Celebrating first anniversary

"I'd like to see as much participation as possible. Hopefully, we'll have a full field of 80 to 100 players," said Head Golf Professional Joe Carreiro. "

The NAS Jax Golf Course offers 27 holes of championship golf for people of all ages and skill levels. The red and white nines are par 36, while the blue is a par 35.

The landscape winds through a beautiful tree-lined fairway complemented with lakes. With this lush landscape, occasionally you may find an alligator basking in the sun catching a glimpse of your game.

Howard Jelinek walks along the golf course with his clubs. Jelinek is known for his five holes in one.

The golf clubhouse features state-of-the-art showers and locker rooms. Mulligans restaurant has four 50-inch plasma televisions with unobstructed views throughout the facility.

The restaurant provides panoramic views overlooking the golf course. There are also 42-inch plasma screen televisions in the bar. "With the convenient location of Mulligans, those staying at the Navy Lodge and TVQ do not have to venture off base for a full-service restaurant," stated Carreiro.

All the proceeds from the golf clubhouse goes to the NAS Jax Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department to provide benefits to the Sailors here and their families.

Occasionally an alligator sits among the beautiful landscape and enjoys watching a game of golf.

The 18,000-square-foot clubhouse took 16 months to build and cost $4.2 million. Since the upgrades were made and the new clubhouse was completed last summer, more than 65,000 rounds have been played here.

"The white course which is the new nine, is a little tighter but it is maintained just as well as the red and blue. We enjoy playing it tremendously," said golfer Ken McEwen.

The facility is open to active duty, retirees, government employees, base contractors and civilian guests when accompanied by an authorized patron.

"This is a great golf course with great prices and conditions. We play here every week," added golfer Jim Yackey.

At the pro golf shop you can purchase merchandise, set up tee times, sign up for one of the many clinics offered and drop off your clubs to be fixed or the grips replaced.

Numerous golf clinics are available for everyone regarding their golf abilities. These include a women's clinic, family clinic, junior program clinic and an all-hands clinic.

John Burke trys out some of the clubs in the pro golf shop. The shop offers a wide variety of items.

To honor and recognize military patrons, there are four appreciation days each month. Two active duty days on Tuesdays and two Thursdays for retired military and Department of Defense patrons. The special rate is $13 per player for 18 holes. These days are very busy. Tee times are recommended.

The golf clubhouse is open Monday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with the first tee time starting at 7 a.m.

The restaurant is open Monday through Sunday from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, call 542-3249.

Ray Wensell of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Maintenance Department, keeps the grounds at the NAS Jax Golf Course looking good. Each day, upkeep is done by pulling weeds, replacing sod and mowing the grass.

Jim Richey selects his golf cart for the day.