Golf Facility Turned Over To Veterans Administration

The military rich South Sound region is one step closer to boasting a world-class golf course designed specifically for the people who've protected our country.

The Veterans Administration officially claimed ownership of the new $1.4-million Rehabilitation and Learning Center at American Lake Veterans Golf Course in a ceremony that drew hundreds of volunteers and supporters last Friday.

The two-story building, at 9600 Veterans Drive in Lakewood, was built with money raised by the non-profit Friends of American Lake Golf Course group.

On hand for the event were local, state and federal elected officials, business leaders, veterans and other onlookers, including former UP City Councilman and Pierce County Councilman Stan Flemming.

“We had one generous donor out of Gig Harbor, Gene Lynn, who donated approximately $200,000 for the building and another $300,000 for the back nine,” said Roger Gatts, the golf course’s assistant manager.

Much of the money for the building was raised at a charity golf tournament in Palm Desert in 2009. 

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus has been actively involved, Gatts said. Nicklaus and his group have designed a nine-hold expansion for the American Lake course, and golf's "Golden Bear" visited the course and put on a golf clinic last year.

“Jack Nicklaus and his group will be here on board to assist us as soon as we raise the money to build our back nine,” Gatts said.

Stan Naccarato, a member of the Friends’ governing board, said Ken Still, a former golf pro from Fircrest, was instrumental in getting Nicklaus, involved. Still and Nicklaus were teammates on the 1969 Ryder Cup.

But the sport of golf is only part of the significance of the new course, which will allow disabled veterans to enjoy the game on a course of their own.

“These kids with no eyes, no arms, no hands, no legs are coming back and some of them are going to live the rest of their lives here at American Lake Veterans Hospital," Naccarato noted. "We got involved  to expand this golf course and make it into something they’ll really enjoy.”

Still said Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course are on a mission.

“We’re going to have 18 holes here,” he said.  “It’s going to happen in the next year. I’d say, in the next six months. We’re getting all our dominoes in place.”

The Rehabilitation and Learning Center got underway in 2008 with demolition of a 50-plus-year-old caddy shack, site clearing, and utility connections.

Northwest Home Designing Inc. of Lakewood provided the concept design as an in-kind contribution and BMC West donated construction drawings and cost estimates. Also contributing services was Pacific Northwest Engineering, which approved the structural design.

Contractor Gordon Rush of Gig Harbor broke ground in July 2009 and the building was completed in April 2010. Fundraising continued, however, to supply fixtures, furnishings and equipment.

The 8,400-square-foot building serves a dual purpose. In addition to administration of the golf course, it is used as a rehabilitation and learning center for year-round golf instruction and therapy.

The center houses a Full Swing Golf Simulator, teaching station and putting area and can be adapted to host a variety of activities.

The lobby contains a check-in counter for all golf activities and with furnished nooks for socializing. Men’s and women’s locker rooms flank the reception desk.

Administrative offices are located on the second floor, along with a conference room with a 60-inch television, a small library, handicap-accessible restrooms and storage areas.

A covered porch runs along the rear of the building and is furnished with outdoor tables and chairs.