Kalsu Soldiers can now 'grip it and rip it'

Photo By Sgt. Maj. Jason Stadel | Capt. Carey Way, Company A, 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division commander, takes one of the first swings at the newly opened Forward Operating Base Kalsu driving range Feb. 21.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

02.28.2008

Story by Sgt. Jason Stadel 

2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Sgt. Jason Stadel
2nd Brigade Combat Team,
3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq – Although it doesn't have the lavish fairways of Augusta National Golf Club or a design from golf legends such as Bobby Jones or Jack Nicklaus, the Forward Operating Base Kalsu Driving Range does have a quiet feel of home.

The range opened Feb. 21 after rainy weather and wind pushed the original opening date back by several weeks. The driving range construction was completed by Soldiers from 26th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Ga., and contractors from Kellogg Brown and Root, Inc.

"This signifies the great partnership we have on FOB Kalsu with the military and KBR," said Lt. Col. Mark Weinerth, 26th BSB commander. "This place just keeps getting better."

All of the golf equipment for the range was donated by the American public. The drive donation was put in motion by Multi-National Corps – Iraq last year and the response from the public provided more than 10,000 golf balls and numerous sets of clubs.

MNC-I officials visited FOB Kalsu in January and delivered the donated items; the driving range was broken in that day with a few drives over the FOB's outer walls. Since that time, a net has been installed to keep the balls from being lost and a tee box was added. A 'pro shop' is also being built at the range where clubs and range balls can be checked out for use.

Weinerth said the driving range allows Soldiers the opportunity to take a short break from the war and get a "little taste of home."

"People's image of Iraq is always the guy on patrol marching in full gear with a weapon," Weinerth said. "The reality is we're not machines, we all need a little time to unwind."

For the avid golfer stationed at FOB Kalsu this allows them to stay on top of their game. Prior to the driving range Soldiers had to use the natural features of Iraq to practice.

"A lot of us play golf over here; some of us brought sand wedges and stuff to hit around the sand," said Staff Sgt. Jonathan Harris, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 4th BCT, 3rd Inf. Div. Harris said when he is at home at Fort Stewart he tries to get in at least two rounds of golf a week.

He said the driving range gives golfers the chance to "use a good long club and work on a full swing."

Adding the driving range also helps to improve the recreational options for Soldiers at FOB Kalsu.

"The driving range will really help out our MWR programs here at Kalsu in terms of choice and variety," said 1st Lt. Andrew Shadley, FOB Kalsu Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinator. "I think that eventually Kalsu will rival the (Victory Base Complex) in terms of MWR choices."

Weinerth said the driving range and other planned expansions, including a fishing pond and softball diamond, will keep Soldiers from just sitting in their tents and watching movies in their spare time.

"This follows an old rule: you always continue to improve your position until you leave," he said.

Along with the other recreational improvements, a sand trap and chipping green are being planned to give FOB Kalsu golfers a chance to improve other aspects of their golf game.

• Date Taken: 02.28.2008
• Date Posted: 02.28.2008 20:23
• Story ID: 16814
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ