VGA Alabama

**Attention All VGA Members**
As many of you have probably noticed, we’ve had some technical difficulties over the past few weeks as it relates to tournament results, handicap updates, and points accuracy. All of these issues prompted us to re-code our entire website to create a better web experience for all VGA members.

We are excited to announce that our much improved VGA website will launch on Tuesday, December 5, 2023. Please be patient with your leadership with regards to tournament results, handicaps, and points until our team launches our new platform. Thank you for your continued patience, and we hope you enjoy the look and feel of the new member side of our platform! 🇺🇸🏌️‍♂️🇺🇸🏌️‍♀️

Results from Fort Novosel Silver Wings Golf Club November 4th, 2023.

We started off on the chilly side but it warmed up to a beautiful day. Thank you all for coming out for our last tournament of 2023.

Flight Veteran B - Jason Sprinkle - Enterprise, AL - 84
Flight Veteran C - Benjamin Salter - Warner Robbinns, GA - 81
Female Veteran C - Joni Gray - New Brockton, AL - 100
No Handicap Flight - Adam Snyder - Enterprise, AL - 80
Flight Veteran D - Scott ”Barney” Hoffman - Montgomery, AL 87/69
Female Family - Debra Flythe - Ozark, AL - 110/74
Senior A - Charles Panco - Phenix City, AL - 83/78
Senior B - Roger Flythe - Ozark, AL - 84/68
Senior C - Patrick Murphy - Montevallo, AL - 103/77
Wounded Veteran A - Lloyd Ankrum - Enterprise, AL - 83/74

Closest to the pin - Hole 3 - 4’2” - Andy Velligan - Surprise, AZ

See y’all in January 2024 as we visit Gulf Shores for the first time on the 13th and 14th.

When accessing Fort Novosel, visitors must present a visitor access card or a valid DOD-issued picture identification card. Visitors will need a valid government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, state-issued ID, or passport to obtain a visitor access card. That being said if you do not have a DODID you'll have to obtain a pass. The Visitor Center's hours are listed below.

Daleville Gate Visitor Center Monday-Sunday 0800-1600.
Ozark Gate Visitors Center Monday-Friday 0800-1600.

Be safe in your journey and I will see y'all Saturday.

VGA Georgia is carrying the trophy after this past weekends event in Columbus. The next challenge will take place at RTJ Grand National in Opelika on 22 March (it's a Friday) and we need at least 24 members to represent AL. We were out numbered 24-15 this past weekend and had to use the top 15 gross scores. The more we have the more we can use... It's a dual event, Regular VGA Event and the Battle of the Eastern border. Let's all show GA how we play golf in AL, because they showed many of us this past weekend.

Hope to see everyone soon!

This past weekend VGA Alabama hosted a double header in our capital city of Montgomery.

Everyone was treated with tee announcements and snacks provided by NavyFed.

The ladies from NavyFed were awesome with their help and enthusiasm with tee announcing duties.

We were also joined by Tony Suber who came all the way from Kailua, HI.

Saturday Results from Lagoon Park.

Flight Winners.

Veteran B: Jason Sprinkle from Enterprise, AL – 93
Veteran C: Chris Lewis from Auburn, AL – 83
Female Veteran B: Toni Aila from Ozark, AL - 91
Flight No Handicap: Jerome Jones from Greensboro, AL - 86
Veteran D: Deandra Carlisle from Ozark, AL - 93/61
Family C: John Taylor from Troy, Alabama – 98/77
Senior B: Chris Butler from Fayetteville, GA - 88/73
Senior C: Patrick Murphy from Montevallo, AL - 95/71

Closest proximity winner:
Zedric Perdue from Trussville, AL - 13”2

Sunday Results from Cottonwood.

Flight Winners.

Veteran A: Jess Howard from Pike Road, AL - 82
Veteran C: Clinton Daniels from Enterprise, AL - 84
Female Veteran B: Toni Aila from Ozark, AL - 86
Flight No Handicap: Jerome Jones from Greensboro, AL - 104
Veteran D: Lee Wyman from Athens, AL - 89/66
Family C: John Taylor from Troy, AL - 92/67
Senior B: Chris Butler from Fayetteville, GA - 91/72
Senior C: Patrick Murphy from Montevallo, AL - 93/65

Thank you all for coming and joining us. Next stop VGA Alabama vs VGA Georgia, 28 October, 2023, Columbus Country Club.

RTJ Golf Trail at Capitol Hill Results are IN!!!

The members joined forces once again at Capitol Hill to take on the Legislator, and a day it was... while the weather was cooler than it has been since April, the day warmed up nicely and everyone enjoyed time with fellow members. The greens at the course today were confusing to some, there were a few that made the putts that counted, and celebrations are in order for our Flight Winners at today’s event.
Flight Winners for today are as follows:
Veteran C: Benjamin Salter from Warner Robins, Georgia – 87
Veteran D: Scott Hoffman from Montgomery, Alabama – 91/73
Senior B: Eric Seib from Jay, Florida – 85/74 (tiebreaker)
Senior C: Lee Wyman from Athens, Alabama – 92/74
Wounded Veteran B: Rick Beverley from Canton, Ohio -81/72
Family C: John Taylor from Troy, Alabama – 105/82

Today’s Closest proximity winners:
Lee Altman from Smyrna, Georgia – 6’1”
Scott Hoffman from Montgomery, Alabama – 7’5”

We want to congratulate all of todays winners, and we hope to see you all at our next event, Lagoon Park GC, Montgomery, AL

2023 VGA Championship at Fallen Oak - Going For Greatness - Future Loyalty The Veteran Golfers Association is dedicated to enriching the lives of Veterans and their family members through the camaraderie and sportsmanship of golf. T...

RTJ Golf Trail at Cambrian Ridge - Greenville
Results are in!
After a nice morning, the winds picked up as the cold front came in and gave many of those playing fits! The course was in great conditions, barring a few wet areas from the overnight rain, but everyone had a great time and the new members we had playing enjoyed themselves too....
Today's Flight winners are as follows:
Veteran C: Orlando Gonzalez from Deatsville, Alabama - 89
Veteran D: Scott Hoffman from Montgomery, Alabama - 90/71
Senior B: Roger Flythe from Ozark, Alabama - 92/75
Senior C: Butch Guirey from Panama City, Florida - 102/84
Wounded Veteran B: Rick Beverley from Canton, Ohio - 89/80
Family C: John Taylor from Troy, Alabama - 102/78
Female Family: Debra Flythe from Ozark, Alabama - 121/88
No Handicap: Jennifer Stoppe from Belle Chase, Louisiana - 92
Closest Proximity to the Pin: Anthony Miller from Wi******er, Tennessee - 5'1"
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Congrats to those that won their Flights today and we look forward to seeing you all at the next event!!

DISCLAIMER: Some photos were slightly out of focus or eyes not open.

This message to inform members the RTJ Cambrian Ridge in Greenville, AL closes tonight at 10:00 Central we have a lot of openings left to fill.

RTJ Capitol Hill registration closes tomm night, same time and there are 11 openings for this event.

Register early.

Have a great day, and Aim High!!!

VGA Alabama! A lot of you asked for it and now it’s time. The VGA Alabama - VGA Georgia is on the schedule for 28 October. Visit VGA Georgia to register.

Results from Event #4 Cypress Lakes in Muscle Shoals are in!
Everyone arrived on time and we began the day with the Opening Ceremonies and a few words from National Competitor Scott Hoffman, Vet D Flight about his experience and all the memories he made during the week at Fallen Oak in Biloxi. Congrats to you for advancing and we wish everyone the best during this season and possibly attending next years (location TBD).

Play began earlier than planned, which we thanked the course for as everyone was ready to take on the challenge, and a challenge it was... going from soft and slow greens to firm and fast was a but of an undertaking for many... but everyone came into the clubhouse with smiles, so it was a great day for everyone!

Here are the days winners:
Vet B: Russ Donaldson Owens Cross Roads, Alabama - 86
Vet C: Rob Keene from Athens, Alabama - 85
Vet D: Scott Hoffman from Montgomery, Alabama - 87/68
Senior B: Rex Griffith from Pensacola, Florida - 78/65
Senior C: Lee Wyman from Athens, Alabama - 94/74
No Handicap: Kenneth Ingles from Toney, Alabama - 93

Today's Proximity Winner: Bob Davis from Brownsboro, Alabama - 24'2"

WE want to thank everyone from coming to today's event and we look forward to the next one!

Not Pictured: Kenneth Ingles

VGA Alabama 3rd Event for the 2023/24 Season has concluded and here are the results:
The Day was cooler and the members were ready to get in the fight, with Joe. 26 Members from across the Nation (we had one from Texas) joined the fight, and when it was all said and done, everyone came off the course with alot of stories.... many good, some not so good. But, everyone has a great time!
Here is the list of Flight Winners from the days event:
Vet B: Russ Donaldson from Owens Cross Roads, Alabama - 85
Vet C: Rob Keene from Athens, Alabama -87
Vet D: Daniel Foiles from Huntsville, Alabama - 105/71
Fem Vet D: Christie England from Huntsville, Alabama - 96/64
Senior B: Cap Cappelletti from Madison, Alabama - 88/79
Senior C: Bob Davis from Brownsboro, Alabama - 85/71
No Handicap: Gary Seal from Harvest, Alabama - 81

Proximity Winners for today:
#9 - John Morgan from Huntsville, Alabama - 12'1"
#18 - Verbon Davis from Hartselle, Alabama - 8'2"

Congrats to all of our winners today! We thank you all for coming to another great event and meeting new members (we had 9 today). Longest distance from home today was Harvey Ritchey from Amarillo, Texas! Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you all again!

Not Pictured: Christie England, Russ Donaldson, Gary Seal

Wanted to inform all members…
RTJ Cambrian Ridge closes on the 30th of Sep
RTJ Capitol Hill closes on the 1st of Oct.

There are plenty of openings for both events and we are working hard to finish up the schedule for the year. We ask you register early as it makes our jobs easier.
See everyone soon!!
Derrick Percival
AL State Director

VGA!! Registration closes for our next two events in a few days (RTJ Muscle Shoals on the 15th at 10PM CT and Cypress Lake GC on the 17th at 10PM CT) and we have plenty of room... so, if you are looking for an event to play and you live in the Northern Part of Alabama/Southern Tennessee we would appreciate your participation in these events. 23/24 SEP.

Looking forward to seeing everyone and meeting more new members as we start the 23/24 Season.

VGA Alabama Event #2 at Joe Wheeler State Park (The General)
13 members from 2 different States attended and attacked the Course and in the end overcame the odds they faced. The day started with cooler temperatures and everyone was looking forward to a great day on the links. Christie opened the Event with everyone gathered around for the National Anthem, Pledge of Alligeince and a few words of motivation for all. Robert then spoke of his experience and what "The Directors Cup" belt meant to him, and that is wasn't was he was doing, but how members motivate him to do the best he can for the members and the experience they will have at an event. Derrick then spoke of how the Tour Player manual has many changes within it and everyone should read it and if there are any questions concerning the text within to ask a Staff member and they will assist in the member being able to understand (in layman terms) the information. Let me say this, State Directors and their Asst's do the very best we can to enforce the rules provided to us and we do not deter from those rules. Everyone must follow them.
After Opening Ceremonies we answered a questions and everyone got ready to wage war with the General. In the end, 6 members won their flights!
They are:
Veteran C: Rob Keene from Athens, Alabama - 86
No Handicap: Gary Seal from Harvest, Alabama - 81
Veteran D: Robert Taylor from Ozark, Alabama - 96/82
Female Veteran D: Christie England from Huntsville, Alabama - 103/76
Female Family: Debra Flythe - 111/81
Senior B: Roger Flythe from Ozark, Alabama - 86/71
Senior C: Lee Wyman from Athens, Alabama - 88/71
Closest proximity to the Pin: Kenneth Ingles from Toney, Alabama - 40'2"

Congrats to all Flight Winners and thank you to the Staff of Joe Wheeler State Park GC, your hospitality was greatly appreciated!

Southern Gayles Results!
Well VGA Alabama had begun the quest to have the most events during the regular season in State History. Right now you may only see 16 Events, but we are in the works to have 33 on our schedule, so we ask everyone to support your local states and if you can support those events in other states close to your home. We are spreading events around the state all season long, so we won't be staying in the North and moving South as the Temps get colder, and we will not just be playing in the South til the weather warms up in the Northern Part of the State. It may look like that is the case with the first 4 events in the Northern Part, but we will be moving.. Right now we have a goal to have 10 in the North, 11 in the South, and 11 in the Center.

As we began our Season, we had 6 new members joining us for the first time and we are excited to see our season start off with new members, means the word is getting out and members are recruiting others to come out and join us! With the new season, we have added a new Assistant Director in the North, Christie England has agreed to come on board and we stand behind her and will support her in the events she is hosting, teamwork makes the dreams work.... and with the support of members that come and volunteer a few mins of their time really makes events a true team effort, allowing Staff members to talk to others and answer questions members may have before the Opening Ceremonies.
As always, we stated with the National Anthem and recite the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by comments from Christie, Robert brought "The Directors Cup" Belt and explained to all members what the VGA means to him and how everyone is important within the Organization and we all appreciate and thank everyone who shows a hand of assistance during an event. Derrick said a few words and we all know what he believes in.... and those words are just words, unless you stop and think about the experiences you have at events, meeting new members, talking to those you have met in the past and sharing the love for the game while you at an event.

Today we had members from 3 different states, handing out 7 Medals to the Flight Winners; and they are:

Veteran C: Rob Keene from Athens, Alabama - 80
No Handicap: Gary Seal from Harvest, Alabama - 74
Veteran D: Matthew Bartley from Athens, Alabama - 97/77 Tiebreaker
Female Veteran D: Christie England from Huntsville, Alabama - 106/79
Family C: John Taylor from Troy, Alabama - 94/75
Female Family: Debra Flythe from Ozark, Alabama- 103/73
Senior B: Roger Flythe from Ozark, Alabama - 81/70
Senior C: Bob Davis from Brownsboro, Alabama - 87/70
Closest Proximity to the Pin: Jody Charland from Huntsville, Alabama - 21'5"

Congrats to all those that won their Flight and we look forward to seeing you all at the next event you can attend!

Congratulations to the following players and leaders selected for Regional Director and Player of the Year!

VGA North Region
PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Jeff Duncan, VGA New Jersey

1. Espoused the VGA values: Jeff has made lasting VGA friendships and maintained a positive competitive attitude.
2. Positive social media impact: While Jeff’s presence isn’t found on social media, it is certainly felt via his family’s presence at every VGA event.
3. Events participated in by state: 34 VGA Events across 7 States in 2023.

STATE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Ray Brown, VGA New York
1. Membership Growth: 50 new members, 36% growth from 2022.
2. Fundraising: $6,800 in fundraising.
3. Event Registrations: 44 events, 580 registrations

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VGA South Region
PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Wayne Johnson, VGA South Carolina

1. Espoused the VGA values: Wayne’s dedication, commitment, and loyalty to the VGA has contributed to the South Region’s growth with new members. He has become a household name in the South, a familiar face to many, and an inspiration to countless others.
2. Positive social media impact. Wayne diligently posts a picture from each VGA event he plays in on the VGA Group page and his joint page with his wife, Sharon Johnson.
3. Events participated in by state. 71 VGA Events spanning across 13 states, 3 regions and 2 countries.

STATE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Daniel Evans, VGA Mississippi
1. Membership Growth: Growth rate of more than 450%.
2. Fundraising: $3,000 in sponsorships
3. Event Registrations: 37 events, 860 registrations

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VGA Central Region
PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Jason Hudson, VGA Texas
1. Espoused the VGA values: Jason has been a VGA member for four years and is a walking ambassador of the VGA Mission Statement. He is constantly recruiting and has brought on several new members.
2. Positive social media impact: Under his joint Social Media account with wife, Susan Cude Herrick, Jason has multiple posts on their personal page and on the VGA Group page. Their posts always contain great imagery that highlights the camaraderie that is extremely prevalent at each VGA event.
3. Events participated in by state: 40 VGA Events across 9 States.

STATE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Ray Griffiss, VGA Texas
1. Membership Growth: 28% growth
2. Fundraising: $75,000 in fundraising dollars, in-kind donations, and rounds donated to the VGA.
3. Event Registrations: 62 events, 2,700 registrations

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VGA West Region
PLAYER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Michael Kaczmarek, VGA Nevada
1. Espoused the VGA values: Michael Kaczmarek's passion for golf and his commitment to the Veteran Golfers Association's mission of providing golfing opportunities for veterans has made him a respected figure within the Nevada VGA community.
2. Positive social media impact: Michael brought in numerous new members into the VGA family by his posts on his personal page.
3. Events participated in by state: 43 VGA Events across 5 states.

STATE DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
Bryan Broberg, VGA Wyoming
1. Membership Growth: 39% growth
2. Fundraising: Numerous businesses donated items that were presented to VGA members at local VGA events during the 2023 season.
3. Event Registrations: 18 events, 614 registrations.

As a result of their hard work, all of these nominees will be invited to Biloxi to compete in our 2023 VGA National Championship at Fallen Oak! 🇺🇸🏌️‍♂️

Members! We are getting ready to start our 23/24 Season! After two weeks, registration for the Joe Wheeler State Park event on 10 September has been corrected and you may register for it now.. Registration for this event will close on the 6th at 10PM Central.

All events posted are available to register for as of 0800 this morning. We look forward to another great and very successful season and we are still working on boarding more events for the remainder of the Season. If we fill every date, we will have 30 events plus the State Championship (location TBD) and we may have one or two in the months of July and August this next year..
We sincerely appreciate everyone who has supported us over the past few years and without you, well, we couldn't have become a State everyone wants to come and play some golf, meet new friends and enjoy fellowshipping with those they have played with in the past.
AL State Leadership

Congratulations to all of our Regional Champions advancing to our 2023 VGA Championship at Fallen Oak Golf Club at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi on Sept. 17-21!

VGA North Region - Baltimore Country Club

VETERAN A FLIGHT
Casey Peet, PO1, Navy, 74|72 = 146
Christopher Gatcomb, PO3, USCG, 72|76 = 148

VETERAN B FLIGHT
Logan Connaughton, SSgt, USAF, 75|79 = 154
John Gallinagh, MSgt, USAF, 77|79 = 156

VETERAN C FLIGHT
Colin Judstra, LT, Navy, 82|79 = 161
Eddie Shorte, Sgt, Army, 83|79 = 162

VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Losang Salaka, SSG, Army, 65|63 = 128
Damon Keesling, PO3, Navy, 70|63 = 133

WOUNDED VETERAN B FLIGHT (net)
Rick Beverley, Sgt, Army, 74|75 = 149

WOUNDED VETERAN C FLIGHT (net)
Jeffrey Manalansan, HM2, Navy, 80|71 = 151
Dennis Helsel, LTC, Army, 78|78 = 156

WOUNDED VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Luis Morales, MSG, Army, 67|71 = 138

FEMALE VETERAN A FLIGHT
Katherine Sahm, Lt. Col, Army, 81|77 = 158

FEMALE VETERAN B FLIGHT
Jessica Lawrenson, TSgt, USAF, 93|84 = 177

FEMALE VETERAN C FLIGHT
Jen Adams, CDR, USCG, 98|89 = 187

FEMALE VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Alethea Chatman, SSgt, USAF, 89|77 = 166

FAMILY A FLIGHT
Adam Columbia (Army), 76|72 = 148

FAMILY B FLIGHT
Logan Beougher (USAF), 84|81 = 165

FAMILY C FLIGHT (net)
Blake Hardesty (Navy), 66|68 = 134

FAMILY FEMALE (net)
Kelly Wichman (Army), 74|80 = 154

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VGA South Region - RTJ at Capitol Hill

VETERAN A FLIGHT
Travis Bryant, SGT, Army, 69/71 = 140
Barriet Thomas, CMSgt, USAF, 77/76 = 153

VETERAN B FLIGHT
Aaron Rigozzi, Cpl, USMC, 78/73 = 151
Kevin Strickroth, MSgt, USMC, 79/76 = 155

VETERAN C FLIGHT
Angel Rodriguez, SFC, Army, 83/79 = 162
Benjamin Salter, SMSgt, USAF, 82/80 = 162

VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Lanham Crabtree, SSgt, USAF, 72/62 = 134
Scott Hoffman, Col, USAF, 69/71 = 140

WOUNDED VETERAN A FLIGHT (net)
Lloyd Ankrum, CSM, Army, 79/78 = 157

WOUNDED VETERAN B FLIGHT (net)
Michael Peterson, SSgt, USMC, 75/68 = 143

WOUNDED VETERAN C FLIGHT (net)
Tony Diaz, SGM, Army, 71/70 = 141

WOUNDED VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Michael Smyre, SrA, USAF, 85/73 = 158

FEMALE VETERAN A FLIGHT
Lauren Neal, Maj, USMC, 80/80 = 160

FEMALE VETERAN B FLIGHT
Kristine Engelhaupt, CW2, Army, 79/84 = 163

FEMALE VETERAN C FLIGHT
Diane Zier, SGT, Army, 99/97 = 196

FEMALE VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Helen Hui-Chou, LT, Navy, 76/70 = 146

FAMILY A FLIGHT
Casey Tooley (Army), 79/79 = 158

FAMILY B FLIGHT
Michael Tukes (Army), 81/78 = 159

FAMILY C FLIGHT (net)
Joseph DeVivo (Army), 78/75 = 153

FAMILY FEMALE (net)
Penelope Oakley (Army), 77/78 = 155

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VGA West Region - Soldier Hollow Golf Course

VETERAN A FLIGHT
Bryan Broberg, TechSgt, USAF, 70/77=147
Michael Feher, SGT,ARMY, 72/77=149

VETERAN B FLIGHT
Josh Sherer, PO2, USN, 70/78=148
Seth Davis, SPC, ARMY, 73/77=150

VETERAN C FLIGHT
John Zinn, MAJ, ARMY, 76/81=157

Lynn Parker, MSGT, USAF, 76/81=158

VETERAN D FLIGHT
John Taylor, MSGT, USAF, 73/65=138
David Salazar, LtCOL, ARMY, 71/68=139

FEMALE VETERAN B FLIGHT
Michelle Sroka, SGT, ARMY, 93/90=183

FEMALE VETERAN C FLIGHT
Stephanie R. Welch, SSGT, USAF, 101/94=195

FEMALE VETERAN D FLIGHT
Penny Jefferson, PFC, ARMY, 78/73=151

WOUNDED VETERAN A FLIGHT
Billy Hinojos, SGT, ARMY, 73/77=150

WOUNDED VETERAN B FLIGHT
Matt Spang, SGT, ARMY, 70/70=140

WOUNDED VETERAN C FLIGHT
Frankie Vasquez, SFC, ARMY, 69/69=138

Matthew Linville, SGT, ARMY, 76/77=153

WOUNDED VETERAN D FLIGHT
Eric Boyce, SGT, ARMY, 71/74=145
Bryant Jacobs, SPC, ARMY, 86/63=149

FEMALE FAMILY FLIGHT
Debra Bryant, NAVY, 74/76=150

FAMILY B FLIGHT
Lance Gentry, USMC, 79/85=164

FAMILY C FLIGHT
Dan Angel, USAF, 67/75=142

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VGA Central Region - Birck Boilermaker Golf Complex

VETERAN A FLIGHT
Scott Duarte, SSgt, USAF, 74/74 = 148
Andy Drake, PO2, Navy, 80/70 = 150

VETERAN B FLIGHT
Colin Beal, Lt Col, USAF, 78/75 = 153
Michael Johns, MSgt, USAF, 78/78 = 156

VETERAN C FLIGHT
Howard Belknap, LTC, Army, 83/76 = 159
Michael Hendren, SGT, USMC, 84/79= 163

VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Ray Kalmar, SSgt, USAF, 68/63 = 131
William Collins, CPL, USMC, 65/68 = 133

WOUNDED VETERAN A FLIGHT (Net)
Derrick Fore, SSG, Army, 68/80 = 148

WOUNDED VETERAN B FLIGHT
Nicholas Mitroka, SFC, Army, 74/77 = 151

WOUNDED VETERAN C FLIGHT
Allison Hall, SPC, Army, 74/74 = 148
Jesse Stewart, MAJ, Army, 75/74 = 149

WOUNDED VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Andrew Barragan, CPL, USMC, 66/76 = 142

FEMALE VETERAN B FLIGHT
Becky Hooper, COL, Army, 84/94 = 178

FEMALE VETERAN C FLIGHT
Liz Udvardi, SPC, Army, 93/100 = 193

FEMALE VETERAN D FLIGHT (net)
Debbie Melecosky, PO2, Navy, 73/79 = 152

FAMILY A FLIGHT
Mike Vandenbrink (USMC), 80/84 = 164

FAMILY B FLIGHT
Jon Koelliker (Navy), 80/78 = 158

FAMILY C FLIGHT (net)
Adam Surber (USMC), 72/63 = 135

FAMILY FEMALE (net)
Katie Burgbacher (USMC), 74/73 = 147

Thank you to all of our gracious host sites! 🙏Safe travels to all of our players heading to Biloxi! See you in a few weeks! 🇺🇸🏌️‍♂️🇺🇸🏌️‍♀️

Members! Southern Gayles in Athens 9 Sep registration closes on the 6th at 10:00PM and we have alot of room!! The 10th event at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville has an IT issue that we are working on to bring registration capability back on board. If registration does not open back up, those that have registered will still play, and we will work with the course to bring the event back to their location at a later date/time, and combine it with another event in the Northern part of the State.

We are adding events and working hard to set before you another outstanding season of events at great locations! We look forward to seeing you all again this year and let's grow this State, so get your golf buddies (who qualify to join) to become members and join the fellowship and camaraderie with other Veteran and Family members. Cheers to all!!!

If your looking for a golf course to visit this fall, VGA AL is working hard to go to locations everyone will want to visit. As of right now w have 6 Events(thus far) in the Fall and are working feverishly on getting the remainder of our schedule together by the end of next week. Remember, only 9 days til the 23/24 Season kicks off!!

VGA Members!! The first two events for the VGA AL Season has opened for registration! We will be at Southern Gayle's in Athens on Sep 9th and then we go to Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville, to battle The General on the 10th! Register as we are looking forward to another great year meeting new members and members from other states that come to enjoy golf with us.

Results from the 2023 VGA AL State Championship
As the day began, members started to arrive at 0630 to prepare for a day they would remember forever. Check-in began at 0645, had our group photo at 0820 and the Opening Ceremonies began at 0830, as Mr. Robert J Taylor provided the MC duties and gathered everyone for the posting of by the VFW Post 6683,a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed by Ms. Emily Williams of Enterprise. 87 members reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, then Chaplain, MAJ Mickey Basham from the Fort Novosel Religious Support Office delivered the invocation. (I will add here, he is a devoted TN Volunteer fan as he finished with Amen/Go Vols…. which roused the masses) Mr. Trey Andres (Director of Operations for the Tartan Pines Golf Club) said a few words of encouragement, discussed local rules, and he stated we would be cart path only… (the members sighed) then Derrick Percival, Alabama State Director had the shortest Opening Ceremony words to the members in 5 years; 5 mins…. To which some were very glad 😊 They were even happier when they heard “Lift, Clean, and Place throughout”, this was due to wet conditions around the course, caused by recent rains.
As the fog lifted, the heat started to rise, members gathered in their carts and headed to the golf course, escorted by course staff to their preassigned starting positions. While the heat index rose to a sweltering 103F, the clouds started to build, and we started watching the radar... As most of the field got through 14 holes, the horn blew, and everyone was called off the course for lightning within 10 miles. Many appreciated the break so they could rehydrate and get cool for a few mins. After a 40 min weather delay, everyone proceeded back to the course, as the threat of lightning was past. But, after about 30 mins, here came the rain, and rain it did. That didn’t stop the battle as members played on.
As members started to finish, they returned to the clubhouse to turn in scorecards, and were greeted by a delicious buffet lunch provided by the course. We did our best to complete scoring in a timely manner (which was done in blowing rain) with Roberts Assistance we finished as fast as members came off the course, allowing everyone to get lunch. Once scoring was finished, we had one (three person) playoff in Veteran C: Chris Tascione, Terence Jacobs, and Mark Davis finishing at +13 and in 6th. After one playoff hole, the decision was made, Chris Tascione from Ft. Worth, Texas finished in 6th position.
Once the playoffs concluded, trophies were presented to the following members for winning their respective Flights:
Veteran A: Steven Dobrinski from Smiths Station, Alabama 83
Veteran B: Craig Thompson from Peyton, Colorado 78
Veteran C: Jason Sprinkle from Enterprise, Alabama 78
Veteran D: Robert Pearsall from Lynn Haven, Florida 85/72
Female Veteran B: Toni Aila from Ozark, Alabama 82
Female Veteran C: Della Allen from Panama City, Florida 101
Female Veteran D: Christie England from Huntsville, Alabama 106/79
Wounded Veteran A: Lloyd Ankrum from Enterprise, Alabama 78/73
Wounded Veteran C: from New Brockton, Alabama 91/75
Wounded Veteran D: Ben Matthews from Ducktown, Tennessee 110/74
Family B: Jonathan Garcia from Columbus, Georgia 90
Family C: Mark Hudgins from Birmingham, Alabama 86/70
Female Family: Debra Flythe from Ozark, Alabama 114/82
After the Trophy Presentations, everyone was given a ticket when they checked in for a chance to take home a donated gift from local area businesses, and members that graciously donated items for one lucky member to take with them as a token of our appreciation and a thank you for being a part of the Event. They are as follows:
Alton Lavine: A big mug
Shawn McKay: A little smaller mug
Barbara Burhans: dozen Taylor Made TP5x
John Taylor: Rain Jacket
Jonathan Garcia: Golf Umbrella
Ben Mathews: Maxfli golf bag (Donated by Collision Center)
Rebecca Solomon: Book on Golf, Personal Ball Washer
Howard Thurman: Dozen Soft-Fli golf balls
Della Allen: Putter
Rob Keene: Basket of Misc. items
Roger Flythe: Hybrid Club
Jason Sprinkle: Golf Balls and shoe bag
Howard Thurman: Cooler
As you can see there were a few members that won multiple items. This is due to members leaving and giving their ticket to other members. There was one item that was donated that we presented to the member that had played in the most events this season, thus far this season, and we wanted to do something to recognize them for that accomplishment. This member was Howard Thurman who had participated in 59 Regular Season events, receiving one dozen golf balls, and a personal ball washer.
Many thanks to everyone who traveled in from 9 different states across the Country to overcome the obstacles set before you at Tartan Pines, without the dedication and support from you, it would not have been as great as it was, nor would it have been the biggest event in AL VGA History. So, thanks to all!! To the men and women that are moving on to the South Regional Championship at Capitol Hill, Prattville, Alabama in 3 weeks we wish you safe travels and best of luck as you battle for a slot to the National Championships in Sept.
A special thank you to the Tartan Pines Staff members from going above and beyond to make this event happen without issues, your support made this event great and beyond compare, to those businesses and members that donated items to make our time together that much more special.