VFW, Air Force Big Winners At Veterans Golf Classic

After three days of golf and a lot of laughs, the 11th annual Veterans Golf Classic came to an end with a pair of familiar celebrations. The 54-hole event featured four flights comprised of two-man teams, but the event’s biggest roars were reserved for the winners of the Carolina Cup and the Branch Challenge.

For the second year in a row, the VFW claimed the Carolina Cup in its annual grudge match with the American Legion, and the Air Force won its second straight branch challenge, which pits the different branches of the armed forces against each other.

More than 400 veterans from 29 states poured into Myrtle Beach for the event, which is equal parts competition and camaraderie. American veterans from World War II to active military personnel participated in the event, which is capped off by a Wednesday night banquet that salutes the nation’s military personnel.

“I had a great time,” said Terry Fenoglio of Knoxville, Iowa. “The camaraderie (is what brings me back). We have a good time when we come down. We don’t play well enough to ever think we are going to win, but we just have a great time when we are here. “

The Veterans Golf Classic, a handicap tournament, featured a different format each day. On Monday, each team played best ball; Tuesday was a Texas Scramble; Wednesday featured a combined net team score.

Flight Winners were: Eisenhower Flight – Andrew Dresch (Tampa, Fla.) and Dan Long (Miami, Fla.); MacArthur Flight – Lloyd Hutchinson (Melbourne, Fla.) and Patrick Hutchinson (Sumter, S.C.); Nimitz Flight – Robert Brown (Charleston, S.C.) and Gary Amidon (Longs, S.C.); Franks Flight – Roger Smith (Barboursville, WV) and Jerry Davis (Ona, WV).

Enjoy a photo gallery from the event.