Area 51
Where Veterans Help Veterans Get in the Game
Behind an unassuming building at American Lake Veterans Golf Course is something extraordinary. Welcome to Area 51, a volunteer operated workshop where donated golf equipment gets a second life and veterans get the support they need to enjoy the game.
Step inside and discover an incredible collection of golf equipment, a dedicated team of volunteers and a shared mission that goes far beyond repairing golf clubs.
More Than a Golf Workshop
Golf can be an important part of a Veteran's journey toward recovery, offering opportunities for physical activity, confidence, friendship and a renewed sense of purpose. Area 51 helps make those opportunities more accessible by ensuring Veterans have the equipment and support to participate.
Whether picking up a golf club for the first time, returning to the game or looking for equipment better suited to their abilities, Veterans will find a welcoming team ready to help.
Inside Area 51
What happens to golf equipment when its playing days appear to be over? At Area 51, it might be just the beginning.
Inside the workshop, volunteers collect, evaluate, repair and refurbish donated clubs and equipment. From regripping and replacing shafts to assembling complete sets, the team provides many of the same services you would find at a professional golf shop.
The workshop also maintains an extensive collection of golf clubs, bags, shoes and accessories, along with donated golf balls that are cleaned and sorted for reuse.
Each donation creates another opportunity to help someone enjoy the game.
The real story of Area 51 is the people behind it.
The workshop is powered by dedicated volunteers, many of whom are Veterans themselves. Its crew includes:
Butch and Larry from the Army
Tom and Russ from the Air Force
Ed and Mike from the Navy
Marine Corps Veteran Jeff
Fellow volunteer Gary
Meet the Crew
Together, they contribute their time and technical skills to help fellow Veterans. Their commitment reflects something special about American Lake Veterans Golf Course: a community where Veterans continue to serve one another.
Every service is offered on a donation basis, and no donation is ever required.
Equipment for Veterans
For Veterans participating in our golf instruction program, Area 51 can be the next step in their golf journey. After receiving lessons, they can visit the workshop to be fitted with suitable clubs and, when available, receive a complete set of equipment.
The team assists golfers of different ages, abilities and experience levels, including beginners, seniors, women and left-handed players. Experienced golfers may also find opportunities to upgrade their equipment.
Veterans can also stop by for up to six donated golf balls per day, subject to availability.
Whether you need your first set of clubs, a repair or some friendly advice, the Area 51 crew is here to help.
Every donated golf club has the potential to make a difference.
Area 51 depends entirely on the generosity of its volunteers and supporters. Donations of gently used clubs, golf balls, bags and other golf equipment help the team serve more Veterans. Financial contributions and workshop supplies, including grips, shafts, tape and solvent, help keep the repair benches operating.
Have equipment you're no longer using? Want to contribute supplies or volunteer your time? Your support can help another Veteran discover or rediscover the joy of golf.
Help Keep the Mission Going
Get Involved
Visit Area 51 at American Lake Veterans Golf Course or contact us to learn more about
receiving equipment, donating or volunteering.
There may be a little mystery in the name, but there's nothing secret about the mission.
