'TELL IT LIKE IT IS' Talk Show Video

Sunday, July 26, 2026

James Thomas Battles Tough Greens to Finish Fifth in Senior C Flight at VGA Highland Park Tournament

Despite putting struggles on one of Alabama's most challenging municipal courses, Thomas posts a 104 gross, 72 net, and earns valuable VGA Tour points at historic Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. | Golf often comes down to a few strokes on the putting surface, and for James Thomas, that reality was evident Sunday during the Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Tour event at Highland Park Golf Course.

Competing in the Senior C Flight, Thomas battled through a difficult day on the greens to finish fifth, carding a gross score of 104 and a net score of 72 while earning 11 VGA Tour points.

Although his ball striking and course management kept him in contention throughout the round, Thomas acknowledged that missed opportunities with the putter prevented an even stronger finish.


Historic Course Presents Stern Test

Highland Park Golf Course, one of Alabama's most historic public golf venues, has long challenged golfers with its sloping greens, elevation changes, and demanding approach shots.

Playing from the I Men's Tees, Thomas navigated the course with steady play from tee to green but found it difficult to capitalize on birdie and par opportunities.

The difference between a good round and an exceptional one ultimately came down to putting.

Several missed putts inside scoring range led to higher numbers than anticipated, turning potential pars into bogeys and limiting momentum throughout the day.

Fighting Through Adversity

Rather than allowing early frustrations to derail his round, Thomas remained composed and continued grinding through all 18 holes.

His perseverance paid off with a respectable finish in a competitive Senior C Flight field.

Thomas recorded matching 52s on both the front and back nine for a balanced round of 104, demonstrating consistency despite the challenges on the greens.

Tournament Results

Veterans Golf Association Tour

Highland Park Golf Course – Birmingham, Alabama

  • Flight: Senior C
  • Gross Score: 104
  • Net Score: 72
  • Finish: 5th Place
  • VGA Tour Points Earned: 11

Scorecard

  • Front Nine: 52
  • Back Nine: 52
  • Total: 104

Lessons Moving Forward

Every competitive round provides valuable insight, and Sunday's tournament highlighted one area Thomas plans to emphasize before his next VGA event.

Improving speed control, green reading, and confidence with the putter could significantly lower future scores, especially considering how well other aspects of his game performed.

For tournament golfers, shaving even three to five putts per round can dramatically impact both gross and net standings.

With several VGA events remaining on the schedule, Thomas remains focused on refining his short game while building on the positives from Highland Park.

Looking Ahead

Thomas is expected to continue competing on the VGA Tour this season, using the experience gained in Birmingham as preparation for upcoming tournaments.

The fifth-place finish adds valuable points to his season total and reinforces the importance of resilience in competitive golf.

As every golfer knows, one difficult day on the greens can quickly become motivation for the next breakthrough performance.

======

-- By Robert Douglass

© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.

Posted by at
Labels: , , , , , , , , , ,
Location: 3300 Highland Ave, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)

Advertising

Advertising
🎙️ Grow Your Brand. Reach Decision-Makers. Be Heard. Advertise with TELL IT LIKE IT IS Talk Show — Montgomery’s trusted platform for politics, business, defense, health, sports, and community dialogue. Our audience includes business leaders, professionals, policymakers, and engaged listeners who value credible information and strong community partnerships. Whether you're launching a new product, promoting a service, or strengthening brand awareness, we offer targeted radio and digital advertising packages designed to deliver measurable impact. 📡 On-Air | 💻 Digital | 📱 Social | 🎥 Multimedia Sponsorships Available Position your business where influence meets engagement. 📞 Call 334-391-7866 📧 Email: jthomas.1300WTLS@gmail.com TELL IT LIKE IT IS — Where Businesses Connect With the Community.

James Thomas, Owner JWT Communications

James Thomas, Owner JWT Communications
James W. Thomas Radio Broadcaster | Media Executive | Creator & Host of “TELL IT LIKE IT IS” James W. Thomas is a seasoned radio executive, broadcaster, and media strategist with more than 25 years of experience in broadcasting, media sales, and multi-platform programming. He is the creator and host of the talk program “TELL IT LIKE IT IS,” a news-sports-talk platform built on the philosophy: “Be Informed. Not Influenced.” Thomas began his radio career in Detroit, where the foundation for TELL IT LIKE IT IS was developed at WWJ Newsradio 950 (CBS Radio) in 2000. At WWJ and later with Radio One Detroit, he earned a reputation as both a dynamic on-air personality and a high-performing Senior Account Executive, delivering strategic media solutions across radio, television, and digital platforms. His work combined consultative advertising strategy, strong community relationships, and a deep understanding of broadcast marketing. In 2008, Thomas expanded his leadership role at Clear Channel Radio (now iHeartMedia) in Beaumont, Texas, where he continued to drive revenue growth, client acquisition, and team mentorship while strengthening his broadcast presence. Since 2009, Thomas has served as General Manager and On-Air Host at WTLS Radio in Alabama, where he oversees all station operations including programming, sales, marketing, budgeting, regulatory compliance, and long-term strategic development. Under his leadership, WTLS has strengthened its multi-platform media presence and community engagement. As host of “TELL IT LIKE IT IS,” Thomas delivers compelling News-Sports-Talk programming built on research, preparation, and meaningful conversation. His show features interviews with political leaders, policy experts, athletes, and community voices while providing analysis of national and regional issues affecting listeners. In addition to his broadcasting leadership, Thomas maintains active professional involvement within the media and entertainment industry. He is a: Member – SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) Regional EMMY® Awards Judge – National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) Certified Radio Marketing Consultant (CRMC) – Radio Advertising Bureau Certified Digital Marketing Consultant (CDMC) – Radio Advertising Bureau Content Creators Certified Radio Marketing Consultant (CRMCCC) – Radio Advertising Bureau These certifications recognize advanced expertise in broadcast marketing strategy, audience development, digital media integration, and revenue growth for media organizations. From Detroit to Texas to Alabama, James W. Thomas has built a respected career defined by leadership, credibility, and a commitment to informative, engaging media. TELL IT LIKE IT IS BE INFORMED. NOT INFLUENCED.

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation

The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation
Founded in 1962, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation is the nation’s oldest and largest provider of need-based scholarships to military children. For 54 years, we’ve been providing access to affordable education for the children of Marine and Navy Corpsman attending post-high school, under-graduate and career technical education programs. In that time, we have provided more than 37,000 scholarships worth nearly $110 million.

Followers