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.