New Directors, Big Vision: Michigan & St. Louis Set the Tone for 2026

Send us a text The heart of the Golfweek Amateur Tour isn’t just scorecards and trophies, it’s people, places, and purpose. This week on Golfweek Amateur Tour – The Podcast, hosts Tim Newman and Chris Rocha kick things off with real talk: holiday stories, missed birthdays, health updates, and a reminder that the Golfweek Amateur Tour Community always comes first. Then it’s on to business, good business. We welcome Jim Shadduck, the new Michigan Tour Director, who’s bringing a player-first mindset to one of the most competitive local Senior Amateur Tours in the country. Jim breaks down a Michigan schedule built around meaningful venues, including university courses and marquee tracks that reward smart strategy over ego-driven swings. From value-driven entry fees to expanded payouts, Jim is focused on delivering Amateur Golf Tournaments that feel fair, competitive, and worth the travel. Next, we introduce Daniel Van Meter, the new St. Louis Tour Director, whose approach blends competitive golf with intentional community building. A pharmacist, coach, and former points champion, Daniel shares how family involvement, junior pathways, and creative ideas like the Birdie Club are enhancing player engagement across all flights. His goal is simple: make every Golfweek Amateur Tour event feel memorable, personal, and shareable. Along the way, Tim and Chris dig into course strategy, destination golf, and why target golf still wins championships, whether you’re navigating Harbour Town-style angles or chasing points toward qualifying for the National Championship. They also highlight the real economic impact of Golfweek Amateur Tour events, including how a single event can inject tens of thousands of dollars into a local community. This episode is a snapshot of what makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour special: serious golf, welcoming competition, and a nationwide network where amateurs truly play like pros. Enjoy the episode?Follow, rate, and share it with a friend who’s already planning their 2026 golf calendar. Support the show Podcast HomepageGolfweek Amateur TourSenior Amateur TourFacebookYouTubeSrixonJondo Sunglasses Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices