Chena Bend Golf Course
Chena Bend Golf Course, located on Fort Wainwright military base, features an 18-hole parkland layout set against Alaska’s rugged landscape. Spacious fairways, challenging greens, and natural elements like the nearby Chena River create a unique golfing experience for military personnel and their guests.
Course Overview
Located within the remote expanse of Fort Wainwright in Alaska, Chena Bend Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout that challenges and rewards players against a backdrop unlike most in the sport. This military course is public to those with base access, presenting a rare blend of Alaskan wilderness and carefully maintained turf. Its parkland-style routing weaves through gentle undulations, framed by stands of spruce and birch, and is punctuated by the Chena River's meandering presence, which often influences strategic shot making.
The course plays at a moderate length, featuring a par 72 setup that balances test and invitation. Fairways are wide enough to accommodate players at all skill levels, yet the placement of bunkers and subtle breaks on the greens require thoughtful approach shots and precise putting. Throughout the round, winds sweeping through the Northern landscape add a natural variable that can challenge players to adjust their club selection and shot trajectory.
Chena Bend's condition is notable, particularly given the demanding Alaskan climate. The grounds crew maintains pristine fairways and smooth greens during the season, though tee boxes occasionally show signs of wear, a small reminder of the region’s rugged environment. Golfers should prepare for varying weather and dress in layers to accommodate sudden changes, with sturdy footwear recommended for comfortable walking along some softer stretches adjacent to the riverbanks.
Amenities include a well-equipped driving range that receives praise for its upkeep, alongside a pro shop that supports players with rental clubs and essentials. While carts are available by request, walking is encouraged to truly experience the course’s natural contours and quiet scenery.
Because Chena Bend is located on an active military base, access is restricted to military personnel and their guests, with civilian play requiring appropriate sponsorship and base pass clearance. This exclusivity ensures the course remains a peaceful, focused environment where the demands of the game harmonize with the unique northern setting. For players privileged to tee it up here, Chena Bend offers a memorable round shaped by both nature’s hand and meticulous care.
Course Highlights
Chena Bend is distinguished by its integration of natural features including the Chena River's influence on several holes, strategically placed bunkers, and undulating greens. The course combines Alaskan wilderness ambiance with meticulously maintained playing surfaces, creating an engaging challenge for golfers of varying skill levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Gary Burdine
Only the second time I have golfed, but this course was nice. Will be doing it again.
NotICON
This was an awesome course and it was in great shape! The driving range was amazing and well maintained, the fairways were well maintained and the greens were in perfect conditions. My only complaint is that some of the tee boxes could have used some TLC. I was only here for a month for a business trip and I wish the weather had cooperated more on my days off. I would have played this course a couple more times if that were the case.
M K
My husband never got to play. He booked his tee time on golf now and called to speak to the course to confirm I could ride and neither the website nor the staff he spoke to mentioned this course is on a military base. My husband clearly said we aren’t locals and even asked about golf bag rentals…. Still the staff didn’t mention this was military only. We got all the way there just to learn we aren’t allowed on the property to access the golf course. Just be aware if you are a civilian trying to book. We couldn’t even get a day pass. Response: The visitors center told us because we weren’t military sponsored then we can’t have a pass. We told the person in the office we had a golf now booking and showed it to them and he basically told us too bad. Might want to address this with the visitors office. And we both had real IDs.
Jeremiah waggoner
The course is about as nice as you could hope for considering it is frozen solid for about 5 months a year. People need to start showing it more respect and fixing their divots, but it is a pretty course.
Danielle Hunter
Absolutely beautiful. First time golfing and won't be my last.
Derek
Best course in Fairbanks. Amazing staff, always friendly and cares about the course. Only issue I have is the price. E6-E8 Is about 12-16K a year depending on TIS. Why isn’t there a junior enlisted and a senior enlisted price. Again… best golf to play up here. But the prices aren’t cheap for a MWR facility.
M K
My husband never got to play. He booked his tee time on golf now and called to speak to the course to confirm I could ride and neither the website nor the staff he spoke to mentioned this course is on a military base. My husband clearly said we aren’t locals and even asked about golf bag rentals…. Still the staff didn’t mention this was military only. We got all the way there just to learn we aren’t allowed on the property to access the golf course. Just be aware if you are a civilian trying to book. We couldn’t even get a day pass. Response: The visitors center told us because we weren’t military sponsored then we can’t have a pass. We told the person in the office we had a golf now booking and showed it to them and he basically told us too bad. Might want to address this with the visitors office. And we both had real IDs.
Daniel Chatterley
Wonderful course. Especially impressive for being in Fairbanks AK
NotICON
This was an awesome course and it was in great shape! The driving range was amazing and well maintained, the fairways were well maintained and the greens were in perfect conditions. My only complaint is that some of the tee boxes could have used some TLC. I was only here for a month for a business trip and I wish the weather had cooperated more on my days off. I would have played this course a couple more times if that were the case.
The Truth
As of 18 June 24: Fairways 7/10 Greens 8/10 Course layout 9/10 Play speed 9/10 Employees 10/10 Cost value 8/10 Tee boxes 5/5 Views 4/5 Club house look 5/5 Golf shop 3/5 Carts 4/5 Beverage cart 0/5 Restaurant/bar 5/5 Bug control 5/5
Book Your Round
Experience one of golf's most legendary courses
Direct booking • No commissions
Course Details
Access & Location
2090 Montgomery Rd, Fort Wainwright, AK 99703, USA
Chena Bend Clubhouse - includes pro shop and light refreshments
Walking is encouraged to appreciate the terrain; sturdy shoes recommended due to natural surfaces and proximity to wetlands.
Access limited to military personnel, sponsored guests, and those with base passes; civilian access requires prior approval.
Nearby Courses
