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.