The American Freedom Open (2026)

The Fourth of July, also known as Independence Day, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, when thirteen determined colonies boldly declared their freedom from British rule. That courageous act marked the birth of the United States of America—a nation founded on the enduring principles of liberty, equality, and self-governance. This year, as America celebrates its 250th Anniversary, we honor not only the vision of our Founding Fathers but also the countless generations of patriots, service members, and everyday Americans whose courage and sacrifice have protected those freedoms. As we gather for the 12th Annual American Freedom Open, we recognize more than just another tournament—we pay tribute to 250 years of the American spirit and remain grateful for the blessings of freedom.

The American Freedom Open is the third Major Championship of the 2026 BJG season and will be held on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at Veterans Memorial Golf Course, 1059 South Branch Parkway, Springfield, Massachusetts. The green fee is $50 with a cart or $31 for walkers.

As always, we'll enjoy a day of friendly competition, great camaraderie, and appreciation for the freedoms that allow us to gather together on the golf course.

Past American Freedom Champions are:

2015 – Dave

2016 – Joe

2017 – Eric

2018 – Joe

2019 – Bryan

2020 - Cody

2021 – Tim

2022 – Cody

2023 – Alex

2024 – Matt

2025 - James

Because 2026 marks America's Semiquincentennial—the 250th anniversary of our nation's founding—the American Freedom Open will feature a special patriotic format. To commemorate this historic milestone, all participants will play from the Red, White, and Blue tee boxes, creating a unique golf experience that honors our nation's colors and the ideals they represent.

I have create the scorecards and will bring them on Sunday.

Updated BJG Handicaps: 

Here are the BJG Handicaps for the American Freedom Open.

Points for The American Freedom Open:

This Major is worth 840 Points, 105 for First Place and 7 for Last Place.

 As for all Majors, groups are set by the Leaderboard, except that James, as last year’s champion, will lead us off the first tee.

And we will have a Special Guest for the American Freedom Open….  The 2025 BJG Golfer of the Year, Rachelle

Groups and Tee Times

Group One: 9:00

Cart 1 – James

Cart 2 – Matt & Magic Mike

Group Two: 9:07

Cart 3 – Joe A

Cart 4 – Joe & Iron Mike

Group Three: 9:14

Cart 5 – Adam & Rachelle (Red)

Cart 6 – Rey

Group Four:  9:21

Cart 7 – EJ & Stephen

Cart 8 – Joe T & Dustin

DROP ZONES:

We will have BJG Drop Zones on the 7th, 9th, and 18th holes. If there is a change, I will text the group.

7th Hole – BJG Drop Zone (White Circle) will be on the other side of the water and at the bottom of the hill near the cart path.  Look for the Orange Flag.

9th Hole – The first time dealing with the Penalty Area, we will follow the PGA rule of dropping where the ball entered the water for a one-stroke penalty. 

1.      Stroke and Distance: Play the next shot from the spot where the previous shot was played. 

2.      Back on the Line: Drop the ball on a line extending back from the hole through the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the penalty area, keeping the penalty area between the player and the hole.  RED AREA, (it should have be in front of the water area)

3.      Lateral Relief (Red Penalty Areas Only): Drop the ball within two club-lengths of the point where the ball last crossed the margin of the penalty area, no closer to the hole. 

If you put a second ball into the penalty area (Water), you can move to the BJG Drop Zone (White Circle), which will be marked with an Orange Flag.

18th Hole – BJG Drop Zone (White Circle) will be on the other side of the water and at the center of the rough.  Look for the Orange Flag.

Closest to the Pin & Longest Drive:

The Closest to the Pin is on the Par 3, 7th Hole (144 yards), and the Longest Drive will be the Par 5, 12th Hole (399 yards).

Since this is the American Freedom Open, everyone wearing Red, White, & Blue, OR Stars & Stripes during this event will earn ONE Camaraderie Point.

Weather Forecast: Intervals of Clouds and Sunshine. Low 60F and a High of 85F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 MPH.

After this event, there will only be three more events in the regular season.  The Valhalla Match Play, the Chubby Classic, and the BJG Championship.

Remember that Veterans likes to push us out early, so please be early. We will answer any questions that may come up at the golf course.

Please let me know if you are NOT playing on Sunday. I know that Rob, JT, and Joe V are not playing in this Major.

Respectfully,

Broken Joe

Commissioner