Alaska may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of golfing destinations, but the state boasts some surprisingly impressive golf courses. With stunning landscapes and a variety of course designs, golfers can experience both the challenge and the beauty of the Alaskan outdoors. From the expansive greens of Anchorage to the natural wilderness in Fairbanks, there’s plenty to explore on Alaska’s best golf courses.
Avid golfers visiting Alaska can choose from a diverse range of courses, including both eighteen-hole and nine-hole options, as well as public and private access courses. Some of the standout golf courses in the state are Anchorage Golf Course and Chena Bend, offering unmatched views and unique playing experiences. In addition to challenging play, golfers can enjoy witnessing amazing wildlife and captivating scenery along many of the courses.
Key Takeaways
- Alaska offers a variety of challenging and scenic golf courses for enthusiasts of all skill levels.
- Top courses in the state include Anchorage Golf Course and Chena Bend, known for their stunning landscapes and unique playing experiences.
- Golfers can explore public access courses, golf course rankings, and even participate in tournaments or qualifiers held throughout the state.
Alaska Golf Overview
Alaska might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking about golf destinations, but the state has some surprisingly enjoyable and scenic golf courses to offer. With a mix of public and private courses, golf enthusiasts can experience unique landscapes and long summer days, perfect for squeezing in a few extra holes.
One of the top golf courses in Alaska is the Moose Run Golf Course located at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. This 36-hole facility features two courses – the Creek and the Hill. The Creek course holds the prestigious spot as the number one ranked course in the state. Aside from attractive layouts, golfers can enjoy beautiful mountain views and the chance to spot local wildlife like moose and eagles on the course.
Another notable course is Chena Bend at Fort Wainwright, which is also a highly ranked golf course in Alaska. The course is known for its challenging layout and breathtaking views of the nearby river and mountains.
When it comes to public golf courses, Anchorage Golf Course and Palmer Golf Course are popular choices among locals and visitors alike. Both courses provide a delightful golfing experience with well-maintained greens and stunning Alaskan landscapes.
While the golfing season in Alaska can be shorter due to colder weather, the long hours of daylight during the summer months allow for extended tee times and twilight golfing. So, if you’re looking to explore golf courses in Alaska, you’ll find a variety of options to suit different skill levels and preferences, all while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Anchorage Golf Course
Moose Run
Moose Run Golf Course is a top-rated course in Alaska, featuring two different layouts: the Creek Course and the Hill Course. The Creek Course is widely recognized as one of the best golf courses in the state, offering challenging play and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. With a variety of tee options, golfers of all levels can enjoy a round at Moose Run.
Anchorage Golf Course Facilities
Anchorage Golf Course has a wealth of facilities for golf enthusiasts. The well-stocked pro shop offers a wide selection of equipment, apparel, and merchandise, making it easy for players to find what they need. The driving range provides an excellent opportunity to warm up before tee off or practice after a round. In addition, Anchorage Golf Course offers professional instruction services for those looking to improve their game.
Anchorage GC
Anchorage GC is located near downtown Anchorage and provides magnificent views of Denali, North America’s tallest mountain. This golf course is known for its impressive layout and challenging design, suitable for both beginners and experienced golfers. Visitors can expect an unforgettable golf experience mixed with Alaska’s breathtaking landscapes.
Chena Bend Golf
Located in Fort Wainwright, Alaska, Chena Bend Golf Course offers golf enthusiasts an exciting experience in one of the most unique environments. Designed by Michigan-based architect Jerry Matthews, Chena Bend is known as the Farthest North Military Course in the United States. It has garnered much attention for its impeccable design, stunning location, and exceptional services.
Chena Bend features an 18-hole golf course playing along the banks of the Chena River. This strategic layout provides a challenging game for golfers of different skill levels. The lush fairways, carefully manicured greens, and beautiful surroundings make it a pleasure to play a round or two in this picturesque setting.
The golf course and its clubhouse are managed by Wainwright MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation), offering various amenities and services for both military and civilian golfers. They have lockers, a golf simulator, and even a league operated jointly with Spark Golf for a more competitive setting.
Chena Bend has received recognition as Golf Digest’s Top 3 Alaskan golf courses, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a unique golfing experience in Alaska. With its breathtaking views, well-maintained facilities, and challenging course, this farthest north military golf course is a gem waiting to be explored.
Other Notable Golf Courses
Homer Golf Course
Homer Golf Course is a casual golfing destination located in the scenic town of Homer, Alaska. This nine-hole par-3 course offers golfers a laid-back atmosphere and beautiful views of the surrounding area. Despite its small size, Homer Golf Course can be a challenging experience, even for accomplished golfers, due to its tight fairways and strategically placed hazards. The course’s well-maintained greens and friendly staff contribute to an overall enjoyable golfing experience for everyone who visits.
Settler’s Bay
Settler’s Bay Golf Course, located in Wasilla, Alaska, offers a unique and enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels. The 18-hole par-72 layout features a blend of wide, rolling fairways and narrow, tree-lined holes that can challenge even seasoned golfers. Settler’s Bay provides a beautiful setting with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wetlands, adding to the overall enjoyment of each round.
This golf course is known for being well-maintained, with great playing conditions throughout the season. Its welcoming clubhouse, featuring a comfortable lounge and a well-stocked pro shop, makes it easy for golfers to relax and refuel after their round. Settler’s Bay is an excellent spot for both casual and more serious golfers to enjoy a round of golf in the Alaskan outdoors.
Nine-Hole Golf Courses
Alaska offers a unique golfing experience with its beautiful landscapes and nearly 24-hour daylight in the summer months. For those interested in a shorter round, several nine-hole golf courses are scattered around the state.
One popular option is the Black Diamond Golf Course located near Denali National Park. Golfers can tee off under the mesmerizing midnight sun and even spot some wildlife while playing. The course blends into the serene Alaskan landscape, making it a truly unique experience.
Another nine-hole course worth checking out is Russian Jack Springs Golf Course. This course is perfect for golfers looking for a more casual atmosphere and a faster pace of play. With its affordable pricing and convenient location within Anchorage, it is an excellent option for a quick round or practice.
Finally, the Sea Mountain Golf Course is another must-visit course. Located in the picturesque town of Skagway, the course is easily accessible via the Haines/Skagway Fast Ferry. Surrounded by breathtaking sceneries, playing a round here makes for a memorable experience.
These nine-hole golf courses in Alaska offer a mix of beautiful landscapes, challenging gameplay, and opportunities to enjoy the state’s natural beauty, making them perfect destinations for a casual round of golf.
Public Access Courses
Alaska offers some fantastic public access golf courses that cater to golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. These golf courses provide picturesque landscapes and an enjoyable golfing experience, making them popular choices among locals and tourists alike.
Chena Bend is a highly rated public access course located in Fort Wainwright. Known for its challenging layout and well-maintained greens, Chena Bend has consistently received positive ratings from golfers.
Another popular public access golf course in Alaska is Moose Run Golf Course located at Fort Richardson. The Moose Run Golf Course features two different courses: the Creek Course and the Hill Course. Both offer unique challenges and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The Creek Course even holds the distinction of being the top-ranked course in the state.
In Palmer, Palmer Golf Course is another fantastic public access choice. The course is known for its impressive views of the Chugach Mountain range and the Matanuska River, offering golfers a one-of-a-kind playing experience.
When planning a golf trip to Alaska, consider including these public access courses on your itinerary. They provide a fun and memorable golfing experience that showcases the beauty of Alaska’s landscape. So, grab your golf clubs and get ready to tee off on some of the best public access golf courses in the state!
Golf Course Rankings
2020 Rankings
The year 2020 showcased some of the finest golf courses in Alaska that golf enthusiasts highly appreciate. Chena Bend in Fort Wainwright took the lead, followed by Moose Run – Creek in Anchorage at number two. Other notable courses included Palmer Golf Course in Palmer, Anchorage Golf Course, and Settlers Bay in Wasilla.
- Chena Bend: located in Fort Wainwright, this course was ranked number one in 2020.
- Moose Run – Creek: situated in Anchorage, this course earned the second spot on the list.
- Palmer Golf Course: this course in Palmer has been a staple in Alaska’s golf scene.
With a wide variety of landscapes and difficulty levels, these courses provide unique experiences for every golfer, attracting players of all skill levels.
Panelists’ Ratings
Various panelists provided their expert ratings for the top golf courses in Alaska. An example of these ratings is GOLF Magazine’s raters who contributed to the 2020 rankings. Other organizations such as GolfDigest and Golfweek also rate and review these golf courses regularly.
| Golf Course | Panelist Rating |
|---|---|
| Chena Bend | 4.5 stars |
| Moose Run – Creek | 4 stars |
| Palmer Golf Course | 3.5 stars |
These panelist ratings help golfers make informed decisions when selecting the best course for their game. After all, a great round depends on picking the right course that fits each player’s preferences and abilities.
Golf in Alaska: Tournaments and Qualifiers
Local Qualifying
Golf in Alaska offers a variety of tournaments and qualifiers for enthusiasts looking to participate in competitive events. One of the most prestigious events in the region is the U.S. Open Local Qualifying. This qualifier gives local players an opportunity to compete against other amateur golfers in the state and try to earn a spot in the U.S. Open Championship. The event takes place in various golf courses across Alaska, providing competitors with diverse and challenging courses to test their skills.
Senior Women’s Amateur
Another prominent golf event in Alaska is the U.S. Senior Women’s Amateur Championship. This prestigious tournament offers senior women golfers a chance to showcase their abilities and compete against their peers from different regions. In 2022, the Anchorage Golf Course hosted this prestigious event, making it the first USGA Championship held in Alaska. This championship attracts skilled senior female golfers from all over the country and is a major highlight in the Alaskan golf calendar.
Apart from these major events, Alaska also hosts numerous local tournaments such as the Alaska State Match Play Championship and the Alaska State Senior Amateur Championship. These competitions cater to different skill levels, age groups, and preferences, making the state’s golf scene diverse and welcoming to golfers of all abilities.