From tee to target

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Daniel Lile
  • 14th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  One of the many ways to go enjoy the great outdoors at Columbus Air Force Base is golfing. It is a great and affordable way to enjoy a Saturday with friends, and there are many places in the local area, including right on base, that are available to Airmen.

"There are a lot of really good golf courses for very reasonable prices in the area," said 2nd Lt. Ryan Dukes, 14th Student Squadron. "Here in Columbus you have access to multiple golf courses that are great and well-valued, but still reasonable and affordable."

A great course in the local area that is extremely convenient is the Whispering Pines Golf Course here on Columbus AFB. Whispering Pines is a nine-hole course that opened in 1961 and features the ability to play 18-holes totaling 5,293 yards from two separate tee boxes..

"I like the course here on base just because it's practically in my backyard," said Lt. Col. Russ Donaldson, 14th Flying Training Wing Inspector General, and an avid golfer. "It's really convenient to be able to just walk out and play."

There are many other courses in the area. Another fun and popular course that's close by is the Lion Hills Golf Course. The course is open to the public, and no membership is required to play for a day.

"Lion Hills is a really fun course," said Dukes. "It's got a Carolina golf course feel to the first nine holes with a lot of hills and some tough pin locations. Then, on the back nine, it's very wide open. It's nice because you kind of get the best of both worlds."

Other courses that are great options for Airmen are the Elm Lake Golf Course and the Green Oaks Golf Club; both of these courses, like many others, offer short term memberships to service members. Airmen should be sure to call ahead before going to play.

"Usually, with any course, you're going to want to call ahead to make sure they are available and open," said Dukes. "Just to make sure that there aren't any tournaments going on that day or the course isn't closed for maintenance."

Another good reason to call ahead is to confirm dress codes. Some courses expect you to wear certain clothes and knowing the rules and standards before-hand could save an Airman a lot of trouble.

"It is kind of golf etiquette to look presentable while playing golf," said Dukes. "Wearing a polo shirt and some nice shorts is never a bad idea. Some courses have dress codes and it's the worst when you go out and can't play because you're not dressed properly."

Even if an Airman becomes a member of a certain golf course, mixing it up and playing different courses is always fun.

"It's always fun to play different courses," said Donaldson. "Playing the same course over and over again you kind of get too used to it. When you play a new course you can have some really interesting games."

If an Airman wants to play golf but doesn't own golf clubs most golf courses offer rental sets, but it is well worth it to call ahead and make sure.

"Most courses will provide rental golf clubs for that day, but it really depends on the golf course," said Dukes.

Golf is a great hobby to have, and can be a fun and affordable outlet for Airmen to relieve stress and relax.

"I have been playing golf since I was about five-years-old," said Dukes. "My dad got me started in golf camps in the summers and some lessons. Golf was my dad and I's get-away. I really enjoyed it and still treat it like a get-away today. It's cool to be able to have that outlet like that where you can just get out and relax."