Gateway to a Great Day

You know that feeling, when you’re on the top of the world? You feel so good that anything is possible? That’s what happens when you stand on the first tee at Gateway Hills GC at JBSA-Lackland, TX.

Confidence filled my lungs as I surveyed the scene. Below me, the fairway stretched out a couple hundred yards, awaiting my action. Looking out at the horizon, I could see for miles and miles. The sight filled me with the promise of an awesome round. The course fulfilled that promise. 

If you haven’t played on an elevated tee box before, you’re in for a treat. Gravity and physics combine to help any halfway decent shot. Hole One is a straightforward Par 4, It’s wide enough to not cause fear in a high handicapper like me. After taking in the view and a few deep breaths, I launched my ball fearlessly into the blue sky. It was a marvelous sight, even as it veered left off the fairway. From the trees I hit my medicine shot back into the fairway. My third shot was up a slight hill to the green. Two putts later I was in for a scenic bogey. I’m good with that. 

The Ups and Downs
Some review sites talk about “extreme elevation changes” on this course. There are a couple places where it seems extreme, but this is a walkable course. The clubhouse sits atop a hill. Tee boxes for Hole One and Ten hit down off the hill. Greens for Nine and Eighteen are back up the hill. They offer carts to shuttle up Nine and back down to Ten. Other than that, the course is fairly flat.

If you are good enough to play from the tips, you’re playing over 6900 yards. But, for us normal golfers, we catch a break and play at a little over 6,000 yards. The great thing is, there is tee box to match your ability. I will happily “tee it forward” because I’m not out to prove nothing to nobody. Hey, even Bryson Dechambeau plays from the red tees sometimes! 

Heart Attack Hill
At Hole 9, you’ll face “Heart Attack Hill.” This signature holes is both scenic and challenging. They say it’s only 50-feet up. I don’t know about that. When you’re standing over your ball, looking way up and wondering what club to use for that second shot, it seems like you're aiming at the top of a skyscraper. 

This challenge is fun. If you hit short and don’t crest the hill, your ball might roll back down to you. Hit it too long or to the side, and you’re hunting for your ball with no idea where it stopped because you couldn’t see it from the bottom of the hill.

Fortunately, the pin has a flag that's like 20-feet-tall so you can see it from down below. This tall flag on a sloping green marks the tallest elevated green on any CONUS AF golf course.

A Walk In Nature
I like a good walk with my sticks. This track surrounds you with a beautiful environment. Native trees line the fairways. The subtle changes in the green hues welcome you to a visual treat. Peaceful views relax you. You’ll cross creeks a few times. Trees frame scenic vistas. The squirrels and hawks may wonder what you’re doing in their backyard, but no humans will.

I had a great time on this course. You’re out in nature, with no houses along fairways. The nearest runways are not that close, so there’s fewer distractions from aerial activities. As I stepped on this one particular tee box and was struck with the quiet. The only noise was a squirrel disapprovingly chattering about my warm up swing.

The fairways are beautiful. The greens are in great shape and roll true. I really enjoyed the entire playing experience. 

Management Matters

“Rocket Robert” Vasquez, the new manager, broke free from his duties to chat with me for a bit. It’s obvious he cares deeply about his customers and their golf experience. He makes great use of social media to relate to us golfers. You can tell there’s a great manager in place by the customer service and vibe.

“Serving those who Serve” is Robert’s philosophy. He’s very supportive of the local military community and highly recommends experiencing a BMT graduation. ”One of the most beautiful things to see on this on this installation is graduation. You see all those young airmen you know they’re heading into a great future in the Air Force.” 

Practice Facilities and Pro Shop

The practice facilities at Gateway Hills GC are first rate. The driving range is huge, lighted, and you’re hitting off grass. There’s two putting greens and a place to work on your chipping. My coach (who I don’t see often enough) tells me to practice more. This would be a fine place to do just that. The pro shop has what you need served by a friendly staff.

Let’s Eat?

The Greenside Grill is a picturesque setting, with tables overlooking the driving range on one side and putting green on the other. Unfortunately, my visit didn’t coincide with the hours that they are open. Locals I spoke with gave it mixed reviews. Plan accordingly.

Facility Facts

• Gateway Hills GC was designed by Texas Golf Hall of Fame member Joe Finger in 1946

• Length - 6917 yards, Slope – 125, Rating - 73.1

• Walker friendly

• Four sets of tees to choose from so you can enjoy your round. Personally, I like loved playing from the senior tees.

• Home base for the JBSA PGA HOPE programs that provide free lessons for our Disabled Veterans. 

• Customer service one of the best in the military.

Parting Thoughts

Words don’t do this course justice. When you’re on a tee box and realize you can see for miles and miles and miles away…that visual can’t be beat. It’s a great reminder of how lucky we are to be able to do what we do.

Things to Know About JBSA Golf Courses

At Joint Base San Antonio, you can play on all four courses at the three installations. All are within a one-hour drive of each other. Each course offers something unique at a great value. If you’re visiting San Antonio and have the time, experience all four of these cool venues.

All Joint Base San Antonio golf courses are online with The Greens @ JBSA golf app. This free app has many features including GPS for yardage, an electronic scorecard, information regarding the course, prices, contact information and much more. download it today on the Google Play Store or IOS app store 

Non-DoD card holders can get a pass that is good at all three installations. Call one of the courses for more information.