By Kipp Hanley and Tony Lombardo

The scores were low and the mood was high at the 2022 MOAA Charities Golf Classic, where more than 100 competitors teed up for a good cause.

MOAA held the tournament May 31 at TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm in Potomac, Md., on a gorgeous, sunny day.

“It was a great day of golf, but the real heroes are those who came out to support our two nonprofit organizations,” said Gen. Walter L. “Skip” Sharp, USA (Ret), chairman of MOAA's board of directors.

With support of title sponsor Acushnet Company, the steward of leading golf brands Titleist and FootJoy, sponsors contributed $115,000 to the event in support of The MOAA Foundation and MOAA Scholarship Fund.

Through 2020, the MOAA Scholarship Fund has provided more than $160 million in educational assistance to more than 16,000 students. The MOAA Foundation was created to assist both active duty and retired service members, spouses, survivors, caregivers, and family members.

[LEARN MORE: The MOAA Foundation and the MOAA Scholarship Fund]

The Golf Classic's additional sponsors were: Humana Military; VOYA Financial; Express Scripts; Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES); New England Center and Home for Veterans; Association of Military Banks of America (AMBA); The Hartford; Lockheed Martin; Mercer; United Concordia; Goldman Sachs; National Association of Federally-Insured Credit Unions; State Street; Truist; The YGS Group; James G. Elliott Co.; Optimizely; American Armed Forces Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA); and Genesis.

“Thanks to all of our donors, sponsors, and staff at TPC Potomac for making the classic such a wonderful event,” said Lt. Gen. Dana T. Atkins, USAF (Ret), MOAA president and CEO. “Your generosity will make a significant difference in the lives of countless veterans and their family members.”

While praising the pristine and challenging course, Atkins said the best part of the day was a surprise visit at the course from a veteran – drafted in 1941 – who drove up from Dumfries to show appreciation to his fellow men and women in uniform.

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The charitable cause was the main draw for Chris Ott, CEO of the Global Cold Chain Alliance, which advocates on behalf of the cold storage and transport industry.

“We want to do what we can to support the troops and the Military Officers Association,” Ott said. “It’s always good to help like-minded associations.”

Col. Luciano Muniz Jr., USA (Ret), member of MOAA’s Upper Potomac Chapter, volunteered at the event, monitoring the hole-in-one and putting contests.

“I figured why not go out here and help folks set up and make it enjoyable for all of the players,” Muniz said from a shady spot at the 17th hole. "That’s my biggest concern. Making it fun for everybody. The rules ... well... they are fine and dandy, but we are just happy to have fun and enjoy each other’s company.”

This marked the 18th year of the MOAA Classic. The event is scheduled to return to TPC Potomac in 2023.