Kubasaki, Kadena students compete in golf championship

Photo By Cpl. Justin Wheeler | Alli Sharman, a student from Kubasaki High School’s golf team, looks to see where her ball landed just after putting. Students from both Kubasaki and Kadena High Schools tested their skills against each other during the 2011 Okinawa Activities Council district golf championship at the Banyan Tree Golf Course here.  

KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JAPAN

04.25.2011

Story by Cpl. Justin Wheeler 

III Marine Expeditionary Force   

KADENA AIR BASE, Japan - Students from both Kubasaki and Kadena High Schools tested their skills against each other during the 2011 Okinawa Activities Council district golf championship at the Banyan Tree Golf Course here April 25.

The 18 players were placed into groups of four based on ability. Two players from each group competed against one another. The top scorer of each pairing was awarded a point for their team.

“It’s fun to have people to compete with,” said Matthew Duffy, a Kubasaki freshman and the school’s top golfer. “Usually, I’m only able to play with my dad.”

After the first round, Kadena’s male team led with four points to Kubasaki’s one. The female teams tied with two points. The top individual scorer Reid Henderson, a senior from Kadena High School, scored 78.

The second round of the tournament, held at Taiyo Golf Course April 27, determined the champions. Kadena High School took the male team title, while Kubasaki High School won the female team title. Taking the high score for the male and female players were Reid Henderson and Landis Mathis of Kadena, respectively.

The teams played 18-hole matches compared to their usual nine-hole games. It is well known in the golf community that nine-hole games are more practical in training because they are less time consuming.

“It’s fun to play 18 holes for once, and it’s good to see everyone improve throughout the year and play their best,” said Henderson. “It’s good competition.”

Golf attracts a different kind of athlete than other sports, according to Robert Bliss, head coach of the Kadena High School golf team.

Golfers are required to demonstrate etiquette and manners. Coaches try to emphasize these traits to their players, so that they may act professional on as well as off the field, said Amie Woo, a coach with Kadena High School’s golf team.

“We have some very reliable players,” said Woo. “They come prepared, they have their clubs, they wear proper attire. They’re looking the part.”

Not all of the players participated for the sake of competition, however.

“I’m not here for the competition. I’m here for the fun,” said Patrick Snowman, a senior at Kubasaki High School and a top player for the Kubasaki golf team. “Golf is a lifetime sport. I can play golf in the future, but for now, I’m just getting my skills down.”

For Josh Pinnau, a sophomore at Kadena High School and member of the team, golf is more than a sport, it is a stress reliever.

“It’s fun to be able to meet with Kubasaki students and get out on the course,” he said. “Golf helps me relax after school. Everyone relaxes when they’re here.”

• Date Taken: 04.25.2011
• Date Posted: 04.29.2011 02:21
• Story ID: 69541
• Location: KADENA AIR BASE, OKINAWA, JP