Find the Fun at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

Hello! Have you ever wanted to golf at really cool place? Well, I have some great news for you. Let me tell you about the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course in San Antonio, Texas. It's a cool place with two great golf courses named Salado Del Rio and La Loma. Whether you’re a kid who wants to swing a club or an adult who loves golf, this place has something for everyone. Let’s dive into why the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is so special!

What Makes Fort Sam Houston Golf Course So Great?

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is a big deal because it’s on a military base, but guess what? It’s open to everyone, not just soldiers! You can come, golf, and enjoy. The courses were designed by a well-known guy named A.W. Tillinghast, and another guy named Kevin Tucker assisted in making them better. These courses are old, and even Sam Snead and Arnold Palmer, famous golfers, golfed here. Cool, huh?

There are two courses at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course: Salado Del Rio and La Loma. Both have 18 holes, which means a total of 36 holes! That is a lot of golf without getting bored. The courses consist of trees, creeks, and even lakes that make it challenging but enjoyable. The fairways (the grassy surface you strike the ball off of) are well maintained, and the greens (where you place the ball into the hole with the putter) are groomed. It's a wonderful place to work on your swing!

Why You'll Love Playing at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

Playing at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is an adventure. The Salado Del Rio course is really nice and has a lot of trees and nice views. It's a little tougher because there are some tricky water hazards and blind shots (that's when you don't know where the ball is going). The course is 6,857 yards long, which is really far, and it’s a par 72. That means you’re supposed to get the ball in the hole in 72 shots if you’re really good.

The La Loma course is a little easier, but it’s still fun. It's 6,819 yards long and is a par 71. The fairways are not as tight, so it's a little more forgiving if your ball gets a little off line. Both courses feature Bermuda grass greens, which are nice and even for putting. And there's a large practice area where you can hit balls at the driving range or just work on chipping and putting. Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is ideal for learning or improving golf. 

A Little History of Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course has a chill history. It's old and even had the Texas Open in the 1950s and 1960s. That's a big golf tournament, and it's the only military course ever to have done so! In 2022, the Valero PGA Texas Open awarded the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course a special plaque to commemorate its history. That's like receiving a gold star for being great.

The courses were constructed in various years. La Loma started in 2007, but some of it was built way back in 1935. Salado Del Rio began in 1976. Both were constructed by A.W. Tillinghast and subsequently refurbished by Kevin Tucker. The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is unique because it combines old and new layouts, so it has a vintage feel but is still enjoyable to play today.

Who Can Play at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course?

Here's the good news: anybody can play at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course! Even if you are not military, you can obtain a pass to play. You just have to stop by the Fort Sam Visitors Center off IH 35 at the Walters Road exit to obtain a permit. It's simple, and the personnel, such as Joseph, the pro shop manager, are very friendly. They'll let you know where to be and what to do.

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is also family-friendly. They offer rental clubs if you don't have your own, and you can rent golf carts to speed around the course. There's even a cafe named Back Swing Cafe where you can get a burger or a snack. Prices are quite reasonable too—green fees are $26 to $32, and a range token for practice balls costs just $3. That's peanuts for such a great place!

What's It Like to Play at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course?

When you arrive at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course, you'll understand how beautiful it is. The Salado Del Rio course is full of creeks and trees, so you need to watch where you are hitting the ball. Some of the holes are difficult, such as the final one, where you'll need to hit the ball over a ridge in order to reach the green. If you don't hit it hard enough, you'll have a difficult shot to the hole. But don't worry, it's cool to try!

La Loma is a little more exposed, so you can hit the ball straighter more easily. The greens are medium in size, and there are bunkers (those patchy sandy areas) you need to steer clear of. Both courses feature water coolers and restrooms everywhere, so you won't get thirsty or need a rest. The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course ensures you're comfortable while you're playing.

Tips for Enjoying Yourself at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

If you're a novice golfer, these tips will ensure that your day out at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is fantastic:

Don't just wear anything you want. You must dress in proper golf attire, such as a collared shirt and decent shorts or trousers. No jeans!

Practice beforehand: Warm up using the driving range or chipping green. Hitting balls is enjoyable before playing.

 

Don't bring coolers: Outside drinks are not welcome at the course, so buy water or snacks at the café.

 

Book in advance: (210) 222-9386 is the number to call to reserve a tee time so you don't have to wait.

Have fun!: Golf is about enjoying the game, so don't stress if you make a bad shot. Just keep swinging!

Why Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is a Great Deal

Another great thing about the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is that it's not really pricey. Some golf courses are really pricey, but this one is reasonable. You can play 18 holes for under $40, and that's including a cart! And then there's this neat app called The Greens @ JBSA. It's free and it displays yardages, keeps score for you, and informs you of special promotions. You can have it downloaded on your phone and get all your information.

Fort Sam Houston Golf Course also has good PGA pros who will provide you lessons if you wish to improve. They can assist you with swinging better or putting straight. And if you wish to have a party or a golf tournament, they can assist you with that as well. The golf course is wonderful for large parties such as retirements or holiday celebrations.

What People Say About Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

Many enjoy playing at the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course. Some indicate that the fairways and greens are in excellent condition, and they thoroughly enjoy playing. Others indicate the friendly staff contributes to making the day enjoyable. One player indicated it's far superior to other courses in the area because it is so well maintained. But there are those who say the courses could use a bit of tweaking, such as repairing bald spots and loosening up the fairways. Nevertheless, most everyone says it's a wonderful place to play golf.

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course has a 4.0 rating on some websites, and people say it’s a good value for the price. Some golfers even come back every time they visit San Antonio because they love it so much. The scenic views and tricky holes make it a place you’ll want to visit again and again.

Fun Events at Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

The Golf Course at Fort Sam Houston is not only for everyday golf. They have some really fun events as well! Take July 4, 2025, for instance. They are having a Red, White, and Blue Tournament. It's an enjoyable round of golf where you use alternate tee boxes per hole, and you pay $25 to participate (add on green fees). Sign up through the Greens @ JBSA app. They also host events such as golf tournaments, parties, and even military events such as change of command ceremonies.

If you wish to organize a special occasion, the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course can assist. They offer party spaces as well as pros who can arrange everything. It's an ideal place for a fun day with family or friends.

How to Get to Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is located at 1050 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas. It's straightforward to locate, but because it's located on a military installation, you may need to present identification or pick up a pass at the Visitors Center. The course is open daily from sunrise to sunset, and the driving range is open until 9 p.m. You can call (210) 222-9386 to reserve a tee time or inquire. The people are friendly and will assist you.

If you're driving, just head toward the base, and you'll find the golf course. It's not far from downtown San Antonio, so it's a great destination for a day trip. Pack your clubs, or rent some there, and enjoy a day out!

Why You Should Go to Fort Sam Houston Golf Course

The Fort Sam Houston Golf Course is a fantastic place to play golf, whether you’re a beginner or a pro. With two awesome courses, Salado Del Rio and La Loma, you’ll never run out of fun. The history, the pretty views, and the friendly staff make it a place you’ll love. Plus, it’s affordable, and there’s so much to do, from practicing at the driving range to grabbing a snack at the café.

Well, what are you waiting for? Pick up your golf clubs, gather your friends, and go to the Fort Sam Houston Golf Course for a day of recreation. You will have fun hitting balls, discovering the courses, and creating memories. If you reside in San Antonio or you are just in San Antonio visiting, this golf course is worth visiting. See you on the fairway!