Golfers scramble for USO tournament

Photo By Staff Sgt. Courtney White | Christopher J. Howard, a participant in the United Service Organization’s 2011 Goodwill Golf Tournament, tees-off at Taiyo Golf Course in Okinawa, Japan Oct. 21. The tournament was open to Okinawan community members, service members, and Status of Forces Agreement civilians.  

TAIYO GOLF COURSE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.21.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Courtney White 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

OKINAWA, Japan - The United Service Organizations hosted their annual golf tournament, the USO 2011 Goodwill Golf Tournament here Oct. 21.

The USO is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to
support the troops by providing morale, welfare and recreational services to service members and their families.

The tournament was open to the Okinawan community members, service members, and Status of Forces Agreement civilians, said LouBee Zielinski, the programs manager with USO Okinawa.

“The tournament was unique because it was played in a scramble format,” said Zielinski. “All four players on the team would hit the ball and the best stroke is what everyone on the team would then play from."

Approximately 60 participants competed in the tournament to support USO sponsored programs on Okinawa, according to Zielinski.

“We sold mulligans, which are do-overs, and string, which you could measure out and cash in instead of putting,” said Zielinski.

The winning team, composed of Thomas D. Conklin, Christopher J. Howard, Won H. Roach, and Michael J. Miglionico, took first place in the tournament with a combined score of 48. The second place team came in with a score of 53.

“The event turned out great,” said Conklin, a wire chief with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, and a member of the first-place team. “They had a lot of great sponsors and prizes to give away, but as we know, it’s never about trying to get a prize, it is about supporting the troops.”

The hosts provided door prizes, trophies for the top three teams and a buffet lunch.

“We were also able to help educate people on the opportunities provided by the USO,” said Zielinski. “The USO is ‘your home away from home’ out here in Okinawa.”

To learn more about the USO, contact the Camp Foster field office at 645-2957.

• Date Taken: 10.21.2011
• Date Posted: 10.27.2011 02:43
• Story ID: 79079
• Location: TAIYO GOLF COURSE, OKINAWA, JP