MARINE CORPS AIR STATION CHERRY POINT, N.C. -- Golfers from all over the United States cleaned their clubs for the annual Sergeants Major Golf Tournament held at the Sound of Freedom Golf Course aboard Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, May 30.

The tournament was played in four-person super ball format, meaning after every player takes a swing, the team plays the best lie.

The event was open to the public and hosted more than 100 participants during the sold-out tournament.

“I believe they call this event the Sergeants Major Golf Tournament because sergeants major embrace everyone,” said Sgt. Maj. Christopher G. Robinson of the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing. “Everyone who comes out is a part of the family.”

The golf tournament gave participants a chance to build camaraderie and to meet the Cherry Point sergeant major, Sgt. Maj. Benjamin L. Pangborn, and Robinson, who welcomed golfers to the event.

“The goal is to come out and share our experiences from life,” said Robinson. “In my foursome alone, we have a retired gunnery sergeant, a sergeant major, a newly-promoted sergeant and me.”

Each year, the event creates a type of reunion for Marines past and present to meet up and swap stories, according to Pangborn.
After the opening remarks, golf carts sped out for the shotgun start; each team started at the same time but from different holes.

There were plenty of chances to win prizes within the tournament as well.

Each par 3 hole served as a location for closest to the pin competitions. There were also longest drive, straightest drive and longest putt holes.

At the end of play Matthew Lindauer, Jimmy Hicks, William Smith and Joshua Gloye won the tournament with a score of 59, hitting 13 strokes under par earning $60 each.