Moose Run at JBER serves up two outstanding courses, the Hill course and the Creek course. 

The Hill course was built by the Army Corp of Engineers before Alaska became a state. It's a player-friendly track with great vistas. The Creek course opened in 2000 and may just be the toughest course you'll ever play. It's been ranked 49th of the top 50 toughest courses in the USA by Golf Digest. 

When I played here, I got grass stains on my jaw from the barrage of jaw-dropping views. The Chugach Mountains stand guard over countless trees that frame gorgeous fairways under spectacular skies. Pictures don't do it justice.

If you're a high handicapper like me, allow yourself two days to play here. Do the Hill course on your first day to get used to the greens and the scenery. The Hill course will let you build some confidence before the Creek course teaches you a lesson tomorrow.

The Creek course presents many challenges. Hole 9 was my toughest hole. The approach shot is pictured above. On this long Par 5, you're faced with a narrow approach shot over the creek. I spent a sleeve on this hole alone.

This track challenged me at nearly every swing. Permafrost causes undulations on the fairways. Sometimes the ball ended up below my feet, sometimes above. The fairways were sometimes narrow when I needed them to be wide. The designer made excellent use of the topography to create a challenging course that is fun.

The signature hole is a thing of majesty. The design of this course works with the land to provide fun, challenges, and fantastic views.

Nature, Nature Everywhere
How often do you see a moose when you're golfing? Or black bear? Or foxes? Moose Run serves up all this and more, all while surrounding you with grandeur. 

The Other Stuff
The amenities here are well thought out.  The driving range has covered areas for when it rains. The pro shop has everything you need for your golf game. The Grizzly Grill serves up tasty food with an impressive view.

Friendly Efficiency
In prime season, Moose Run GC is a model of friendly efficiency. I felt welcomed, but not rushed. That's a commendable achievement considering how busy they get during their limited summer season.

I got the chance to speak with Josh Cantrell, PGA, Manager of this fine facility. He credits his staff, "this place is like a factory. We have people here from four a.m. to midnight. Some days, there's 550 golfers on the tee sheet. This facility is top notch because of our staff."

Planning Your Visit
Moose Run GC serves locals, tourists, and folks on TDY to JBER. If you're planning a recreational visit, Josh Cantrell recommends mid-July as an excellent time to visit. In addition to the possibility of Midnight Golf, you can experience world-class fishing when the salmon are running. 

Facility Facts
• Northernmost 36-hole facility in the United States
• Creek Course:
    • Length 7,324 yards - Rating 75.7 - Slope - 141
    • Year Built 2000
    • Architect - Designer: Robin Nelson

• Hill Course:
    • Length 6,492 yards - Rating 69.8 - Slope - 119
    • Year Built 1952
    • Architect - Designer: Army Corp of Engineers