It's one of the best-kept military secrets. According to "Golf Digest," there are nearly 200 military-owned and operated golf courses in the United States. Some courses, such as the Marine Corp.'s Miramar Golf Course, are so highly recommended that they've earned the coveted "top-eight" rating from "Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine." If you're planning to play golf in Southern California, some of the 10 or so areas military golf courses are open to the public. And others, open only to civilians through military sponsors, are so exceptional, you might just want to befriend someone in the military.
Military Installations Golf Courses
Traditionally, military-owned golf courses were reserved for active military serviceman, veterans and government contractors. But like many other government services being slashed, base consolidations and closures have forced some military courses to go public. Others have been deeded or sold to local municipalities.
In 2008, the Marine Corp.'s Desert Winds Golf Course located in Twentynine Palms, opened to the public. With 6,930 yards of golf from the longest tees, the course, rated for a par 72, is a technically challenging course, especially if you take desert winds into consideration. Others such as Marshalia Ranch at Vandenberg Air Force Base have followed suit.
Who Can Play
If you're not in the military, it might be fortuitous for you to befriend someone who is, especially if you're an avid golfer. Some golf courses, staunchly military, uphold the military-personnel-only policy but allow civilian guests with a military host.
Camp Pendleton's esteemed Marine Memorial Golf Course fits that bill, as do Sea 'N Air and Admiral Baker Golf Courses in San Diego. China Lake and Seal Beach claim civilians can play with a military sponsor. Their justification? The San Diego area has plenty of public golf courses where civilians can play. But the policy is not hard and fast. Both have waivers that allow civilians to use the courses without a sponsor. The best bet is to call around.
With military installations closing and consolidating, golf course policies change faster than websites reflect. Call individual military golf courses and ask them what the current civilian-use policy is.
Golf Clinics
If you're out to practice or even a newbie to the game, many military golf courses have special courses and clubs to introduce or reacquaint you with the game. Naval Base Golf Performance Center at the
Naval Base in San Diego offers lessons and practice for any golfer wishing to improve his game.
The center offers four holes for approach shot practice, a short game practice area, putting green, 12-station full swing enclosed range and private or group instruction.
Camp Pendleton's Marine Memorial Golf Course periodically offers a six-week golf clinic for beginning golfers. Group classes are taught by PGA assistants who teach beginners the basics, such as a full swing and chipping, and social social etiquette of the game. Clinics are usually available only to active military, retirees and their dependents. However, some courses might permit sponsored guests.
LINK UP 2 GOLF is Muroc Lake Golf Course's programs geared to new and returning players. With support from professional organizations such as the Pro-Golf Assocation of America and the National Golf Course Owners Association, golfers are reintroduced to principles of the game. The idea is less about technique and perfection, more about enjoyment and relaxation.
Fees
Compared to the a steep average greens fee of $70 at many private courses in Southern California, military course greens fees, even for civilian guests, are a bargain. Sliding-scale fees are based on rank, retirement status and military versus Department of Defense contractor status. Most courses offer discounts for twilight tee times, and some run guest specials. Call individual courses for weekly specials.
Miramar Golf Course fees range from $10 to $24 on weekdays; $10 to $29 on weekends. Guest fees are $30 on weekdays; $35 on weekends
Muroc Lake Golf Course at Edwards Air Force Base fees range from $12 to $20 every day. Guest fees are $24.
Marshalia Ranch at Vandenberg Air Force Base fees range from $14 to $25 every day. Guest fees are $40.
All prices are as of 2010.
Lessons range from $25 to $35 per 1/2 hour. Club rental, carts and electric golf carts are available and rental rates vary. Call individual pro-shops for fee schedule.
Course Difficulty
Retired golf professional Jack Nicklaus once remarked, "Bayonet's No. 4 is the toughest par 5 in golf." He referred Fort Ord's Bayonet Golf Course, a par-72, 6,982-yard course where PGA Tour qualifying players reportedly practiced a week before the tournament.
Because the 25,000-acre base closed in 1994, and the course was reportedly converted to a more upscale, private one, other military golf courses have had to compete for the position of most challenging.
In the San Diego area, Admiral Baker's 18-hole "North" course has a rating of 72.5 and a slope rating of 129. Desert Winds in Twentynine Palms is aptly named. With a rating of 72.9, a slope rating of 122, not to mention strong desert winds that routinely blow across the course, the course is considered challenging.
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