More than 100 golfers tried but were unable to complete a round of 18 holes Monday at the 15th Annual National Guard Educational Foundation Fundraiser Golf Tournament at Laurel Hill Golf Club in Lorton, Va.
Despite the rain, the event was a success as donations and a raffle put more than $25,000 in the coffers of NGEF, which educates the public and Guard members about the force. NGEF operates the National Guard Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., and a library with more than 4,000 volumes.
“The weather didn’t cooperate, but our partners and friends certainly did,” said Luke Guthrie, the NGAUS director of membership, marketing and development. “We can only thank those who showed up for their support and their understanding as the golf they hoped to play was washed away. We’ll try for better weather next year.”
The shotgun “captain’s choice” scramble began at 10 a.m. The rain held off as golfers started the round with overcast skies and cool winds.
The course was in fine shape as it recently hosted the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship sanctioned by the United States Golf Association. Unfortunately, after the first golfers reached the sixth hole, the rain started and continued without a break for about six hours.
During the raffle, participants bid on items autographed items by members of the Washington Redskins and Washington Nationals, as well as golf clubs and gift certificates donated by generous sponsors.
The tournament will return to Laurel Hill next year at a date yet to be determined.
