Army beats Navy in annual golf match

Army earned rare bragging rights — in golf — over its brothers in the Navy and Air Force by winning the 2016 Rainier Cup June 24-26.

The Joint Base Lewis-McCord Army team, which held a two-point lead entering the final round, pulled away to win 90.5-77.5 over the Naval Air Station Whidbey Island squad. Air Force finished third with 72.

This was only the second win for Army in the tournament’s 16 years; Navy and Air Force have each claimed seven titles. Army last won in 2004.

The tournament included rounds at three courses. It opened Friday at Oak Harbor’s Gallery Golf Course, then moved to two courses outside JBLM, Eagles Pride Saturday and Whispering Firs Sunday.

Each day featured a different format. The teams played a scramble on Friday, a best-ball contest Saturday and individual match play Sunday.

The 36-man teams included active service members, retirees and Department of Defense employees.