The third course up on our visit to Alaska was Palmer Golf Course. The course is located in – and named after – the town of Palmer. So, sorry to disappoint if you were hoping the course was designed by Arnold Palmer. GolfPass shows that the Iliad Corporation designed the course.

Both my friend and I enjoyed our round at Palmer. The design is basic, but the course is playable. It is also an easy walk and offers great views of the area. We paired up with a couple good players which made things even more enjoyable.

Palmer is a links style course without a lot of flair. Most of the holes are straight and run parallel to each other. There isn’t a premium on accuracy if the rough is cut down. There are just a handful of holes where someone can lose a ball. Fairways are generous. Bunkering is light. It felt like the course was designed for the average hack, which is nice considering all the overdone modern designs out there.

We played the white tees which are 70.3/116/6585. The blue tees push the yardage to 7,125 yards, so the distance will likely be the biggest challenge here. Also, the greens are on the small side and tough to find with an average iron shot. Even from the white tees there are a number of lengthy holes. On the front nine, the 3rd is a 570 yard par-5. The 15th is a 190 yard par-3 with an interesting green. The pin was located on a small shelf at the back of the green. The 17th is a 440 yard par-4 with hazards that pinch the hole.

While there isn’t a signature hole at Palmer, the course showcases the area’s beautiful scenery. The 1st hole is a great example – mountains tower off in the distance at the edge of the valley. The 2nd hole plays the opposite direction and has views of the mountains on the other end of the valley. A few holes overlook the Matanuska River. There are dramatic views pretty much every direction you turn at Palmer.

We paid $25 to walk and for the price, I don’t have any complaints about the conditions. Considering the conditions we found at the other courses we played, the turf in the fairways and tees here was pretty consistent. The rough was cut down. The greens were full, just bumpy and slow.

If you are looking to play a round of golf in Alaska then Palmer would be a good choice. The design certainly won’t wow you, but I’m glad we stopped here. I think the course is a borderline hidden gem. The scenery cannot be beat and if you like plane spotting – as I do – then you’ll get your fill as the course is right next to the local airport.

Course Pictures (click any picture to scroll through the gallery):