Air Force wins Rainier Cup golf tournament

Airman Leah Young/62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Air Force won the 13th annual Rainier Cup golf tourna-ment in late June against Army and Navy with a final score of 91.5.

The three-day tournament was held at Gallery Golf Course in Oak Harbor, Whispering Firs Golf Course at McChord Field, and Eagles Pride Golf Course. The Ryder Cup-style tournament was first played in 1999.

“There is definitely an ele-ment of friendly competition between the branches,” said Jeff Clark, director of golf at Whispering Firs. “The competition is a great way for the service members to bond and enjoy each other’s company.”

Clark helped establish the Rainier Cup and has been involved in the tournament for more than a decade.

This year, Team Air Force consisted of 36 men and four women. These 40 athletes were comprised of 10 active-duty members, 13 civilian Department of Defense employees and 17 retirees.

The tournament began with a tee off on Gallery. After a competitive first day, the Navy was leading the way with a 23.5 score.

The Air Force defended its home course, capturing 31.5 of the possible 60 points. Play concluded at Eagles Pride.