The (VGA) Veterans Golf Association (Lacassem's Journey & Others)

[Shank Aaron]

17 hours ago, Erin B said:

@cksurfdude @Shank Aaron @GolfSpy_SHARK you guys should come out west sometime! Check out SD who hosts a multi-day event with Wyoming in August. You’d love Golf Club at Devil’s Tower. The SD courses are awesome too, Elk Horn is crazy!

That is a goal of mine to play a handful of events out west, a little west coast swing, if you will. Probably wont be able to do anything like that until the kiddos are a little older. 3 down, 3 more to go!

 

16 hours ago, cksurfdude said:

@Shank Aaron - Engineers is outside Roslyn NY in Nassau County and not too far from me. Is that May 8th? Do you know if they allow spectators?

Anyway course has some crazy elevation changes and obstacles .. def do your homework on it in advance!

 

Yeah, I have Arccos and the preview is crazy. It seems like a 5 knot wind can dramatically change the way the course plays. kinda like Bethpage Red in a way. I love the elevation changes. We played Centennial for the State Championship last year, and that gave me a sense of what it was like to play golf up and down the side of a mountain. Unfortunately, no spectators, but forecaddies are required if you can fake your way into the caddy shack, lol. 

[Fred Mitchell]

VGA email today. Srixon discount of 30%

 

[Shank Aaron]

58 minutes ago, Fred Mitchell said:

VGA email today. Srixon discount of 30%

 

That's the usual. If you log into your member portal and look at the top menu bar, there's a tab labeled "Benefits". Click on that and you can generate as many Srixon codes as your bank account will let you. 

[Cannon Safe]

Glad I found this thread. I've been thinking of joining vga here in Alaska. Is the vga handicap the same as the usga? If so, does the membership fee include the usga handicap? One of my goals for this season is to establish a legit handicap. I emailed the local president a few weeks ago but haven't noticed a reply yet (could have got lost in spam). Our courses are just starting to open up here,  not expecting him to be active just yet.

Edited May 1 by Cannon Safe

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

21 minutes ago, Cannon Safe said:

Glad I found this thread. I've been thinking of joining vga here in Alaska. Is the vga handicap the same as the usga? If so, does the membership fee include the usga handicap? One of my goals for this season is to establish a legit handicap. I emailed the local president a few weeks ago but haven't noticed a reply yet (could have got lost in spam). Our courses are just starting to open up here,  not expecting him to be active just yet.

Unfortunately it’s not. I don’t believe you have to have a USGA handicap to join but the handicap is not official.

you can still however play and you’ll be put into a flight after I think 3 tournaments if you don’t have a handicap.

[OJ_Mango]

Glad to see some fellow Spys in the VGA. I will have to keep any eye out for some recommended events in different states. For those wanting to visit some solid GA/SC courses. Take a look at when GA/SC are around the Augusta area. We typically have a 2-3 rounds scheduled for a single weekend. ALOT better greens fees than during the Tournament week.

[Cannon Safe]

3 hours ago, GolfSpy_SHARK said:

Unfortunately it’s not. I don’t believe you have to have a USGA handicap to join but the handicap is not official.

you can still however play and you’ll be put into a flight after I think 3 tournaments if you don’t have a handicap.

Thanks for the info. Not a deal breaker

[Mike3531]

On 2/8/2023 at 10:51 AM, GolfSpy_SHARK said:

Hey all!

I have been contemplating doing this for years. The VGA for those that have not heard of it is the Veterans Golf Association. They run a ton of tournaments nation wide and have different regions. There are regional leaders and some pretty big competitive championship tournaments all around the world. In 2021 they hosted one in Scotland.

I finally signed up today. There are several tournaments I hope to play in. Even if I play in one I will be super pumped. I am ecstatic to get into some truly competitive golf.

This thread will host my thoughts leading up to tournaments, what I was thinking during the round and how the round went. Maybe get some pointers from the folks on here. Also to provide a space for other VGA members to get involved in one spot.

I am not sure what to expect or how everything works so maybe I can provide some insight as I go along for others that maybe sign up and get into some tournaments!

https://www.vgagolf.org/app/

https://www.vgagolf.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/VGA_2022_Tour_Players_Manaual_20211102v3.pdf

I think my first tournament will be either April 28th or April 30th (28th is in Connecticut and 30th is in Massachusetts)

So what are the benefits of paying $76 a year for the membership? And roughly on average how much do the tournaments cost to enter? Thank you for the help because I have been looking at joining.

[CharlieGrisham]

Primary benefit is access to the dashboard, events, establishing VGA handicap (not GHIN) and supporting the overall organization (they run national/regional events for those so inclined/talented).

$20 registration fee/event goes to VGA to support the state chapter, etc.

Then, usually some "discounted" green fee.  I've seen it anywhere from rack rate (with included range balls) to >50% off some amazing courses like Old Waverly and Mossy Oak.  I've played muni courses all the way up to resorts with the VGA.  I like it for the light competition (it ain't the US Open) and camaraderie and not trying to arrange a game by myself.  I moved away from my normal golf buddies to a golf desert and it's nice to be able to find a group within a reasonable drive that I can relate to and enjoy my time with...while I track my progress in my game.

[Shank Aaron]

On 5/1/2024 at 6:47 PM, Cannon Safe said:

Glad I found this thread. I've been thinking of joining vga here in Alaska. Is the vga handicap the same as the usga? If so, does the membership fee include the usga handicap? One of my goals for this season is to establish a legit handicap. I emailed the local president a few weeks ago but haven't noticed a reply yet (could have got lost in spam). Our courses are just starting to open up here,  not expecting him to be active just yet.

Naw, your VGA handicap wont do you any good outside of a VGA event, but it's definitely a number you wat to get as soon as you can for flighting. State Championships are right around the corner for just about everyone, and you have to have an index to be eligible. 

 

1 hour ago, Mike3531 said:

So what are the benefits of paying $76 a year for the membership? And roughly on average how much do the tournaments cost to enter? Thank you for the help because I have been looking at joining.

The main benefits (to me, anyways. YMMV) is the Member's website. The dashboard has all of the information I want to see in one spot. I can search for and enter events in any state there's a chapter, see my rankings on a State/Regional/National/AFC level (As well as where others rank that I'm trying to beat), and now they've updated the page so we can generate a 30% off code for all things Srixon whenever we want. No more emailing a request for one. So I guess that's my way of rationalizing the annual membership fee, even though I realize the money does go to other areas. 

 

As far as the greens fees, that's going to vary based on your location. Taking that a step further, it'll also depend on which course you're playing in your area. Champions Retreat will cost you a few more clams to play than say.....Aiken GC, for example. Comparatively, it's a lot cheaper playing in most places down South than it is up here in NY/NJ. 

[Mike3531]

Appreciate the information!

[Golf Antarctica]

On 3/14/2023 at 1:41 PM, GolfSpy_SHARK said:

Never shot at here but interesting times with boarding small boats and those lovely folks in the gulf driving right at you on fast attacks not knowing if they’re gonna stop or just drive into you and detonate whatever they have on it.

@GolfSpy_SHARK   I have been reading some of your posts regarding VGA because I am thinking of perhaps looking into joining & am very interested in learning more about it...!! I truly love playing golf & play whenever I can...!! I've only played 5 yrs but it has become like an addiction to me & I average approximately 75+ rounds per season (the "season" here [NH] is quite short compared to AZ!)...!! A couple things you wrote that stood out to me & caught my attention so now I'm compelled to ask you...  1)  It appears you are located in New England specifically in either MA or NH... Curious if that is the case because I too am in New England... And...  2)  A portion of your quote from your above posting... Specifically where you state:  "Never shot at here but interesting times with boarding small boats..." This statement leads me to believe you're an Ex-Coastie... Is that the case...?? I'm an Ex-Coastie and DO agree that boardings of small boats can be rather interesting at times...!! I was stationed at a small boat station for four yrs and was a qualified Coxswain & Boarding Officer... Back in the day...!! But I LOVED being a small boat "Throttle Jockey" & had a great time (WAY TOO MUCH FUN AT TIMES) while stationed at that small boat station...!! Look forward to your answers... Thanks in advance...!!

Edited June 21 by Golf Antarctica
To add a specific recipient

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

11 hours ago, Golf Antarctica said:

@GolfSpy_SHARK   I have been reading some of your posts regarding VGA because I am thinking of perhaps looking into joining & am very interested in learning more about it...!! I truly love playing golf & play whenever I can...!! I've only played 5 yrs but it has become like an addiction to me & I average approximately 75+ rounds per season (the "season" here [NH] is quite short compared to AZ!)...!! A couple things you wrote that stood out to me & caught my attention so now I'm compelled to ask you...  1)  It appears you are located in New England specifically in either MA or NH... Curious if that is the case because I too am in New England... And...  2)  A portion of your quote from your above posting... Specifically where you state:  "Never shot at here but interesting times with boarding small boats..." This statement leads me to believe you're an Ex-Coastie... Is that the case...?? I'm an Ex-Coastie and DO agree that boardings of small boats can be rather interesting at times...!! I was stationed at a small boat station for four yrs and was a qualified Coxswain & Boarding Officer... Back in the day...!! But I LOVED being a small boat "Throttle Jockey" & had a great time (WAY TOO MUCH FUN AT TIMES) while stationed at that small boat station...!! Look forward to your answers... Thanks in advance...!!

Welcome to the forum! Yes I am in MA.

i was navy and was on the USS cape St. George, the small boats I was referring to were the RHIB boats we had for our VBSS team. I was on that team and worked on the diesel engine on them

[Notjackdaniels22]

I just signed up for VGA the other day. A few guys in the PGA HOPE course I am participating in mentioned it and it sounded awesome. I am a bit irked though there are only 5 tournaments here, and almost all of them fall in a 2 week span... that I am going to be gone taking care of some family matters. Super frustrating. Is anyone else in Montana or Idaho here? Or the PNW in general? Cheers y'all. 

[cksurfdude]

Just curious if anyone was able to make it to the Bethpage event, and if so how it went for you??

[Shank Aaron]

1 hour ago, cksurfdude said:

Just curious if anyone was able to make it to the Bethpage event, and if so how it went for you??

I was camped at my keyboard to sign up for both.......I didn't even make the wait list, let alone the event. Internet speed matters....

[Shankster]

11 hours ago, GolfSpy_SHARK said:

Welcome to the forum! Yes I am in MA.

i was navy and was on the USS cape St. George, the small boats I was referring to were the RHIB boats we had for our VBSS team. I was on that team and worked on the diesel engine on them

Small Boats… all of my time (until now) I was repairing, or overseeing the repairs on small boats… but I guess compared to the Navy that is all that we have.  

[Golf Antarctica]

13 hours ago, GolfSpy_SHARK said:

Welcome to the forum! Yes I am in MA.

i was navy and was on the USS cape St. George, the small boats I was referring to were the RHIB boats we had for our VBSS team. I was on that team and worked on the diesel engine on them

@GolfSpy_SHARK  Thanks for responding to my posting... I appreciate it! Ok... So you were Navy but, as stated, the way you worded your previous post... You gave me the impression that you are an Ex-Coastie... Oh well... You were a gray hull sailor.   Seems that Ex-Coasties who golf are a very rare find! I don't know any! Anyway... We had a RHIB at the station I was at & I loved getting underway in that boat! Ours was a 17' ft Avon with a turbo 75hp outboard! It flew across the water & at times... Through the air! We would go "wake jumping" in that boat and with the right wake (usually a very large cargo ship) at the right angle... I could get the entire boat out of the water! WAY TOO MUCH FUN IN THAT BOAT! We did blow a slew of lower units on that outboard by "wake jumping" but we had 6 spare engines in our shop! So... It kept the MKs occupied... Change out the engine and rebuild the toasted lower unit! Anyway... Enough sea stories... Bottom line... I would like to get some info & the gory details from you regarding some of the VGA Tournaments in New England area! I would love to be able to play in some this Summer if possible! So... I'll certainly be looking foward to yet another response from you & I'll be hoping you can give me some info about the New England VGA! I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

[SBH93458]

I’ve been with the VGA for a couple years in the Mid-Atlantic.  Great group I feel fortunate to be around and enjoy competitive golf on great golf courses.  

[PrismFlopper]

On 6/22/2024 at 3:06 PM, Golf Antarctica said:

@GolfSpy_SHARK  Thanks for responding to my posting... I appreciate it! Ok... So you were Navy but, as stated, the way you worded your previous post... You gave me the impression that you are an Ex-Coastie... Oh well... You were a gray hull sailor.   Seems that Ex-Coasties who golf are a very rare find! I don't know any! Anyway... We had a RHIB at the station I was at & I loved getting underway in that boat! Ours was a 17' ft Avon with a turbo 75hp outboard! It flew across the water & at times... Through the air! We would go "wake jumping" in that boat and with the right wake (usually a very large cargo ship) at the right angle... I could get the entire boat out of the water! WAY TOO MUCH FUN IN THAT BOAT! We did blow a slew of lower units on that outboard by "wake jumping" but we had 6 spare engines in our shop! So... It kept the MKs occupied... Change out the engine and rebuild the toasted lower unit! Anyway... Enough sea stories... Bottom line... I would like to get some info & the gory details from you regarding some of the VGA Tournaments in New England area! I would love to be able to play in some this Summer if possible! So... I'll certainly be looking foward to yet another response from you & I'll be hoping you can give me some info about the New England VGA! I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

Played in a veterans charity tournament last year with a group of my soldiers. Did a little e4 mafia vs nco corp group and we ended up getting a 4th added to our group that was all coastie outfitted, custom bag in the orange and white and polo. Guy was pretty quiet but was pretty high up there out of sector boston, atleast i think… not too sure we were getting after it that day. Too this day the only coastie that ive seen personally at a tournament

Edited July 6 by PrismFlopper

[Shank Aaron]

So, who's played in some State Championships so far? How'd you do? There's still a handful to be played before the final Regional events, just curious how everyone shaked out so far? 

[Notjackdaniels22]

Played my first ever VGA tournament on vacation in NM visiting family. Had an absolute blast! Highly recommend any vet signing up and playing!

[JoeLafives]

A friend just played the Utah State.  I'm playing the NM state on the 20th and the AZ state on the 28th..  Also going to the Senior Nats in Myrtle Beach.

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

On 6/22/2024 at 11:30 AM, cksurfdude said:

Just curious if anyone was able to make it to the Bethpage event, and if so how it went for you??

I signed up and was waitlisted but never got the call uo to the big leagues

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

On 6/22/2024 at 3:06 PM, Golf Antarctica said:

@GolfSpy_SHARK  Thanks for responding to my posting... I appreciate it! Ok... So you were Navy but, as stated, the way you worded your previous post... You gave me the impression that you are an Ex-Coastie... Oh well... You were a gray hull sailor.   Seems that Ex-Coasties who golf are a very rare find! I don't know any! Anyway... We had a RHIB at the station I was at & I loved getting underway in that boat! Ours was a 17' ft Avon with a turbo 75hp outboard! It flew across the water & at times... Through the air! We would go "wake jumping" in that boat and with the right wake (usually a very large cargo ship) at the right angle... I could get the entire boat out of the water! WAY TOO MUCH FUN IN THAT BOAT! We did blow a slew of lower units on that outboard by "wake jumping" but we had 6 spare engines in our shop! So... It kept the MKs occupied... Change out the engine and rebuild the toasted lower unit! Anyway... Enough sea stories... Bottom line... I would like to get some info & the gory details from you regarding some of the VGA Tournaments in New England area! I would love to be able to play in some this Summer if possible! So... I'll certainly be looking foward to yet another response from you & I'll be hoping you can give me some info about the New England VGA! I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks in advance!

Sorry work has been very hectic and have not been on to much. I’m hoping to be able to get into a tournament at some point this year but it’s looking slim for me.

if you go to the VGA site and search Massachusetts for the state it will give you a list of tournaments currently scheduled. 

[RetiredSFC18]

I played the NJ state championship on the 1st of this month. It was close but I ended up placing runner up in the VET D group. Playing NY state championship on the 20th at West Point USMA. Since I was runner up I qualified for Regionals at the end of August in WV, this will be my first regionals, looking forward to it.

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

32 minutes ago, RetiredSFC18 said:

I played the NJ state championship on the 1st of this month. It was close but I ended up placing runner up in the VET D group. Playing NY state championship on the 20th at West Point USMA. Since I was runner up I qualified for Regionals at the end of August in WV, this will be my first regionals, looking forward to it.

Good luck and enjoy! Also welcome to the forum. A lot here to look at besides the VGA thread.

[KurtActual]

Man this post got me excited to look into the VGA. I checked out future events for my chapter, and they're all >2.5hrs from me. Looked em up on Facebook, and it seems like the norm. I think our Chapter Director must hate Houston.

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

4 hours ago, KurtActual said:

Man this post got me excited to look into the VGA. I checked out future events for my chapter, and they're all >2.5hrs from me. Looked em up on Facebook, and it seems like the norm. I think our Chapter Director must hate Houston.

Damn Texas! Have ya tried reaching out? Could be worth collaborating and trying to get some stuff closer to your area if you can

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

4 hours ago, KurtActual said:

Man this post got me excited to look into the VGA. I checked out future events for my chapter, and they're all >2.5hrs from me. Looked em up on Facebook, and it seems like the norm. I think our Chapter Director must hate Houston.

Damn Texas! Have ya tried reaching out? Could be worth collaborating and trying to get some stuff closer to your area if you can