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.