MCB HAWAII -- More than 100 service members and government employees competed in the second annual U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Pacific, Marine Corps Birthday Ball Golf Tournament June 4 at the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Complex, Marine Corps Base Hawaii, Kaneohe Bay.
MarForPac officials coordinated the event to promote camaraderie among MarForPac personnel and other services, and provide an opportunity to interact with the local community, according to Master Gunnery Sgt. Brad P. Adams, MarForPac’s aviation supply chief and event coordinator.
“Our whole intent with the tournament is to have a few laughs and an enjoyable time while enhancing our relationship with the golfing community and beyond,” Adams said.
Participants competed for several cash prizes, vacation opportunities, restaurant vouchers and golf equipment culminating in more than $50,000 in prizes in the four-person scramble tournament, where each team member tees off, picks up their ball and continue to play from the whichever ball lands closest to the hole.
“I’m not really much of a golfer but I do like playing a couple of rounds,” said Navy Chief Petty Officer Michael Lykens, who retires at the end of the month and is currently on terminal leave. “This tournament gave me an opportunity to keep saying goodbye to a lot of my friends and meet some new ones.” That sentiment shared by many golfers at the event.
“From a camaraderie and inter-service perspective, the event was a great success,” Adams said. “There was a great time had by all and everyone was very impressed by how well run it was. We look forward to conducting more events like this one.”