Taiyo Golf Club Celebrates Military Youth with Drive, Chip & Putt Competition
MCCS Okinawa celebrated the Month of the Military Child by hosting its first Drive, Chip & Putt Competition at Taiyo Golf Club on Saturday, April 20. Nearly 50 youth golfers ages 7-15 participated in this junior golf event that was held at Marine Corps installations around the world during the month of April.
Participants competed in age and gender divisions to showcase all three golf skills—driving, chipping and putting. Each golfer had three shots per skills for a total of nine shots. The golfer accumulating the most points in the three skills in each division was named overall champion, with trophies for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place in each age group and medals for 1st place in each skill.
“I want to thank all the kids who participated, as it takes a lot of guts to get up in front of everybody and hit golf shots, especially if you haven’t played a lot of golf before,” said Taiyo Golf Club Director Tom Abrahamson. “I was proud of all the parents for their support, as they congratulated each competitor with enthusiastic applause after every shot. And, of course, our staff and volunteers really stepped up to provide great energy and support throughout this first-time event.”
In addition to the golf skills competition, the event featured a free golf clinic, bouncy castles, a baseball toss and a soccer target inflatable game for the competitors and their families to enjoy throughout the day, along with delicious free food and refreshments. Fresh-grilled hamburgers and hot dogs with all the fixings were served, as well as pizza, cookies and drinks.
Parent Jarod Bryant thanked Taiyo Golf Club via Facebook for hosting a “fantastic event” and commented, “The golf pros and staff at Taiyo always make it special for our kids. Thank you!”
Taiyo Golf Club offers a variety of golf programming for all ages and skill levels throughout the year, including Golf 4 Kids junior clinics during the summer. For more information, visit their webpage at www.okinawa.usmc-mccs.org/golf or follow their Facebook at www.facebook.com/taiyogc.
