MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE -- The 43rd annual Marine Federal Credit Union Intercollegiate Golf Championship was held at the Paradise Point Golf Course aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, March 27 to 30.
From the sunny weather during the practice session to the rain soaked fairways during the competition on Sunday, the students of Oglethorpe University battled the elements to finish the 36-holes in first place. The team finished with a score of 575 defeating 31 schools from throughout the country.
The event incorporates tournament play for the students on the final two days, but allows for amateurs, Marines and sailors to sign up to play along with the competitors for an 18-hole practice round. The schools entered a five person team to compete for the team trophy and each player battled to score the lowest for individual awards.
Second place for the Gold course was awarded to Thomas University with a score of 577; following in third was Methodist University with a 577. Nebraska University won the Scarlet course with a 600, followed by University of South Carolina Lancaster with 601 and Shenandoah University with 602.
Tie breakers were determined from the team or individual with the lowest score from the first round on their respective course.
The 52-hole tournament was shortened to 36 due to the torrential rain, said John Johnson, golf professional at the course. Each player would play one round on the Scarlet course and one on the Gold course, he added.
“This is our favorite tournament each year,” said Anthony Mccaglia, player for Oglethorpe University and the Gold course’s individual winner. “We play with a lot of the same Marines and retirees each tournament and it’s great to come back each year to play with them.”
Mccaglia said he was proud to have won the individual trophy on the Gold course and is looking forward to motivating his teammates so they can win next year.
Finishing in second place in the Gold course individual with a score of 139 was Stuart Winsby from Webber International University, and in third with a 139 was Tyler Weeks from Bridgewater University.
According to Jim Owen, head coach for Oglethorpe University, his players have created some unique friendships with the Marines and retirees they’ve played with. After 18 years of playing aboard the base they have no plans on stopping, he added.
“When we pull out of the back gate going across the big bridge, we are already thinking about next year’s tournament,” said Owen. “These guys look forward to this so much because of the relationships and camaraderie that it builds.”