PGA golf pro offers lessons aboard Combat Center

Twentynine Palms -- Marine Corps Community Services’ mission is to take care of Marines and their families by providing quality of life programs, products, and services in support of the Marine Corps’ objectives. One of the many ways MCCS achieves that mission aboard the Combat Center is through programs offered at the Desert Winds Golf Course.

The Desert Winds Golf Course is the only 18-hole, championship course within a 60-mile radius of the installation and is open every day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Upon request, active duty service members can participate in a free golf clinic instructed by Gene Shouler, golf course professional, MCCS.

“As a [Professional Golfers’ Association] member, my primary responsibilities are to run the golf course, maintain a golf shop, provide programs, lessons and various services,” Shouler said.

Shouler, a Navy veteran, joined the MCCS team in July of this year and is ready and willing to help service members and their families improve their golfing. In addition to the free clinics for active duty service members, the golf course also offers a junior clinic for children ages 7 – 17 and a group instruction program called Get Golf Ready.

“The program was established by the PGA of America,” Shouler said. “It’s a way for golfers who have never played golf to be able to play decently on the golf course within five weeks.”

According to Shouler, the play on the course is currently limited, which enables golfers to play a full round of golf in approximately 3 and a half hours.

“The purpose of this establishment is to provide recreation for active duty military and their families,” Shouler said. “We’re here to help them unwind when they leave work or return from deployment.”
For more information about the golf course and the services offered, call 760-830-6138.