Airmen tee off during free golf expo

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
GREAT FALLS, Mont. --  Malmstrom Air Force Base Airmen had the chance to learn a little bit about golf during a free expo Aug. 17 at the Anaconda Hills Golf Course in Great Falls, Mont. During the expo, attendees with all levels of experience were given the opportunity to practice and hone their skills while enjoying a day on the course.
 
"I enjoy playing the sport," said Airman 1st Class Daniel Torres, 819th RED HORSE Squadron member. "I'm not an extremely experienced player so having the chance to take a day and learn more about it while enjoying some good company is great."

Practice started on the driving range with a lesson in proper form. Within 20 minutes people who had never swung a golf club before were driving golf balls past the hundred yard marker. At the end of the day, Airmen had the opportunity to play an 18-hole round of golf for half off the regular price and were provided equipment at no extra cost.

The expo was part of the Single Airmen's Initiative, which is a group of Airmen who put together events such as this to try to help others get more out of their Malmstrom experience.

"A lot of Airmen don't get to experience everything that Great Falls has to offer," said Airman 1st Class Broderick Richmond, 341st Civil Engineer Squadron technician. "This program provides an avenue for Airmen to get out of the dorms and enjoy their time at Malmstrom. It can be hard for people to make the transition from technical school to their first base, and having a program like this provides us with every possible opportunity to connect with others and make friends."

The golf expo is one of many events the SAI offers Airmen. During the time on the driving range, roughly 13 Malmstrom members were introduced to a new sport and new people.

The program strives to help Airmen get out of the dorms and enjoy the time they spend here. From summer to winter, every opportunity is taken to give Airmen a new outlet and a way to make new friends.

"I would like to do things like this more often," Richmand said. "Going out weekend after weekend can really add up, so being able to attend a class like this free-of-charge is great for everyone. Whenever another opportunity like this comes up again I will definitely be the first in line to sign up."