MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT -- John R. Horton and his four-man team fired a 25-under-par 119 Saturday, taking the lead going into the second day of the Commander’s Cup Golf Tournament here.
The Commander’s Cup takes place every year at the par 72, 18-hole “Sound of Freedom” Golf Course aboard the station. This year the tourney brought more than 130 golfers together Friday through Sunday to compete for the Cup.
Commander’s Cup events started with a pairing party at Miller’s Landing Friday. Each team was formed using a computerized “blind draw” system, and were ranked based on players’ handicaps. The pairing party also gives freshly formed teams a first shot at building the foundation of team cohesion before they step on the fairway.
“The secret is camaraderie: you play with good people, you play well,” said Horton.
Going into Sunday, teams played in a super ball format, where all four players tee off and play from the best lie.
Horton and the rest of his team – George Keeler, Emil Nagy and Jim Hill – achieved an 11-under-par 61, placing third.
Saturday’s and Sunday’s scores totalled to determine the overall winners. At the end of the tourney, Horton’s team score of 180 was enough to sweep the competition.
“The teams certainly put a great deal of effort into the game they play and it shows,” said Jim Ferree, the tournament organizer and course professional.
Those team and individual efforts were recognized and rewarded with prizes and dinner at the tourney’s closing ceremony.
“This year was great. I’ll be back next year,” said Keeler.