LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
The Joint Base San Antonio Golf Classic was a way to unite supporters of the city's military installations and honor veterans, many of whom were present among the 166 golfers, through competition May 28-30.
Teammates Pat Youngs and Mike Arnold finished the three-day, three-course tournament in 200 strokes to win the championship flight.
Back at Fort Sam Houston's clubhouse, Youngs said the pair's hitting accuracy was the key.
"It's been really windy all three days," he said. "We were pretty solid. We hit a lot of fairways and greens."
Each day of the tournament featured a different format and golf course. The two-golfer teams played scramble at Randolph Oaks the first day, alternate shot at Lackland's Gateway Hills the next day and best ball at Fort Sam's Salado del Rio the final day.
Youngs, an Air Force Academy grad and son of a career military pilot, was happy to spend Memorial Day weekend on the JBSA installations.
The win made visits to Lackland and Randolph even more special.
"Especially when you don't even play these courses," Youngs said. "I haven't played (Lackland and Randolph) in 30 years."
In contrast, his partner has won the tournament a few times.
"It's a great tournament," Arnold said. "I've played almost every year since it started 14 years ago."
For Arnold, the tournament is a chance to play with people he has known for a long time, the 26-year Air Force retiree said.
An avid golfer, Brig. Gen. Leonard Patrick, 502nd Air Base Wing commander, teamed up with Lackland's Brandon Ellis, 802nd Force Support Squadron.
The 502nd ABW commander said the tournament showcases the installations and its veterans.
"We want to remember our veterans. A lot of them are golfers," the general said. "You could just see the patriotism on the course: the red, white and blue shirts, and the flags on the golf carts."
"The field was a little bigger," General Patrick said. "Hopefully, we can continue to grow each year."