Thirty-six veterans battled torrential morning rain and a scorching 105-plus heat index at Highland Park Golf Course, where resilience, camaraderie, and championship-caliber golf highlighted another memorable VGA Alabama tournament.
The Veterans Golf Association (VGA) Alabama Chapter once again proved that determination outweighs difficult playing conditions as 36 competitors battled through one of the toughest weather days of the 2026 season at Highland Park Golf Course in Birmingham, Alabama.
Beginning the day under rainy skies before enduring a heat index exceeding 105 degrees by the final holes, veterans representing multiple branches of the U.S. Armed Forces demonstrated the perseverance and competitive spirit that defines the Veterans Golf Association. By the time the final putts dropped, nearly every player returned to the clubhouse drenched from either rain or sweat—but with smiles that reflected another successful day on the course.
Despite ongoing air-conditioning issues inside the clubhouse, Highland Park Golf Course maintained its welcoming atmosphere, giving competitors an opportunity to cool down, reconnect with fellow veterans, and celebrate another outstanding VGA event after completing one of the year's most physically demanding rounds.
Championship Performances Highlight Highland Park Event
Competition remained fierce throughout every flight as players from Alabama, Mississippi, and Missouri posted impressive scores under extremely challenging conditions.
Flight Champions
- No Handicap: Leonard Smoot (USMC), Birmingham, Alabama — 69
- Veteran A: Darren Bland (USA), Rolla, Missouri — 69
- Veteran B: Shane Lilly (USAF), Vestavia Hills, Alabama — 78
- Veteran C: Daniel Evans (USA), Ocean Springs, Mississippi — 80
- Female Veteran A: Linda Jeffery (USAF), Prattville, Alabama — 75
- Veteran D: Deandre Carlisle (USMC), Phenix City, Alabama — 89 (Net 63)
- Wounded Veteran B: Matthew Brannon (USA), Boaz, Alabama — 96 (Net 85)
- Senior A: Chard Hershman (USMC), Columbus, Mississippi — 69 (Net 63)
- Senior B: Derrick Percival (USAF), Wetumpka, Alabama — 83 (Net 66)
- Senior C: Robert McNeal (USA), Helena, Alabama — 91 (Net 67)
The variety of champions across multiple military branches showcased the depth of talent competing throughout the VGA South Region and reinforced the organization's mission to bring veterans together through the game of golf.
Closest-to-the-Pin Winners
Precision was rewarded throughout the tournament as competitors claimed Closest-to-the-Pin honors:
- Hole No. 3 — Cecil Crawford
- Hole No. 5 — Robert McNeal
- Hole No. 11 — Shane Lilly
- Hole No. 13 — Jeremy Letson
- Hole No. 17 — Justin Turner
More Than Just Competition
While scores determined champions, the event's greatest victory remained the fellowship shared among veterans from across the Southeast. The Veterans Golf Association continues to provide former service members with opportunities to build lasting friendships, strengthen mental wellness, and maintain the camaraderie many experienced during military service.
Tournament organizers expressed appreciation to Cameron and the entire Highland Park Golf Course staff for their outstanding hospitality before, during, and after the event. Their support helped ensure a successful tournament despite challenging weather conditions.
Looking Ahead
With another successful tournament in the books, VGA Alabama continues its 2026 season by delivering competitive golf while reinforcing its core mission of honoring those who served. As temperatures rose and the schedule intensified, Highland Park once again demonstrated that veterans are never intimidated by difficult conditions.
Whether battling rain, oppressive summer heat, or demanding course conditions, the spirit of the Veterans Golf Association remains unchanged—because for these competitors, it's always more than just a game.
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-- By James W. Thomas
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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