For golfers across the country, the Veteran Golfers Association (VGA) represents far more than competitive tournament play. Operating nationwide with two international chapters, the VGA provides veterans and their family members a structured outlet to reconnect, compete, and share in a deep sense of military camaraderie. For Chad Adams, a Teaching Professional at Stones River Country Club and a proud Tennessee PGA Section Member, this past season was about honor, competition, and fulfilling a personal goal rooted in a long-standing friendship.
Adams’ journey into the VGA began with inspiration from his friend, Travis Bryant, a past VGA National Champion. The two first met in 2019 when Adams was serving as an assistant professional at Stryker Golf Course on Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Despite an age gap of about ten years, with Adams serving on active duty from 2010 to 2014 and Bryant serving active duty from 2019 to 2023, their shared military background and passion for the game brought them together. Between Bryant’s deployments, the two played countless rounds of golf together at Fort Bragg, forging a close friendship before Adams moved back home to Tennessee in 2022.
Having not seen each other since then, Adams set a specific target for himself going into the season: he would work through the VGA pipeline, advance to the National Championship, and surprise Bryant by playing head-to-head against him on golf’s biggest stage for veterans.
To gain postseason eligibility under VGA rules, competitors must participate in at least four tour events before advancing to a state championship. Adams stepped up to the challenge, competing in both the Georgia and Tennessee State Championships, reconnecting with Bryant in person when they crossed paths in Georgia. In July, Adams captured the Tennessee State Championship title, earning his spot in the South Regional Championship held in August at Reunion Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.
The regional match proved to be an exciting preview of what was to come. Bryant won the South Regional event, while Adams finished in third place. Because Bryant already held an automatic exemption as a former National Champion, Adams and the runner-up claimed the two qualifying spots to advance directly to the national stage.
The VGA National Championship took place October 4–8 at the renowned Fallen Oak Golf Club in Saucier, Mississippi, just outside Biloxi. The prestigious event brought together veterans from across the country, featuring four flighted competitive divisions (A, B, C, and D) alongside dedicated Wounded Warrior and Family divisions. Competing in the elite A Division based on his scores and his credentials as a Tennessee PGA Professional, Adams found himself in a highly competitive field that included three or four other PGA Members.
The atmosphere at Fallen Oak was unlike anything Adams typically experienced during section events. “The biggest difference between this and our section events was having Fox Sports 1 out there”, Adams recalled. “There were cameras following us everywhere. On the final day, they actually held all the lead groups on the 17th green for about 45 minutes so the rest of the field could finish and all the cameras could be focused on 18”.
Despite the bright lights and intense media presence, Adams remained composed. He opened the tournament with a steady 1-under-par round on Day 1, keeping him within striking distance while Bryant took the early lead at 4-under par. During the final round, Adams found himself trailing Bryant by five strokes through eight holes. Staying patient, he kept his game steady as he made the turn. By the time he reached the 17th hole, he had cut the deficit to just one stroke, and a decisive swing on 17 propelled him into a two-stroke lead heading into the final hole.
On the 18th green, under the glare of national television cameras and surrounded by spectators, Adams maintained his composure and two-putted to secure the overall Men’s Division title as VGA National Champion. “I just focused on keeping my mental game steady”, Adams shared in his post-round interview with Fox Sports. “Even with all the people and cameras around, I reminded myself that it’s just like any other event. I just needed to hit the same shots I’d been hitting all week and trust my swing”.
Beyond the competitive triumph, the experience highlighted the deep sense of camaraderie shared by PGA Professionals and military veterans. “The camaraderie among the veterans was incredible”, Adams reflected. “Everyone was always in a good mood, the humors matched, and everyone was completely comfortable with each other. It really felt like family”.
Craig Thomas, a PGA Member at Metropolis Country Club, noted to Chad the small-world nature of the golf community, connecting Adams’ hometown roots in Tennessee with assistants at his own facility. “It’s wonderful to see PGA Members participating not only in Section and National PGA events, but in military events like this as well”, Adams remarked. “It brings back that same duty, honor, and respect that veterans live by”.
For Adams, taking home the Men’s Division national title was the ultimate realization of a goal envisioned months prior. “My main goal for the season was just to get out there and play against Travis at Nationals”, Adams said. “I met so many great people along the way, but for it to come down to the two of us at the end was amazing, it was exactly what I had hoped would happen. To be able to represent Stones River, represent the state of Tennessee as Champion, and stand alongside my fellow veterans was an incredible honor”.
