MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- The sun rose in the background, and the smell of fresh cut grass lingered in the air. Marines and sailors from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 12 and Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron gathered March 30 at the Torii Pines Golf Course here for the final golf tournament.
The competition honored the final days of the course and determined who would keep the Torii Pines Championship Cup.
The turnout was larger than expected and not everybody received a spot in the tournament.
“Everyone here has come to play,” said William G. Slack, one of the event coordinators. “Although not everyone here is competing in the tournament, everyone can do their best and hope to get the best score.”
The two units faced off throughout the day, keeping the game an even tie until the end.
MALS-12 pulled ahead and took the win by a margin of victory of one point, with a score of MALS-12 - 15 and a half, H&HS - 14 and a half.
“It was definitely a team effort,” said Charles A. Redden, MALS-12 team participant. “It feels really good to have already had the Torii Pines Championship cup with MALS-12. It feels even better knowing that the cup is there for good.”
In addition to the tournament, there were several other events.
The teams could also participate in a putting competition for individual prizes, and a raffle to win free rounds of golf at the Iwakuni Country Club off station.
“We’re very happy with the turnout,” said Slack. “Hopefully, in the future we can continue to do these tournaments at the golf course in town.”
Those who tried to win the cup found MALS-12 would not give it up easily.
“We definitely came to win, and we did, and this trophy is going to stay with us,” said Redden.
When the tournament was finished only one victor could emerge, but no one left hanging their head. MALS-12 took the final glory from the field, but all participants departed with fond memories of the day.