Everything about Alaska is big. It is the biggest state (geographically) in the country and has the tallest mountain in North America. Denali, towers over the rest of the continent with a peak height of 20,308 ft. But the trees, glaciers, and even the feel of Alaska is big.
This is true too when it comes to Alaska’s golf courses. While there aren’t many of them (the season is pretty short after all in this tundra) they give off the same big vibe as the rest of the state. They are all expertly carved into the vast frontier landscape of Alaska, replete with large trees, and views of the massive mountains.
Alaska golf has one other unique thing going for it too. In the months of June and July, when the sun is nearly continuously perched in the sky, you can play some of courses late into the night. That is an especially relieving fact for those who have trouble sleeping when it is bright out.
Whether you’re looking for a traditional daytime round or something to do at midnight, here are five Alaska golf courses you need to play.
Anchorage Golf Course (Best Overall Public Course)
If you’re looking to get a round of golf in every state checked off your bucket list, Anchorage Golf Course is the logical choice for you to play in Alaska. It is a stellar track with views of various mountains, inlets, and a layout that takes advantage of the state’s breathtaking natural habitat. The course is covered with tall trees and features multi-tiered greens that can be tricky to master.
The front nine kicks off with a fairly standard par 4.Trees create a corridor effect on the fairway and the green slopes to the back where your approach will run away from you. Hole 2 is a significant dogleg right that showcases a substantial decline as you near the green.
Another dogleg, this one to the left and almost a complete 90 degree turn, makes number 4 one of the more challenging holes on the front, especially as elevation changes come into play and water awaits you on the left side of the putting surface.
This majestic course measures just over 6600 yards from the blacks and is a regulation par 72.
You can typically play Anchorage Golf Course from May through mid-October and a round of 18 walking is $72 for non residents. The twilight rate, however, is a bit cheaper at $54 for the same.
Moose Run—Creek Course (Most Challenging Course)
Located in Fort Richardson about 20 minutes outside of the heart of Anchorage, Moose Run Country Club boasts two stunning golf courses. Opened in 2000, the Creek Course is the most challenging track in the state and has some of the most scenic golf and longest holes anywhere.
Like most courses in Alaska, mountains are prominently on display in the background as you navigate your way through this 7300 yard track. The Creek Course also features a meandering creek that bisects the course and two holes built on reclaimed gravel pits. And beware the super deep par 5 hole 11. This monster measures over 640 yards from the tips and requires some serious muscle.
Moose Run Country Club is adjacent to Fort Richardson so military members play both courses at a discounted rate. Civilians can still get on and the Creek Course costs $46 for 18 walking Monday-Thursday and climbs to $49 Friday-Sunday.
Moose Run—Hill Course (Most Scenic Course)
Similar in style and feel to its sister course, the Hill Course at Moose Run, is a beautiful track and one of the most scenic in the entire state. With mature spruces and birches towering over narrow fairways on every hole, the Hill Course is the quintessential Alaskan golf course.
Originally a nine hole track, the back nine was added years later and now all 18 holes feature fast, tiny greens and a great opportunity to breathe some of that fresh Alaskan air.
The Hill Course is significantly shorter that the Creek Course, measuring only around 6500 yards from the tips and is a par 72.
The Hill Course is slightly cheaper too, costing only $39 Monday-Thursday for 18 holes walking and $45 for the same Friday-Sunday.
Settler’s Bay Golf Course (Best Deal)
Located outside of Wasilla (about an hour drive from Anchorage), Settler’s Bay is a high quality golf course you can play at a great price. The course features elegantly shaped holes and a layout that takes full advantage of Alaska’s frontier feel.
With rolling fairways, numerous elevation changes, and gorgeous, tree-lined fairways, Settler’s Bay offers a truly memorable golf experience.
The course measures 6450 yards from the blacks and is a par 71.
Settler’s Bay is similarly priced to other area courses of the same quality…except on Tuesdays and Thursdays when you can play 18 holes walking for $25.
Fairbanks Golf Course (Another Course to Consider)
While for good reason most of the courses in the state are located in Anchorage, Fairbanks Golf Course does make getting in a round of 18 in the center of the state possible. Like other Alaska golf courses, Fairbanks Golf Course showcases tall pines and other trees, and boasts large undulating greens and a favorable layout.
The northern most course in the country measures 7045 yards from the tips and is a regulation par 72.
A round of 18 walking costs $40.
Golf Alaska
There is a lot to see and do in Alaska, and for most people, golf is not tops on the list. But if you have already hiked, fished, and climbed as many mountains as you wanted to, consider bringing your clubs on your Alaskan adventure and squeezing in a round of 18 at one of the above courses. It will surely be a round to remember. Happy golfing!
Did we miss a course? Share your Alaska golf experience in the comments section below.
