November 2025

It’s been a minute since I’ve seen or talked to most of you—most recently at the 2025 BJG Winter Classic Championship, where we watched Iron Mike earn his second trophy of the year.

Shortly after that, I had the privilege to once again play in the Marine Corps Golf Tournament with my usual team: EJ and Rey. This year, my youngest son decided golf (drinking) wasn’t for him and bowed out of the tournament.

That made the next choice easy—I called James, a fellow Vet, to see if he was available. And of course, like every good golf scramble, it was never just about the score. It was about camaraderie… and, naturally, a little drinking.  After all, the Marine Corps started at a place called Tun Tavern.

Recently, I have tried to give my playing partners a small token of my appreciation each year. This time, I chose a 250th Anniversary USMC challenge coin.

Before we made it to the bar for a “couple” rounds of Sambuca—courtesy of Rey—I asked James what his best and worst parts of Broken Joe Golf were. His “worst” was the hour-and-a-half drive to a BJG event. Fair enough. But his “best” was the camaraderie. Hearing that made me feel like the vision I had for this league—something I’ve worked toward for 12 years—has really taken shape.

Just like the Marine Corps Challenge Coin represents Honor, Courage, and Commitment, BJG also stands on three core values: Commitment, Competition, and Comradery. These have served as my roadmap from the very beginning.

• Commitment – To the game, to fair play, and to our schedule and rules.

• Competition – Friendly matchups that push us to play our best.

• Camaraderie - The friendships we build on and off the course.

This year, I was also honored at two of my granddaughters' elementary schools for my military service—my second time being recognized by one of my grandkids. I’ve never been one for the spotlight, but as I get older, I’ve come to appreciate moments that help future generations learn the importance of values like Honor, Courage, and Commitment. Plus, as they grow older, any time with my grandkids is time well spent.

Yes, I am very grateful for my family and everything that comes with that blessing. But I am also thankful for the dedicated members of Broken Joe Golf—those who have honored our core values and helped shape this league into what it is today and what it will be tomorrow.

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. I’m grateful to share this game, this league, and this friendship with each of you.

This is also the time of year that we start our 2026 BJG recruitment drive.  Before we do that, we need to know who within our current membership is returning next year and whether you might have a Golfer who is interested in becoming a BJG member. Please contact EJ, our Director of Player Personnel, with that information.

Last, but not least, EJ, Stephen, and I have already started playing golf at the local golf simulator. Let me know if you're interested, and we will let you know when we are playing next

Respectfully,

Broken Joe

Commissioner