MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines and sailors from Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, gathered aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C., for their battalion golf tournament, Oct. 21.
The tournament was held to help raise money for their upcoming Marine Corps Ball and gave the Marines a day to relax and play a game of golf.
“The competition is a real big morale booster,” said Sgt. Maj. John C. Carman, the sergeant major for the division’s force generation element, 2nd Marine Division. “It not only gives the Marines an opportunity to compete, but it also helps lower the cost for our ball. It’s a good chance for a lot of the Marines to get out of the office and build camaraderie.”
At the beginning of the day the Marines were placed into teams of four. During the contest, whichever ball ended up closest to the hole out of the four Marines was the one recorded for that team.
“At the end of the day it’s all in fun,” said Sgt. Jeffery P. Gattis, personnel security officer, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “But Marines are also naturally competitive so everybody still wants to win.”
Although the fundraiser was primarily for unit cohesion, the Marines were awarded prizes as well. First, second and third place in the overall competition along with the long range drive contest, took home a variety of free golf balls, free rounds of golf and bragging rights.
“I can’t see this being the last time we come out here and hold this tournament,” said 1st Lt. Nick A. Boxey, logistics officer, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “These kinds of activities really help lower the cost for Marines attending our ball, so this will probably be a future event as well.”
Adding to the fun, the battalion also set up a barbeque cookout for the Marines to enjoy throughout the day. As the sun began to set the Marines finished the game of golf and enjoyed the rest of the barbeque feast before them.
“I had a great time at this event, I’m really happy I was able to participate and enjoy the day off,” said Lance Cpl. Stephen C. Busam, legal chief, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division. “I think overall the competition was a great success, whether you won or not we still helped out the battalion and the Marines within it.”