Winds, Rain and Tough Conditions Define Day 2 as Veterans Shine at VGA Grand National Tournament

Flight Champions Emerge at RTJ Grand National Lakes Course as Veterans Golf Association Members Battle Alabama Summer Weather

OPELIKA, Ala. | Challenging weather conditions tested the field on Sunday during Day 2 of the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Alabama Tournament at the renowned RTJ Golf Trail at Grand National (Lakes Course), but several golfers rose above the elements to claim flight championships.

While temperatures were slightly cooler than the previous day, shifting winds and threatening afternoon storms created constantly changing course conditions for competitors throughout the round.

"One hole the wind was blowing out of the east, and on the next hole it was coming from the west," tournament organizers noted. "It added another layer of difficulty to an already demanding championship course."

For the weekend's top performers, however, the unpredictable weather simply became another challenge to overcome.

Leading the list of champions was Kristofferson Nunez of Destin, who captured the Veteran A Flight title with a score of 86. In the highly competitive Veteran B Flight, Addam Lupo of Fort Mitchell carded an impressive 78 to earn top honors.

David Beckner of Summerdale secured the Veteran C Flight championship with an 86, while hometown golfer Patrick Sanderson of Opelika claimed the No Handicap Flight title after posting an 84.

In the Veteran D Flight, Rodney Allen of Fort Mitchell emerged victorious with rounds of 93 and a net 75. James Hopper of Leeds captured the Wounded Veteran D Flight championship with scores of 98 and a net 80.

Family Division competitors also delivered strong performances. Malcolm Calhoun of Montgomery won the Family B Flight with rounds of 85 and a net 75, while Floyderious Perdue of Calera topped the Family C Flight after posting 99 and a net 81.

The senior divisions featured some of the tournament's strongest play. Barriet Thomas of Haughton, Louisiana, captured the Senior A Flight with rounds of 77 and 78. Terry Jenson of Owens Cross Roads won the Senior B Flight after firing an impressive net 73 following an opening-round 84. Michael Benton of Jacksons Gap*rounded out the winners' list, claiming the Senior C Flight title with scores of 108 and a net 81.

Day 2 Flight Winners

Veteran A Flight

• Kristofferson Nunez (Destin) – 86

Veteran B Flight

• Addam Lupo (Fort Mitchell) – 78

Veteran C Flight

• David Beckner (Summerdale) – 86

No Handicap Flight

• Patrick Sanderson (Opelika) – 84

Veteran D Flight

• Rodney Allen (Fort Mitchell) – 93/75

Wounded Veteran D Flight

• James Hopper (Leeds) – 98/80

Family B Flight

• Malcolm Calhoun (Montgomery) – 85/75

Family C Flight

• Floyderious Perdue (Calera) – 99/81

Senior A Flight

• Barriet Thomas (Haughton, Louisiana) – 77/78

Senior B Flight

• Terry Jenson (Owens Cross Roads) – 84/73

Senior C Flight

• Michael Benton (Jacksons Gap) – 108/81

Beyond the competition, tournament officials emphasized the event's broader mission of connecting veterans through golf and fellowship.

"Thank you to everyone who came out this weekend to support Alabama and meet new members," said Alabama VGA Director Derrick Percival. "That's what we consider most important for all our members."

Percival also expressed appreciation to the RTJ Grand National staff for their hospitality and support throughout the weekend.

"We want to thank David, Ryan, and the remainder of the staff members who supported us this past weekend," Percival said. "Thank you all."

The tournament once again highlighted the Veterans Golf Association's commitment to fostering camaraderie, competition, and support for veterans and their families through golf, while showcasing one of Alabama's premier golf destinations.

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-- By James W. Thomas

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