MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE -- Dressed in their khakis, polo shirts and golf shoes, lifelong and brand new golfers are ready to hit the greens as the summer season arrives.
In continuation of last year’s Twisted Tuesdays, the Paradise Point Golf Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune is slated to hold their first Twisted Thursday, a weekly golf social, today.
The nine-hole social is held every Thursday throughout the summer months at 5 p.m.
Each week consists of a new, fun format different from the previous week.
“One week we may do something like a four club tournament, all even clubs or odd clubs, or tell them they can’t use a driver,” said Debbe Backus, assistant manager of the golf course. “The new activities every week keep golfers coming back.”
For brand new golfers, this social is a great way to get started in the game.
Golfers are divided into teams as they arrive, with each team of four having at least one experienced golfer to guide and help the less skilled.
“It’s a great learning experience for anyone who attends,” said Backus. “The older guys can tell the newbies to twist their wrist a little this way or stand a certain way and it makes such a huge difference.”
Every other week, a small dinner is available for those who attend the social. The gathering allows for a great opportunity to branch out and meet new people.
“A lot of people are apprehensive about coming out and playing with people they don’t know, but almost always they end up loving it and coming back,” said Backus. “From privates and lance corporals to lieutenant colonels, we get all sorts of people."
The social is not only available to base personnel but their civilian friends are welcome to participate, as well.
“My father is 82 years old and he has come out to the social a couple of times,” said Backus. “Usually, we all just end up sitting out back after we’re done, drinking soda and talking about all the shots we could have made.”
At the end of each Twisted Thursday, door prizes are given to the winners of whatever the competition is for that particular week. For more information, call the Paradise Point Golf Course at 451-5445.