Veteran Golfers Conquer Sweltering Conditions as Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Links Course
With heat indices climbing into the upper 90s and humidity blanketing East Alabama, 58 veteran golfers battled not only one of the state's premier golf courses but also the demanding weather conditions that tested endurance throughout the day.
By the time players made their way back to the clubhouse, many shared a common feeling—relief.
"The heat was relentless," tournament organizers noted, as golfers relied on hydration and perseverance to navigate one of the most physically demanding rounds of the season.
Despite the conditions, several competitors delivered standout performances to claim their respective flight championships.
Leading the way in the Veteran divisions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, Florida, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 88. In one of the day's strongest performances, Trey Long of Opelika fired a 76 to win the Veteran B Flight, while Paul Wells of Canton, Georgia, secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 87.
The No Handicap Flight crown went to hometown favorite Patrick Sanderson of Opelika, who carded an impressive 82 on the challenging Links Course layout.
In the handicap divisions, Rodney Allen of Fort Mitchell earned top honors in the Veteran D Flight with scores of 96 and a net 78.
The Family Division featured strong performances from Georgia golfers. Michael Tukes of Macon won the Family A Flight with rounds of 85 and a net 78, while Wesley Tukes, also of Macon, captured the Family C Flight title after posting 99 and a net 75.
The Senior Division produced some of the tournament's most competitive scoring. Ross Morrison of Enterprise won the Senior A Flight with rounds of 81 and a net 75. Jerome Jones of Greensboro claimed the Senior B Flight championship after posting 88 and a net 75, while Cole Staats of New Brockton delivered one of the best net scores of the day, winning the Senior C Flight with scores of 96 and a net 74.
Day 1 Flight Champions
Veteran A Flight
- Kristofferson Nunez (Destin, FL) – 88
Veteran B Flight
- Trey Long (Opelika, AL) – 76
Veteran C Flight
- Paul Wells (Canton, GA) – 87
No Handicap Flight
- Patrick Sanderson (Opelika, AL) – 82
Veteran D Flight
- Rodney Allen (Fort Mitchell, AL) – 96/78
Family A Flight
- Michael Tukes (Macon, GA) – 85/78
Family C Flight
- Wesley Tukes (Macon, GA) – 99/75
Senior A Flight
- Ross Morrison (Enterprise, AL) – 81/75
Senior B Flight
- Jerome Jones (Greensboro, AL) – 88/75
Senior C Flight
- Cole Staats (New Brockton, AL) – 96/74
Tournament officials also praised the hospitality provided by the staff at Grand National throughout the event.
"We would like to thank David, Ryan, and Allie for hosting us this weekend," tournament organizers said. "We appreciate you and all of the staff members at the Grand National complex. It is a top-notch facility with outstanding accommodations."
For many VGA members, the event represented more than competition. It provided another opportunity to strengthen camaraderie, share experiences, and enjoy the game alongside fellow veterans.
As Day 1 concluded, players had successfully survived both the demanding Links Course and the Alabama summer heat—setting the stage for another competitive day of action at one of the state's most celebrated golf venues.
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