MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Marine Corps Community Services held its annual Marine Corps Recruit Depot golf tournament at the Riverwalk Golf Club, San Diego, Calif., May 4. The event happens every spring in order to boost morale while raising funds to reduce the cost of the Marine Corps Birthday Ball.
Though the event was put together in order to encourage camaraderie among the depot community, many others were welcomed at the tournament. The 216 golfers consisted of mostly depot personnel, but also included active duty Marines from Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and Marine Air Station Miramar, reservists, retirees, spouses and civilians.
“We had a lot of people golfing today, a lot of the command leadership (from MCRD),” said Tim Cleator, assistant marketing manager, MCCS marketing. “It’s a great opportunity for all ranks to come out together and just have fun.”
Golfers started the tournament at 7 a.m., which lasted until the awards and raffle luncheon at 12:30 p.m. Participants won prizes provided by the many sponsors who helped MCCS put on the golf tournament. At the luncheon, before the first second and third place winners were announced, awards were given for the farthest shot, the shot closest to the pin and the most memorable shot of the day.
“We did well as a team,” said Capt. Dan Hagarty, company commander, Company E, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion. “We didn’t rely on just one person. If one of us had a bad shot, someone came up with a great shot. We all played very well together.”
Hagarty and his fellow teammates SSgt. Dustin Spina, trumpet player, Marine Band San Diego; Sgt. Ritchel Lawson, saxophone player, Marine Band San Diego; and retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Dan Bennett took first place with a score of 58.
“It was very enjoyable,” said Hagarty. “We will have to come back next year and defend our title.”
Even the participants who didn’t win enjoyed the day.
“It was a lot of fun,” said retired Master Gunnery Sgt. Lou Irvin, “it’s a great tournament for a great cause.” Irvin also said playing in the tournament was a good way to donate lots of money toward the MCRD Marine Corps birthday ball.