Military Golf Course

Military golf courses? Yes, sir! Between the four branches of the Armed Forces, the United States military operates more than two hundred golf courses in some of the most desirable locations in the world. From the Army's Kalakaua course on the Hawaiian Island of Hawaii to the Marine Corp's seaside course north of San Diego at Camp Pendleton to the Bobby Jones-designed, U.S. Air Force Academy's Eisenhower Blue Golf Course in Colorado Springs, these courses are as deluxe, and as exclusive, as any private country club.

Restricted Access

Although access to these courses is, generally, limited to military personnel, civilian guests can usually play these courses as guests of service members. Some courses also allow federal government employees to play. As is the case with most exclusive courses, most military courses have resident golf pros, offer food and beverage service, and offer such amenities as a golf pro shop, caddy service, golf lessons, and club rentals.

Some of these courses are exceptionally difficult to gain access to, which just adds to their mystique. For instance, you practically need a general to get on the south course at Andrews Air Force Base, a course that rivals any PGA course.

Some military courses, such as the Fort golf course in Indianapolis, have been turned into civilian resorts after the supporting military bases have closed. These courses offer great golf at a reasonable price, as well as a chance to peek at the privileges offered servicemen and servicewomen. Two similar courses that once belonged to California's Fort Ord Army base are now owned by the city of Seaside, California, which is building a resort hotel and spa to accompany these challenging courses.