Course Tour
Every Hole at American Lake
Eighteen holes, a par 71 layout, from the original front nine to the Nicklaus Nine on the back. Explore the scorecard and every hole below before you play.
THE SCORECARDA Par 71 Course, Front to Back
American Lake plays to a par 71 from three sets of tees: Blue at 5,799 yards, White at 5,270, and Red at 4,700. Handicap (HCP) ranks each hole's difficulty from 1 (hardest) to 18 (easiest); men's and women's handicap differ on holes 2, 3, 10, 11, 16, and 17.
Swipe the table sideways to see all 18 holes.
| Hole | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | OUT | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | IN | TOTAL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | 36 | 4 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 35 | 71 |
| Blue | 302 | 152 | 259 | 511 | 403 | 383 | 439 | 141 | 343 | 2933 | 403 | 198 | 498 | 331 | 138 | 317 | 314 | 299 | 368 | 2866 | 5799 |
| White | 291 | 140 | 245 | 501 | 384 | 364 | 389 | 128 | 330 | 2772 | 363 | 166 | 469 | 287 | 111 | 269 | 277 | 259 | 297 | 2498 | 5270 |
| Red | 266 | 115 | 218 | 476 | 356 | 326 | 336 | 110 | 312 | 2515 | 313 | 140 | 434 | 238 | 94 | 227 | 235 | 221 | 283 | 2185 | 4700 |
| HCP (Men)HCP M | 7 | 13 | 15 | 1 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 17 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 2 | 12 | 18 | 14 | 8 | 16 | 6 | |||
| HCP (Women)HCP W | 7 | 15 | 13 | 1 | 9 | 11 | 3 | 17 | 5 | 8 | 16 | 2 | 12 | 18 | 14 | 4 | 10 | 6 |
HOLES 1–9
The Front Nine
The original nine holes, tree-lined and true to ALVGC's roots since the 1950s. Each hole is dedicated in honor of a military decoration and the sponsoring Veteran organization. The Front 9 was upgraded to Jack Nicklaus’ design, with the improvements completed in June 2022.
1
Purple Heart: Military Order of the Purple Heart Ch. 407
PAR4 302 / 291 / 266 yds · HCP 7
A welcoming starting hole that invites players to find their rhythm. Accuracy off the tee is rewarded, while the surrounding evergreens provide a classic Northwest backdrop.
2
Air Force Cross: NW Chapter for Paralyzed Veterans of America
PAR3 152 / 140 / 115 yds · HCP 13 (M) / 15 (W)
This hole demands thoughtful placement. Favor the fairway and you'll earn a clear approach to the green. Miss your target and the mature trees can quickly become a factor.
3
Medal of Honor: Legion of Valor
PAR4 259 / 245 / 218 yds · HCP 15 (M) / 13 (W)
A picturesque hole that showcases the natural beauty of the property. Club selection is key as subtle elevation changes challenge distance control.
4
Distinguished Flying Cross: VFW Department of Washington
PAR5 511 / 501 / 476 yds · HCP 1
Players must decide whether to play aggressively or position themselves for a safer approach. Patience often wins the day here.
5
Air Medal: Disabled American Veterans - Chapter 108
PAR4 403 / 384 / 356 yds · HCP 9
One of the more demanding holes on the front side. A solid tee shot is essential to setting up a realistic birdie opportunity.
6
Bronze Star: VFW Post 4137
PAR4 383 / 364 / 326 yds · HCP 11
Towering evergreens frame this memorable hole. Keep the ball in play and trust your yardage.
7
Distinguished Service Cross: VFW Post 2995
PAR5 439 / 389 / 336 yds · HCP 3
Accuracy becomes more important than power. A well-placed tee shot opens the door for a scoring opportunity.
8
Navy Cross: Marine Corp League
PAR3 141 / 128 / 110 yds · HCP 17
A hole that rewards discipline and course management. Take your medicine after a miss and avoid turning one mistake into two.
9
Silver Star: AMVETS Post #1
PAR4 343 / 330 / 312 yds · HCP 5
A fitting conclusion to the original layout. The hole encourages one final aggressive swing before making the turn.
HOLES 10–18
The Nicklaus Nine
Designed by Jack Nicklaus and the Nicklaus Design team, opening the course into wider, more open terrain.
10
Defense Distinguished Service Medal: 40/8 Transportation Veterans Organization – one box car holds 40 men of 8 horses
PAR4 403 / 363 / 313 yds · HCP 10 (M) / 8 (W)
The landscape opens up and introduces a different style of golf that rewards strategic thinking and thoughtful shot placement.
11
Distinguished Service Medal: International Association of Firefighters #31 Tacoma Fire Fighters
PAR3 198 / 166 / 140 yds · HCP 4 (M) / 16 (W)
A classic Nicklaus design philosophy comes into play: identify the safest route and execute. Risk and reward are carefully balanced.
12
Defense Superior Service Medal: Veteran Golfers Association
PAR5 498 / 469 / 434 yds · HCP 2
One of the more inviting scoring holes on the back nine. Players who find the fairway can attack the flag.
13
Legion of Merit: Washington Rock
PAR4 331 / 287 / 238 yds · HCP 12
Named in spirit for the veterans this course serves, this hole asks golfers to commit fully to every shot. Confidence is rewarded.
14
Soldier's Medal: Clover Park Rotary
PAR3 138 / 111 / 94 yds · HCP 18
As the round enters its final stretch, this hole emphasizes smart decision-making. Position often matters more than distance.
15
Defense Meritorious Service Medal
PAR4 317 / 269 / 227 yds · HCP 14
A memorable hole featuring strategic angles and thoughtful design. The best approach is often created from the proper side of the fairway.
16
Meritorious Service Medal
PAR4 314 / 277 / 235 yds · HCP 8 (M) / 4 (W)
No place for hesitation here. Choose your club, trust your swing, and execute.
17
Joint Service Commendation Medal: PGA of America, Western Washington Chapter
PAR4 299 / 259 / 221 yds · HCP 16 (M) / 10 (W)
The setting encourages reflection on the mission and purpose.
18
Joint Service Achievement Medal: Parkland Spanaway Rotary
PAR4 368 / 297 / 283 yds · HCP 6
A strong finishing hole that embodies the spirit of American Lake Veterans Golf Course.
