Par for the Course: International Sportsmanship at the 2023 CISM Golf Championship
October 16, 2023 | Story by Megan Trexler | Commander, Navy Installations Command
WASHINGTON --- The 14th annual CISM World Military Golf Championship, held October 1-8, 2023, at Admiral Baker Golf Course on Naval Base San Diego, CA, was a celebration of sportsmanship, skill, and international unity. With the theme "Friendship through Sport," this championship showcased the camaraderie and sportsmanship that transcend borders, uniting military athletes from 17 countries in the game of golf.
The event commenced with the Armed Forces Golf Camp and Championship, where the best golfers from various branches of the U.S. military competed to earn their spot in the CISM World Military Golf Championship. The competition was fierce, and those who qualified secured the opportunity to represent the United States on the global stage.
The CISM World Military Golf Championship welcomed over 100 golfers, including 78 men and 24 women, who competed in four rounds of individual and team events. The U.S. Armed Forces Men’s Team, led LT Jacob Meloche (U.S. Navy), clinched the gold medal. Meloche’s remarkable performance secured him the title of the overall Men’s Champion, winning by just one stroke in a thrilling contest against two French golfers. SSgt David Banks (U.S. Marine Corps), Capt Nicholas Brediger (U.S. Marine Corps), 1st LT Joseph Crisostomo (U.S. Air Force), TSGT Kyle Wesolowski (U.S. Air Force), and CWO4 Brian King (U.S. Army) formed the winning U.S. Armed Forces Men's Golf Team, setting the stage for a memorable victory. France took home the Team silver medal, while Ireland earned the Bronze.
The U.S. Armed Forces Women’s Team witnessed exceptional talent as well. CAPT Melanie De Leon (U.S. Army) earned the Women’s individual silver medal after an intense playoff battle, narrowly losing to Pauline Stein (France). 1st LT Kimberly Liu (U.S. Air Force) led the Women’s field initially and ultimately secured the individual bronze medal. De Leon, Liu, and Capt Margaret Gross (U.S. Marine Corps) joined forces to lead the U.S. Armed Forces Women's Team to victory, clinching the Women's Team gold medal. France secured another Team silver, while Germany claimed the Women's Team bronze medal.
The 2023 CISM World Military Golf Championship was more than just a sporting event; it was a celebration of friendship, competition, and unity. It showcased the dedication, skill, and international camaraderie that define military golf and underlined the values that make this championship a truly prestigious athletic event in the military world.