|
KUWAIT (March 30, 2009) - Gusting winds, fast
rolling greens, sand traps and occasional water hazards are normal
enemies of any golfer, and this was no different for the 160
servicemembers who played in the 3rd Annual Morale, Welfare and
Recreation Golf Tournament Mar. 22.
The selected golfers were awarded a chance to play at the Sahara
Golf & Country Club in Kuwait; a course few American's ever get
a chance to tee off from.
"The highlight of the event was just being there," said Lt. Col.
Gary Constantine, 1184th Deployment Distribution Support Battalion.
"It was exhilarating just to stare at 300 yards of green grass; I
almost wanted to play barefoot."
Servicemembers selected to play were randomly picked through a
raffle encompassing all the bases in Kuwait; allowing a set number
of players from each base to attend.
The selected golfers arrived at the Sahara Golf & Country
Club early in the morning, checked in and found out to which team
they were assigned. They were then given a chance to buy mulligans
and finally treated with a gift bag that included a set of golf
balls for the tournament, a golf towel commemorating the 3rd Annual
Tournament and an Association of the United States Army hat.
Golfers were evenly divided into four man teams, based on
handicaps to create an even playing field, by the AUSA personnel
responsible for setting up the tournament.
Prior to the tournament, the golfers were also treated to a full
breakfast spread that included pastries, fruit and to order
omelets.
After grabbing breakfast, most golfers found their way to the
driving range to warm up their swings.
"I wanted to leave all my bad golf shots on the driving range
before going out on the golf course," joked Lt. Col. Nathaniel
Flegler Jr., U.S. Army Central Public Affairs.
At 7:45am Darrell Crawford, AUSA Kuwait Chapter president,
called all the golfers around to explain the rules and guidelines
for the tournament.
Crawford then explained how the most important part of the event
was being able to support and provide a service for the men and
women in uniform.
After his speech, Crawford wished the golfers the best of luck
and released them to start the tournament.
Each team located their designated golf cart; met their
teammates for the game and drove to their assigned starting point
on the course.
"I got a chance to play golf in the desert and make three new
friends in the process," said Flegler, from Hemingway, S.C.
"Playing in the golf tournament will definitely be the highlight of
my deployment."
Each team played all 18 holes while keeping their own score and
used the honor system to help figure out which team would
ultimately be the winner.
Upon completing their round of golf, the players drove back to
the club house to turn in their scorecards and golf carts. Awaiting
them in the dining hall was a lunch spread.
Directly after the luncheon, Crawford gathered all the golfers
in the conference room and announced the winners of the different
competitions of the tournaments. In addition, there was a raffle
drawing that included Tag Heuer watches, Nokia phones, and other
gifts.
"What struck me the most was the sincerity of Mr. Crawford and
all of the staff who enabled this event," said Constantine, a
Mobile, Ala., native. "They are truly dedicated to the Soldiers,
Airmen, Sailors and Marines who participated. They, and their
sponsors, are true patriots."
This year's golf tournament is just one of the many activities
and events that MWR and AUSA coordinate each year to boost and
enhance the morale of servicemembers who are deployed.
The night before the golf tournament, the AUSA held an
appreciation banquet at the Arraya Ballroom in Kuwait City, Kuwait.
During the banquet, Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston made a
surprise visit and talked about the importance of noncommissioned
officers in today's Army and relayed a message from the Commander
in Chief, thanking servicemember's for serving our great
nation.
|
