ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — The Ruggles golf course near APG North (Aberdeen) hosted a Spring Kick-Off Scramble and Commander’s Cup Challenge Friday, April 23.

With few clouds in the sky and temperatures in the low 50s at the start of play, 35 teams of four played the 18-hole course with COVID-19 restrictions in place to ensure safety.

APG Senior Commander Maj. Gen. Mitchell Kilgo said the golf outing was an opportunity for fellowship and disciplined fun. It was one of the larger events hosted by the installation since the pandemic began.

“It’s been a heck of a year-plus right now but we’ve been working our way through this and I think this is a good sign that perhaps the tides are beginning to turn,” he said.

The event was sold out and had the largest turnout for such an event, according to Joseph Moscone, APG Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation director, who said he was happy to see the event come together after a challenging 14 months.

“We’re getting closer to normal, although not totally normal,” he said. “The bottom line is this is signifying our recovery and slow phase toward normal operations out there on the golf course and giving you better service as we move on this summer.”

The foursome of Mark Clark, Rich Burch, Chuck Trageser and Kevin Johnstone won the Commander’s Cup trophy.

For more information, fees and up-to-date protocols for Ruggles Golf Course, visit https://aberdeen.armymwr.com/programs/ruggles-golf-course, or call 410-278-4794.

For Exton Golf Course, visit https://aberdeen.armymwr.com/programs/exton-golf-course, or call 410-436-2213.

APG garrison commander Col. Timothy Druell watches a successful putt as, from left, garrison headquarters and headquarters company commander Capt. Matthew McDuffie and Jake Kegley watch, during the Spring Kick-Off Scramble and Commander's Cup Challenge Friday, April 23.