Minot Air Force Base, North Dakota

The Roughrider Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,073 yards from the back tees.  The designer is not known but the course opened in 1976.

The golf course only has nine holes but there are two sets of men’s tees so the course can be played as an 18-hole layout.  The landscape is fairly flat and the fairways are tree lined with some sand.  The greens also flat but fast.  Due to some water conservation issues in the area, the fairways and especially the greens are not maintained as well as they normally would be.

This course is open to the public.

Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota

The Plainsview Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,340 yards from the back tees.  The course designer is not known but the course was opened in 1975.

The course is a fairly flat prairie layout that features Kentucky Blue grass fairways that are tree lined with some sand bunkers.  The greens are Bent Grass and mostly flat and fast.  The single set of men’s tees makes the course a challenge for all skill levels.

The course is open to the public.

Cheatham Annex Naval Weapons Station, Virginia

The Deer Cove Golf Course originally was an 18-hole, Par 65 course that measured 4,439 yards from the men’s tees and had a rating of 61.1, with a slope of 93.  When I played the course there was only 9 holes.  They had shut down the back 9 holes.  The designer is not known but the course was opened in 1943.

When I played the golf course in the fall of 2011 it was only a 9 hole executive course, but they had plans to re-open the back 9 soon.  The course was a short little course built for families, located next to the RV Park and the lake.  This is a great place to bring a beginner golfer, no crowds, no carts, just a fun little course.

This is a military golf course, just for GI’s and their families.

Mid-South Naval Supply Activity, Tennessee

The Glen Eagle Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays 6,895 yards from the back tees.  The course designer is not known but the course opened in 1957.  The course was later renovated by Ault, Clark & Associates and has a rating of 73.4 with a slope of 133.

The Glen Eagle course is one of the finest, well maintained, and most challenging courses in the Memphis area.  Lush, green, tree lined fairways and undulating greens await golfers of all skill levels.  The course is moderately bunkered with 48 sand traps on 17 of the 18 holes.  11 of the 18 holes on the course contain water hazards so accuracy is very important.

The course is open to the public.

Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan

The Selfridge Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,477 yards from the back tees with a ranting of 70.6 and a slope of 122.  Unfortunately I don’t know the designers name but the course originally opened in the late 1940’s.

The golf course is located at the southeast end of the base.  In October 1997 a $2.6 million dollar renovation project resulted in an improved Par 72 PGA sanctioned course.  It has large undulating blue grass fairways and greens and a challenging new hole layout.  The course is fairly flat with large mature trees that cover the entire course.

The golf course is open to the public.

Sesquehanna Defence Distribution Center, Pennsylvania

The Riverview Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par35 course that measures 3,051 yards from the men’s tees. This 9-hole course has two sets of tees and is usually played as an 18-hole, Par 70 course at 6,064 yards.  The course was designed by Royce Hewitt and opened in 1959.  The current course is rated at 69.9 and has a slope of 112.

The nine hole course has trees lining the wide fairways, and the greens are small and difficult to read.  Subtle obstacles such as trees, sand bunkers and water hazards can alter your shots at any given time.  The signature hole is the majestic #5 hole, a 549 yard Par 5.  It requires shots up a dogleg right fairway that narrows as you near the small sloping green.  For a 9-hole course, it can be very challenging at times.

The golf course is open to the public.

Hanscom Air Force Base, Massachusetts

The Patriot Golf Course is a 9-hole Par 35 course that measures 2,883 yards from the back tees located on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Bedford, Massachusetts.  It’s just 5 miles from Hanscom Air Force Base.  The golf course originally opened in 1952 and was designed by Manuel Francis and built by volunteers.  It was upgraded by the renowned golf course architects Cornish and Silva in late 1980’s.

The best part of the golf course layout is the small undulating greens and the mounds and traps that protect every green.  The course is a short but demanding one but can challenge any level of golfer’s ability as evidence by the slope of 125.  This is a great golf course to walk.

This golf course is open to the public.

Dyess Air Force Base, Texas

The Mesquite Grove Golf Course is an 18-hole Par 72 course that measures 7,005 yards from the back tees.  The course opened in 1950 but the designer is unknown.  The course has a rating of 73.0 and a slope of 118.

This course is a great example of a west Texas golf course.  The terrain is fairly flat, with a few trees, a vast array of desert vegetation and some strong Texas winds.  The course also has elevated Bent grass greens and Bermuda fairways.  The #6 hole is the golf course signature hole with a green fronted by water.  The toughest hole is the #9 hole, with its usual play into the prevailing winds and is over 400 yards long.

The course is known for being one of the best maintained courses in west Texas, with a layout that presents a challenge to every player.

The course is open to the public.

Columbus Defence Supply Center, Ohio

The Eagle Eye Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 2,852 yards from the men’s tees. The course opened in 1924 but the designer is not known.  The actual age of the course is unknown but the earliest documents found are from 1924.  The golf course has had many renovations and improvements including irrigation, bunkers, club storage and 30 new carts.

The fairly short flat course requires precise tee shots and great feel around the greens to go low.  It’s a challenging nine hole layout with the reputation for having the best putting greens in central Ohio.  The fairways are Kentucky Blue Grass and the greens are Rye grass.  This is definitely a challenging little course that can be enjoyed by everyone.

The course is open to the public.

Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania

The Carlisle Barracks Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays 6,670 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by a Col. Murphy and originally opened in 1963.  The current course has a rating of 71.2 with a slope of 119.

Known as the home of the Army War College, the layout of the course is wide open fairway and greens.  Some green side bunkers can cause you troubles.  The fairways are not cut often enough and at times it is hard to distinguish the rough from the fairway.  The course is still enjoyable but definitely a challenge.

The course is open to the public.

Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Whispering Winds Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 70 course that measures 6,032 yards from the back tees.  The course designer is unknown but the course opened for play in 1954 with a rating of 64.8 and a slope of 99.

The golf course is known for being well maintained and well designed.  It is a fun course for all players.

 

This is a challenging course for the beginner golfer but it is still an enjoyable course for all skill levels.  The layout is fairly flat with some trees and three ponds that come into play on five holes and with Bermuda grass fairways and Bent grass greens, the course feels like paradise in the desert.

The golf course is open to the public.

Arnold Air Force Base, Tennessee

The Arnold Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 3,193 yards from the men’s tees.  The course has two sets of tees so the course usually plays as an 18-hole course that has a rating of 70.4 and a slope of 122.  The designer is not known but the course opened in 1945.

The golf course is nestled in the Tennessee woods between Tullahoma and Arnold AFB.  The course is a fairly flat layout with just a few small elevation changes with Bermuda grass fairways and Bent grass greens.  The course is fairly open and can be challenging at times.  The short layout will reward good shots and provide a challenge for the not so good shots.  The course can be a real fun course to unwind and relax to.

The course is open to the public.

US Coast Guard air Station, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The Falcon Golf Course located on US Coast Guard Air Station Cape Cod is also used by Otis Air Force Base.  A 9-hole, par 36 course measuring 3,353 yards from the back tees.  The designer of the golf course is unknown, but the course was originally built and opened in 1963.  Although the course is only a nine holes,  it is usually played as an 18-hole course with a rating of 72.6 and a slow of 124.

The course has two par fives, five par fours and two par three, one of which is considered by many as the most difficult part three on the Cape.  The course is lined with numerous trees and local vegetation, sand trap/bunkers, but no water.  This is a challenging course that can be enjoyed by golfers of all skill levels.

This golf course is open to the public

Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska

The Willow Lakes Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,850 yards from the back tees.  This Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed course opened in 1962 and has a rating of 73.5 with a slope of 132.

This course is a typical Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout, featuring a lot of water and sand traps/bunkers.  The course plays fairly long from the back tees, but has four sets of tees that make it manageable for all skill levels.  The very picturesque third hole has you hitting from an elevated tee to a green flanked by a pond on the left and sand on the right.  This is a challenging golf course you will enjoy playing many times.  Put this course on your bucket list.

This golf course is open to the public.

Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma

The Windy Trails Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,963 yards from the back trees.  The course was designed and built by Air Force Civil Engineers and opened in 1960, with a rating of 72.8 and a slope of 120.

The original nine holes, the front nine, have Pencross Bent Grass on the surface and the back nine holes, the North nine, have a mixture of Pencross and Crenshaw Bent Grass.  The greens are Bent Grass which offer golfers good speed and smooth putting as you play.  There are several water hazards in case the trees and bunkers are not enough for you.   A challenging course that is also fun to play. The course plays different from day to day due to the flat land and the wind.

The golf course is open to the public.

March Air Force Base (CLOSED), California

The General Old Golf Course was an 18-hole, par 71 course that measured 6,801 yards from the back tees, and had a rating of 72.1 and a slope rating of 120.  It first opened in 1958 and was located in March AFB.  After the public was allowed access the air base was closed.  The designed is not known.

The fairways played semi-narrow, but the beginner golfer could still play the course and enjoy it.  This was a desert course, with many trees; local area vegetation, and scenic mountain views, but still a sneaky tough course.  Each green was guarded by numerous sand bunkers left and right.  For a desert course, the greens were always in great condition and fast.

The golf course was open to the public.

Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Maryland

The Cedar Pointe Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,714 yards from the back tee and has a rating of 71.6 with a slope rating of 124.  The original course designer is Ault Clark Associates and was built and opened in 1946.

This course features an open and winding layout, with Bermuda fairways and Bent grass greens which are located amid a wooded landscape.  With water hazards, trees, sand bunkers, many scenic views of the bay, the course is challenging and still enjoyable to play.  The fairways are Bermuda grass and the greens are bent grass which makes hunting a little different.  The course is open all year round, weather permitting.

The golf course is open to the public. 

Moffett Federal Airfield/NASA Ames Research Center, California

The Ames Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,338 yards from the back tees and is rated at 70.2 with a slope of 117. The course opened in 1958 but the designer of the course is unknown.

The course features meandering Kikuyu grass fairways, large sand bunkers and elevated tees.  The course has been modernized and upgraded since it originally opened.  But what hasn’t changed is the beautiful location and spectacular scenic views the have always made the course a popular and attractive destination.  The course has numerous bird species like the Red Tail Hawk, Burrowing Owls and a vast array of other birds and animals that make this area a veritable wildlife preserve.  That’s why the course is known as “One of the best kept secrets of the Bay Area for golf”.

The golf course is open to the public.

San Diego Naval Base, California

The Admiral Baker Golf Course has two 18-hole Par 72 courses that are not located on the base.  The North Course and the South Course.

The North Course measures 6,820 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.5 with a slope of 129.  The course was designed by Jack L. Daray Sr. and the course first opened in 1957.  The course has lots of personality through its winding holes and great scenery.   However, amongst that great scenery there are many water hazards.  The North Course went through a major renovation in 2011 which makes it a must play course if you are in the area.

The South Course measures 6,046 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 68.2 with a slope of 116.  The course opened in 1984 and was designed by Jack L. Daray Jr. & Stephan Halsey.  The layout of the South Course is like many public courses.  It has lots of side by side holes, wide open fairways, flat layout, not many hazards and not much scenery.  The course was well maintained and getting a tee time is not hard.

Both golf courses are open to the public.

Port Hueneme Naval Facilities Expeditionary Logistics Center/ Ventura County Naval Base, California

The Seabee Golf Course of Port Hueneme is an 18-hole Par 71 course that measures 6,278 yards from the back tees.  The course is rated at 70.7 with a slope of 125.  The course was designed by Jack Dara but the year it opened is unknown.

The course layout is fairly flat but is a challenging one.  There are water hazards that come into play on five holes.  The greens were a little rough and the fairways were tight when we played.  There is definitely need for some reseeding on the course.  The course is comparable to the courses in the Ventura County area.  It may not be the best, but for the price, it is well worth the trip.

Don’t forget to visit the new Seabee Museum, a great experience.

The golf course is open to the public.

Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida

The Pelican Point Golf Course is an 18 hole, Par 72 course the measures 7,051 yards from the back tees, the course rating of 73.7 and a slope of 128.  The course designer is unknown and the course opened in 1961.

Even though the course follows along the shores of St. Andrew Bay fit beautiful scene views, the golf course CLOSED in June of 2013.

Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas

The Leaning Pines Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,181 yards from the men’s tees.  The course has two sets of tees and is usually played as an 18-hole layout.  The course has a rating of 71.1 and has a slope of 115.  The designer is unknown but it opened in 1962.

The 9-hole course is long compared to other courses in the area.  This is a fairly flat and wide open course, with numerous sand bunkers and many trees. There are also 4 water hazards.  Two of the holes require shots over water.

This is a military golf course and open to the military only.

Kirtland Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Tijeras Arroyo Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,971 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 71.9 with a slope of 127.  The designer is unknown at this time and the course originally opened in 1970.  The course was chosen as the best AFMC in 2001.

The golf course is a desert layout that is located in the shadows of the Monzano Mountains.  With natural picturesque beauty and an array of desert landscaping, mountain views, the greens and fairways are lined with numerous trees and desert vegetation.

The golf course is open to the public.

Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri

The Royal Oaks Golf Course originally a 9-hole course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened in the 1950’s.  The second nine holes were designed by Donald Sechrest in the 1990’s and are intertwined with the old nine.  The present course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,880 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 74.7 with a slope of 134.

The golf course is positioned on 350 acres of the Knob Noset State Park in the rolling hills of west central Missouri.  It is narrow, hilly, has lush vegetation and numerous large mature trees throughout the course.  It features Bermuda fairways and the Soil Based Bent Grass greens.  With water hazards coming into play on three holes the course can be a challenge for all skill levels.

The golf course is located off the air base and is open to the public.

Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi

The Whispering Pines Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 2,598 yards from the back tees.  With two sets of tees, the course usually plays as an 18 hole course.  The course originally opened in 1959 but the course designer is unknown.

The golf course layout is a countryside design and was built through a wooded area.  With narrow Blue Grass fairways and Bermuda greens plus water hazards that come into play on some holes.  The signature hole is the #18 hole, a 480 yard, Par 5, featuring a dogleg fairway.

The golf course is open to the public.

United States Military Academy, West Point, New York

The West Point Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 70 course that measures 5,991 yards from the back tees.  The course was originally designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and opened for play in 1948.  The course was renovated and reopened in 1997.  It has a course rating of 70.6 and a slope of 136 and is located on the Academy grounds.

The West Point course was designed and built on hilly terrain and is surrounded by a forest of beautiful mature tree lined fairways and some well-placed bunkers.  The greens are well protected with sand and plenty of trees.  The course is enjoyable and challenging for the everyday golfer with plenty of risk/reward opportunities to choose from.

This is a must play golf course.  Don’t miss the history, traditions and the majestic scenic views of West Point.

The golf course is open to the public.

White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico

The White Sands Golf Course is an 12 Hole (that’s right, a 12 hole) course, Par 73 that measures 6,822 yards from the back tees.  Some holes must be played again but from different tees.  With a course rating of 71.4 and a slope of 123.  The original course designer is not known but the course opened for play in 1962.

It is known as the “White Sands Missile Range Golf Course” set at the base of the Organ Mountains.  It has majestic views of the desert, mountains and military facilities.  The course has beautiful fairways, greens and plenty of sand, with wide open fairways and known for its fast accessible greens.  Also known as “the best kept secret in the southwest” this course is definitely a very unique course that you will enjoy playing.

The golf course is open to the public.  After a security check the golfer can get a six month pass to play golf.

Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

The Gateway Golf Course is an 18 hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,917 yards from the back tees, the designed is unknown, and the course opened in 1946 and has a rating of 73.1 with a slope of 125.

The course was designed with narrow Oak and Mesquite tree lined Fairways and a creek which runs throughout the course.  The 1^st tee is very elevated over the fairway and green, the 9^th hole plays up a steep hill and is a real challenge as is the the 18^th hole.  The extreme elevation changes overlook the San Antonio skyline.  The course was in excellent condition when I played it, with lush trees and bushes, and open fairways and greens and scenic views while playing the course, but if it rains, and the creek tends to turn into a small lake.

The golf course is for the military and their guests only.

Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas

The  Deer Run Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that is 6,834 yards from the back tees and the course has a rating 71.8 and a slope of 119.  The course was designed and built by the base golfers and opened in 1957, the course was redesigned in 1964 and 2008.

I have played this course many times and I really like this hilly and fairly wide open layout that is located in a wooded area, with Pine tree lined fairways and greens.  With strategically placed sand traps/bunkers throughout the course, water hazards come into play on several holes.  I played the course in the fall and the summer, and the course plays like two different courses, in the summer, the course has lush Bermuda fairways and the hills are in play more.  The signature hole is the 17^th Hole.

The golf course is open to the public.

Fort Sam Houston, Texas

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Facility currently has two 18-hole, Par 72 courses, The La Loma Golf Course and the Salado-Del-Rio Golf Course.

It is believed that golf first appeared in Texas at Fort Sam Houston around 1900.  If this is true, then the golf course is believed to be the first one in Texas and the second course in the military.  The Rock Island Arsenal in Illinois is the oldest military course, opening in 1897.

Golf first started at Fort Sam Houston in 1900.  It is said that soldiers made a golf course using coffee cans as holes on the Army Airfield and the patients at Brooks Army Hospital made a golf course behind the hospital for rehabilitation.

The first 9-hole course was built on the current location by soldiers in 1935.  Green fees were $2.00 per month.  In 1937 A.W. Tillinghast from Philadelphia designed and built the second 9-hole course.  In 1946, Deputy Commander BG Nulsen authorized the formation of the Fort Sam Houston Golf Club.  In 1965, the third 9-hole course was designed and built by General Ralph Mace.  This increased the course to 27 holes.  In 1976 the fourth 9-hole course was designed and built by Ralph Plummer from Dallas to its present layout.  Throughout the years, the course has been updated and improved.  Kevin Tucker renovated the greens and tees in 2006 & 2007.

  This facility hosted the Texas Open in the 50’s and 60’s, making it the only military golf facility to ever hoist a PGA event.

The La Loma Course:   This golf course measures 6,819 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 73.0 and a slope of 126.   The La Loma course is one of two championship quality courses located at the historic Fort Sam Houston.   The course has its fair share of challenges.  There are many tree lined fairways and the greens are medium in size and speed.  This course is more forgiving but there is strategically placed sand bunkers throughout the course.  This course plays a little easier than the Salado-Del-Rio course and runs near the grant national cemetery.

The Salado-Del-Rio Course:   The golf course measures 6,857 yards from the back tees and is rated at 72.6 with a slope of 126.  The course was named after the creek that runs through the course.  This golf course is the more scenic of the two courses offering spectacular views of the rustic countryside.  The historic facilities boast of some of the famous players including Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer.  The layout is quite difficult due to the presence of numerous blind shots and water hazards.  With very tight, tree lined fairways and greens, the course can surprise the best of golfers.

Both golf courses are open to the public.

Randolph Air Force Base, Texas

Randolph Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 7,172 yards from the back tees, with a current rating of 74.5 and a slope of 125.  The original course was designed by Joseph Finger and opened in 1959.  This is a long, flat course that is known for its wide open fairways and small elevated greens. The signature hole is the 13^th.  In 2004 the course was re-designed by George William & Robert Rose.

This is a typical Texas layout with lots of sand, trees and landscaping.  There are 13 holes with water hazards.  The course is an excellent condition, and a good course if you like to walk.  As we played the course, we came across a herd of turtles on a few of the greens.  The course is a challenging but fair one.  Golfers of all skill levels will enjoy the course.

Randolph AFB is a flight training facility for many types of aircraft and you should be prepared to be serenaded by loud jet take-offs, touch and goes, and fly byes.  We stayed at the Randolph Inn on post and in order to get to the golf course you have to cross an active runway which is definitely something different.

The golf course is for the military and there guest only.

Redstone Arsenal, Alabama

The Links at Redstone Golf Course currently consists of two 18-hole, Par-72 courses, the Patriot Course and the Warrior Course.  The first two courses were nine-hole, the Hillside and Whispering Pines and opened in 1959.  A third nine-hole course, the Meadowview was added in 1996.  In 2010 a fourth nine-hole was added.  The courses were reconfigured into the present layout.  The designers of the courses are not known.  Both courses were cut out of a large wooded area in northern Alabama with pine tree lined fairways and greens of Bermuda grass.  The courses have moderate bunkering and sand.

The Warrior Course:   The course was formed by the Meadowview nine and the fourth unnamed course of nine holes.  The course measures 7,339 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 74.7 with a slope of 136.

The Patriot Course:   Formed by combining the old Hillside and the Whispering Pines nine-hold courses.  The course measures 6,890 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.7 and a slope of 124.

The golf course is for the military and their guests only.

Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey

The Picatinny Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,812 yards from the back tees. The original course was established in 1921 but the designer of the course is unknown.  With a course rating of 72.8 and a slope of 129 it is well respected for its toughness.

The course is designed to challenge every level of golfer with excellent greens and beautiful tree lined fairways.  The course was two sets of risk/reward holes.  The two par 5’s and two par 3’s on the front and back nine.  The course offers perfect balance and plenty of competitive opportunities for every golfer.  When we played the course, there were more civilian playing the course then the military.

This golf course is open to the public.

Mayport Naval Base, Florida

The Windy Harbor Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 fairly flat course that measures 6,395 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 70.5 and a slope rating of 129.  The course original designer is unknown but it was opened in 1960.  The course was re-designed by William C. Byrd but no date was given.

The course is nestled along the intercostal waterway, St. John’s River and the Naval Station property.  We loved the ever-present 20 Knot winds will present a challenge to all skill levels.  This recently renovated golf course will be a challenge due to the new contoured fairways, bigger greens, improved drainage and five new strategically located ponds and the addition of numerous fairway and green side sand bunkers.  This is a very enjoyable course for all skill levels and a must play golf course.

This golf course is open to the public.

Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Virginia

The Eagle Haven Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that is 6,265 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 70.8 with a slope of 126.  The course was designed by Russell Breeden & Navy Seabees and opened in 1954.  The course was renovated in 1986.

The golf course design is a fairly flat layout with wide open Bermuda fairways and small greens.  Sand bunkers and water hazards run throughout the course.  The course uses native oak trees, natural elevations, and picturesque views of the Chesapeake Bay to relax you and make this course an enjoyable but challenging round of golf.

The golf course is open to the military and their guests only.

Fort Bragg, North Carolina

Fort Bragg has two 18 hole, Par 72 courses located on the post.  The Ryder Course and the Stryker Course.

The Ryder Course:  This is an 18 hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,410 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by C.C. McCusion in 1930 and currently has a course rating of 70.6 with a slope of 131.  In 1999/2000 the course was renovated and the bunkers had a complete overhaul.

This is a very challenging military course.  There are lots of hills no matter what set of tees are used.  The fairways and greens were in great shape when we played the course in the summer.  With large mature trees lining the course and water hazards, accuracy is priority.

The Stryker Course:   This course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,641 yards from the back tees.  This Donald Ross designed course was opened in 1946.  The current course has a rating of 71.9 and a slope of 119.

The course is set among tall Carolina pines and rolling hills with several water hazards which come in to play.  With small undulating greens, the course can be quite challenging so accuracy is very important.

This is a military golf course and is closed to the public.

  

Fort Benning, Georgia

Today the Fort Benning Golf Course consists of three 9-hole courses; the Bradley Course, the Marshall Course and the Patton Course.  All three courses are Par 36 layouts.  The courses were designed by Robert Tent Jones Sr. and Lester Lawrence, with lots of water and sand.

In the beginning the base started with nine hole courses.  The first nine holes opened in 1923, the second nine holes opened in 1930, the third nine holes opened in 1950, and the fourth nine holes opened in 1960.  In the 1960’s they were made into two 18 hole courses, the Lakeside Course and the Pineside Course.

In 2006 they changed once again.  Now there are thee nine hole courses.  The Bradley course measures 3,197 yards from the back tees, the Marshall Course measures 3,521 yards from the back tees, and the Patton course that measures 3,332 yards from the back tees

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All of the courses are located on the base and are tree lined with rolling hills and sand traps/bunkers.  When I played the courses, the fairways and greens were in excellent condition, I hope they’re still in that condition.

Fort Lee, Virginia

The Cardinal Golf Club has three 9-hole courses.  All of the courses are Par 36 courses, and these courses can be combined in pairs to form three distinctive 18 hole, Par 72 courses.  The three courses are: the Red Course, the Blue Course, and the White Course.

The courses are well laid out with generous landing areas, modest elevation changes, a fair amount of water, and some subtle molding of the fairways with excellent scenic views.  The greens are large, contoured, and well bunkered and are in great shape.  Another excellent challenging military golf course.

Red/White Courses:   This is the original 18-hole course, Red/White, at 6,294 yards from the back tees, and a rating of 71.8 with a slope of 128.  The course opened in 1947.

White/Blue Course:   This course is 6,411 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.9 and a slope of 126.  The Blue course was opened in 2002 and designed by Edmond B. Ault.

Blue/Red Course:   This course is 6,449 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.5 with a slope of 128.

The golf courses are all open to the public.

Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

Trails West Golf Course is an 18-hole Par 71 course that measures 6,271 yards from the back tees.  The course is rated at 70.8 and has a slope of 123.  The course first opened in 1920 but unfortunately the designer is not known at this time.

The golf course layout is on 190 acres of flat open meadows with large mature trees, Zoysia grass fairways and Bent grass greens.  Water hazards and sand bunkers make the course a challenge to all skill levels but all golfers will enjoy the scenic views and wildlife of Merrit Lake and a relaxing round of golf.

This golf course is open to the public.

Fort Knox, Kentucky

The Lindsey Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that is 6,843 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.6 and a slope of 135.  The course was designed by Buck Blankenship/Morgan Boggs and opened in 1933.  The course has undergone several renovations and additions making it a destination golf course.

The course offers rolling hills and contoured Bermuda grass fairways with narrow landing areas for the long hitters, and wide generous fairways for the short hitters.  It has two new lakes that are strategically placed to enhance the golf course aesthetics.  There are many risk/reward opportunities throughout the course to challenge all golfers.  The course has numerous scenic views throughout the course, like the black iron bridge and the gold depository.

The golf course is open to the public.

Fort Riley, Kansas

The Custer Hill Golf course is located at Fort Riley Kansas and is an 18-hole Par 72 course that measures 7,072 yards from the back tees.  The first nine holes (the front nine) were designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and built in 1922.  The second nine holes were also designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. but date of construction is not known.  Today, the 18 hole course has a rating of 74.9 with a slope of 131.

The course is a typical Robert Trent Jones Sr. layout, a lot of water hazards and sand traps/bunkers plus tree lined fairways on rolling hills.  The back nine holes have some of the most challenging and scenic holes.  The course is an enjoyable one to play.  However, when I played the course, the fairways were not in the best condition.  The greens were in good shape and they were fast

Don’t forget to leave time for the Fort Riley Museum and all the tanks and the monument to Custer’s Horse.

The golf course is open to the public.

Fort Hood, Texas

The Courses of Clear Creek have three 9-hole courses:  the Deer Run Course, the Panther Claw Course, and the Armadillo Hills Course.  Formerly known as the “Anderson Golf Course”, the courses were designed by Perry Maxwell & Press Maxwell and opened in 1948.  The courses are playable in three combinations.

Deer Run/Panther Claw:  This course is an 18-hole, Par 72 that measures 6,874 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.7 and a slope of 121.

Panther Claw/Armadillo Hills:  This course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays at 6,794 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 72.3 and a slope of 120.

Armadillo Hills/Deer Run:   This course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,884 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 72.9 and a slope of 122.

The courses feature wide open fairways and elevated tees.  There are numerous trees that line all the courses and some can affect your score, so accuracy is a must.  Water hazards (ponds) come into play on several holes on all courses.

All the course are open to the public.

Both golf courses are open to the public.

Fort Jackson, South Carolina

The Fort Jackson Golf Course consists of two 18-hole, Par 72 courses; The Old Hickory Course and the Wildcat Course.   The Fort Jackson golf courses are considered by many to be one of the finest golf operations the military has to offer.

The Wildcat Course:   This is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays 6,721 yards from the back tees.  The course designer is the famous golf course architect George Cobb and it opened in 1949 with a rating of 72.1 and a slope of 131.

This is the original 18-hole course.  The Wildcat course offers generous fairways, strategically placed bunkers as it winds its way through the rolling hills of South Carolina Pines.  The view from the 17^th tee box offers the player a beautiful view of the Columbia skyline.  A challenging but fair course with little or no water to speak of.

The Old Hickory Course:   This 18-hole, Par 72 course measures at 6,618 yards from the back tees was designed by Arthur L. Davis and opened in 1991, with a rating of 71.9 and a slope of 138.

In 1991 Arthur L. Davis added 20 new holes to the original 16 holes of the Wildcat Course.  In the process he created the Old Hickory Course.  The course is not as demanding by its length but is rough over lakes and wetland areas and rewards accurate tee shots.  The Old Hickory course hosted the 1998 All Army Golf Trails Camp.

Both golf courses are open to the public.

Fort Eustis, Virginia

he Pines at Fort Eustis has three 9-hole courses that are usually played as an 18-hole course.  The courses are: the Virginia Pine Course, the Ponderosa Pine Course, and the Shortleaf Pine Course.   All of the course designers are not known.  All of the courses are carved out of a forest of natural pine trees and have breathtaking views of the Warwick River which is home to many species of wildlife.  The courses have numerous species of trees that are spread out the entire course.

Ponderosa Pine/Shorteaf Pine:  This is the original 18-hole layout, a Par 71 course that measures 6,541 yards and has a rating of 70.2 and a slope of 119. The designer is unknown.  The course opened in 1952.

Shortleaf Pine/ Virginia Pine:    This is an 18-hole, Par71 course that measures 6,374 yards and has a rating of 69.9 and a slope of 118.  The course opened in 1954.

Virginia Pine/Ponderosa Pine:   This is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,977 yards and has a rating of 72.7 and a slope of 124.  This course opened in 1997.

All golf courses are open to the public.

Fort Sill, Oklahoma

The Fort Sill Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,592 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by Robert Huber and opened in 1947.  In 2007 the course was renovated by Kevin Tucker.  The current course has a rating of 71.0 and a slope of 123.

The original golf course was the officers’ club golf course and had nine holes.  The present Fort Sill Golf Course, designed in 1947 was heavily wooded and originally used by the Artillery Hunt Club.  The course is a parkland wooded course and unusual to find in Oklahoma.  The Medicine Creek flows through the beautiful back nine.  Burr Oaks and numerous types of nut trees line the fairways, and there are many elevated greens.  Historical sites lie in and around the course boundaries.  Flipper’s Ditch which crosses the 15^th and 16^th fairways and General Custer’s Bivouac area are just a few.  The course is an average length course that places a premium on straight tee shots and accuracy.  The signature hole is the 18^th hole.

This is a military golf course only.

Fort Bliss, Texas

The Underwood Golf Complex has two golf courses, the Sunset Course and the Sunrise Course.  Both courses are typical south Texas layouts, flat with a lot of sand and wind.  Both courses are worth the time to stop and play.

The Sunset Course:   This is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that measures 6,629 yards from the back tees.  The designer of the course is not known but the course did open in 1934.  The current course has a rating of 70.2 with a slope of 119.

The Sunset course is the older of the two courses but the greens have been re-built and are now some of the most challenging greens in the city.

The Sunrise Course:   This course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays at 6,942 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by Kenneth Dye Jr. and opened in 1995, with a rating of 73.1 and a slope of 126.  The Sunrise is the newer of the two courses.

This is an excellent south Texas course to play.  It is challenging but not too difficult, well maintained, and with majestic views of the mountains to the north and the city skyline to the south.

These courses are all open to the public.

Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri

The Pines Valley Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 7,014 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.8 with a slope of 121.  The course originally opened in 1958 but the course designer is unknown.

The golf course runs through a beautiful valley along the Big Pines River.  The front nine holes are very hilly and contoured.  There are a number of trees overhanging a fairway, including trees in the fairway in some places.  This requires very precise shot placement on a number of holes.  The back nine holes are fairly flat and wide open but are still a challenge. The signature hole is #8, a 540 yard par 4 that offers some beautiful scenic beauty.

The course is open from Presidents’ Day thru November 30, weather permitting.

  The course is open to the public

Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina

The Three Eagles Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,375 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 70.5 and a slope of 127.  The designer is unknown and the course open in 1959.

The course is short in distance but tough in scoring.  Four sets of tees allow for a great golf experience at any skill level.  The course has tight fairways, strategic landing areas, and well bunkered “postage stamp” greens.  This well-maintained, Eastern Carolina woodland and wetland layout is a traditional golf layout.  It makes for a style of golf that is both challenging and fair.  It has four ponds and a creek that comes into play on several holes.  The course has nine dogleg fairways and almost all of them are tree lined with Carolina pines.

The golf course is also open to the public. 

Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada

The Sunrise Vista Golf Course is now an 18-hole course, Par 72, that measures 7,051 yards from the back tees.  Originally, the base had two 18 hole courses but that was reduced to three nine holes, the Eagle Course, Falcon Course and Raptor Course.  Today, there are only two, the Eagle and Falcon courses.  The golf courses were designed by Jack Daray and Stephen Halsey.

The course layout is a fairly flat desert landscape with wide open fairways.  The rough can be a little long at times and very tough.  Sand bunkers are a bit hard and sometimes muddy.  The greens are fairly flat and they can be very fast.  There are some trees and plenty of desert area along with some beautiful views of the mountains.  This can be a very challenging or a very enjoyable round of golf.  It all depends on you.

The golf course is open to the public.

Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi

The Bay Breeze Golf Course first opened in 1962 and was designed and built by Nathan Crace.  The course closed because of the tropical storm” Katrina” but re-open in 2008.  This Par 71, 18-hole course measures 6,517 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 70.7 and with a slope of 112.

The golf course is a fairly wide open layout, located right off of the Back Bay where the winds can be a factor all day long.  There are water hazards that come into play on nine of the 18 holes.  The signature hole is #10, a 180 yard par 3 with a breathtaking view of the Back Bay that borders the course.  The greens are large and well bunked.  Many holes have an excellent view of the runway and if you love military aircraft you can’t beat the views.

The golf course is open to the public.

Oceana Naval Air Station, Virginia

The Aeropines Golf Club consists of two 18-hole, Par 72 courses, the Hornet Course and the Tomcat Course.  Both courses are laid out and cut through a large wooded area with tall pine trees that line both fairways and greens.  The greens are guarded by numerous sand bunkers and water hazards.  The course has four sets of tees which offer plenty of challenge for the advanced, intermediate or beginning golfer.  The courses are wide open and fun to play, with beautiful greens that run true and flat.  Naval Air Station Oceanna opened its first golf course in 1958.  The original course made its way through the many stands of pine trees and was very aptly named Aeropines Golf Course.

The Hornet Course:   The course measures 6,959 yards from the back tees and has a course rating of 73.8 and a slope of 134.  The Hornet Course was opened in its present form in 2004.  The course was renovated by Jerry Pate but no date was given for the renovation.  The Hornet is a typical Scottish Links Style Course and is a good challenge from the tees.  In July of 2005 it was the venue for the Virginia State Golf Associations Team Championship.

The Tomcat Course:   The course measures 6,798 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.3 and a slope of 126.  The Tomcat course was designed by Tm Clark and opened in 1958 and renovated in 1990.  The course requires the golfer to focus on course management on the front 9 holes.  The fairways are lush Bermuda grass and your ball will run a long way.  With numerous sand bunkers and old Oak trees throughout the course, the course is enjoyable to golfers of all skill levels.

The golf course is for the military and their guests only.

Norfolk Naval Station, Virginia

The Sewells Point Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that is 6,290 yards from the back tees.  It has a rating of 69.4 and a slope of 120.  The course was designed by the famous golf course architect Donald Ross in 1927.

The course is a mostly flat terrain, a traditional Donald Ross design, with tight tree lined fairways and water hazards that come into play on several holes.  The short layout has adequate length and some holes are a real challenge and also interesting.  But overall, the course has some real beauty and can be somewhat forgiving.  A challenging course for all skill levels.

The golf course is open to the public.

McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Joint Base, New Jersey

There are three Military facilities and three golf courses, Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force Base and Lakehurst Naval Air Station.

Fort Dix:   The Fountain Green Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that measures 6,389 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 70.6 with a slope of 118.  The designer is unknown and the course was originally opened in 1947.

The Rye grass fairways at the Fountains Green course are hilly and tree lined.  The greens are small and fast.  Water hazards come into play on three holes.  This is a very challenging little course with a little water and plenty of sand.  The course has many beautiful holes and nice scenic views.

McGuire Air Force Base:   The Falcon Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par71 course that measures 6,659 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 72.2 with a slope of 126.  The course was designed Ken Brookreson and was originally opened in 1958.

The course features a creek that meanders throughout the course on both the front and back nine.  The greens vary in size and speed and its tree lined fairways are well bunkered.  Water hazards come into play on two holes.  The course is always a pleasure to play and is challenging but fair.  Lots of wildlife often are encountered and there are many beautiful views.

There is talk that this course is to be CLOSED in the next few years.  Just talk I hope.

Lakehurst Naval Air Station   The Pineridge Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,093 yards from the tees.  This course has a rating of 44.0 and a slope of 113.  The designer of the course is unknown and it was opened in 1960.

The course layout runs through the housing area and the open fields on the base.  Not too challenging or scenic except for the hugh hangers built for the old air ships.  This is the place of the Hindenburg disaster.

 

All the golf courses are for the military and their guests only.

Cherry Point Marine Corps Air Station, North Carolina

The “Sounds of Freedom” Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,842 yards from the back tees.  This is the first golf course ever designed by George W. Cobb.  This 18-hole championship course has a rating of 70.8 and a slope of 120 and the course opened in 1943.  Located in Havelock, North Carolina, the course was re-designed by Clyde Johnston and re-opened in 2003.

The course is located on the Neuse River and the course is packed with stunning scenic views of the river.  The fairways are lined with numerous mature trees and lush vegetation.  The greens feature Ultra Dwarf Hybrid Bermuda grass making them smooth and fast.

Known as one of the best in eastern North Carolina, it delivers a distinctive golf experience.  The course features character and undulations that are unrivaled in our area and difficult to find anywhere else in the country.

The golf course is open to the public.

Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida

The A.C. Read Golf Club is a 45-hole golf facility located on Pensacola NAS.  The facility has an Executive 18-hole course, a Par 60 at 4,268 yards, and three 9-hole, Par 36 course.  The courses have a parkland style layout with pine tree lined fairways over a flat land.  The greens are on the large side, a bit elevated, and there’s some water in play.

The Oaks Golf Course:   The course is 4,268 yards from the men’s tees and has a rating of 60.5 with a slope of 95.  The course opened in 1962.

The course is a demanding course with some long Par 3’s.  However, the tree lined fairways afford generous landing areas.  There are no water hazards, but there are several sand bunkers incorporated into the design.

The Championship 9-hole Courses:   The course has three 9 hole, Par 36 layouts.    The Bayou Course, the Lakeview Course, and the Bayview Course.  All three 9-hole courses can be combined to form different 18 hole combinations.  The three 9-hole courses first opened for play in the 1940’s and were designed by William Amick.  They were updated and redesigned in the 1990’s by Jerry Pate.

The courses are tight and have narrow well bunkered fairways.  there are many Oak trees lining the fairways and water hazards come into play on several holes.  The main challenge on these holes is the many well-placed greenside bunkers.  These courses are great for the low handicapper.  Tee shot accuracy is a must in surviving the courses.

Paris Island Marine Corps Recruit Depot, South Carolina

The Legends Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that plays 6,534 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by George W. Cobb & Fred Findley and opened in 1947.  In 2000 the course was redesigned by Clyde Johnston and in 2005 Clyde Johnston upgraded it again and the current course has a rating of 73.3 with a slope of 131.

 

The Legends Course offers a unique golfing experience with a challenging layout.  The course has spectacular oak trees draped in Spanish moss that line the fairways.  It has small greens, beautiful marshland and plenty of water hazards not to mention the sand traps/bunkers.   The layout is fun for the beginner yet challenging for the most advanced.  The course has a beautiful setting near the Atlantic coast beaches.

The course truly is a legend, having been rated as one of the top military golf courses in the world.  Yet it is not known to the outside world because it is tucked away from the crowds and is a place of peaceful solitude.   No other golf course has both the beauty of nature and also the activity and sounds of Marine Boot camp.  This is the only course that has named each hole for a former Marine.

This course is restricted to the military only and their guests.

Eglin Air Force Base, Florida

Eglin AFB has two championship golf courses located in Niceville Florida.  The Eagle Course and the Falcon Course are both Par 72 layouts with Bermuda grass fairways and greens.

The Eagle Course is a very challenging layout that measures 6,652 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 71.8 and a slope of 126.  With many water hazards that come into play on five holes, the course is also hilly with very few flat lies.  The course was originally opened in 1925 and the designer is unknown.  The Eagle Course was re-designed in 2008 and is considered to be a much easier course to play.  It is suggested that golfers should play the Eagle Course first then play the much harder Falcon Course.

The Falcon Course was also opened in 1925 and it measures 6,869 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 73.8 and a slope of 135.  The layout was designed to be very challenging with water hazards, very hilly, few flat lies and there is an “endangered species hazard” that also comes into play a few times.

The Eglin AFB courses are highly rated; ranked the #1 in AFMC, ranked the #3 in U.S. Military course, and ranked 61^st in the state of Florida.  These courses are a must for the avid golfer.

Both golf courses are open to the public. 

Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, Texas

The Gulf Winds Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that plays at 6,410 yards from the back tees.  The course designer is not known but the course opened in 1955.  The current course rating is 70.4 with a slope of 114.

The original Gulf Winds course was a 6-hole layout which expanded to a 12-hole course.  In 1985 the course became an 18-hole course.  The military personnel, some of whom maintain the course in exchange for green fees, keep this course in excellent condition

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The golf course has forgiving, wide open fairways.   Your approaches to the small green must be accurate.  A two putt should not be exceeded.  Watch out for the south-east winds which tend to make play that much more interesting.  There are two ponds and a creek that come into play on six holes.  The rough is some of the the meanest, thickest, toughest that I have ever tried to play out of, unbelievable.

This course is for the military only.