A. C. Read Golf Course Review

April 2, 2020

Kathy and I have been playing A.C. Read Golf Course for a few months now. Partly because we are kind of limited to where we can play at the moment due to COVID-19, and partly because A.C. Read is a great little course to play. Not to mention we can play a round of golf for $18.00 dollars per person, walking.

This course is a Birdie and should be played by anyone that wants to play golf and have the full Pensacola feel.

Here is what I mean……Pensacola is known for a few things – the U.S. Navy, beaches, hospitality and the Blue Angels. A.C. Read has ALL of those and more!

U.S. Navy. You have no choice but to notice you are playing golf on a navy base – in order to play A.C. Read you have to enter via the Naval Air Station (NAS) front gate.

The Beaches. A.C. Read is 27 holes of golf that has views of the beach and bay. Several holes line the Bayou Grande, giving you spectacular water and beach views as you play. Every time you go it will be a little different due to the ability of mixing three, nine hole courses (Lakeview, Bayou, Bayview).

Hospitality. The hospitality at A.C. Read is what you would expect from a military course – direct, polite and complete. They never miss a beat. If you need something they are there to help. From the first person you meet as you walk on the course, to the cart person driving around making sure you have plenty of food and drinks, everyone is a joy.

Blue Angels. What is special about NAS Pensacola is this is where the Blue Angels – the U.S. Navy’s flight demonstration squadron – are stationed and practice. That means on any given day, especially Tuesdays and Thursdays, you can see the Blue Angels practicing their show. And wow, what a thrill it is to see a F/A 18 Hornet buzz overhead just above the trees and then climb straight up at supersonic speed. All while you are hitting a shot down the fairway. They do this and many other moves for hours. It is a rush that Kathy and I can’t get enough of. We have a saying anytime a military jet flies overhead – “That’s the sound of freedom”. When the Blue Angels fly, not only can you hear and feel freedom, you can see freedom with the precision that comes with the power.

A.C. Read is a fully staffed golf course with instructors, starters, beverage cart and a great clubhouse staff. There is plenty of practice greens, a driving range, as well as club repair and regripping available. Kathy and I have been in contact with almost everyone at the course, and we can tell you they are all great people! They all want you to enjoy your round at A.C. Read. If this was the only course you could play while you were in Pensacola, you would not be disappointed.

As I said, A.C. Read has 27 Championship holes with each nine having it’s own feel, and an 18 Hole Executive Course. There are mature live oak trees, many water holes, and sand hazards that make up a challenging round of golf on all three courses. The tree layout on all the courses doesn’t prevent you from loosing your ball if hit into the woods. The water hazards can be in play but avoidable, and the bunkers are there to make you think about your approach.

The course layout of trees and views of Bayou Grande make A.C. Read one of my favourite courses in Pensacola. There is no doubt we will play A.C. Read many more times. If you are in the Pensacola area and want to play a solid course, be sure to visit A.C. Read Golf Course on NAS Pensacola.

Fairways and Greens – We are 18 Holes and Counting. Written by Marc Festa

HOLE	PAR	SCORE	COMMENTS
1 – Tee Time Availability	4	3	They start from two sets of tees. Allowing you to get the time you want even on a busy day.
2 – Cost of Green Fees	4	4	Cost is based on status. – Civilian or military.
3 – Starter/Marshal	3	2	There is a starter that wants to get you out on the course.
4 – Condition of Tee Boxes	4	4	The tee boxes are in solid shape. Nothing worn out or in need of repair.
5 – Condition of Fairways	5	4	The fairways are in great shape.
6 – Condition of Greens	4	4	The greens are also in great shape. There are no tricky approaches.
7 – Length of Course	5	5	It is not a long course. The layout makes up for the distance.
8 – Hazards	4	4	The bunkers played well.
9 – High Handicap Friendly	3	3	There are four different tee boxes for the all skill levels. Enough bathrooms on the course.
OUT	36	34
10 – Practice Area	5	5	There is a driving range and practice area.
11 – Locker Rooms	3	3	Everything is clean.
12 – Pro Shop	4	4	Everything you need to play golf.
13 – Location	4	4	The location of this course is very easy to get to.
14 – Rental Equipment	4	4	They have a couple of sets available.
15 – Resturant/Food Cart	4	4	Snack bar/restaurant. Good enough to get a bite to eat after your round or have a snack while you play.
16 – Club House	4	3	Fantastic staff.
17 – Parking	3	3	Parking lot right in front of clubhouse.
18 – Customer Service	5	4	Friendly staff that will get you on the course.
IN	36	35
TOTAL	72	69