JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Located on Joint Base Andrews, home of Air Force One, sits The Courses, an 11th Force Support Squadron asset, comprised of three 18-hole golf courses, three practice putting greens, two private practice areas and a driving range.
“We have a very relaxed country club atmosphere,” said Mike Thomas, The Courses general manager. “The Courses hosts over 200 golf tournaments and catered events annually. We have the largest course in the Department of Defense and are proud to host people from all over the National Capital Region.”
The Courses currently employs more than 120 people, with staff constantly inspecting the Clubhouse and Courses for small details: the golf carts are lined up, the course is free of trash, customers are happy, the grass is trimmed, the dining areas are neat and orderly, making sure the soap dispensers in the restrooms are full and towels are folded.
“Approximately 100,000 rounds of golf are played annually on the courses with about 150,000 people walking through the doors,” Thomas said. “We have plenty of VIPs that come here as well. Even the President plays here about 20 times a year.”
The Clubhouse is also home to Smokehouse 54, also an FSS asset, which is a barbeque themed kitchen and dining area of The Courses.
“We make everything from scratch and even have our own craft beer,” said Steve Muhlbaier, Smokehouse 54 executive chef. “We cater to everyone from our in-house customer in the dining room to large events on the range with over 500 people. Our largest events of late have been catering to people like Gen. Welsh for his retirement party and the Secretary of Defense.”
A portion of the funds earned at The Courses go back into the base community. Being part of FSS, the money generated from The Courses goes to FSS facilities and services such as child care centers, the Youth Center and youth programs, the library and the Club.
Whatever equipment is needed, these funds help pay for, whether it be for a dishwasher, new carpets, a van, or a tractor to maintain The Courses themselves.
“I think our customers come here because it’s the little things that matter and their money goes toward a good operation,” Thomas said. “People come here for the overall experience of playing a game with some friends, getting some good food, some friendly competition, what have you. We’re selling smiles and kinship.”
For more information about The Courses, call 301-736-4595, or go to www.thecourseatandrews.com.