The Best Places to Play Golf near Gustavus
The five closest public 9-hole golf courses to Gustavus are led by Mount Fairweather Golf Course, located right in Gustavus at 1 State Dock Road, offering a par-36 layout set against outstanding scenery bordering the Icy Strait and backed by views of snow-capped mountains.[2] Opened in 1998 and designed by Moragan De Boer, this facility provides club rental and caddie services, in addition to a driving range.[8] Just over the water in Juneau, the Mendenhall Golf Course is a 9-hole, par-27 links-style design established in 1986 by Tom File, offering full views of the Mendenhall Glacier and occasional visits from local wildlife.[5] Mendenhall’s fairways of native grass and bentgrass greens wind among wildflowers, and salmon may be seen spawning in the adjacent stream during summer.[5] Further afield but within reach are Valley of the Eagles Golf Links in Haines, a public 9-hole, par-36 course notable for its design by Mark Miller and the opportunity to play just yards from the Chilkat River and Bald Eagle Preserve.[6]
The area also contains courses with historical and distinctive qualities. For instance, Muskeg Meadows Golf Course in Wrangell presents a rare Alaskan 9-hole layout designed in 1998 by Jerry Bakeberg, while the Bear Valley Golf Course in Kodiak, built in 1986, is ranked among Alaska’s best for its dramatic coastal views, though both are further than 20 miles from Gustavus.[6] Each offers summertime play with memorable surroundings, and local clubs frequently host Alaska’s traveling golf events.[6]
Fun Facts about Golf Courses near Gustavus
- Mount Fairweather Golf Course sits adjacent to Glacier Bay National Park, with panoramic mountain vistas visible from several holes.[2]
- Both Mount Fairweather and Mendenhall courses are set up for play through midnight during Alaska’s famous long summer days.[5]
- At Mendenhall Golf Course, players may spot eagles overhead and deer grazing along the fairways during a round.[5]
- Valley of the Eagles in Haines is one of the few American courses where holes are set beside a world-famous eagle preserve, attracting birdwatchers and golfers alike.[6]
- Mount Fairweather hosts events in partnership with local clubs and has served as a venue for regional charity tournaments.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the oldest golf course near Gustavus?
Mendenhall Golf Course was founded in 1986 and was designed by Juneau’s Tom File. [5]
What makes Mount Fairweather Golf Course unique?
Mount Fairweather is Alaska’s only coastal public course offering uninterrupted views of both the Fairweather Range and Glacier Bay, making it a distinctive setting for a round. [2]
Are there summer midnights when you can play golf?
Yes, both Mount Fairweather and Mendenhall typically allow golf late into the evening during peak summer days, sometimes even approaching midnight. [5]
What wildlife might golfers see on nearby courses?
Players can expect sightings of eagles, deer, spawning salmon, and possibly brown bears near holes—especially at Mendenhall. [5]
Are club rentals and caddie services available?
Yes, Mount Fairweather Golf Course offers club rentals, caddies, and even pull-carts for those traveling without equipment. [8]
References
[1] Tripadvisor Mt. Fairweather Golf Course
[2] Alaska.Gov Golf in Alaska
[3] ForeTee Mt. Fairweather
[4] ForeTee Mendenhall Golf
[5] SkyGolf Mendenhall Course
[6] LocalGolfSpot Alaska
[7] Tripadvisor Mt. Fairweather (Image)
[8] GolfPass Mt. Fairweather