Why Did The U.S. Army Partner With GolfNow?

Did you know that all four branches of the U.S. military operate golf courses? Or that 80% of those owned and run by the Army are open to public play?

Many golfers aren’t aware of the access to some of these military gems — from the Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed West Point Golf Course in New York to Ryder Golf Course at Fort Bragg in the pines of North Carolina — but getting a tee time is about to become even easier.

In a first-of-its-kind agreement between NBC Sports Next and the U.S. Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division, golfers can search for and book tee times at 33 Army installations through GolfNow as well as affiliated websites TeeOff and Military Tee Times. These courses, located throughout the mainland U.S. and Hawaii, also receive tee-time distribution technology and promotional opportunities as part of the partnership with the world’s largest online tee-time marketplace.

JJ Love, the Chief of Business and Recreational Programs, G9, U.S. Army Installation Management Command, called the partnership a “tremendous opportunity to promote Army golf through NBC’s various media channels.”

“(It) will greatly enhance our online tee-time booking visibility and capabilities for all of our U.S.-based courses,” Love added.

There are almost 150 military golf courses throughout the U.S., according to the National Golf Foundation, and their primary purpose is to provide for the morale and welfare of active duty soldiers and their families.

Since 2011, all courses operated by the U.S. military are required by federal law to be self-sufficient, relying on revenue such as green fees and carts instead of taxpayer money. While profits at many military golf facilities go back into tight course budgets, the additional public play can also help support not only golf, but other recreation programs and activities, from bowling to libraries, at various installations.

The golf courses maintained by the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Division in the U.S. account for approximately one million rounds annually, with facilities ranging from 9 to 36 holes.

“We’re honored to welcome U.S. Army golf courses to our industry-leading tee-time marketplace and excited to deliver more of the ever-growing number of golfers who love the ease and convenience of booking online,” said Jerramy Hainline, Senior VP & General Manager, Golf, NBC Sports Next, which launched Military Tee Times in 2014.

The U.S. Army will promote the partnership at its courses, on facility websites and through social media, while NBC Sports Next will utilize both on-air and digital assets.

RELATED CONTENT:

Stix: The First-Year Success Story Of A Golf Equipment Company Started During The Pandemic

SentryWorld Introduces Unique $275 All-Inclusive Golf Experience In Wisconsin

A Good Walk: As Golf Thrives, TRUE Sees Growth And Added Investment

Troon Gets Into Golf Entertainment With Golfzon Partnership And New ZSTRICT Simulator Venues