Links makes strides with better course conditions

The general manager at the Links since October 2019 said golfers who haven’t played on the golf course in a while will definitely notice improved conditions there.

A new superintendent has been onboard since March 2022, said Gary Haught, who’s also director of golf, and “he’s done a fantastic job on the course. The greens and fairways are in excellent condition.”

Haught gave an overview of the amenities at the golf course during the Redstone virtual town hall on Thursday, overlooking the 18-hole Warrior course to the south of Goss Road. The 18-hole Patriot course is to the north of Goss Road.

The facility features two putting greens for practice – one that matches the grass at the Patriot course and one that matches the grass at the Warrior course – and a driving range. Golf lessons and golf club fittings are available, he said.

“If you order clubs, we match every discount store price here in the golf shop,” Haught said. “There is no tax on the Arsenal and that can save you 9%.”

The Links also offers an 18-hole course for foot golf, which is played with a soccer ball. The cost is $5 for ages 5-12 and $10 for those over 12 years.

“We welcome new golfers,” Haught said. Loaner clubs at no charge are provided for a player who doesn’t have clubs who only wants to hit balls on the driving range, but the player would have to pay for the range balls. “If they want to play on the course, we have rental sets for a price of $10 per round in addition to the round of golf cost,” he said. A Ladies League plays on Wednesdays, and the golf shop can be contacted for information.

Annual golf passes are available, Haught said. “If you play more than once a week, you can buy an annual pass and save money in the long run.”

The Links hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The Weeden Mountain Grill is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The next tournament at the golf course is the Red, White and Blue Tournament, a four-person scramble, on Saturday, July 1.

Anyone with access to the installation can play golf at the course, according to Haught. “If you do not have an affiliation with the Arsenal, you’re welcome to stop at the Gate 9 Visitors Center, and they’ll run a background check for a recreational pass. It’s good for one year, and it will let you come in Gates 8, 9 and 10.”