MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Forty Marines and station residents competed in the 2011 Boy Scouts of America Troop 77 Golf Tournament at the Torii Pines Golf Course here April 15.
The competitors were divided into four-man teams.
Each team started at a different hole to begin the tournament. All four players on each team had a chance to tee off at each hole and the ball that went the farthest was the ball that was played on.
Each team used the best ball method until the ball made it to the hole.
The championship came down to two teams that tied at 7-under-par. One player from each team faced off for the title in a putting match.
Whichever player could sink the ball first would win the title. Josh D. Bradford, a tournament competitor, was able to sink his ball in two putts; and Jamie L. Mohn, a tournament competitor, needed four putts, which allowed Bradford’s team to take home the win.
Mike D. Cox, Troop 77 assistant Scout master, came up with the idea to have a golf tournament to raise money for the Scout’s summer activities.
“We’re doing this entirely for the Scouts,” said Rodney L. Buentello, a tournament competitor. “We will do anything to help the Scouts become better adults in life.”
The troop leaders and Scouts drove around in a golf cart selling refreshments during the competition and interacted with the competitors.
“The knowledge the community leaders bestow upon the Scouts will help them become the future leaders of the world,” said James T. Wentling, Troop 77 Scout master.
The tournament allowed the Scouts to build new relationships between the troop and leaders in the community.
“I think the golf tournament is a great way to get the Scouts and the community involved together,” said Derrick R. Wentling, a Troop 77 Boy Scout.
The BSA’s objective is to train young men into becoming successful adults through character development, responsible citizenship and self-reliance.
The Scouts participate in a variety of outdoor activities, educational programs, and, at older age levels, career-oriented programs in partnership with community organizations.
“People will pay for something they believe in,” James Wentling said. “It’s not really hard to sell what the Boy Scouts are all about.”
Between the $25 entry fee, food and beverage sales, the mini-putt and dunking booth the Scouts set up, the event raised more than $1,500.