MCB HAWAII -- U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific hosted a golf tournament at the Klipper Golf Course here Oct. 2 to raise money for the unit’s Marine Corps Birthday Ball fund.
160 golfers competed in teams of four to attempt to claim first place. Prizes were given for first, second and third place and for the longest drive of the tournament.
The losing team wasn’t left out; the foursome received certificates for golf lessons at a local course and a last place trophy.
Many local sponsors contributed items to be raffled off, including restaurant gift certificates, free rounds of golf and golf equipment. At one of the most challenging holes on the course, participants had a chance to win a brand-new motorcycle if they got a hole-in-one, a feat no participant achieved.
“I’m hoping to take [the motorcycle] home with me,” said Randy Ebright, a Kailua resident who frequents Klipper Golf Course, as he prepared to take his shot. “I can see myself on it already.”
The event attracted military and civilian golf enthusiasts alike. Even some inexperienced golfers came out to learn the game. Regardless of their levels of experience, golfers enjoyed a day away from the office.
“I enjoy golf, especially golf tournaments,” said Sgt. Stephen Howell, MarForPac band percussionist. “Even though we didn’t win, we had fun. It’s nice to know we’re contributing to bringing down the cost of ball tickets. It was a change of pace from our every day routine.”
The event required a great deal of planning and organization, said Master Gunnery Sgt. Bradford Adams, one of the event coordinators.
Along with sponsorship by local businesses and MarForPac friends and family, MarForPac Marines helped make the event go as smooth as possible by proving administrative and logistical support.
“Thanks to our sponsors’ generosity and golfers’ participation we exceeded our goals by far,” said Adams. “Everyone involved, including a host of volunteers, made this an incredibly enjoyable and successful tournament.”
All funds raised during the tournament go toward MarForPac birthday ball costs, which will help lower ticket prices for enlisted Marines.
Additional fundraisers have been scheduled prior to this year’s birthday ball which is scheduled to take place Nov. 10.
The MarForPac birthday ball committee will host a pizza sale at the loading dock behind the Camp Smith Post Office from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. through Nov. 5. Every Wednesday until Nov. 4 from 3-5:30 p.m. Camp Smith Motor-T will hold a car wash. For more information, you can contact Gunnery Sgt. James Sinclair at (808)477-8831.