VFW, Army Triumph at Veterans Golf Classic

Military veterans from 33 states flocked to Myrtle Beach for the 12th annual Veterans Golf Classic, and after three sun-splashed days, the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Army emerged as the big winners in an event that is as much about camaraderie as it is competition.

The 54-hole tournament features four flights – Eisenhower, Franks, MacArthur and Nimitz – and the field is comprised of two-man teams, at least one of which must be an active service member or a military veteran.

Individual winners emerged at the event, but the annual battle for the Carolina Cup and the Branch Challenge generated the most passion from the 450 veterans that attended.

The VFW three-peated in the competition for the Carolina Cup, edging the America Legion yet again, much to the delight of its members. In the Branch Challenge, Army bested the Air Force, denying its bid for a second straight title.

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

The 12 Myrtle Beach area courses that hosted tournament rounds were: Arcadian Shores, Black Bear, Crown Park, Farmstead, Founders Club, International Club, Meadowlands, The Pearl, Possum Trot, Prestwick Country Club, Sandpiper Bay, and True Blue Plantation.

In addition to golf, the event includes an afternoon happy hour after the first two rounds and a Wednesday night banquet that highlights the proceedings. The banquet, as always, included a presenting of the colors, an awards ceremony, and a three-course meal.

Flight Winners were: Eisenhower Flight – Doug Warf (Millington, Tn.) and Janice Warf (Millington, Tn.); MacArthur Flight – John Malpass (Pinehurst, N.C.) and Lansing Hewitt (Annandale, Va.); Nimitz Flight – Donald Wolford (Little River, S.C.) and Tom Teyssier (North Myrtle Beach, S.C.); Franks Flight – Joseph Steffen (Wilder, Ky.) and Curt Clements (Fort Thomas, Ky.)