Project Overview
Anchorage Golf Club is a public course and ranked No. 1 in Alaska by Golfweek Magazine. The course was constructed in 1987 and enjoys being the most played and highest ranked course in Alaska. Original routing concepts for the site were proposed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in the mid-1980s. Eventually, golf developer and designer, William “Bill” Newcomb was contracted to design and build the course on behalf of the Municipality of Anchorage. Besides serving the community, the project was intended to add a golf element to the nearby Alyeska Resort.
Today, the public-access course has undergone major renovation and rebuilding at the hands of golf course architect Forrest Richardson, ASGCA. His work has been focused on re-imagining the course with greens remodeling, all new bunkering and the addition of tees to both add yardage and make the course more playable for everyday golfers. As part of the transformation, tree clearing and expanded fairways have created a ‘new’ Anchorage Golf Course that is positioned for the next generation of Alaska residents and visitors.
“The course is a wonderful journey,” comments Richardson. “The anatomy of the layout takes players through the forest, around hills and down into the lower valley of the property.” Richardson began his work in 2008, preparing master plans and approaches that would eventually lead to the ten-year process of remodeling. “In Alaska you need to work according to the schedule of Mother Nature, and her schedule is nothing like we’re used to,” says Richardson. Work on the course generally begins in Spring, which in Anchorage can come as late as May. This means a fast-pace and adherence to strict timelines in order to allow grow-in time for turf. Only a few holes and areas are disturbed each year, which is why the process has taken longer than usual.
In 2020 Richardson prepared the course the course to host the United States Golf Association’s 2022 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship. Alaska had been the only U.S. state to not have hosted a national championship until USGA Director Mike Davis, in 2017, became determined to bring a major event to the 49th State. “I saw Mike at a conference in 2017,” recalls Richardson. “Among other things, we discussed some of our current work, which included Anchorage Golf Course. Mike was fascinated, especially on how we got work done during such short seasons for turf establishment. From that meeting the idea was born to bring a USGA event to Alaska.”
Shelly Stouffer of Canada eventually defeated Sue Wooster in the final match of the 2022 U.S. Women’s Senior Amateur Championship, becoming the first USGA Champion crowned in the State of Alaska.
Work continues with final touches to greens and bunkering, with a target date for all work being completed in 2028. Among the new features already completed are a new short game area, expanded practice range and tree clearing for a new short course to be called the “Little Bear.” The 6-hole layout is a series of par-3s ranging from 70- to 120-yards. “We call it the Little Bear because — well — a little bear lives in this area of the property,” notes Richardson. Plans are to raise funds to help finish the Little Bear, a loop of holes that will be dedicated to teaching kids about golf, and bringing new players to the game. “Anchorage needs recreation and social activities,” adds Richardson. “The idea for a family-oriented and fun golf experience is long overdue. It will mean so much to the community and will expand the interest in golf during the long summer days.” (Updated 12-16-25)
Quick Facts
Scope: Comprehensive Master Planning, Club Workshops, As-built Documentation, Master Plan Packaging & Presentation, Budgeting, Construction Documents, Construction Observation Services
Total Budget: $5.0 million
Builder: In-house
Address: 3651 O’Malley Road, Anchorage, Alaska