you have questions, send them to us at:
Tim - TimNATC@amateurgolftour.net
Chris - elpaso@amateurgolftour.net

 

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Posted: 5/31/2026 6:41:06 PM