Lackland Air Force Base, Texas

The Gateway Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,917 yards from the back tees, with a current rating of 73.1 and a slope of 125.  The original course designer is not known and the course originally opened in 1946.

This is a typical Texas layout with narrow mesquite tree lined fairways and a creek which you often encounter during your round of golf.  The 9^th hole plays up a steep hill and is a real challenge if not played correctly.  The same is true for the 18^th green.  The course has many extreme elevations changes, some with outstanding views of downtown San Antonio.

I played the course on a golf trip to San Antonio in 2010 and as the picture above shows, it rained on the second day and the creek became a LAKE.  After a day or two it was back to normal challenging course that will test golfers of all skill levels.

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

United States Air Force Academy, Colorado

The Air Force Academy has two outstanding golf courses on the Academy grounds:  The Eisenhower Blue Course and the Eisenhower Silver Course.

The Blue Course-is an 18 hole championship course, this par-72 course measures 7,301 yards from the back tees with a rating of 73.6 and a slope of 135.  The course was designed by the great Robert Trent Jones Sr. and first opened in 1963.

We played this course in the fall and it was in excellent condition.  It is the most challenging of the two courses.  There are long holes, wide fairways, doglegs, bunkers, good seeded greens and water on one hole.  The layout has no two holes the same with the most amazing wildlife throughout the courses.  The greens are large and as tough as they come.  The beautiful Rampart Range Mountains are part of the Rocky Mountains and can be seen from most fairways.  This is a must play and probably the best in the Air Force inventory.

The Silver Course, another 18-hole par-72 course also on the Academy grounds, measuring 6,510 yards from the back tees with a rating of 70.6 and a slope of 127.  The course was designed by Frank Hummel and opened in 1977.

This course is easier on your game, with light bunkering and three holes with water.  But it’s still demanding with a premium placed on accuracy rather than length.  A great mountain course with elevated tees and sloping fairways which can get very tight.  The greens are large, fast, and are very difficult to read correctly, and remember all putts break away from the mountains.  The Rampart Mountain Range offers numerous scenic views and also beautiful views of the low rolling foot hills, just outstanding. 

Both the Blue and the Silver golf courses are well worth the trip and the price and are open to the public.

Fort Richardson, Alaska

The Moose Run Golf Facility has two 18-hole, Par 72 courses.  The Hill Course and The Creek Course.  Both courses have numerous majestic views of landscape and wildlife, and are a challenging test of your golfing skills.

The Hill Course:  The original course was built in 1955 as a 9-hole course; additional 9-holes were added to make the existing layout.  The current course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,482 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 69.8 with a slope of 119.  A company of combat engineers built the course and it opened in 1955. 

  While the Hill Course has “postage stamp” size greens, the fairways are wide and forgiving to make a round of golf a challenging affair.  The wooded course has spruce and birch tree lining all the fairways.  The front 9 holes are hilly, while the back 9 holes are somewhat flat.  The water hazards come into play on a few holes and will promise a memorable golf experience for both the novice and the experienced golfer alike.

The Creek Course:   This 18-hole, Par 72 course measures 7,324 yards from the back tees with a course rating of 78.0 and a slope of 142.  The course was designed by Robin Nelson and opened in 2000.  Mr. Nelson has the ability to build a golf course that is sensitive to the topography of the land, preserves the character of the land and makes the game of golf fun.

The Creek Course is one of the most challenging golf course in the state and perhaps the most challenging that most golfers have ever played.  This is the longest golf course in Alaska and it has the longest single hole, the #11 hole, Par 5 at 649 yards.  Two of the holes, #6 and #11, play through reclaimed gravel pits and are known for their breathtaking scenic views, some of the best in Alaska.

Both golf courses are open to the public.

Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska

The Eagleglen Golf Course was an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,687 yards from the back tees, and has a rating of 71.6 and a slope of 126.  The course was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. and was built by the Corps of Engineers, and opened in 1970.

While the golf course was open, it was nestled in the ship wreck drainage basin.  The Eagleglen course can play to your liking depending on your selection of tees.  The golf course takes the golfer on a journey through part golf course, part arboretum, and part national park all-in-one.  The designer utilized the natural terrain and the meandering river that adds an additional challenge. This tree lined course is more traditional golf with “risk and reward” challenges throughout the course.  The best word I can us to describe the course is Majestic.  It has beautiful mature trees throughout the course.

 

Built for the military personnel of Elmendorf Air Force Base, the golf course was one of the premier golf facility in Alaska.  Unfortunately, the golf course was closed in May 2014 and became the Eagleglen Fitness Park.

Fort Wainwright, Alaska

The Chena Bend Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 7,012 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 73.6 with a slope of 128.  The course was designed and built by Jerry Matthews and opened in 1942.

Chena Bend course is nestled between the East end of the Fort Wainwright Air Field and the Chena River, with many holes that run along the river.  The tree lined course is more traditional golf with every hole in keeping with the natural topography along the river.  It is wooded, rolling and a spectacular course with varying degrees of difficulty that promise a memorable golf experience.

The course was rated by “Golf Digest” as Alaska’s best for 1999, 2007, 2008, 2009, and received a four-star rating in the 2008 and 2009 Edition of “Golf Digest” best places to play.   The golf course is the “Farthest North Military Golf Course” in the United States and in the summer the last tee time is 9:30 pm.  So if you’re in the area during the summer you can basically golf 20 hours a day if you choose.

The golf course is open to the public. 

Kodiak Coast Guard Integrated Support Command, Alaska

The Bear Valley Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 2,805 yards from the men’s tees.  The course first opened for play in 1986, and was designed by Richard L. Blackburn & Wayne Berry.

While in Anchorage Alaska in July of 2014, I decided to travel to Kodiak Island just to play golf.  The golf course is the only one on the island and is located in a valley next to Pyramid Mountain.  This well maintained course offers numerous majestic scenic views and numerous wildlife encounters.  I played the course and found a variety of uphill and downhill approaches which had me second guessing my next shot.  Like many other courses, the par three holes are incredible.  There are elevation changes combined with natural obstructions that definitely get your attention.  The trees come into play on the narrow fairways and the greens are small and fast.  Water hazards and ditches come into play on five holes and the course plays longer than the posted yardage.

This was the hardest course to get to.  The location of the golf course on Kodiak Island makes getting to it a massive challenge for most people.  You either have to take a ferry or a small plane, and the ferry doesn’t run very often.   However, the true die-hard golfers will always find a way.  Unfortunately, rumor has it that golf course is to be closed at the end of this season.

The golf course is currently open to the public and local wild life.

Fort Meade, Maryland

Both golf courses, the Applewood Course and the Park Course are now closed.

Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas

The Wind Creek Golf course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 7,028 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 74.0 and a slope of 131.  The course was designed by Spencer Ellis and opened 1958.

It’s an outstanding golf course with a fairly flat layout.  The local golfers tell you that the course looks much easier than it actually plays.  The course is characterized by wades landing area off the tee.  The course has 40 bunkers and three ponds and a creek that runs through the course that affects 5 holes on the back nine.  This is a challenging course with some scenic views and a few aircraft flying around.

The course is open to the public.

Shaw Air Force Base, South Carolina

The Carolina Lakes Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-71 course that plays 6,363 yards from the back tees.  The designer of the course is unknown but it opened in 1954 with a rating of 70.3 and a slope of 121.

The course was designed with wide open fairways that are well bunkered and the greens are medium size with easy access.  The course has three ponds that come into play on several holes.  The holes are spaced well apart from each other.  The tree lined fairways demand an accurate tee shot.  The numerous scenic views can make for a most enjoyable and relaxing round of golf.

The golf course is for the military only.

Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma

The Tinker Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,735 yards from the back tees.  The course was designed by Floyd Farley and opened in 1961 with a rating of 72.1 and a slope of 121.

The course is a fairly flat layout that has water hazards that come into play on several holes.  Club selection is difficult due to the constant swirling winds.  The tree lined fairways and greens make ball placement very important, with small fast greens.  The low flying jets that frequently cross over the course can be a bit distracting at times but still a very challenging course.

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

United states Naval Academy, Maryland

The United States Naval Academy golf course first opened in 1916 and was originally a 9-hole course located adjacent to the Academy yard.  The current golf course was acquired by the Academy around 1939.  The course was redesigned by William Flynn to become an 18-hole, par-71 course that measures 6,528 yards from the back tees with a rating of 71.8, and a slope of 128.

The course is challenging with many of the greens elevated above the fairway. Hole number 17 is especially challenging with a small green setting atop a small hill.  Accuracy off the tee box is essential.  The course is lined with large, mature trees guarding the fairways and greens.

The golf course is open to the public and is open tor round, weather permitting.

Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico

The Apache Mesa Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par-36 course the measures 3,488 yards from the tees.  This 9-hole course is usually played as an 18 hole course with two sets of tees per hole.  The course designer is not known but the course was opened for play in 1958.

The desert style layout has predominantly flat terrain, but the course plays longer than it looks.  Water hazards come in to play on four holes.  There are also some trees, sand bunkers, desert landscaping and great mountain views throughout the course.  Remember, it gets a little hot in the summer.

This golf course is also open to the public.

  

Fort Monmoth, New Jersey

The Suneagle Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,385 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 70.7 with a slope of 121.  The course was originally designed and built by A.W. Tillinghast and opened in 1926.  The Suneagle country club opened as a private country club on May 29, 1926.  In 1913, the members purchased the club and named it the Monmoth County country club.  The Army purchased the club in 1942 for the incredible low price of $42,000, which included the clubhouse, golf course, swimming pool, tennis courts and the polo field that is now known as the Charles Wood housing area.

Although Suneagle golf course has changed while being under the ownership of the US Army it is still known as a challenging and rewarding golf course and one of the premier Army golf courses in the world.

The golf course is open to the public.

Fort Polk, Louisiana

Warrior Hills Golf Course is an 18-hole Par-72 course that measures 6,514 yards from the back tees and is located on Fort Polk, Louisiana.  The course layout is adequate length for the average regulation course with a rating of 71.8 and a slope of 124.  The course first opened in 1949 and the designer is unknown.

The course is built on a rolling hill area with tall pine trees lining the fairway and greens.  When we played the course, it was fall and the leaves were all gone and the fairways were in bad shape, but the layout, tees, elevation changes, and the greens were in excellent condition.  Some holes are quite challenging and at the same time, some holes on the course were very forgiving.  We would like to play this course again in the summer time.  I think it would be a different experience.

This golf course is also open to the public.

Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho

The Silver Sage Golf Course is an 18-hole Par-72 course that measures 6,934 yards from the back tees.  It has a rating of 71.3 and a slope rating of 125.  The course was designer by Bob E. Baldock and originally opened in 1953.  In 2012 the course was redesigned by Golf Creations of Marengo, Illinois.

The golf course is set in the high desert of Idaho and successfully uniting golf with native habitats.  The course features Dominant Extreme Creeping Bent Grass which provides an undulating, firm, fast putting surface.  From the back tees the course will pose a challenge to even the most accomplished golfer.  The new USGA bunkers will add a challenge to nearly every approach shot.

 

 

The golf course is open to the public.

Vandenberg Air Force Base, California

The Marshallia Ranch Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par-72 course that measures 6,845 yards from the back tees. The course has a course rating of 73.4 with a slope of 130.  The course was designed by Bob Putman and originally opened in 1958.

One of the top rated golf courses among the active military bases. Located between Vandenberg AFB and the Santa Maria mountains, the grounds include the 167 year old Marshallia Ranch House.  This is a championship course in the coastal mountains of California. It is challenging, peaceful and beautiful, with fairways cut through the wooded terrain and rye grass.  The best word I could use to describe the course is Majestic, with beautifull mature trees ans absolutely beautiful scenic views.  Wildlife is abundant with songbirds, coyote, deer and maybe a wild boar.  When I played the course in March, we had some serious fog in the morning with blustery ocean winds and frequent patches of golf ball-grabbing ice plants. The staff was very helpful.  The clubhouse is fully stocked with the latest logo fashions and equipment. The facility also includes a snack bar, large dining and patio area, and men and ladies locker rooms. The driving range is convenient to the clubhouse. Oh, did I mention that the Marshallia Ranch House is available for Temporary Military Living?  Marshallia Ranch is a definite course to replay soon.

Manager:   Tracy Bowles       805-73401333         Tracy.Bowles@vandenberg@af.mil

Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center, Arkansas

The Deer Run Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par-36 layout that measures 3,031 yards from the back tees.  The course is in naturally beautiful park like setting of Chaffee Crossing in Fort Smith, Arkansas.  The Designer of the course is not known but it opened in 1948.

The course winds through the woods with tee lined fairways and greens.  The greens were in excellent condition when we play there.  The greens have hybrid Bermuda grass and are known for being the best in the county.  This is a good course for the everyday golfer and a fair challenge for the lower handicappers.

The golf course is also open to the public.

Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida. The Next Military Golf Trip.

Our military golf trip started in December of 2010 in the Pensacola Florida area.  Ltc. Dennis Casazza and Msg. John Zook departed the Chicago area with a destination of Phoenix Arizona.  So, the golf odyssey starts.  We played Fort Knox KY., Fort Campbell KY., Maxwell AFB AL., and then to Eglin AFB FL.  We stayed in TML at Eglin AFB for a few days and played the courses in the area.  (Eglin AFB, Hurlbert Field, Pensacola NAS, and Whiting Field NAS,)

On the first day of our Florida adventure we checking in to the Air Force Inn and then headed for the Eagle Golf Course which is one of the two courses at Eglin AFB (located off the base).  Both courses are quite challenging and in excellent condition.  Both have many scenic views of the hilly layout.  We finished the day with some excellent fresh sea food and a cigar.

The second day found us at Hurlbert Field’s Gater Lakes Golf Course.  This is the place where the Air Force trains there Special Operation Force.  The course is a little easier and has a flatter layout design with narrow tree lined fairways and small guarded greens.  But beware; it does have some water hazards.

 

The third day brought us back to Eglin AFB and on the Falcon Golf Course.  It’s a more difficult course but still every enjoyable.  We found a great steak house near the course in Niceville.  And again we ended the day with a cigar and a beer.

On the fourth day, we checked out of the TML and started on the way west to Arizona.  We stopped at Pensacola NAS for the final round of golf for now.  The course has three 9-hole courses.  The courses are a typical Florida layout.  Flat with wide tree lined fairways, some sand and a little water and challenging for all skill levels.  The Naval Air Museum is a must see if you are in the area.

After leaving Pensacola NAS, we went to Keesler AFB MS., Fort Polk LA., Barksdale AFB LA., Dyess AFB TX., Holloman AFB NM., White Sands Missile Range NM., Fort Bliss TX., Fort  Huachuca AZ., Davis-Monthan AFB AZ., and finally to Luke AFB AZ.

On my way back to Chicago  in May of 2011, I drove back east on US Route 10 through Florida and stopped and played Tyndall AFB, Fort Rucker AL. and Redstone Arsenal AL. to complete all the golf courses in the Pensacola area and Alabama.

During our travels we try to use the TML (Temporary Military Lodging) on post, we have found the staff to be very helpful and courteous, and it’s a great source of information on restaurants, and activities in the area.  We have played many outstanding military golf courses and some average courses, and a few that are very unique and unforgettable.  Remember, there are no bad golf courses, some are just better than others.  It’s up to the golfer to make it an enjoyable experience or not.  The staff at all of the military golf courses are helpful and a joy to work with.   But everyone should find out for themselves.  GO PLAY A MILITARY GOLF COURSE TODAY.  

Jacksonville Naval Air Station, Florida

Jacksonville NAS has three 9-hole courses, The Red Course, The White Course, and The Blue Course.  These courses can be played in three different configurations, such as:   Red/White            6,890 Yards             72.8               132

       White/Blue            6,248 Yards             70.1               131

        Blue/Red             6,142 Yards              69.5               125

The Red course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,392 Yards from the back tees.  This course is an open and entertaining course with wide open fairways and large flat greens.

The White Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,498 Yards from the back tees.  This course is just plain evil and very challenging.

The Blue Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 2,931 Yards from the back tees.  This course is a more difficult course.

We played all the courses.  The courses can play to your liking depending on your selection of courses and the tees.  With four sets of tees, your decision should be easy.  The varying degree of difficulty promises a memorable golf experience for both the novice and the experienced golfers alike.  The courses had Bermuda grass fairways and greens with mature trees and green vegetation.  There are lakes, ponds and creeks throughout the courses.  Just watch out for the alligators.  The courses at Jacksonville NAS are a must play experience at a great price.

The gold courses are restricted to military personnel and their guests.

Camp Joseph T. Robinson, Arkansas

The Camp Robinson Golf Course currently is a nine hole, Par-35 that measures 2,675 yards.  The course was designed and built by volunteers and post engineers and originally opened in the middle 60’s.

 

The building of the golf course started a hole at a time by volunteers and by using any material, help and equipment that could be found.  Eventually, after years of work, they had nine holes and it remains that way today.  The golf course was operated by the army but after 9/11/2001 was taken over by Billy & Jo Ann Hodge.

The course is an enjoyable little layout that is easy to walk.  The layout has the golfer playing through the post, with some water, trees, bushes and a ditch.  The course is great for the beginner or to sharpen your skills.  The signature hole is #5. A par 4, dogleg right over water, a very scenic hole.

The Golf Course is open to the public.

Pine Bluff Arsenal, Arkansas

The Pine Bluff Arsenal Golf course is a 9-hole, Par-34 course that measures 2,340 yards.  The course was designed and built by volunteers and post engineers and opened in the late 1960’s.

The nine hole course winds through the post and the housing areas.  The toughest hole is Hole #1.  This hole always plays longer than it looks because of the houses behind the green.  The easiest hole is #8 which is an easy par 4.  The course has two sets of tees so the second nine holes are different.  This make for a par 67, 18-hole course.

 

This is a little golf escape at the arsenal.  The course is a short, fairly flat with some sand.  The course is great for beginners or just to sharpen your skills.  It’s a nice relaxing course.

The golf course is open to the military and the public.

Robins Air Force Base, Georgia

The Pine Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 71 course that measures 6,258 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 69.6 with a slope of 128.  The designer of the course is unknown and the course opened in 1951.

The golf course layout to be cut through a forest of Georgia Pine trees and the course is set on rolling terrain with stunning views of the surrounding hills.  It has wide Bermuda grass tree lined fairways and greens guarded by sand and vegetation.  The greens are large and fast.  There are a few holes with narrow fairways that demand accurate ball placement.  The design of the course has the ability to test the advanced played as well as the novice golfer.  It’s a must play golf course.

The golf course is restricted to military personnel and their guests. 

Crane Naval Weapons Station, Indiana

The Eagle View Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,125 yards from the back tees and has a rating of 69.4 with a slope of 122.  The course was designed by Donald Laughlin/Bill Kendall, and was opened in 1966.

The course was designed and built to use the rolling hills, wooded areas, and the creeks and ponds of the surrounding Indiana farm land.  It is located around large corn fields and farm houses.  The course fairways are lined with mature trees and bushes.  Water hazards come into play on several holes.  The greens are large and well bunkered so accuracy is a must.

 

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

Dugway Proving Grounds, Utah

The Frank Skull Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 3,326 yards.  The course designer is unknown but the course opened in 1958.  Known as, “Area 52” The Best Kept Secret Golf Course in DOD.

The course is a flat piece of desert landscaping consisted of a tee box, fairways, greens, and a few scrawny trees and bushes.  For soldiers that have the golf bug, it is the only place around to play.

Due to the nature of the facility the golf course is closed to the public.

Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland

There are two golf courses supported by Aberdeen Proving Ground Army Base, the 18-hole Ruggles Golf Course and the 9-hole Exton Golf Course.  Both courses use the natural landscape to their advantage, with Blue Grass fairways that are tree lined with large mature trees and Bent Grass undulating greens.

 

The Ruggles Golf Course is a challenging 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 7,230 yards from the back tees.  The course has a ranking of 74.5 and a slope of 131.  The golf course was designed and built by William Gordon, and the course first opened in 1950.  Originally designed as a 9-hole course, it was expanded to the current 18-hole course by Edmond Ault.  Further course renovations were done by Dan Schlegel.  The golf course is truly a traditional masterpiece that golfers of varying skill levels will enjoy playing.

The Exton Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 course that measures 2,737 yards from the back tees, the course can be played twice as an 18-hole, Par 71 course.  The course designer is not known and it opened in 1923.  The course is a fun, challenging nine hole course at APG south.  The course is one of the oldest golf courses in Harford County with a long history in the surrounding area.  Overall the course is relatively short with most of the challenges coming when you miss a green.

Both courses that is open to the public.       

Dover Air Force Base, Delaware

The Eagle Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 70 course that measures 6,026 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 68.0 and a slope of 117.  The course was designed by Edmond B. Ault and it opened in 1961.

The golf course is located on the base and follows the base housing and a lake.  The course is open year round depending on the weather.  The fairways are lined with bent grass and some trees and bushes.  There are water hazards on 11 of the 18 holes.  When I played the course, it was in the fall and the fairways were hard and curated more roll with hard greens.  So accuracy is very important.

 

The golf course is restricted to military personnel and their guests.

Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota

The Prairie Ridge Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par 36 course that measures 3,232 yards from the blue tees, but if you play the course twice, it becomes an 18-hole, Par 72 course at 6,464 yards with a course rating of 70.4 and a slope of 121.  The designer of the course is not known and the course first opened in 1990.

The golf course is located in Box Elder, just outside the post gate, and adjacent to the Black Hills National Forest which is just north of Mount Rushmore National Monument.  We found the variety of uphill and downhill approaches will have you second guessing your shot decisions.  It has Bent grass fairways and greens and water hazards.  The course is lacking in mature trees but has the ability to test every golfer of any skill level.

The golf course is for military personnel but is also open to the public.

New London Naval Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut

The Goose Run Golf Course is a 9-hole, Par34 course that measures 2,466 yards from the white tees.  Play the course twice and you end up with an 18-hole, Par 68 course at 4,932 yards, with a rating of 63.5 and a slope of 103.  The course was designed and built by military engineers and volunteer help.  It opened in 1951 and was renovated in 1985.

The golf course is located on the banks of the Thames River off the base, featuring wide fairways, demanding greens and spectacular scenic views of the river.  It has wide open Bent grass, tree lined fairways and greens.  The course has some narrow fairways, so accuracy is a must on your approach shots.

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

Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana

The Fox Run Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 5,913 yards from the back tees and have a rating of 68.6 and a slope of 122.  The designer of the golf course is not known but the course originally opened for play in 1930.

The course was designed with Bermuda grass fairways and greens.  It has many natural hazards as it travels through the post and the housing areas.  The course has many mature trees, bushes and numerous flower beds and landscaping.  It is a shot maker course, with wide fairways, tree lined, medium size greens.  The varying degree of difficulty promises a memorable golf experience for both the novice and the experienced golfer alike.

Barksdale Air Force Base has an outstanding outside and inside air museum and a must see before you leave the base.

The Golf course is restricted to military personnel and their guests only.

Fort Stewart, George

The Taylors Creek Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,544 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 69.6 and a slope of 119. The designer is not known and the course originally opened in 1950.  It was renovated in 1961.

As I played the golf course I soon realized that the terrain drastically changes.  The front nine holes were built on flat ground with some trees and bushes and wide open fairways.  It reminded me of a parade field.  The back nine holes became a different story.  They were very different, cut out of thick George pines with great amounts of water and sand traps. The fairways and greens have Bermuda grass.  The golf course will challenge your shot making ability and is a great example of a hallmark of George golf.

The golf course is restricted to military personnel and their guests.

Hurlbert Field, Florida

The Gator Lakes Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,894 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 72.2 and a slope of 129.  The designer of the course is unknown and the course opened in 1985 and was renovated in 2006.

The golf course is located between Pensacola Naval Air Station and Eglin Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle.  We liked playing the course because it’s challenging yet very relaxing.  The course is carved out of the wooded flat lands, with Bermuda grass fairways.  It’s a tough course layout with the front nine holes lined with large mature trees and the back nine holes with wide open fairways and excellent greens.  The course has a few alligators so be careful retrieving any golf balls.

The Golf Course is restricted to military personnel and their guests.

Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland

Andrews AFB has three championship level, 18-hole, Par 72 golf courses:  The East Golf Course, The West Golf Course and The South Golf Course.  The courses all reflect a military presence.  They have a classic sense of style, gracious hospitality and timeless elegance.  The high-end amenities and exceptional facilities will make your round of golf an unforgettable golf experience.  The courses were created from an extraordinary design and provide an enjoyable challenge for golfers of all skill levels.  The golf courses are maintained in a relaxed “country club” atmosphere.

 

The East Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,883 yards from the back tees, with a course rating of 71.9 and a slope of 126.  The course was designed and built by Frank Murray and Russell Roberts, and originally opened in 1956.

The varying degree of difficulty makes this course more challenging than the other two courses.  The course runs through thick wooded areas with tree lined fairways that have large mature trees and thick green vegetation.  Some fairways are narrow so accuracy is a must.

The West Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,572 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 70.5 with a slope of 120.  The course was designed and built by Frank Murray and Russell Roberts and opened in 1961.

The course is more enjoyable to play depending on your selection of tees.  With four sets of tees to choose from your decision should be rather easy.  The course is set on rolling terrain with stunning fairways and sloping greens guarded by trees and sand.

The South Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,759 yards from the back tees, and the course has a rating of 71.8 with a slope of 124.  The course was designed and built by Brian T. Ault and opened in 1998.

The South course is the newest course, with some trees, and more water hazards than the other courses.  It has wide open fairways and sloping greens that are guarded with trees and sand traps.

 

All of the golf courses at Andrews AFB are restricted to military personnel and their guests.

Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio

Wright-Patterson AFB has three golf courses:  1) Prairie Trace West Golf Course, 18 holes. 2) Twin Base Golf Course, 18 holes.  3)  Prairie Trace East Golf Course, 9 holes.  All golf courses are located on the base.

1. The Prairie Trace East Course is a 9-hole, Par 35 that measures 2,732 yards from the white tees.  If the course is played twice, it’s a Par 70 that measures 5,464 yards from the white tees with a rating of 66.3 and a slope of 118.  The designer of the course is not known and it opened in 1953.

The course is an enjoyable little course that runs through a hilly wooded area, which is the typical Ohio landscape.  We found it to be a shot makers course, with narrow fairways, tree lined greens but still a challenge for every skill level.

2. The Twin Base Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,903 Yards from the back tees. The course has a rating of 72.7 with a slope of 123.   The course was designed by William H. Diddel ASGCA and originally opened in 1963.

This course is the second course built at the Base.  As I played the course I could tell that the course was carved out of the rolling wooded area.  This tree lined course is more traditional golf with every hole in keeping with the natural topography of the area.  Accuracy is a must to play this course.  It has tight greens along with water and sand, If you’re lucky enough to play right this can be a very enjoyable course.

3. The Prairie Trace West Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,745 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 72.4 and a slope of 130.  The designer of the course is not known and it opened in 2007.

The newest course built was designed with a variety of uphill and downhill approaches will have you second guessing your shot decisions.  We found that the varying degree of difficulty promises a memorable golf experience for both the novice and the experienced golfer alike.

All Golf Courses are restricted to the military and guests only.

Langley Air Force Base, Virginia

Langley AFB has two courses: The Raptor Course, an 18-hole, Par 72 course, and the Eagle Course, a 9-hole, Par 36 course.  Both courses are carved out of a wooded area of coastal Virginia.  The topography of the courses features creeks, marshlands, lakes and thick wooded sections of hardwood and pine trees.  With Bermuda grass fairways and small guarded greens, it’s a shot maker’s course that requires accurate ball placement. With five different sets of tees that create varying degrees of difficulty, these courses promise to make a memorable golf experience.

The Raptor Course measures 6,652 yards from the back tees.  With a course rating of 72.5 and a slope of 130, the course was designed by Edmond Ault and originally opened in 1948.  The golf course was renovated in 2008 by Lester George & Arnold Palmer.

The Eagle Course was originally designed by Edmond Ault in 1948 as an 18-hole course.  The original Eagle course was renovated in 2008 after the Raptor Course was completed, but there are no plans to complete the upgrade. Currently, there are only 6 hole in use, the #10, #11, #12, #16, #17, and #18.  This makes an excellent practice facility and a great little course for beginners.

The golf course is restricted to military personnel and their guests only.

NAS Whiting Field, Florida

The NAS Whiting Field Golf Course is an 18-hole, Par 72 course that measures 6,991 yards from the back tees.  The course has a rating of 73.3 and a slope of 125.  The designer of the course is unknown.  The course opened in 1945 and was renovated in 1956.

The golf course is a typical Florida style course, primarily flat, wide open Bermuda fairways, mature trees, many water hazards, and even some sand.  The topography at the course features creeks, marshlands, and lakes carved through trees and vegetation.  Don’t forget the gators.  The course meanders through landscape and surrounding areas.

 

Whiting Field has been a naval flight training facility since WW II and is still in use today.  My father was in the first class of Marine Aviators to be trained there during the war.  To this day there are constantly aircraft flying around.

The golf course is open to the public. 

San Antonio, Texas. The Military City Golf Trip

San Antonio Texas is known as the Military City, with four bases in the area.   Three of the bases have golf courses and it is our goal to play every military golf course in the country and this is a great place to start.

Our trip started with three Army retirees, Col. Bill Logel, Ltc. Tom Wilczak and Msg. John Zook arriving on an early morning flight from Chicago.  The fourth golfer is a good old Texas boy named Earl.  He drove down from the Dallas area to pick us up at the airport and complete our foursome.  Earl has a vast knowledge of the area and had some great places to eat.

We checked in at the now closed Brooks City AF Base on the south side of town early, and decided to check out the golf course at Lackland AFB.  We thought it would be a great idea to play the front 9 holes, and come back next day to play the back 9 holes that was the plan.

A torrential rain storm turned the little creek at Lackland’s Gateway Golf Course into a large lake and all of the courses in the area were closed.  The storm shut down the Velaro Open, a longtime San Antonio PGA event.  So on to plan two, site seeing and shopping.

 

Sunshine on the 3^rd day enabled us to get in our first full round on the trip at Sam Houston.  There are two courses, the Salado-Del-Rio course and the La Loma course; we played the La Loma course.  This course is the shorter of the two courses with many scenic views.  That afternoon we stopped by the Gateway Course to complete the back nine holes we missed because of the storm.  Famous Texas BBQ was on the menu for that evening.

Next on the agenda were the Randolph AFB Oaks Golf Course and another golf treasure.  The course is a typical Texas course, flat, open fairways small greens and lots of Texas wildlife. The base is a major flight training facility of the Air Force, that means constant loud jet and propeller noise from aircraft take-offs, fly byes, and landings, distractions are normal.  Mexican food at Papasitos and a late night cigar ended the day for us.

On our last day we played the second course at Fort Sam Houston, the Salado-Del-Rio course - a real challenging course, with more beautiful scenery.  We ended the day with a great meal at a steak house in old town San Antonio.

The morning of our last day, after breakfast at a well-known pancake house we packed, thanked our friend Earl for all of his help, and checked in for our flight back to Chicago.

Our first military golf trip was to Wright-Patterson AFB, in Dayton, OH. This is where we thought up the idea to play all of the military golf course in the country, all185of them.   San Antonio, the “Military City” was our second and the beginning of the vision to play all of the military golf courses in the United States. As noted above, there are four very nice military courses in the greater San Antonio area.

There are many cities throughout the country that have multiple military bases and golf courses; this was just the beginning of many more trips to come.  We take advantage of our Retired Military benefits by using the military facilities as much as possible. They vary by base but generally include Distinguished Visitor Quarters (DV), Temporary Military Lodging (TML), golf courses, Commissaries, Exchanges and any other post clubs and activities.

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, at 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.

Head Golf Pro.        Matt Brumbavgh    619-545-9658

The Horseshoe Café, Wickenburg, Arizona

While traveling across the country in my pursuit to play all 185 military golf courses, I have stumbled into a variety of restaurants, dinner, and dives that served great food.  There was Odies Big Sky Café in Shelby Montana, Rudy’s real Texas Bar-B-Q in Houston Texas, The Coloumbia Restaurant in Ybor City, the old Cubin cigar making district. But one of my favorite places for breakfast is the Horseshoe Café in Wickenburg Arizona.

During our military golf trip through Arizona, Col Bill Logel and Msg John Zook stopped for some breakfast in Wickenberg.  It was the only place open so in we when.  After nursing bills skinned up knee, we asked what there known for, and without hesitating, a loud Biscuits & Gravy came out from the waitress and the customers, but you boys better only get a half order.  Every time I’m in the area of Wickenburg Arizona, a Horseshoe Café visit is on the schedule.

Yes it’s small, yes it’s hard to find,  yes you’ll see cowboys and bikers, yes it’s just a little diner, yes the portions are large, but the food is outstanding especially the biscuits and grave.  As you can see, I’m having a full order of biscuits and gravy with a Denver omelet with hash brown potatoes and Rusty, my golf buddy is having a half order.

Dick Hoyt was the big kahuna in the kitchen that morning that makes it all happen and sometimes its Steve or Anthony.  Amber and Leanne keep the food flowing and all the customers happy.    You won’t find any tofu, sprouts, or any of that California stuff here, just eggs, sausage, gravy, meat, potatoes, and all your deep fried favorites.  Rule number 1 at the Horseshoe Café, GREAT FOOD AND LOTS OF IT.

If you’re in the area, this is a must stop on your bucket list.  Just tell them Msg. Divot sent you, and enjoy the experience.

Deb & O.J. Thompson’s  Horseshoe Café  Wickenburg, AZ.  (928) 684-7377

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.