Golf tournament raises money for AAAA scholarships

By Russell Sellers, Army Flier StaffMarch 11, 2011

FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- Golfers from around the country are coming to Fort Rucker in support of Army Aviation Soldiers and Families April 1.

The annual Army Aviation Association of America Golf Tournament is meant to raise money for scholarships available to Army Aviation Soldiers and their Families, said Denise Aylesworth, Golf Tournament coordinator.

"We're expecting golfers from all over the Southeast and possibly from as far away as Texas and Arizona," she said. "This is one of the most important AAAA fund raisers of the year."

Last year's tournament filled quickly, and Aylesworth said many have already signed up to participate in this year's event.

Aylesworth said the tournament is important because of the service it provides Soldiers and Families who need help starting or going back to college.

"The money raised through this tournament is used only for Army Aviation Soldiers and their Families," she said. "Last year, we gave out 30 scholarships through the money raised at these events. The scholarships are so helpful because school can be really expensive. The scholarships are available to military children, but also for Soldiers who might have gone active-duty and had their school work interrupted."

David Unsicker, SWGC business manager, said the tournament also gives players a chance to experience what Fort Rucker has to offer avid golfers.

"We have a great course here and having so many people from off-post is a great opportunity for us to show them what we have here," he said. "Being able to host these types of events has been great for us and we hope to have even more of these tournaments in the future."

All 27 holes at Silver Wings Golf Course will be used on the day of the event and the facility will be closed to the public for the tournament, he added. There is space for about 54 teams of four players each who will be competing in the charity event. The play format for the teams is scramble.

Prizes for holes-in-one and door prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the tournament. Breakfast is served during late registration beginning at 7 a.m. with the tournament set to begin with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Lunch is served at 2 p.m.

Registration costs are $65 per person for SWGC members and $75 per person for non-members. Deadline to register is March 26.

For more information or to register, call 300-6321 or e-mail fortruckergolf@gmail.com.