Chena Bend Golf Course Review

In our quest to play golf in all 50 states, we made our trek to Alaska this past spring. We loaded up our RV (Dee 2.0), hit the ALCAN Highway and headed North – to Alaska!

Although it was late spring – the weather wasn’t all that warm.

But….we endured the cold weather and did play a couple of rounds.

One of those rounds was at Chena Bend Golf Course on Fort Wainwright in Fort Wainwright, Alaska.

We had originally arrived in the area to visit Santa at the North Pole and wasn’t sure we would have any time to golf. I know, I know – that doesn’t sound right! Anyway……..

We had reservations at Riverview RV Park in North Pole, Alaska. Imagine our surprise when we found ourselves literally just around the corner from Fort Wainwright and Chena Bend Golf Course!

It was like Christmas morning!!

Chena Bend Golf Course is known as the “Furthest North Military Golf Course” in the United States. Situated between the east side of the Fort Wainwright airfield and the Chena River, with a number of holes routed alongside the fast flowing waters.

Chena Bend is an ideal course for beginners but challenging enough for the more experienced, low handicapped golfer.

My golfing partner was pleased to find the course measured 7,012 yards from the longest tees – playing to a par 72.

Prior to teeing off, we talked with Dustin Adams – the course Business Manager, who told us the summers are short but the weather is great for golf 3-4 months of the year. We were quite comfortable playing in the 68 degree weather in June. This year the course opened earlier than normal due to outstanding weather. However, it had a few temporary greens. Along with way too many mosquitoes. (Be sure to load up on bug dope if you plan on playing here!)

I noticed very quickly on in the round that hitting the ball other than down the middle was going to be trouble – lots of trouble!

The fairways are lined with woods. Woods that we were physically unable to traverse. Which translates to me having to drop a couple of balls due to some (ahem….most) of my drives being more than 10-15 yards off the fairways! The fairways were well-groomed.

Over half the holes are carved out of the woods where you can’t see or hear anyone else, which was the best part of the course – very peaceful!

As I mentioned, Chena Bend Golf Course is located on a military base – which I believe adds to the novelty of the course. It is open to the public, but those who don’t have access will need to give themselves enough time to go through the base security to enter the base.

Unfortunately our time was very limited and we were only able to play 9 holes. Which is still better than not playing at all – at least we did get to play the great game of golf without sacrificing our other commitments….Like meeting Santa hello!

Since we did only play 9 holes, I will not be submitting score card rating on the course. That said, I think this is a golf course worth your time.

Dustin and the entire staff were very welcoming and got us out on the course quickly. It was a fun day, with beautiful views and challenging play.

If you do find yourself this far north, check out Chena Bend Golf Course. My only advise for the course – watch out for moose poop!

Fairways and Greens, We are 18 Holes and Counting. 

Written by Kathy Festa