Marine Corps League Veterans Golf Tournament supports students
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. —
A local Marine Corps League detachment is preparing to hit the golf course later this month, raising money to help students pay for college.
The Howlin’ Mad Smith Detachment will host its 12th annual Veterans Golf Tournament on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at Bent Brook Golf Course. Proceeds will benefit scholarship programs at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the University of Montevallo and Marion Military Institute, along with the Marines Helping Marines program.
Don Adkins, senior vice commandant of the detachment, said the tournament is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers, helping provide financial assistance to dependents of Marines pursuing higher education.
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“As we know, tuition in college is not cheap,” Adkins said. “And so this kind of gives them a little help and a step into college.”
According to Adkins, scholarships generally range from $500 to $1,000 or more, depending on the program. Students must meet eligibility requirements, including maintaining a certain grade point average and pursuing a path into the Marine Corps.
Adkins said the program has seen continued success, with every scholarship recipient graduating from college and going on to serve in the Marines.
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This year’s tournament will also honor the memory of Jack Hopping Jr. and Paul H. Kellogg.
The event will feature a four-person scramble, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Participants can also enjoy door prizes, a putting contest, awards for the longest drive and winning teams, and a hot dog and hamburger buffet following the tournament.
Registration costs $100 per golfer. Local businesses can also sponsor a hole for $100, with proceeds supporting the organization’s programs.
Adkins said the tournament is open to golfers of all skill levels and encouraged the community, especially fellow Marines, to participate.
“You don’t have to be a great golfer. Trust me. And it’s a good fellowship,” Adkins said.
Organizers hope the event will continue bringing the community together while helping more students pursue their education and military careers.
