Fort Wainwright, Alaska
Chena Bend stands out for its riverfront holes and unique status as America’s northernmost military course. A respected Alaska stop, it offers solid, varied golf and a dose of local military history—perfect for anyone chasing 50-state rounds or an Interior Alaska golf story.
Chena Bend leans into its Alaskan location, with Jerry Matthews routing holes through both thick stands of boreal forest and broad river meadows. The layout’s challenge comes from variety: some holes squeeze you with tree lines, others tempt with open fairways along the Chena River. There’s little architectural flash, but the combination of strong par-4s, swinging doglegs, and long par-5 brutes reward patient, accurate play—especially as brisk winds and changing summer light alter the strategy.
Jerry Matthews, known for blending courses harmoniously into natural Northern landscapes, left his Midwestern mark by crafting Chena Bend as both a challenge and a regional point of pride.
With the river lurking nearby and prevailing winds in play, this long par 3 tests mid-to-long irons right out of the gate. Most rounds’ first “hold your breath” moment—miss short or right, and scrambling to save bogey is the norm.
Favor the left-center of the green and allow for wind drift—distance control is critical.
Miss short or right and you invite awkward chips or worse into slick summer turf.
Generally very good for Interior Alaska—greens roll true, fairways are firm in summer, and the course recovers quickly from spring melt.
Varies with sunlight, weather, and base activity; typically steady, but long daylight can mean a drawn-out round in peak season.
Welcoming but no-nonsense; a military-post course where locals, soldiers, and traveling golfers all blend for a rare, relaxed vibe.
Standard golf attire—collared shirts recommended, but not rigidly enforced.
Even midsummer mornings can be chilly, and river winds can turn on a dime.
You must check current access rules for Fort Wainwright; bring government-issued ID and arrive early.
AGC tournaments and summer weekends fill quickly—secure your tee time in advance.
Rough and tree lines are thick in spots, and Alaska’s bugs can be legendary.
Chena Bend Golf Course opens at Fort Wainwright
Course architect Jerry Matthews brings Midwest/Alaska sensibility
Tops Golf Digest's Best in Alaska list
Hosts Morris Thompson Memorial Golf Classic
Hosts Fairbanks Coal Classic and regional AGC tournaments
Slated to host Alaska Last Frontier Championship
Set to host Alaska State Amateur Championship
Chena Bend's claim as the country’s farthest north military golf course is a point of pride for both its players and designer Jerry Matthews, who was once stationed in Alaska himself. That sense of place is never lost—even on the first tee.
The Chena River not only provides scenic drama but brings wind, biting chill, and tactical nuance to a handful of holes. Play them well, and you just might forget you’re farther north than Iceland’s capital.
With summer days stretching to nearly 24 hours of daylight, Chena Bend lets you tee off at midnight in June—a surreal experience you won’t find this side of the Arctic Circle.
Play under the midnight sun during peak summer, thanks to Fairbanks’ 21+ hours of daylight.
Originated as a morale project for U.S. Army soldiers stationed at Fort Wainwright.
No two holes play exactly the same—expect alternation between forest corridors and river meadows.
Chena Bend helped spark Interior Alaska’s brief 1960s golf boom alongside North Star GC.
Winters see the course blanketed in subarctic snow, but the short golf season is lively and non-stop.
Just 15–25 minutes away; a similarly respected Alaska course and the northernmost public course in North America.
Unique Fairbanks-area addition for a casual or warm-up round.
Occasional public tee times; check availability for a classic Interior Alaska experience.
Stay in central Fairbanks or near the airport for easy logistics and quick course access.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Stonelick Hills Golf Club's own setting.
Why it matches: What links these two? Makes the landscape part of the experience — a familiar feeling, expressed in The Quechee Club – Highland Course's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. StoneCrest Golf Course shares a memorable sense of place, making it a compelling counterpart to Chena Bend Golf Course.
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