LAKEWOOD — Many golf courses throughout the country struggled to maintain participation levels through the Great Recession. But perhaps because of its uniqueness, American Lake Veterans Golf Course has proven to be an exception. The result will be the latest — and most dramatic — upgrade to the course when it expands from 9 to 18 holes.
Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus and his design firm have helped plan a nine-hole addition at the course for military veterans and their friends and family. Known as the “Nicklaus Nine,” the new holes are aimed to serve able-bodied and disabled veterans along with those recovering from physical and psychological issues.
Roger Gatts, American Lake Veterans Golf Course assistant manager, said Nicklaus’ involvement stemmed from when Fircrest resident Ken Still, who volunteers at the course, and others on the “Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course,” the facility’s nonprofit arm, discussed expanding the links. Still, a Professional Golf Association member since 1953 and winner of three Tour tournaments, was a teammate of Nicklaus during the 1969 Ryder Cup. The two have remained friends, and Still called Nicklaus to discuss the idea.
Nicklaus immediately agreed to help and volunteered to send his design team — at no charge — to the course. The official groundbreaking on what eventually will be the 10th hole was Aug. 31.
The course, which is located at the VA Hospital in Lakewood, is the only one in the country that is completely accessible to wounded and disabled veterans. Manager Bruce McKenty said 33,000 golfers played last year at American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
“For what these guys have given and contributed, there’s nothing too good for them as far as we’re concerned,” Gatts said. “We’re trying to create a great, friendly atmosphere here. They can come out and just enjoy the day.”
Similar to many projects, Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course has made improvements to the course in three phases.
The first, Gatts said, was a new irrigation system. In 2010, an 8,400-square-foot clubhouse was constructed. The project, which cost more than $1.4 million, was completed through donations. Among the clubhouse features is a side room that offers instruction to blind and paralyzed veterans. American Lake Veterans Golf Course has carts, such as ParaGolfer and SoloRider, that arrived designed for individuals with mobility-impairments. Unlike many carts, Gatts said those are capable to moving on sand traps.
He estimates that at least 1,200 veterans have received playing instruction in that room. Among them are Froilan “Chico” Marin, who served from 1970-91 in the Air Force.
Marin suffered a stroke several years ago that rendered him legally blind. He said the twice-weekly lessons he takes at American Lake Veterans Golf Course, along with a workout regimen, helped him through the struggles that plagued him after he lost his eyesight.
“If it wasn’t for this place, I would be at home looking at four walls and probably wouldn’t be able to walk,” Marin said.
Gatts said veterans that come to the golf course have a variety of issues.
“Lots of guys come in with some mental issues — PTSD and traumatic brain injuries,” he said. “A lot of them come here and think their life is over because they’re missing limbs or whatever the case may be. We change that attitude and give them purpose.”
Everyone who works at the course is a volunteer with positions ranging from mowing the grass to managing the facility. Gatts, who served in the Army, was medically retired in 1985. He notes that some volunteers at the course are more than 90 years old and many are at least 70.
“I need this place as much as it needs me,” Gatts said. “It keeps me going. It keeps all of us going.”
Without employee overhead expenses, he said the course is able to keep rates low. Hours change with the season — they are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through October — but fees remain steady.
Veterans pay an all-day rate of $12 and are able to bring a friend who did not serve in the military for $20. Carts are $9, while a large bucket of balls for the driving range is $4 with the smaller one running half that price.
Gatts said the late Dr. David Tatum was the impetus behind the course being constructed. He said when Tatum, a psychiatrist who was hired to run the VA Hospital in Lakewood, moved to the area from Alabama, he noticed the undeveloped plot of land. Tatum previously worked at a VA Hospital with a nearby golf course.
“He knew that it was good therapy for these guys to go out and play golf,” Gatts said.
With a $25,000 budget and scores of volunteers, American Lake Veterans Golf Course opened in 1955.