JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The Courses at Andrews is the only 54-hole golf course within the Department of Defense. Located at Joint Base Andrews, Md., this three-course facility is also the only military golf course which can boast a patronage roster including U.S. heads of state, various high-ranking military and political leaders, and even President Barack H. Obama, on any given day.
The combined caliber of The Courses' greens, employees, as well as its visitors and their returning business, made The Courses at Andrews stand out among other military golf courses in 2012, and helped secure its spot as the 2012 Golf Program of the Year.
"The Courses' club house, originally built in 1974, was first intended to be an enlisted lounge and only a temporary golf course club house," said Michael Thomas, The Courses at Andrews general manager.
However, as the Andrews base populous grew, The Courses expanded and now maintains a facility that is six times its original size. Today, the Courses' club house is still located in its original "temporary" building, but has evolved to sustain more than 170 golf carts, 130 seasonal employees, and sustain 1 million patrons food operations annually.
"In order for us to maintain this kind of facility, we have to employ a caliber of personnel that take as much pride in this golf course as those who visit it," said Thomas. "Here, we coordinate events from local office outings up to large-scale functions held for official Air Force offices. Yes, our clientele set us apart from other base golf courses, but so do our employees. It takes a lot of effort to condition these courses for that type of patron. Nothing we do goes unnoticed."
This year alone, The Courses at Andrews upheld the largest 5-star "signature brand" golf shop in the Department of Defense, implemented $2.8 million in capital complex improvements, executed a new Air Force pesticide reduction program - saving $160,000 in maintenance costs - and was featured on a holiday episode of the television show "Ace of Cakes." This type of publicity, coupled with a staff capable of maintaining these types of events and figures, helped The Courses at Andrews raise guest attendance by 3 percent and garner more than $230,000 in Non-Appropriated Funds.
In addition, the staff here is also equipped to prepare the grounds and the club house for the arrival of any U.S. head of state at a moment's notice.
"We usually get a few hours' notice before someone like the president comes to play here," said Thomas. "But, it's the kind of flexibility The Courses at Andrews has that makes something like this happen. Not only is our staff well trained, but Andrews is also home to three separate golf courses. If someone needs to reserve a green at a moment's notice, it won't affect everyone else who's enjoying a game; we won't become exclusive."
While a keen staff and a flexible layout help the facility maintain a 364-day business operations schedule, closing only on Christmas day, The Courses' turf management program also stands out. Helping the grounds maintain their color year-round, underground well-water systems, instead of surrounding area water main networks, assist The Courses in their watering needs. Some wells used are more than 750 feet deep.
"Other than the cost of electricity to run the pumps, well water is free," said Thomas. "Keeping the greens watered protects them from the summer heat and far outweighs the cost to replace a green. The cost to replace a green is $70,000 x 60 greens at a cost of $4.2 million, which is why the base lake and well system was built."
It's The Courses' attention to detail, energy-saving course amenities and efficient work force that pushed this golf course ahead among neighboring competition and made it stand out among the rest.
"Our golf carts have club cleaners on them and we have four fully-functional latrine facilities on our grounds," said Thomas. "We are always on display here and the staff and I know that. This is how we set ourselves apart and get return guests."
These features, along with good weather, could mean a high volume of patrons. In this case, Thomas warns many guests to get to The Courses early if they can.
"If we get that 70-and-sunny mix and it's a Saturday, you can't get here after 8 a.m.," said Thomas. "You won't find a parking spot."