Kunsan golf course to undergo re-design

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Stephen Collier
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, South Korea --  The base golf course will receive a significant re-design beginning in the spring of 2008, according to West Winds Golf Course officials here. 

The recent announcement makes way for the addition of three, par-four holes, the expansion of some greens and increased safety measures for golfers. Overall, according to Mr. Bo Linder, West Winds manager, the re-design will lead to "a higher mental awareness of each hole and the thought required to play a more challenging course." 

"The golf course is being re-designed to allow for a smoother flow of golfers," Mr. Linder said. "We hope by re-designing the course it will allow even more golfers to play the great game of golf." 

The idea for the re-design dates back to the previous 8th Fighter Wing leadership. According to Mr. Linder, observations were made by leadership of how to improve the course, many of which are being implemented during the 2008 re-design. These included expanded greens and increased pars. 

West Winds, which accommodates more than 24,000 golfers a year, is one of the busiest golf courses in the Air Force, second only to Hanscom Air Force Base, Mass.
Mr. Linder said it's the services provided by the staff at West Winds, together with the ease of tackling the course that brings golfers back every time. 

"I believe the upgrades to the course will enhance the capability of each member that plays to be better golfers," he said. "Right now, Wolf Pack members see the golf course as a good chance to learn to play golf on a real easy course. By offering them a little more challenge, they will be better prepared to play other courses that are more challenging than here." 

The re-design is also a good thing for the base in general, according to Capt. Sirena Morris, 8th SVS commander. 

"We're glad about the re-design because it provides a challenge for those who are avid golf players. It gives them a change," Captain Morris said. "While it's great for regular players, [the re-design] gives them another opportunity to get out of the dorms and get involved with what's happening on base. If you've been out [to the golf course], it's like a small oasis at Kunsan. It's lush, it's green ... it pulls you away from the monotony of the work place. With the high operations tempo here, it's great to have a place to go to hit around a few golf balls while being surrounded by friends." 

Wolf Pack members can take advantage of several programs aimed at increasing the base's awareness of golf and attracting first-time golfers. These programs include "Golf With Your Friends," an event that allows one member in a four-person part to play for free. 

Other programs include a free rental of a push cart during the player's birth month and free lessons during the month of May. For those players who stop during the month of June, members can take advantage of free golf "clinics" at 5 p.m. Mondays. 

For more information on the Golf Course and its programs, call 782-5435.