Ryder Cup steps off in full swing

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kristopher T. Levasseur
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Forty Airmen, civilian employees and dependants from RAFs Lakenheath and Mildenhall took place in this years Ryder Cup golf tournament, despite pouring rain.

The Aug. 18-19 Ryder Cup included Brig. Gen. John Hesterman, 48th Fighter Wing commander, Col. John Clarke, 48th Mission Support Group commander.

"It was a great two day event" said Master Sgt. Scott Wallick, 48th Munitions Squadron First Sergeant. "The rain kind of spoiled it a little bit but luckily most of the matches came in before it started coming down really hard."

The final score for the tournament was 17-15 Lakenheath, but remained close throughout the tournament.

"Even though Mildenhall didn't win, it was a great experience for us and hopefully next year we can take home the victory," said Staff Sgt. Thomas "Trip" Renfrow, 100th Maintenance Squadron.

During the first day tournament was broken up into small groups of four, two members from RAF Lakenheath and two from RAF Mildenhall playing what is known as "alternate shot". Alternate shot is when all four players tee-off and each team picks which drive they want to play on. At that point both players play on the same ball.

During the second half of the first day, the teams stayed the same but the style changed to what is known as "best ball", which means all four players play the hole and who ever has the best score on each team keeps his.

On the second day, the teams split into one-on-one matches.

"The tournament used to be a tradition for Lakenheath and Mildenhall," said Patrick Mahoney, 48th Services Squadron, golf course manager. "The tournament definitely predates my time at Lakenheath."

The oldest trophy in the golf course trophy case dates back to 1995.

The tournament was originally designed to foster comradery between Lakenheath and Mildenhall through friendly competition.

"I had no idea prior to setting up the tournament that this had been done in the past, I just thought that since members from Mildenhall and Lakenheath play together all the time, it would be a good idea to get together for some friendly competition," said Sergeant Renfrow.

The tournament was put together by Sergeant Renfrow and Sergeant Wallick.

"Trip (Sergeant Renfrow) came to me with the idea of starting the tournament and I helped him put it together," said Sergeant Wallick. "All the credit for the tournament goes to him. Hopefully this event continues to be as great as it was this year."