Three Stories That Define the Tour: Coaching, Leadership & Rivalry

This week on the Golfweek Amateur Tour - The Podcast, Tim Newman and Chris Rocha bring together three stories that perfectly capture what makes Amateur Golf, Competitive Golf Events, and the entire Golfweek Amateur Tour community so addictive. From innovative instruction to new leadership to a cross-state showdown, this episode shows exactly why the Tour continues to thrive nationwide.

The episode opens with Evan Silkworth, a former eighth-grade English teacher who somehow managed to turn pedagogy into a competitive advantage in the golf world. Evan walks Tim and Chris through the unlikely parallels between classroom instruction and golf coaching, how learning styles, sequencing, and clear feedback loops create better players and better experiences for everyday golfers. Now running Hudson Valley Indoor Golf, Evan explains why details like tour-quality golf balls, oversized simulator bays, and data-driven software matter for helping players dial in their game. He also shares his plans as a new tour director, emphasizing high-quality courses, better scheduling, and creating a tour environment that feels professional without losing the fun and camaraderie that define the Golfweek Amateur Tour.

From there, the conversation shifts to Atlanta, where the Tour welcomes its first-ever father-son director duo, Chris and Mike Webb. They talk about stepping into leadership together, honoring the traditions of one of the most active markets in the country, and bringing in modern touches to energize members. Their 2025 schedule blends beloved venues with strategic Monday events that give players access to premium private clubs. They’re also rolling out new engagement strategies, a season-ending Par-3 event, and initiatives that strengthen the Golf Community both on and off the course. The Webbs’ chemistry and complementary strengths make it clear that Atlanta is in for an exciting year.

The episode closes with a rivalry that’s quickly becoming legend: El Paso–Las Cruces vs. Arizona. Two days. Pressure moments. Clutch putts. A championship belt. And a D Flight finish that decides it all. Along the way, both tours come together to launch joint fundraising for the V Foundation, proving once again that even the fiercest competition on the Golfweek Amateur Tour still feels like family when the final putt drops. It’s everything that makes the Golfweek Amateur Tour tournaments meaningful: pride, friendly chirps, unforgettable moments, and a shared commitment to giving back.

If you geek out about Golfweek Amateur Tour, you will love hearing how directors shape the player experience, or simply enjoy the stories that bring everyday golfers together. This episode delivers the perfect mix of strategy, personality, and heart.

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