MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Golfers new to the Air Station and those who want to take up the sport will be pleased to know the Miramar Memorial Golf Course is one of the best military golf courses worldwide.

Ranked eighth finest out of more than 200 courses by Travel and Leisure Golf Magazine, the par 72, regulation length course here offers up to 6,818 yards of play and scenery that rivals most top dollar courses.

Although the course is ranked  so high, beginning players shouldn't be intimidated since lessons are available by Professional Golf Association credentialed instructors for $25 for a single half-hour lesson, or $100 for a series of five. In addition to lessons, the pro shop at the course offers club and cart rentals, clothing, bags, clubs, shoes, gloves and balls.

For those players who have the fundamentals of the game down and are ready to hit the greens, 18-hole green fees range from $8 for E-5 and below to $18 for O-4 and above. Department of Defense employees can also play for $20 and guests accompanied by a servicemember can play for $24.

Although the quality of the course and the price of course usage is exceptional, not enough servicemembers are utilizing the facilities, according to Robert Knight.

"It seems like we see the same guys around here all the time," he said. "We are here to support the troops, and since the course is right across the street from the barracks we would like to see more of the younger guys come over and play. We even reserve the first hour on Saturdays for enlisted members only."
In an effort to support the troops, Knight noted that, "The course is available for squadron events, such as the Marine Corps Ball long drive competition, and we even hosted the Second Annual Toys for Tots Tournament and the 2001 Armed Forces Inter-Service Golf Tournament."

Although playing the sport is the main purpose, according to Knight, just enjoying a cold beverage outside of the course's pro shop or restaurant can be as relaxing as playing a round.

"This area is just a fun place to be, like a nice little island of peace and serenity amongst all this war stuff," he said. "The sunsets out here are amazing, and after a while you even stop hearing the planes take off."

However, for those looking for nothing but a good game of golf, the course will not let them down. Dale Winsted, a reviewing writer for the San Diego Golf Pages noted, "The course at Miramar Marine Corps Air Station can best be described as a very playable course. Its prime feature is its greens: they're nearly always perfect, rolling fast and true."

The course is open every day besides Christmas, and the pro shop is located in building 3485. For more information on the course or to reserve a tee time call (858) 577-4155.