CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors gathered under clear, blue skies on dew-covered grass for a golf-tournament fundraiser at the Paradise Point golf course here, Oct. 24.
Combat Logistics Regiment 27, 2nd Marine Logistics Group organized the event to help pay for its Marine Corps Birthday Ball. Tee off was at 7:30 in the morning, and the event ran until all teams finished their 18 holes.
The four-member teams also competed for the best scores in men’s and women’s precision-hit and longest-drive contests as well as prizes for the best and worst teams.
Many players, however, were just there for the fun of it.
“What better opportunity to play some golf in the sun with a good group of people?” said Navy Lt. Inga M. Keithly, a dentist with the 2nd Dental Battalion, 2nd MLG. “I’m having a great time. This is so much better than fixing teeth.”
The tournament was open to officers and enlisted personnel. Some teams even mixed officers with enlisted, and Keithly’s team, or scramble, actually had a civilian playing.
He wasn’t the best at the game, noted Charlie Burrows, Keithly’s boyfriend who was visiting from New England, but that didn’t stop him from taking a swing at it.
A few of the golfers were seasoned from lessons and years of playing. Others had never picked up a golf club in their lives.
Navy Lt. Aaron G. Hassel, also with the 2nd Dental Bn., said he has been playing on and off for four years. He first started golfing when he was in dental school. After the tournament, he said he may play more.
“It’s a great game,” said Hassell. “It’s relaxing, and I think more people should play.”
At the end of the day, skill didn’t matter because the game was all about having a good time and building camaraderie.
The winners of the 18-hole game were Capt. Douglas J. Kohlstedt, Capt. Joe Somerdyk, 1st Lt. David C. Giles and 1st Lt. Barrett Patton.