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

[tricket3d]

Didn’t play well again, but was playing with a guy who was a wounded warrior (missing eye). Was awesome to hear his story and kind of forgot I was playing in a golf tournament. 

[Shank Aaron]

1 hour ago, tricket3d said:

Didn’t play well again, but was playing with a guy who was a wounded warrior (missing eye). Was awesome to hear his story and kind of forgot I was playing in a golf tournament. 

Around these parts we call that having a great day!!!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

1 hour ago, tricket3d said:

Didn’t play well again, but was playing with a guy who was a wounded warrior (missing eye). Was awesome to hear his story and kind of forgot I was playing in a golf tournament. 

Thats what its all about, getting out there and meeting new folks

[Subdiver1]

12 hours ago, tricket3d said:

Didn’t play well again, but was playing with a guy who was a wounded warrior (missing eye). Was awesome to hear his story and kind of forgot I was playing in a golf tournament. 

Yup, I can have a bad day but a bad day with good people who are still here is still a good day. Thanks for sharing.

[Javs]

I need to become active in the VGA. 

[Subdiver1]

3 hours ago, Javs said:

I need to become active in the VGA. 

I find it to be enjoyable and challenging.  I guess, like anything else, the area and the people make it what it is.  With the way you are playing I wouldn't be surprised to see you qualified for Regionals your first season; but I am not sure what your regional Flight A competition is like, but hey, I qualified so I am sure you'd crush it.

[Javs]

6 hours ago, Subdiver1 said:

I find it to be enjoyable and challenging.  I guess, like anything else, the area and the people make it what it is.  With the way you are playing I wouldn't be surprised to see you qualified for Regionals your first season; but I am not sure what your regional Flight A competition is like, but hey, I qualified so I am sure you'd crush it.

Sounds like you are having a lot of fun!

[Shank Aaron]

17 hours ago, Javs said:

I need to become active in the VGA. 

Yep, you probably do.

[Subdiver1]

On 8/17/2023 at 10:56 AM, Shank Aaron said:

Yep, you probably do.

@Javs Definitely.  Overall we had a great weekend at Regionals in Utah.  Fun times with a great group.  I wish I had performed better, but the experience easily overshadowed the relatively mediocre performance.  Utah is frickin' beautiful.

Edited August 23, 2023 by Subdiver1
affirmation

[Javs]

29 minutes ago, Subdiver1 said:

@Javs Overall we had a great weekend at Regionals in Utah.  Fun times with a great group.  I wish I had performed better, but the experience easily overshadowed the relatively mediocre performance.  Utah is frickin' beautiful.

Thank you for the information. Glad you had a great time. Yes, Utah has awesome scenery. 

[Shank Aaron]

Absolutely cannot WAIT for this!!!

 

[CharlieGrisham]

Another post to recommend the VGA.  I live 2 hours from St Louis -- in close proximity to Kentucky and Missouri -- so I'm able to play in IL/MO/KY/IN VGA events.  I have a condo in Daytona Beach Shores where I keep a second bag filled with PXG 0211's so I get to play there too. (My son goes to school in Daytona and I didn't want to pay for a dorm)

I joined VGA in April 2023 and have already played in 14 events.  Ranked 10th in the state of IL, hoping for a top 16 regional Air Force ranking to get into the Armed Forces Cup this time next year.

The highlights are:

1) Showing up to a random golf course as a single golfer and feeling an immediate sense of camaraderie and belonging.  This is, quite frankly, the whole point of the VGA.

2) Playing some great courses in a semi-competitive manner that I would probably not have played.  I've played Copperhead at Innisbrook, Osage National, Tunica National and a couple of private clubs for a very reasonable rate.  I've registered for 14 tournaments in the coming season already, including Mossy Oak/Old Waverley (MS), and Amelia Island (FL).  If you search, you can find multi-round weekends at great places (like the Old Waverley trip). I'm already really looking forward to the Branson (MO) trip to play unbelievable Ozark golf.

3) Competition, even something "lite" like this, pushes me to practice with purpose.  I found Cogorno Golf (after reading MGS reviews) and have already made serious progress with his outrageous amount of content delivered in a fantastic method.

If you're considering joining, I'd highly recommend it.  Hope to see you there!

Edited September 7, 2023 by CharlieGrisham

[BogeyBrigade]

I signed up after being paired as a solo with another solo veteran about a few weeks ago. I am by far not good at a 16 but after hearing about the courses that they play at in my state (IL) and other states. I knew I was going to sign up ....maybe for more selfish reasons as normally I would never be able to play at some of these private courses without a membership or as a guest. 

Signed up 5 days ago and registered for my first event which is this Thursday at Flossmoor Golf Club. I have wanted to play at this course for years!!! Honestly I am more stoked to play a bucket list course vs the competition. Hopefully the glizzy at the turn is on point!  

 

Edited September 19, 2023 by BogeyBrigade

[Shank Aaron]

Welcome, bud. You're gonna love it here, they have t-shirts...

 

Jokes aside, skill level is completely irrelevant to the great times with great people I've experienced so far. At first, all I wanted to do was win. Now, it's so much more than petty things like that, unless you're one of those Space Force guys. Then forget this entire comment. 

[BogeyBrigade]

7 minutes ago, Shank Aaron said:

Welcome, bud. You're gonna love it here, they have t-shirts...

Jokes aside, skill level is completely irrelevant to the great times with great people I've experienced so far. At first, all I wanted to do was win. Now, it's so much more than petty things like that, unless you're one of those Space Force guys. Then forget this entire comment. 

Glad to hear it because I am just more interested in meeting other golfers to play with and play golf courses that A. never have a chance to play without forking over big money 2. play top tier golf courses for cheap. 

I saw your FB post shared by VGA Central a little while back. You've had quite the season so far ! Bethpage Black is on my bucket list also. 

[Shank Aaron]

27 minutes ago, BogeyBrigade said:

Glad to hear it because I am just more interested in meeting other golfers to play with and play golf courses that A. never have a chance to play without forking over big money 2. play top tier golf courses for cheap. 

I saw your FB post shared by VGA Central a little while back. You've had quite the season so far ! Bethpage Black is on my bucket list also. 

It's been a great season in terms of company, courses played, and enjoyment with Bethpage Black being the obvious capstone. I didn't get to play half the events I was actually entered in. Apparently, life hasn't got the notice that this takes precedence. 

[milledon]

I have to say a big thank you to Lacassem again. I joined after his recommendation earlier this year. I have played in about 15 tournaments over the summer and enjoyed every one of them. Played in senior regionals, state championships and regular tournaments. I have made new friends and even recruited another person to join VGA. Looking forward to the 2024 season. If you are reading this and wondering if you should join, I highly recommend it. In the Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, we have 2-3 day tournaments. Pennsylvania even did an Ironman tournament which included 5 rounds in 3 day (I think). Looking forward to Maryland VGA's three tournament Veterans Day weekend in Ocean City. 

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

I am so glad this thread took off for a few folks!

again I was on the fence for years and I only played in 1 tournament this 2023 season but it was great. Life happens so hopefully I can get into more 2024 season!

[Preeway]

I was able to play twice in tournaments since my friend is the regional director in my area. I’m officially signed up now for 2024 and have my first event this Sunday. Looking forward to the season. 

[taylorjonasher]

Thank you to everyone that has contributed to this thread - I just joined a few days ago and this came up on the first day of lurking through the forums. I checked out the VGA website, found out that my home course is hosting an event on October 1st, and registered immediately! I'm pumped to find out what the events are like, and hopefully will get to display some of my local course knowledge - like how deep the water is on 15, where not to go on 13, how playable the 2nd and 3rd fairways are when playing the other. Thanks again for putting this information out there!

[Rosey31]

I joined with some friends earlier this year and we have been having a blast. One of the guys is now a regional director for the Tampa bay area here in Florida. Most of the events down here are either in Jacksonville, Miami or the panhandle. With over 40 courses in the Tampa area we are trying to grow the local region here. We did get the chance to play Copperhead this year and are looking to add a few more top courses like Lakewood ranch, Ocala national and others. 

[VGA MA State Director]

I am so glad this thread took off for a few folks!
again I was on the fence for years and I only played in 1 tournament this 2023 season but it was great. Life happens so hopefully I can get into more 2024 season!

Thanks for firing up this thread lacassem!!



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[VGA MA State Director]

That one has me intrigued I think it’s one I can make need to double check!

Fun track! Good challenge for sure. Also October 18th we have a tournament at Lebaron Hills CC. Phenomenal private track.

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[Shank Aaron]

You guys see this?

 

 

[VGA MA State Director]

The New England VGA chapters are hosting their 3rd Annual New England Charity Classic October 17th at Pawtucket Country Club. This is a fantastic event at a phenomenal private track. The tournament is open to all.

Register via this link:


https://www.golfgenius.com/pages/9780896661541765209?fbclid=IwAR32D5pLjd0IcBFyZ34P39c9GAn4XVdYcDq_k2V09epgtfh-w6gaXTDrIqY

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[cksurfdude]

THANK YOU, VETERANS!!!

To all in all the uniformed services thank you thank you thank you.

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Happy Veterans Day brothers and sisters! Enjoy the day!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Looking out to other states tournaments upcoming next year.

Fingers crossed I can get in on Bethpage (back to back days in June) and get a 3 stay stint in. This would be amazing if I can get onto the registration! Anyone else planning on making a trip to NY if they can?

[Preeway]

1 hour ago, Lacassem said:

Looking out to other states tournaments upcoming next year.

Fingers crossed I can get in on Bethpage (back to back days in June) and get a 3 stay stint in. This would be amazing if I can get onto the registration! Anyone else planning on making a trip to NY if they can?

Odds are not in my favor but that is something I'd like to try one of these years.

[tricket3d]

I need to check out other states. Wisconsin is shut down for too long hehe.