White Rectangle

Air Guard claims bragging rights, trophy at golf challenge

  • Published
  • By By Maj. Dennis Fournier
  • State Public Affairs Officer
RENO --  The Nevada Air Guard reclaimed both its golf bragging rights and the championship trophy Monday at the annual Nevada National Guard Association Golf Challenge when the Air Guard edged out the Army Guard by one stroke in the best-ball scramble here at Lakeridge Golf Course. Entering the tournament, the Army Guard had a two-match winning streak after claiming the trophy in 2012 and 2013.

Sixty-two golfers of all skill levels from both services teed up to compete on a perfect day for golf on an immaculate course that forced the golfers to shoot for birdies in order to be competitive.

The men's longest drive honors went to Senior Airman Trace Libby, while the women's longest drive award went to Staff Sgt. Danielle Del Prete. The shortest drive was recorded by Bob Guerrero and the closest-to-the-hole award went to Senior Master Sgt. Tregg Jackson.

Tournament organizers hosted a pastry breakfast during registration as the team pairings were announced.

Brig. Gen. Bill Burks kicked of the tournament with words of encouragement and also a sigh of relief. Burks said the timing of this year's tournament bode well for the Air Guard because one of the Army Guard's top golfers, Lt. Col. Shawn Casey, was on the sidelines.

"This is the perfect opportunity for the Air Guard to get the title back, as Lt. Col. Casey is recovering from a well-timed surgery. Thanks, Shawn," Burks said.

Teams then headed to their respective holes for the shotgun start that kicked off the best-ball scramble. It wasn't long before the course was alive with the sounds of animated hoots as well as some cursing. The participants' attire ran the gamut from jean shorts to proper golf wear that featured colors usually reserved for Easter eggs.

The tournament culminated with a barbecue and raffle while team and individual awards were announced.

Despite one long period of inactivity, the recently revitalized Army-Air Guard Golf Tournament has been an annual event since 1965. In 2013, the Army Guard won by four strokes on Reno's Wolf Run Golf Course.

For information on the 2015 tournament, write Maj. April Conway.