TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Tinker Golf Course is more than just a golf course, says 72nd Force Support Squadron Tinker Golf Course manager Jim Broughton.
With Tinker Club closing its restaurant March 1, the almost 60-year-old course will inherit the club’s food services workers to staff Mulligans Grill.
“We are looking to promote morale, welfare and recreation, by offering people a place to relax, get away, and have fun with friends,” Broughton said. “Come out and see us!”
Broughton said when Mulligans opens it will be able to seat 70 and will soon be open for breakfast and lunch.
“It’s going to be a great venue and will provide the best view on Tinker,” he said. “Schedule your group to bring your smaller meetings or celebrations.”
He says people should call beginning May 1 for availability.
Broughton says he’s hoping this change will attract new clientele and allow the course to increase the number of events it hosts each year.
“We usually hosted between four and 10 events like leadership and retirement dinners each year,” he said. “We are hoping to double that.”
Although most golf course events are held on Friday, Broughton says any day of the week is up for grabs, with advance notice.
Groups from 40 to 144 players can be accommodated for golf and food. Food selections for tournaments are barbecue, burgers or grab-and-go sandwiches.
“The golf course and dining area are quite receptive to golf tournaments,” he said. “These tournaments are typically for fundraisers, wingman days or other squadron events including change of commands.”
He said there are several dates still available throughout the summer and fall. Call now for availability.
Another new attraction at the course is soccer golf.
Broughton says the game follows similar rules as golf, but instead of using a golf ball people use a soccer ball. He says that will go until the end of May.
“We’ve had a good response to it so far. It has brought out some new families and faces we’ve never seen before,” he said.
Broughton says the course was created in 1960, by active duty personnel, Reservists and civilians on base that just wanted to play golf.
“It started out as a 9-hole course, but then grew to 18 holes about five years later,” he said. “Other features such as ponds, sand traps and USGA standard greens were also added.”
The course, which is open to anyone allowed on base, offers a practice putting and chipping green, driving range, full-service pro shop, as well as a gentlemen and women's lounge that both include shower facilities. Golf lessons are also available. For more information, contact the course at 734-2909.
Broughton says the course is open from “daylight to dark,” seven days a week. He says the only days they are closed Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
An opportunity to check out the golf course will be May 23, when the 72nd Air Base Wing hosts its annual golf tournament.
Second Lt. Ashlyn Paulson, from 72nd ABW Public Affairs and golf tournament director, says teams will be limited to four people. She says at $55 a person, there isn’t a much better deal around. It also includes lunch. Thirty-six teams of four will be allowed to participate in the tournament.
Proceeds from the event benefit the 72nd ABW. Paulson says everyone should be checking their email for more details around April 15. She can be contacted at 734-1162, or via email, ashlyn.paulson.1@us.af.mil.