Sports

Golf

The central Kenai Peninsula features golf at very affordable prices with features like views of mountain ranges and periodic moose and caribou sightings.

There also is the unique opportunity to, at the peak of summer, finish a round after 11 p.m. And we're talking about a round at the 18th, and not 19th, hole.

The central peninsula offers two nine-hole courses and an 18-hole course. The three golf courses on the central peninsula are Birch Ridge Golf Course, Kenai Golf Course and Bird Homestead Golf Course.

Each course has tournaments throughout the summer, so it is best to call ahead for a tee time.

The Birch Ridge Golf Course and driving range is on the Sterling Highway just east of Soldotna and offers a full range of amenities, including rental cottages, on its nine-hole layout.

Pat Cowan, the co-owner of the course, said the 2009 greens fees will go up slightly in 2010.

For adults, greens fees in 2009 were $14.50 for nine holes on weekdays, $25 for 18 holes on weekdays, $15.50 for nine holes on weekends and holidays and $27 for 18 holes on weekends and holidays. There are discounts for seniors, or those over 65, and juniors, or those 17 or younger or still in high school.

For more information on Birch Ridge, call 262-5270, e-mail birchridgegolf@msn.com or visit the Web site at www.birchridgegolf.com.

The Kenai Golf Course, on Lawton Drive in Kenai adjacent to Coral Seymour Memorial Park, features an 18-hole layout and driving range. A short-game practice facility also is available.

Gordon Griffin, the co-owner of the course, had not decided early in the winter whether greens fees will go up in 2010. If the rates go up, Griffin said the increase will be small.

For adults, greens fees in 2009 were $14 for nine holes on weekdays, $24 for 18 holes on weekdays, $16 for nine holes on weekends and holidays and $26 for 18 holes on weekends and holidays. Discounts are available for juniors and seniors.

For more information on Kenai Golf Course, call 283-7500 or visit the course on the Web at www.kenaigolfcourse.com.

The Bird Homestead Golf Course is located at Mile 11.8 of Funny River Road. The course features a pro shop and a unique driving range. Golfers hit floatable balls into a pond. The balls then blow to shore for collection.

Contact the course at 260-4653.

For those not interested in golf of the ball variety, the Kenai Eagle Disc Golf Course is located in Kenai's East End Park. The course has 18 par-3 holes. It is best accessed from the entrance to East End Park on Tinker Lane. It is free to play the course.