Commander’s Cup better than par: Cherry Point golf tournament has best turnout in 22-year history

II Marine Expeditionary Force
Story by Pfc. Scott L. Tomaszycki

Date: 09.19.2010
Posted: 09.23.2010 14:23
News ID: 56854
Commander’s Cup Better Than Par:  Cherry Point Golf Tournament Has Best Turnout in 22-year History

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. - Cherry Point hosted the Commander’s Cup golf tournament at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course, Sept. 17-19.

The winners of this year’s Commander’s Cup were Robert Donaldson, Ken Ghelli, Charlie Triplett and John Collins with a combined team, two-day score of 175, putting them at 41 under par.

Donaldson, Ghelli, Triplett and Collins scored 117 on Saturday and 58 for the lowest overall round on Sunday. To achieve the lowest scoring round the team shot 14 under par with birdies on all par 5 and par 3 holes.

Col. Douglas A. Denn, Cherry Point commanding officer, participated in the tournament as well, and was accompanied by retired Maj. Gen. Ross Plasterer and retired Maj. Gen. Tom Braaten, a former air station commanding general.

The number of players was the highest in the history of the tournament, with a total of 224 golfers from as far away as Texas.

“This was the biggest turnout that we’ve had for this tournament,” said Jim Ferree, the club pro at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course and an organizer of the event. “Many came from out of state. We had golfers from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, Florida, Texas, Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina. A lot of them are folks that have come and played in the tournament and liked it so much that they made the trip back, so that really makes us feel good and proud of the event.”

There were others who voiced a similar opinion, citing the course, Miller’s Landing club and Marine Corps Community Services’ staff as the reason why the event ran so smoothly.

“The tournament organization is always exceptional,” said Triplett. “The course was in incredible condition. All of the MCCS staff did a great job. To me, after I played here for 12 years, to finally win is really good.”

The golfers also enjoyed the weather and the prizes. It was warm and sunny all weekend, and $17,000 worth of prizes and gift certificates were handed out to the participants.

“It was a superb weekend,” said Denn. “Involving great golf, friendship and renewing great relationships that have been established over the 22-year history of this great tournament.”