Best Golf Courses in Alaska

Alaska is a land of extremes. The winters are long, dark, and cold. The animals are massive and ferocious, and the terrain is unforgiving and relentless. To live there, the people must be modern-day pioneers, and when it comes to golf in Alaska, the people who choose to do it are just that… pioneers of the sport.

There aren’t a lot of places in the world where you would worry about a moose interrupting your golf game. However, to an Alaskan golfer, it's part of the routine, and it’s all worth it. The people of Alaska all share a common trait; working towards the future. That is the exact sentiment that has allowed golf to flourish into a worthwhile endeavor in the last frontier of America.

At Inland Grove, we’ve established comprehensive guides up and down the nation’s south and north, including Texas, Michigan, Missouri, and more. Today, we will take it to the extremes for the adventurer golfer of the modern world. So, keep reading to find the best golf courses in Alaska.

What Is the Best Season for Golf in Alaska?

The golf season in Alaska is short. It runs from the middle of May to the beginning of September, and even that is not a guarantee. Moreover, a ton of off-season preparation goes into making golf possible during the summer. Tarps are laid during rainy days, greens are rebuilt after being trampled by moose, and those greens are often not so green. Despite all the hassle, the short golf season in Alaska is uniquely spectacular. Let's take a look at some of the best golf courses in Alaska you should jot down on your must-visit list.

Best Golf Courses in Alaska

Black Diamond Golf Course (Healy, AK)

Black Diamond Golf Course is one of the most stunning courses in the world. Located in the state's center, near the Denali State Park, Black Diamond gives you a glimpse of what golf can offer in Alaska. Massive snow capped mountains surround the course from all sides, and a serene lake sits against the southern edge of the course. There is something almost poetic about playing golf in such an extreme environment.

There are only nine holes at this par-35 course, but taking your time isn’t an issue at Black Diamond. The fairways are long and well-groomed, water hazards are plentiful, and the hearty cold-weather grass can be challenging. Fortunately, the staff is more than eager to help anyone with some tips.

Family-owned and operated since 1996, Black Diamond offers the public a true refuge in the Tundra. The resort provides horse and ATV tours, the restaurant comes fully stocked with Alaskan seafood, and the beer flows freely under the incredible star-filled night sky.

Birch Ridge Golf Course (Soldotna, AK)

Said to contain the best course conditions in Alaska, Birch Ridge Golf Course offers a challenging but gratifying golf experience. Established in 1973, Birch Ridge remains the only golf course on the Kenai Peninsula.

You might struggle to believe you’re approaching a golf course when you pull up to Birch Ridge. The dense Alaskan trees protect this course from all sides. Once inside the course, you will be treated with views unlike anything you’ve ever seen. Remarkably, two active volcanoes can be seen from several holes at Birch Ridge, and depending on the day, you can even see the steam billowing into the sky. Like the other breathtaking golf courses on our list, moose, bear, and caribou frequent this course, so be polite and let them play through.

Additionally, green fees are incredibly reasonable here, under $35 to be exact. Moreover, guests can enjoy an additional 50 percent off if they stay at the lodge. Speaking of the lodge, the resort has several cottages for under $200 a night, offering the same incredible views as the golf course. If you are in the area and are longing to golf, Birch Ridge is a sublime choice.

Anchorage Golf Course (Anchorage, AK)

Designed by renowned architect Bill Newcomb, Anchorage Golf Course provides golfers everything Alaska has to offer. 

Dramatic snow capped mountains, dense green forest, and the Anchorage city skyline are all in view at Anchorage Golf Course, and you will have to take multiple breaks to take in the sights.

Anchorage Golf offers more than just pretty views as well. The fairways are pristine, the greens are well taken care of, and the course flows nicely. A common theme to most Alaskan courses is the lack of manmade hazards like sand bunkers. This is partly because the Alaskan wilderness offers no shortage of natural hazards like dense foliage, ponds, and swift elevation changes. Particular attention should be given to the third hole, where a boomerang-shaped green sits on a steep hill, making for a very high-risk approach. 

However, the best part of Anchorage Golf Course is its accessibility. It’s open to the public, the green fees are reasonable, and during the golf season, you can play under the sun well into the night. Anchorage Golf Course feels like a home course, no matter where you’re from.

Moose Run Golf Course: Creekside (Anchorage, AK)

Designed by Robert Nelson with respect to the natural landscape, the course attests that he must have done something right, as it was voted “Best in State” by Golf Digest in 2023. Anecdotally, this course has been described as one of the most challenging courses in the world, and any course with that distinction is worth trying.

Now onto the intricacies – this course is the longest golf course in Alaska, coming in at 7,324 yards long, with the par-5 hole eleven taking up 640 yards. At Moose Run, you will navigate through reclaimed gravel pits, cross a creek, maneuver around bunkers, and hopefully, not find yourself playing in the trees. Stepping up to an intimidating challenge is what Alaska is all about, so don’t shy away from this course.

Besides its challenge, Moose Run features two distinct courses: Creekside and Hill. Although Creekside is a more celebrated course, both deserve a mention on this list. If you’re interested in another challenge after tackling Creekside, the Hill course offers a similar but slightly more accessible experience.

Bear Valley Golf Course (Kodiak, AK)

Owned and operated by the U.S. Coast Guard but very much open to the public, Bear Valley Golf Course is the only course on Kodiak Island. If truth be told, this course shouldn’t even exist because of the island’s subpolar oceanic climate.

However, against all odds posed by the island’s harsh weather conditions, Bear Valley thrives today - a true testament to the resilience and perseverance of the Alaskan people, and of course, excellent drainage.

Bear Valley is a quick but challenging course. To excel at this course, you must navigate the windy and hilly terrain.

However, the fairways and greens are surprisingly well-manicured, featuring views of mountains, the ocean, and a diverse array of wildlife throughout the course. Another feature worth mentioning is the wartime bunkers found throughout the course, which serve as a reminder of the hard-fought history upon which so much of Alaska is built.

Moreover, Bear Valley offers a full range of amenities besides its magnificent course: a fully stocked pro shop, a snack bar with food and beverages, and excellent practice facilities. So you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find a golf course on Kodiak Island and even more surprised by its quality.

Golfing in Alaska

All in all, respect must be given to the land it sits upon. Dedication and hard work make golf possible in Alaska. Therefore, any round of golf played there should be done with gratitude for those who make it possible. So, bring a can of bug spray, extra layers, and a positive attitude, and you will fit in just fine.