Kadena Golfers Win Golf Classic

The warmth and sun of Florida provided the Kadena Air Base (Japan) golfers first place in the Air Force Golf Classic (AFGC) with a 3 day-total score of 161, 11 strokes ahead of second place F.E. Warren, and 13 strokes ahead of third place Robins.

The 3-day tournament was held on the Magnolia and Palm courses at Walt Disney World in Orlando from 1-3 November. The tournament was sponsored in part by USPA&IRA, Coca-Cola USA, SatoTravel, and American Airlines. The generous sponsorship provided, made this one of the premier golf events for Air Force golf program with over 860 players participating worldwide.

In addition to bragging rights, all three top teams received gift certificates for golf merchandise at their home base. American Airlines also provided two round-trip airline tickets to each of the five Kadena team members, Bobby Enlow, Craig Penman, Jude Sorg, Bob George, Howard Kuroda, the team professional.

F.E. Warren team members were Mark Phingston team professional, Bill Havron, Brain Stocker, Carl Jones, and Joe Otto. The Robins team included John Anderson, team professional, William Jackson, John Langford, Ronald Hall, and Chuck Gibson.

The other eight teams participating were from Osan, Offutt, Eglin, Aviano, Kelly, McClellan, Wright-Patterson, and Kirtland. The 11 teams competing at Orlando had won previous AFGC tournaments at their base and regional levels. After completing local base 4-person scramble tournaments, winning teams from each base advanced to one of six regional events held throughout the world. Players were treated to free transportation and lodging in order play at a selected regional tournament. Regional events where 36 hole scrambles. Joining the four person team at the regionals, and participating as a fifth player was a golf course staff member from the team's originating base. This added a new dimension for everyone playing. From each of the regional events, the top two 5-person teams advanced to the grand finale at Walt Disney World. Once again, transportation, three rounds of golf and hotel (located on Disney property) were included for all team members as part of the prize in advancing to the final tournament. Needless to say, for all the players reaching the Disney event, it was a dream come true. Good weather, and great golf courses on Walt Disney World made the trip special, in Disney's own words, "magical".

Outstanding support from the Armed Forces Recreation Center staff at Shades of Green, the Disney World Golf staff, and Universal Studios theme parks, made the Orlando stay for all golfers and some accompanying family members a memorable event. Included in the festivities were an Oktoberfest, welcome reception, and awards dinner. SatoTravel provided a golf bag and accessories, which was won by Wes Fuedner from the Eglin team, for being closest to the pin on hole #6.

What could have made this event better. Not much, other than a free entry fee!