Despite rain showers and smoke-filled skies, the annual Navy Golf Alumni Weekend on July 17-18 proved once again that nothing could dampen the camaraderie and tradition shared by generations of Navy golfers.

The weekend brought alumni back to Annapolis for two days of golf, fellowship, and storytelling, highlighted by a Friday evening dinner at Akerson Tower inside Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The event celebrated the rich history of Navy Golf while recognizing the people who have helped shape the program for decades.

A driving force behind the reunion has been Admiral Denny Moynihan '86, whose dedication to reconnecting Navy golf alumni continues to strengthen the program's extended family. Through his leadership, the event has expanded to include alumni and coaches from the women's golf program, creating an opportunity for all walks of Navy golfers to come together. Admiral Moynihan partnered with the Navy Letterwinners Association to organize a first-class weekend and broaden outreach to the Navy golf community.

"While a few of us played together on the same team, we could all relate to the shared experience of competing in a sport while meeting the academic demands of the Naval Academy," explained Admiral Moynihan. "Those experiences bonded us, whether we were 23 or 63 years of age."

Admiral Bill Cobb '68, once again, made his annual appearance at the dinner before taking his familiar place at the first tee in his golf cart. There, he entertained players with stories about the history of Navy Golf and the redesign of the Naval Academy Golf Course.

Former Navy golf coach Pat Owen was also in attendance, reconnecting with many of his former players and sharing stories from his years leading the Midshipmen. His presence added another meaningful connection between the program's past and present.

The highlight of the weekend came during Friday night's dinner when the alumni honored longtime Navy golf supporter, Mike Cumberpatch, for his years of dedication to the program. Cumberpatch has been an invaluable member of the Navy golf community, supporting both the men's and women's teams while also earning widespread respect as one of the game's premier golf officials. He oversees many of the tournaments in which Navy competes, including the Patriot League Men's and Women's Golf Championships.

Throughout the evening, alumni shared heartfelt and often humorous stories about Cumberpatch, reflecting on the countless ways he has impacted Navy Golf and the broader golf community. The tribute served as a fitting recognition of someone whose commitment has benefited generations of midshipmen.

The weekend also featured a visit from Navy Director of Athletics Michael Kelly, who stopped by the dinner to reconnect with alumni and celebrate the continued strength of the Navy Golf family.

Representing the program's newest generation of graduates, recent golf team captain 2nd Lt. Jack Tarzy, USMC, joined the reunion as a late addition. His presence highlighted the growing connection between current and former Midshipmen, allowing younger alumni to build relationships with those who helped establish the traditions that continue today.

"Wisdom and perspectives were shared among the people who, just hours earlier, had been perfect strangers," remarked Admiral Moynihan. "A mid-grade Marine walked the fairway with a newly commissioned Marine, sharing valuable insights from his experiences."

While the weather presented its challenges, it did little to diminish the spirit of the weekend. The 2026 Navy Golf Alumni Weekend, once again, demonstrated that the bonds formed through Navy Golf endure long after graduation. From rounds on the course to stories shared over dinner, the reunion celebrated the people, traditions, and enduring pride that make the Navy Golf family so special.