MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII - Marines, sailors and civilians kicked off the upcoming weekend sending birdies and eagles soaring during the Commander’s Cup Golf Classic at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course, Sept. 27, 2013.
Approximately 160 active-duty service members, Department of Defense civilians and sponsored guests played in the four-man
scramble format tournament.
Only amateur golfers were allowed to compete in this quarterly tournament. Competitors could win various prizes in several contests within the tournament, such as a hole-in-one, and an Arbor Day dress contest.
The course was quiet except for the buzzing sound of competitors rolling along the course in their golf carts and the occasional thwack of a ball as it sailed across the green. Players were forced to compete with a strong breeze that could easily steer golf balls off course.
“I love golf, I love the camaraderie, (and the tournament provides) a good time hanging out with the guys,” said Sgt. Christopher Smith, a nondestructive inspection technician with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 24.
Smith has also competed in at least two previous Commander’s Cup golf tournaments.
“We’ve been doing all right for the fi rst three holes,” said the Greenwood, S.C., native. “We couldn’t have asked for more. It’s nice out, I’m kind of happy there’s not too much sun, usually get sunburned. (Good that it’s) not raining. I don’t know if we’ll win but I think we’ll be close to the top. It’s all about having fun.”
The Marines and sailors were not the only active-duty service members taking a swing or two on this windy day.
Army Lt. Col. Shawn Scott, the chief of Physical Medicine Clinic at Tripler Army Medical Center commented that though that afternoon was a “typical windy day,” the overall weather and view at the golf course was favorable.
Scott added that tournaments like these are great because of the camaraderie the players have.
The tournament featured a lone team of women, including Kaneohe resident Terri Ledgerwood and Susan Duprey, whose husband is a retired Hawaii-based Marine.
“It’s been fun, (we’re) having a great time,” Ledgerwood said.
Duprey said she was glad the tournament was in a “four-man scramble” format because there is “less pressure” and “more of a team effort, which is fun.” She added that it would have been nice to have more female competitors join the tournament.
The next Commander’s Cup Golf Tournament is scheduled for Dec. 13 from noon to 6 p.m. at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course. Check in for the tournament is at 11 a.m. The tournament will also be in a fourman
scramble format.
There will be prizes for first through eighth places including competitors whose ball reaches closest to the pin on each Par 3 and more. The registration deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 11. For more information, visit http://www.mccshawaii.com or call Todd Murata at 2542107, x223.