Chiefs tee off at Cardinal Creek

SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill -- Chiefs, retired chiefs, officers, spouses, children and other members of JTF Scott could be found at Cardinal Creek Golf Course practicing camaraderie. 

The Scott Chief's Group is dedicated to giving back to Scott enlisted personnel and their families. 

"The Chief's Group is involved in helping the enlisted corps and their families," said Chief Master Sgt. Dan Barber, Chief's Group tournament coordinator. "We also do a lot of recognition programs such as Airman Leadership School, First Term Airman Center, SNCO and NCO inductions, chief recognition, Dorm Olympics and Dorm Night." 

Scott Chief's Group held their annual golf tournament Friday at the Cardinal Creek Golf Course as a fundraiser to continue their support for Scott's enlisted personnel. 

The Chief's Golf Tournament was open to the first 144 players. Cost was $60 per person and included green fees, lunch, drinks and door prizes. 

One of the biggest highlights of the tournament was on hole number 10 where Professional Golfer's Association Tour professional, Woody Austin, was available to take pictures and sign autographs. For $3 players were also able to challenge Mr. Austin to a beat-the-pro contest. Winners were entered into a 50/50 drawing. Ken Jones, Air Mobility Command serviced computer support, was the winner and won $250. 

"Really I didn't do anything, it's you guys who deserve the thanks for doing what you do so I can keep playing a little golf," said Mr. Austin, winner of 1995 Buick Open, 2004 Buick Championship, 2007 Stanford St. Jude Championship and 2007 President's Cup Team. 

Mr. Austin also donated his time to two participants who won a raffle for individual two-and-a-half hour lessons. 

Mr. Austin is also the brother of Chief Master Sgt. Peggy Kerns, tournament coordinator. 

"I love it," said Chief Kerns when asked about having her little brother help her out. "Originally I had just asked for him to help by giving some stuff when I took over the tournament, but then he decided to come himself and play. He enjoys doing it for us." 

Chief Master Sgt. Michael LaPlant, Scott Chief's Group president, thanked Mr. Austin by presenting him a picture of St. Louis and attributed much of the tournament's success to Mr. Austin. 

Other contests included closest to the pin, longest drive, multi-flag where players could play their second shot closest to the ball and four-foot shoot where players could win money if their tee stopped within a four-foot circle around the hole and a putting contest. 

A silent auction was also held for flags signed by PGA golfers donated by Mr. Austin. 

The day concluded with a lunch consisting of hamburgers, polish sausage, baked beans, pasta salad, coleslaw and drinks. 

The winners of the tournament were divided into two groups. All the scores of the 36 teams were placed in order, then the scores were divided in half. Thus, there were three winners from the top half and three winners from the bottom half. 

Overall, the Chief's Group raised more than $4,000.