On May 1, 2009, the Naval Academy Alumni Association of Atlanta (Navy) easily outdistanced the West Point Society of Atlanta (Army) in the 13th annual Army-Navy Golf Classic, an annual spring competition that was begun in 1997.  Navy has won ten of the thirteen events to date.  As before, the golf competition and awards dinner that followed took place at the Golfers Club at Fort McPherson.  Proceeds from the event went to provide tuition for needy youngsters in the Atlanta area to attend the SummerScape math, science, and computer camp at Georgia Tech this summer.
The golfers were blessed as the usual late spring forecast of scattered showers resulted in a perfect Georgia spring day for golf (not too hot, just a little breeze) and the whole course was in great condition. Everyone enjoyed the golf and camaraderie as well as a very fine dinner with prizes.  Prizes this year included a round of golf with a guest, a $160 dinner, bottles of wine, and more.
Despite again missing some regulars this year, the event enjoyed the participation of a few new faces for the Blue and Gold.  Using the modified Stableford scoring system, the final score was Navy at +52 to Army’s +11.  We hope that next year, with the number of new folks participating this year and our regulars rejoining the team, to have a really tremendous event with record attendance as well as record support for our charity (and Navy’s 11th victory in the series).
Participating in the 2009 Army-Navy Golf Classic were the following: Johns Jaudon ’55; Jack Clay ’56 and guests Alan Crowell, John Fueling, and Buddy Weir; Tony Womble ’63; Marc Calhoun ’64; Lorie Moore ’64; Richard Wilson ’64; Stew Caldwell ’65; Joe Frazar ’65; Will Wood ’66; Reb Hester ’67 and guests Lynda Hester, Ray Bordelon, and Becky Bordelon; Win Rorabaugh ’70; Tom Galloway ’71 and guest Alan Shaul; Lee Whitfield ’71 and guest Cole Van Houten; Mark Poole ’82; Chris Bush ’83 and guest Rick Whitehead; Doug Hintze ’83; Brad Jones ’83; Bayly Taft ’84; Tim Goff ’84; Wendell Ross ’87; and Karlton Holston ‘02.  Also joining the Navy side as a guest was Mike Ryan, Director of Summer Programs for Georgia Tech’s Center for Education in Math, Science, and Computers (CEISMC).  Navy again brought many more players to the field of honor than Army.
In the Stableford competition, and winning increasingly bigger gift certificates, were Lynda Hester in 4th place; Becky Bordelon in 3rd; and Bayly Taff in 2nd.  Buddy Weir, guest of Jack Clay, took first place for Navy and won a $100 worth of golf merchandise as well as a set N-Starr engraved classes.  Buddy Weir was closest to the pin on Par 3 7thhole and Becky Bordelon had the longest drive on the Par 5 15th hole.
Many thanks go to Dan Branch ’96 for his generous cash donation and to the USNA members of the Class of 1971 who were victorious against their West Point counterparts and donated their $100 in winnings to the Navy cause.
We look forward to the 14th renewal of the classic in May 2010.  All golfing USNAAAA members in the Atlanta area are invited to join us for the competition and camaraderie.  It’s always a fun time for all.
Atlanta Network