FSS hosts driving range grand opening

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Chief Master Sgt. Rojelio Martinez, 374th Medical Group superintendent, hits golf balls after the grand opening of the Yokota driving range, Yokota Air Base, Japan, on Oct. 4, 2012. The new range allows for 28 golfers to play at the same time. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

FSS hosts driving range grand opening

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan – Yokota leadership poses for a photo before cutting the ceremonial ribbon symbolizing the grand opening of the Yokota driving range, Yokota Air Base, Japan, on Oct. 4, 2012. With new mats, ball dispenser and added length, Yokota patrons can enjoy a new addition to the morale, welfare and recreation facilities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad C. Strohmeyer)

FSS hosts driving range grand opening

Published Oct. 4, 2012
By Staff Sgt. Chad Strohmeyer
374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan -- The 374th Force Support Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony with base leaders at the new driving range Oct. 4 in honor of the grand opening of the facility.

The range has been under renovation since June of 2009 to improve the netting, overhang, grass and mats.

"This has been a tremendous project," said Eugene McDaniel, 374 FSS Par 3 manager. "Now that the size has increased, patrons can now feel more comfortable hitting balls."

In the past, golf balls would sometimes land in the streets of Fussa. Now that the netting is automated and will adjust depending on the wind, the problem should be eliminated, added McDaniel.

In addition to the netting, golfers can enjoy hitting from new mats and retrieving balls from a new machine.

"The range can now accommodate 28 golfers," said McDaniel. "There are 18 mats from the long section and 10 from the short."

After the ceremony, Col. Mark August, 374th Airlift Wing commander, had the opportunity to speak a few words.

"This is a very important day," said August. "After three years of planning and $2.6 million, we finally have a brand new morale, welfare and recreation facility for our Yokota men and women."