Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Francis E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming

The Warren Golf Course is an 18-hole par 72 course located at F.E.Warren AFB, Wyoming.  The course measures 6,729 yards from the back tees with a rating of 69.7 with a slope of 114.  The course is flat with many trees and sand bunkers and wild life.  I played the course in July.  You often see deer and antelope in the fairway and rough and at the tee boxes.  The course is known as the best golf value in the area.


This military golf course is open to the public.


Director of Golf      Carroll C. Sharrett              307=773-3556

Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama

There are two golf courses at Maxwell AFB.  The River Course and the University Course.


The River Golf Course:  This 18-hole, Par-71 course measures 6,245 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 69.8 and a slope of 120.  The course was designed by Joseph Finger and is the older of the two courses.  The course runs along the banks of the Alabama River and is in a flood plain.  Both courses can play to your liking depending on your selection of tees, with four sets of tees.  We played the course in January and it was in excellent condition.  This is an above average course with many elevation changes.


The University Course:  This 18-hole, Par-72 course measures 6,917 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 72.9 and a slope of 125.  The designed is not known or is the opening date.  The course is very flat and generally straight and wide and above average, with 10 holes with water on them and tree lined fairways.  The varying degree of difficulty promises a memorable golf experience for all.    Both golf courses are maintained by Federal inmates at the federal prison camp on the base so just remember that the guy mowing the grass is a federal felon so be careful with miss hits.

This military golf course is open to the public.

Coronado Naval Base, North Island Naval Air Station, California

The Sea ‘N Air Golf Course located at the North Island NAS, California is an 18- hole par-72 course, .that measures 6,382 yards from the back tees with a rating of 70.3 and a 117 slope.  The course was designed by Jack Daray and opened in 1959.  The course was renovated by Jack Daray and constructed by his son Halsey Daray.  


The Sea ‘N Air Golf Course is the only course in the San Diego, besides Torrey Pines, that sits right on the Pacific Ocean and is the only golf course to play at sea level.  The signature hole is #14.  We found the greens fast and undulating, soft, and a challenge.  The aircraft overhead add to the ambiance of the course.  It’s the sound of freedom to all ex-military everywhere.  As we played the course, we enjoyed the spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean along the back 9-holes where you'll practically play next to the shoreline.

This is a military golf course and is for military personnel and there guest only.


Director of Golf.     Jim Higgins   619-545-6959

Edwards Air Force Base, California

Muroc Lake Golf Course is the course at Edwards AFB.  This 18-hole par 72 course measures 6,915 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 73.5 and a 129 slope over 185 acres.  The course was designed by William F. Bell and was open for play in 1967.  The golf course blends natural desert beauty with well-maintained greens to create an enjoyable 18 hole championship golf course.  The course which features fast greens and manicured fairways is surrounded by desert landscaping, allowing local golfers another great golf course.  We also had a great breakfast.


This military golf course is open to the public.


Director of Golf      Howard Kuroda      661-275-7888

Fort Rucker, Alabama

The Silver Wings Golf Courses originally started as an 18-hole, par-72 course, with the existing Red and Blue courses.  The course measures 6,825 yards from the back tees and is rated at 72.8 and a 125 slope.  The course was designed by Elis Maples and in 1965 the course was opened for play.  In 1992 an additional 9 holes was opened for play and designed by D.M. Tarks.  The 9 hole course (White Course) measures at 3,346 yard.

The three golf courses, (Red, White and Blue) have outstanding champion Bermuda greens and one of the most challenging layouts with numerous hardwood and pine that gently roll through scenic elevation changes.  All three courses have subtle differences.  The Red and Blue courses are straight forward while the White course has more target areas to hit.  Many of the holes are flat and wide open.  With three 9 hole courses, golfers can play any two courses for an ever changing layout.


This Military Golf Course is open to the public.   

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Quantico Marine Corps Base, Virginia

Medal of Honor Golf Course is located at Quantico MCB, Virginia. The 18 hole course is a par 72 that measures 6,729 yards, with a rating of 72.8 and a 131 slope.

 This historic golf course, originally called “The Officer Club Golf Course” opened in 1930 as a six hole course built by Marine Corps Construction Personnel.  Ernest Stanley completed the first expansion, to 9 holes, in 1934.  In 1940 the course was expanded again by Stanley, to 18 holes.  The course was renamed the Medal of Honor Golf Course, in the memory of Marines who have been awarded the nation’s highest honor.

The course has become a popular retreat for Commander-In-Chiefs, starting in the 1950’s with President Dwight Eisenhower.  Presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, George H. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Oboma have also spent time at these tees.

The course is a tight layout, placing a premium on shot-making in order to avoid mature trees, sand bunkers and water lining the sculptured Bermuda fairways and well protected small greens.  Shot selection is the key in order to enjoy your round at this old style course.  The course is fantastic and is a must play if you are in the area.

The course is open to the public.


G.M.   David Hansiger       703-784-2424

Patrick Air Force Base, Florida

Manatee Cove Golf Course is a picturesque 18-hole golf course at Patrick Air Force Base, Florida.  It is located between the Banana River and the Atlantic Ocean.  It covers 260 acres and is shared by many wild animal species.  The par 72 course is measured at 6,808 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 71.9, and a 123 slope. The course, which opened in 1950, was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr.  In 2002 the course was renovated by Tom Fazio, with the greens being reconstructed in 2007 by using a new sea shore grass called Paspallum.

The first tee is alongside the Manatee Cove of the Banana River and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to see a few manatees.

The golf course is on a military installation and is open to the public.


G.M.   Jody Clor       321-494-4653

MacDill Air Force Base, Florida

Bay Palms Golf Courses at MacDill AFB, FL. Consist of two 18 hole golf course:  The North Course and the South Course.

Bay Palm South.  This course is an 18 hole par 72 course that measures 6,768 yards from the back tees, with a rating of 72.2 and a slope of 121.  The South course opened for play in 1986 and is one of the most scenic and challenging course that I have played in the Air Force.   In addition to astoundingly beautiful views of the bay, the course boasts elevated greens, many water hazards, and large lakes and ponds. There is also an abundance of natural vegetation, such as palms, mango groves, and live oaks.

Named Best Golf Course in the Air Force in 2002, the course is challenging and well worth the trip to southern Florida.

Bay Palm North.  The North course is the older of the two courses. This 18 hole par 72 course measures 6,446 yards from the back tees, with a rating 70.4 and a slope of 120.  Also known as “Paradise by the Bay”, this course offers yet another opportunity to experience great views of the bay, trees and vegetation.  There are some water hazards, but the course is relatively flat with fast greens.
While Bay Palm North is less challenging than the south course, the player experience is equally enjoyable and visually appealing.
 

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

Fort Belvior, Virginia

There are two 18 hole golf courses located at Fort Belvior, VA. The Gunston Course and the Woodlawn Course.

Gunston Course:  The 18 hole par 72 course measures 6,854 yards from the back tees with a rating of 74.1 and a slope of 135.  The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. and it opened for play in 1948.  These courses were built on hilly terrain and have narrow fairways lined with many trees that can affect your shot. We noticed a slight slant to the terrain on many holes, small greens are slightly sloped.  The water comes into play on hole #2.

Woodlawn Course:  The 18 hole par 72 course that measures 6,781 yards from the back tees with a rating of 73.9 and a slope of 133. Opened for play in 1995, this course was designed by Tom Clark.  The signature hole is Hole #2.  A green protected by two large sand bunkers requires players to choose between two downhill fairways for the approach in order to achieve the par 4.
  

  This Military Golf Course is for Military and there guest.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Fort Campbell, Kentucky

The Cole Park Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course covering 350 acres on prime real estate.   This par 72 course is 6,843 yards from the back tees with a rating of 72.3 and a 124 slope. The designer is unknown and was opened in 1947.  In 1970 the course was renovated by Larry Packard.  The first 11 holes have several dramatic elevation changes then back to flat terrain for the final 7 holes.

Bent grass greens, Bermuda fairways, mature trees lining the course, and scenic views with elevation changes make the course excellent for golfers of all skill levels.

Cole Park Golf Course is a military facility that is open to the public.  Please call for rules and regulations.


G.M.   David Normand                  (270) 798-4906       

Monday, October 7, 2013

Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii

Mamala Bay Golf Course is an 18-hole course, par 72, measuring 6,868 Yards from the back tees, with a rating of 71.9 and a slope of 129.  Opened in 1965 and designed by BoB Bollack.  It has Bermuda grass on fairways and greens, tree lined fairways and ocean front views on four holes.  All in all, this course has beautiful views and settings.

Hickam Air Force Base shares the main runway with Honolulu National airport so there is a continuous line of various military aircraft and commercial aircraft taking off during your round of golf.  It is hard to beat Mamala Bay with its view of the Pacific Ocean, Mamala Bay and Diamond Head plus a front row seats at a free air show.


Mamala Bay Golf Course is a typical golf course that you would find in Hawaii.  It has wide open fairways, palm trees, ocean breezes and flat greens.  The course layout is designed so that golfers of all skill levels will have a very enjoyable experience. Please put this course on your must play list while in Hawaii.




Ke’aloh Golf Course is a 9-hole course, par 27 that measures 1406 yards with no rating or slope.  The golf course is designed with light so golfing at night is available. This 9 hole course is a great place for families, beginners, warm up, cool down or just practice.

Pearl Harbor, Hawaii

The Navy Marine Golf Course is another 18-hole, par 72 course that was designed by William P. Bell and opened in 1948. It was built with Bermuda grass on fairways and greens.  The course was revised by Robert M. Lohmann in 2006 and now measures 6,754 yards from the back tees with a rating of 73.4 and a slope of 123.

The course is wide and open so miss hits can be recovered with some easy.  It’s an excellent course with considerable Hawaii beauty in and around.  The course is very well laid out and is set up for golfers regardless of skill levels.  It is very enjoyable and relaxing to play and known for its central location and well maintained layout and great scenery.  A must play course when in Hawaii.


The Barber Point Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course that is located in the Ewa Beach area on Essex Road.  The course designer is unknown  and opened in 1960, measuring 6,754 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 73.4 and a slope of 123.  The course is very flat and easy to play if you stay in the fairway.  If you hit wide you will be in big trouble.  The course is laid out in the woods and is an easy course to walk and a beautiful and enjoyable experience.


Both are military courses and the military has priority, but are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis.

Hill Air Force Base, Utah

The Hubbard Golf Course is an 18-hole course at Hill Air Force Base, Utah.  This par 72 course is 7,137 yards from the back tees and is rated at 72.6 and has a slope of 121.  The course was designed by Stanley W. Hadden & Lee Stotern and was first opened in 1952.  The course was renovated and the first 9 holes opened in 1961, with the second 9 holes completed in 1962.


Hubbard Golf Course has been voted the number one golf course in the Air Force for the last two years.  The golf course has hilly, tree lined fairways.  Many sand bunkers have been incorporated into the course design, plus water hazards come into play on two holes.  With views of the mountains and the main runway at Hill AFB, and numerous beautiful scenic views, the course is an enjoyable golf experience.

Hubbard Golf Course is open to military and guest only.


G.M.   Tony Angelico         (801) 777-3272

Scholfield Barracks, Hawaii

The Leilehua Golf Course is located between Wheeler Army Air Field and Mililami Tech Park and is known as one of the premier golf courses in the state of Hawaii. This 18-hole, par 72 course is 6,916 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 72.2 with a 129 slope. Designed and built by Army Corps of Engineers and Walter J. Nagorski, it opened for play in 1945.  The course was renovated in 2011 by Mark Miller of Miller Designs, with new greens, tree complexes, sand bunkers and cart paths.

The Leilehue Golf Course is the army’s premier golf course. With sweeping views of the mountains, the course is layed out and is surrounded in a lush and tropical setting with scenic views of Oahu, large trees, and mountains.  The golf course challenges all skill levels with its rolling greens, picturesque fairways and stunning scenery.  The renovation of the golf course is now complete.



Leilehua Golf Course is open to the public but the military has priority.

Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona

The Blanchard Golf Course is an 18-hole par 72 course that is located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in southern Arizona.  The course measures 6,611 yards from the back tees and has a 70.6 rating with a 128 slope.  Designed and built by Air Force Civil Engineers, the course opened for play in 1961 with Bermuda grass on the fairways and greens surrounded by Arizona’s desert landscaping, mountain views and a large air craft storage facility.


In the last few years the greens and tee boxes have been improved. However, it is still a flat desert golf course with some water on three holes and a lot of sand.  Play this golf course before you play Falcon Dunes at Luke AFB.  This course is great for beginners and a fine facility for practicing your game.


The golf course is open to the public.  Just ask the guards at the main and after a security check a pass can be granted.

Fort Huachuca, Arizona

The Mountain View Golf Course is an 18-hole, par 72 course at historic Fort Huachuca, a national landmark in the high desert country.  The course was designed by Ed Collett and opened for play in 1945, measuring 6,879 yards from the back tees and a rating of 71.9 with a 126 slope.  In 1970 the course was renovated by Art Sneider.  At an elevation of 5,300 feet, the scenic mountain views, desert landscape and desert wild life make this course very enjoyable and relaxing.



The scenic 18th hole is a great finishing hole with beautiful scenic views.  The course has few sand bunkers, but it does have numerous grass bunkers.  A lake and creek come into play on hole #4.
 

The golf course is located off the post and is opened to the public.

Fort Shafter, Hawaii

The Nagorski Golf Course located at Fort Shafter, Hawaii, a 9-hole, par 34 course that measures 2,837 yards from the back tees.  The course opened for play in 1925.  Nested in the foothills of Fort Shafter Valley, the course is a perfect place for the beginner to learn the game as well as for the seasoned golfer to keep their game honed.  It is still a challenge with its undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes, small greens and breath-taking views of downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head.

The 9-hole course is a Military Golf Course and is also open to the public.

WALTER JOSEPH NAGORSKI
August 4, 1917 – May 5, 1986

This golf course is named in honor of WALTER JOSEPH NAGORSKI who served the army golf community in Hawaii for 42 years.  Walter, a lifetime member of the P.G.A., arrived in Hawaii in 1944 as a Private First Class assigned at Scholfield Barracks.  While still in the army, he began to apply his golf talent by providing golf instruction and assisting in the management of the golf program.  Following his discharge and having fallen in love with the island lifestyle, Walter remained and became the golf professional at the Fort Shafter Golf Course.  He served at Fort Shafter for 25 years and was a friend to all golfers from private to general officer. Throughout the years Walter gave unselfishly of his time and talent for the good of golf.  He was a consultant on the design and construction of the Leilehua Golf Course (1946-1949).  He started the first junior golf program in Hawaii in 1947, calling it the “Ice Cream and Soda Pop” tournament.  He was the driving force in getting full recognition for Hawaii’s golf professionals in the P.G.A. (1975).  He encouraged young men and women to take an active role in the Turfgrass Association of Hawaii.  He redesigned the Fort Shafter Golf Course in the 1950’s and 1960’s, lengthening and strengthening the character of the golf course.  He Became the Ground Superintendent of all three Army golf courses in 1972 and soon became an expert in that field. Through sheer determination, study and pure hard work, he became a leader in the Turfgrass field in Hawaii.


            The United States Army Support Command, Hawaii and the United States Army Western Command were pleased to name this course in honor of WALTER J. NAGORSKI, a proven professional, a citizen/soldier and a leader in the army and civilian community of Hawaii.