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By Alexandra Flodin
Mountaineer staff
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Command Sgt. Maj. Tony J. Hillig, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, tees off at the first hole during the CG Scramble July 7, 2017, at the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club. The scramble is held the first Friday of the month as an opportunity to team build and have fun. Each four-man team played shotgun rules on the 18-hole course to compete for prizes and certain bragging rights. (Photo by Alexandra Flodin)
Past and present Soldiers enjoyed a day out of the office and onto the greens of the Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club during the CG Scramble July 7, 2017.
About 80 men and women played in the scramble for fun, prizes and bragging rights.
As the sky darkened and the threat of rain loomed, the four-player teams eagerly awaited the shotgun start. Scramble rules are different from a regular game of golf. Each team starts at a different hole, and after each member tees off, the ball in the best position on the green is played.
This allows all team members to play and the game to move quickly.
“It’s always great to get out and play some golf, especially here on Fort Carson,” said Col. Ronald P. Fitch Jr., garrison commander. “Today, we need to work on staying dry and having fun.”
A short rainfall provided an extra challenge for players such as grip on the clubs, loss of traction for footing and golf balls that wouldn’t roll through the freshly softened ground, commonly called slow greens. The golfers continued to play as the rain stopped and made way for a cool afternoon.
Two holes were reserved for a chance to win prizes, the first hole for straightest drive and ninth hole for closest to the pin. The player whose golf ball landed the closest to a line marked on the first hole or closest to the flag on the ninth hole would walk away with $60 worth of range balls at the end of the scramble.
“It’s a lot of range balls, but it’s on a punch card so they can split it up,” said Keith Stillwell, Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club general manager. “The whole idea is a good opportunity for team building and just a fun day, whether its guys from the workplace or just buddies to get out and enjoy a Friday afternoon.”
The scramble is held the first Friday of the month, usually coinciding with payday activities, when Soldiers, retirees and civilians of all skill levels can participate for a reduced cost that includes cart rental, 18 holes of golf, lunch and a chance to win prizes.
“For new golfers, there’s this perception that everyone is really good (at golf), that’s not the case. Everyone is still in the process of learning,” said Stillwell. “Scrambles are meant to be fun, not super competitive, and can be a real confidence booster.”
The golf club offers group and private lessons for children and adults new to golf as well as private lessons for more advanced players. The club also has a pro shop where players can pick up a new set of clubs and gear as well as the Mulligan’s Grill for a quick bite to eat or a drink on the go.
Visit “Fort Carson MWR” or “Cheyenne Shadows Golf Club” on Facebook for more information on upcoming scrambles and other events.