Bald Eagle sits on the top of a tee marker.

On the 3rd hole which follows the river.

Astroturf greens - the bears sometimes rip them up.

Waiting for me to hit onto the green - no run on these fairways.

Bald eagles are feasting on dying salmon along the Chilkoot River.

Picturesque hole along the Chilkoot River.

Don't be fooled, the fairways are very soggy but the day warms up.

Golf Alaska

August 30, 2017 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 15 °C

We take up a shore excursion to play golf at Valley of the Eagles Golf Club in Haines. It is owned and run by Stan and Kathy. Stan is the retired town doctor, and Kathy is the retired school teacher. The course runs for 9 holes along the Chilkoot River.

There's lots of wildlife that have access to the course and we see plenty of bald eagles but no bears. The course is really wet and we start in the rain but after 9 holes we are playing in sunshine. We have to play in overshoes or, in my case, gumboots because of the water lying around. We end up playing golf with Bob from Cape Cod and really enjoy the experience. I have a real tumble and slip on the glacial silt path. Didn't hurt at the time but it's stinging now!
The greens are AstroTurf and overall the fairways are pretty good. The surroundings and the wildlife are magnificent. Tyler, our host, makes us hot chocolate and salmon mousse balls for a snack.

We end up playing 18 holes and could have played all day if we wanted. It was great fun.Read more