Muroc Lake GC graces the desert landscape within Edwards AFB. Picture green fairways surrounded by dirt and rocks and bushes. Blue skies smiled down on me as I took the long drive from the main gate to the golf course, which is conveniently about 300 yards from the Club and Lodging.

As I stepped into the well-stocked pro shop to check in, I was greeted by friendly staff. I was lucky to be able to chat with manager, Donovan Huisjen. He warned me of the afternoon wind, and that the desert eats golf balls. I should have taken more heed to his wise words.

The Course
The course is a study in contrasts. Picture long stretches of green painted onto a desert landscape in a playful manner. You can’t hope for a parallel fairway to save your slice. The fairways were lush. The Bermuda grass greens were well manicured and rolled true. Some locals say the ball breaks toward the lake. I don't know if that's true or not.

A Clean Air Walk
It was a beautiful day for a walk in the desert. I found the course to be well paced with varying lengths and varying degrees on the doglegs. By the time I got to Hole 5, I’d only lost one ball. For a high handicapper like me, that’s not bad.

The fairway on 5 is a serene walk on the outskirts of the course. I took a moment to breathe in the fresh desert air and consider my place under that deep blue sky. It was on my approach shot that I felt the first hint of the afternoon wind.

The Wind
Afternoon winds in the desert can range from slightly breezy to blow-your-hat-off speeds. Playing on a windy afternoon here will test your skills and tenacity. My own skills were no match for the wind. High scores and lost balls, but you'll probably do better. I did have fun and appreciated the beauty there. Next time, I’ll get an earlier tee time.

Air Shows 

Edwards AFB is home of the USAF test pilot school. NASA's Dryden Research Center is here and there’s also considerable test activity conducted by America's commercial airlines. Air shows are common here, and you never know what you might see.

The Other Stuff
Muroc Lake GC boasts some great other stuff that goes with a round of golf. The driving range has these incredibly green target areas. The pro shop is well stocked. Come hungry for the snack bar. Their Angus burgers are a full half pound and cooked to perfection. It was the best burger I’ve had in a long time.

Conclusion
If you’re ever near Edwards AFB, you really ought to play the Muroc Lake GC. It’s a gem of a desert course. Just be prepared for the wind.

Facility Facts
•  Designed by William F. Bell, ASGCA
•  Opened in 1959. The back nine opened in 1967
• Par 72 - Length 6915 yards - Slope 130 - Rating 73.5