Military Secret: Golf At Fort Shafter In Honolulu
The Water J. Nagorski Golf Course at Fort Shafter, within minutes from Waikiki and Downtown Honolulu, is an often overlooked destination for casual duffers on holiday on Oahu. Its located on an active U.S. Army military base. Most dont know, however, that the course is open to the public.
Golf in Hawaii is most often characterized by images of seascape resort courses or inviting fairways in a remote rainforest. But you dont need to book a full golf vacation to take advantage of local courses on any given afternoon on Oahu.
The Water J. Nagorski Golf Course has recently undertaken a multi-million dollar renovation, smoothing fairways and grooming greens. The grass is comfortably green throughout the course. Of course, you have to hit the grass because out-of-bounds is a possibility on pretty much every hole.
Nagorski is a nine-hole course. For a full 18, play the nine from the blue tees first, then ease up and play from the shorter white tees. The first hole at the course is a challenging uphill par-3 which generally plays into the prevailing trade winds at nearly 200 yards. Its forty yards shorter from the white tees the second time around.
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Posted by: Jamie Winpenny on Mar 2, 2020
Arsenal Island Golf Course Illinois
This historic course on the banks of the Mississippi River was the first course in the Quad Cities, opened in 1897. It didn’t become an Army-operated course until later in its history.
“Everything that’s good about old course design! It has great views and very true greens…Only local course that plays Mississppi River side. Super value!” – DruDad32
Walter J Nagorski Golf Course
- Book Tee Times
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Call the Nagorski Golf Course to make your tee time at 438-9587 or you can find the online booking tool by clicking here.
- Golf Fee Schedule & Rentals
Nestled in the foothills of Fort Shafter valley, Nagorski Golf Course is a 9 hole course open to the public. With its chipping facility and practice greens, Nagorski is the perfect place for beginners to learn the game of golf, as well as for seasoned players to keep their games honed.
Built in the 1940’s, the lower area of the course was built over an old emergency landing strip that was used in WWII. The sign designating it as Putnam Airfield still stands as a testament to the heritage of the area.
Today, Nagorski Golf Course still provides a challenge with its undulating fairways, dramatic elevation changes, small greens and breathtaking views of downtown Honolulu and Diamond Head. Come out and challenge yourself today!
Don’t forget to check out our pro shop for great sales throughout the year.
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Gallery Golf Club Washington
North of Seattle on Whidbey Island, Navy-operated Gallery Golf Course overlooks the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island.
“The course has a nice layout overall,” wrote MacDKnife. The greens make small but fair targets, fairways and grounds nicely maintained and view of the Straits gorgeous. Local knowledge VERY helpful!”
Oahu Golf Vacation Packages
On Oahu, there are many things to see and do away from the golf course. So, HawaiiGolfDeals recommends Oahu golf vacation packages with a little less golf than on the outer/neighbor islands .
The Gathering Place, as Oahu is also known, is home to Honolulu, Waikiki, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor, Polynesian Cultural Center, Hanauma Bay, the Banzai Pipeline and the big waves of the North Shore, as well as almost 955,000 of Hawaiis 1.45 million residents. Ninety-five percent of Oahus lodging is in or around Waikiki, so prepare to drive 25-50 minutes to our participating golf courses unless you take our on-point advice and lodge at a couple of new hotels close to our golf courses, Pearl Harbor, the airport and other points-of-interest.
THE OAHU GOLF LANDSCAPEOahus golf courses are numerous with five private clubs, a municipal golf system and military golf system that are quite exemplary. In fact, if you are active or retired military and love golf, there is not a better place to visit.
We feature a couple of terrific Oahu golf experiences on the leeward side of the island: Oahus only 27-hole layoutthe Hawaii Prince Golf Club, designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay and a spectacular Robin Nelson design Royal Kunia Country Club. We also recommend our Mystery Oahu Golf Course, a quality parkland layout with stands of mature trees throughout.
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Mamala Bay Golf Course
Course conditions at Mamala Bay will be affected due to current water conservation efforts. We thank you for your understanding.
NEW! Book your tee time for Mamala Bay Golf Course ONLINE. to get started.
Mamala Bay Golf Course is open daily from 6:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Mamala Bay is an 18-hole golf championship course with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean and majestic Diamond Head. The course features a driving range, chipping and putting greens. The pro shop is loaded with a wide variety of golf accessories and rentals. Staff are on hand to give lessons to golfers of all levels. Golfers and non-golfers alike can enjoy breakfast, lunch and the stunning view at the open-air snack bar.Please note, children must be 8 years or older and accompanied by an adult to be on the golf course.
This 18-hole championship golf course features:
- Driving range and practice facilities
- Fully-stocked pro shop
- Lessons by PGA and teacher professionals
- Rental equipment
Open daily from 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Current Fees & Charges effective 1 June
Active Duty & Retired Military E1-E5: $18
Active Duty & Retired Military E6-O3: $26
Active Duty & Retired Military O4-O10: $28
DoD Civilians: $33
Military Juniors : $14
9-hole Twilight after 2pm – 50 % of normal 18-hole fees
Electric Cart Rental: $15**
** – Per half cart
***- Per token
Mamala Bay Golf Membership
E1-E5: $100 E6-O3: $175 O4-O10: $200 DoD/Fed: $225
No events are scheduled at this time.
Military Attractions On Oahu
Plan to spend a full day, or more, touring Pearl Harbor.
The first time I visited in 1997, I was taken aback with emotion. I don’t have many family members with ties to the military, but I felt a deep connection that day to others who did. When I brought my family back to Oahu for a golf vacation in 2013, I made sure to return to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument again, so my 11-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter could better understand the sacrifice of those who died on Dec. 7, 1941.
Audio tours of the two exhibit rooms focus upon what led up to the attack and the events of that fateful day. Visitors watch a movie before boarding the boat that leads to the USS Arizona Memorial. It’s true that those standing on the memorial platform can still see oil leaking from the sunken battleship.
There’s so much else to see beyond that famous landmark. The USS Bowfin Submarine Museum and Park, operated as a private, non-profit organization, pays tribute to more than 3,500 submarine personnel and 52 subs lost in World War II. Ford Island, accessible by shuttle, is home to the USS Oklahoma Memorial and two separate attractions, the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor and the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the battleship where the Japanese signed their surrender.
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Military Golf Courses To Visit
Stephanie Montague 2020-10-17 00:59:37
HERE ARE THE TOP COURSES TO PLAY IN EACH SEASON
Military MWR provides many benefits, but one of the greatest is access to world-class golf courses. With well-manicured fairways, nice practice facilities, and cheap green fees, its hard to beat the value. Many military courses have epic views and are ranked along with private courses among the best in the world, plus they offer programs for the whole family.
Walking the beautiful fairways on any base is a great way to unwind after a tough day at work, on the weekends, or simply as an outing with family and friends. The military has excellent golf courses around the globe, no matter what time of year it is.
Richmond Hill Golf Club Brings Public Golf Back To City
Richmond Hill and area golfers now have a new option among courses they play as Richmond Hill Golf Club opened in mid-November.
Chances are once golfers play the course theyll return again, again and again. What owner Ben MacMillan and general manager Chris Darieng offer up is not only superbly conditioned but is playable and fun for golfers of all skill levels.
The course is built on the former Sterling Links Golf Course which closed in 2018 after opening in 2008. Poor conditions and financial woes led to the demise of Sterling Links.
There is no resemblance whatsoever between Richmond Hill Golf Club and Sterling Links other than the fact theyre built on the same tract of ground.
We took out over 900 trees, Darieng said. We recontoured all of the fairways and greens. Its a new golf course basically.
The name Darieng is a familiar one to long-time Richmond Hill residents. Highway 144 is named for Chris grandfather, Thomas B. Darieng, and his father, Thomas E. Darieng, was one of the leaders in incorporating Richmond Hill into a city in 1969 when its name was changed from Ways Station.
Thomas B. Darieng worked for Henry Ford and the land the golf course is situated on was once owned by Ford.
A result of this is the golf club has one of the coolest logos to be found in the area. A Model T Ford logo is on all of the clubs tee boxes and merchandise.
The logo honors Henry Ford, Darieng said. He did so much for this community.
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Oahu Country Club: Grand Dame” Of Hawaiis Golf Courses
Location: 150 Country Club Rd, Honolulu, HI 96817, United StatesTiming: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 Am to 6:00 PmAverage Price: $ 66 Holes: 18-hole course
Location: 8902 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, HI 96825, United StatesTiming: Monday to Sunday: 5:00 Am to 7:00 PmAverage Price: $ 120
Location: 4997 Kahala Ave, Honolulu, HI 96816, United StatesTiming: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 Am to 6:00 PmAverage Price: $ 254
Timing: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 Am to 5:30 PmAverage Price: $ 51
Location: 1690 Ala Puumalu St, Honolulu, HI 96818, United StatesTiming: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 Am to 6:00 PmAverage Price: $ 80
Timing: Monday to Friday: 8:30 Am to 7:30 PmSaturdays and Sundays: 5:30 Am to 7:30 PmAverage Price: $ 41
Location: 943 Valkenburgh St, Honolulu, HI 96818, United StatesTiming: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 Am to 6:00 PmAverage Price: $ 45
Location: 625 Mamala Bay Dr, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, HI 96853, United StatesTiming: Wednesday to Sunday: 6:30 Am to 6:00 PmAverage Price: $ 50Holes: 18-Hole CourseType: Military
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Eisenhower Blue Course Colorado
In the 1950s, 100 private citizens created the Air Force Academy Foundation, which led to the creation of the Eisenhower Blue Course, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. in the foothills of the Rampart range north of Colorado Springs. Later, the Silver Course was added, and it remains one of the top military facilities around to this day.
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Kaneohe Clipper Golf Course Hawaii
Golf groups to Oahu will definitely want to seek out Kaneohe Clipper Golf Course for both the value and the ocean views. Civilians can play here for as low as $45 walking. You do need a sponsor for base access, which the course staff can arrange, but request at least three working days to process the request.
Fort Jackson South Carolina
East of Columbia, the 36 holes at the Army’s Fort Jackson is one of the most impressive operations in the military portfolio with an impressive clubhouse and practice facilities. The original Wildcat course opened shortly after World War II and was designed by George Cobb. Arthur Davis updated the course in 1991 and added a second 18, Old Hickory.
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Gordon Lakes Golf Course Georgia
Near Augusta, the Army’s course at Fort Gordon features 18 original holes from Robert Trent Jones Sr. design built in 1975 that is highly-regarded and a particularly good choice during Masters week when many area courses inflate their green fees. A third nine holes were added in 2003.
“This has got to be the best golf course in Army, if not DOD,” wrote William8321612. “I think there is no semi-private course in the Augusta area that can equal Fort Gordon.”
The Best Courses You Can Play In Hawaii
If Scotlands sandy-soiled coastline presents the ideal conditions for a golf course, then Hawaiis idyllic landscape that blends volcanic mountains, beautiful ocean views and incredible wildlife might be the gold standard for course aesthetics. Towering, jagged peaks. Lava outcroppings. Whales breaching in the distance.
Each January, when the PGA Tour kicks off its calendar-year schedule at Kapaluas Plantation course and the Sony Open at Waialae, were reminded of The Aloha States unrivaled terrain and visual appealequal parts dramatic and tranquil.
Just as each of the major islands has a unique vibe, the golf varies greatly across the statefrom Kapaluas hard-to-fathom elevation changes on the Maui coast to the more understated layouts on the Big Islands western shores. To help you plan your next Hawaii getaway, weve compiled the Best Courses You Can Play in Hawaii, complete with options on five different islands.
Scroll on to read more about each course and be sure to expand each course page to read reviews from our course-ranking panelists. We hope you enjoy our searchable course database, Places to Play, complete with course reviews, experts opinions and star ratings.
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The Best Golf Courses In Oahu
Oahu is golf country, with 5 municipal, 9 military, and 20 private courses to choose from. The courses range from 9-hole public ones, perfect for beginners, to championship links that stump even the pros.
- Ko Olina Golf Club:Golf Digest named this beautiful 6,867-yard, par-72 course one of “America’s Top 75 Resort Courses” when it opened in 1992. The rolling fairways and elevated tees and a few too many water features will definitely improve your game or humble your attitude.
- Turtle Bay Resort: Of the two courses to choose from here, we recommend the 18-hole Arnold Palmer Course , designed by Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay. They never meant for golfers to get off too easy this is a challenging course. The front 9 holes, with rolling terrain, only a few trees, and lots of wind, play like a course on the British Isles. The back 9 holes have narrower, tree-lined fairways and water. In addition to ocean views, the course circles Punahoolapa Marsh, a protected wetland for endangered Hawaiian waterfowl.
- Pearl Country Club: This deceptively straightforward-looking public course not only offers up splendid views of Pearl Harbor, but it will start messing with your confidencein a good wayafter hole 5. It’s wildly popular with locals, so book well-ahead or during the week to get a tee time.
Getting On Oahu’s Military Golf Courses
Playing military golf — shots that go left, right, left, right — isn’t recommended on Oahu. Playing military courses, however, does have its advantages. They’re usually less expensive than other tee times on the island and kept in relatively good shape.
Getting on most military courses requires a military “sponsor,” although the Kaneohe Klipper Golf Course makes that process much easier than, say, the Kealohi Par 3 Golf Course and Mamala Bay Golf Course on Hickam Air Force Base. The military “sponsor” must meet their guests at the Hickham front gate to sign them onto the base unless they are a pre-approved group of 11 or larger, according to Philip Chambers, the manager at Kealohi.
For those who don’t have a military connection, the Kaneohe Klipper Course, located on a scenic peninsula north of Honolulu, will “sponsor” a golfer for five days for a $10 fee. All that’s needed for a pass to put in the windshield of your car is a valid Hawaii driver’s license or a social security number. Yearly passes are available as well.
Dino Silva, who works in the pro shop, says the 6,269-yard course gets a lot of civilian play at $59 a round. A $45 promotional offer to book a tee time from 1-3 p.m. includes a drink and an appetizer.
GolfAdvisor.com user William3081401 gave Kaneohe Klipper five stars in his review, calling it “incredible.”
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How To Obtain A Golf Id Card
Golf I.D. cards are issued only to bona fide Hawaii residents.
Documents Required to Obtain a Golf ID Card:
Hawaii State Instructional PermitHawaii State Provisional LicenseISThe Hawaii State I.D. CardIS providing the card was issued after January 1, 2013 AND identifies Hawaii as the card holder’s Primary Domicile.
OR one of the following: