Eglin golf course hosts AFA tourney

Published Sept. 23, 2010
By Samuel King Jr.
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Eglin's own golf course will play host to this year's Doolittle Scholarship Open tournament Oct. 7.

The39th annual tournament's proceeds go toward college scholarships to Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets at four area high schools. Scholarships also go to graduates of the Community High Okaloosa Institutes for Career Education Aviation Institutes, as well as the Air Force ROTC program at the University of West Florida.

Pro Golf Association veteran, Jerry Pate, will be in attendance and hold a clinic at the driving range to close the tournament at 3 p.m. The clinic is open to everyone.

"Having Jerry Pate here this year will definitely make this a very special event. We couldn't be more pleased to have Jerry take part," said Jeff Fanto, Air Force Association chapter and foundation president. "Education is a central component of the mission of AFA. The success of the golf tournament ensures the Eglin Chapter does everything it can to support this key area in our community."

In addition to scholarships, proceeds from previous tournaments were also used to establish the Jimmy Doolittle Endowed Teaching Chair in Mathematics and Science at Northwest Florida State College. The foundation also provides resources for the Engineers for America program at the Air Force Armament Museum, CHOICE Aviation Institutes at both Shoal River and Pryor Middle Schools, plus other math and science fairs in the county.

The event is open to the public and will be played on both courses. Cost is $50 for active duty military, $75 for golf course members and $100 for all others and includes green fee and cart, range balls, lunch, refreshments on the course, and the awards party following play. Interested players can call Grady Jordan at 850-651-1316.