(Pictured: South Course at Andrews (Md.) Air Force Base)
The addition of more veterans’ classifications for access to recreation facilities at U.S. military installations was the largest patronage expansion in more than 60 years, increasing the total number of eligible households to 10 million.
A new benefit that took effect January 1 for a variety of veterans’ classifications will make recreation facilities at U.S. military installations, including golf courses, available to an additional 4 million people, the Military Times reported.
The patronage expansion was the largest in more than 60 years, Military Times reported, increasing the total households eligible for the benefit from about 6 million to 10 million. While not all of the 4 million additional people were expected to use the benefit, because of distance and other factors, officials were working as the new year began to ensure that no out-of-stock situations would occur at military-base stores in states with high populations of disabled veterans and in states with a higher cost of living.
The change extended the benefit, which includes eligibility to shop at commissaries and exchanges, and to use certain morale, welfare and recreation (MWR) facilities that include golf courses, to all veterans with VA service-connected disability ratings; Purple Heart recipients; veterans who are former prisoners of war; and primary family caregivers of eligible veterans under the VA caregiver program, Military Times reported.
In addition to golf courses, revenue-generating MWR activities include bowling centers, movie theaters, RV campgrounds and recreational lodging.
The armed forces operate nearly 160 golf courses, most of which are in the U.S., according to a 2017 article published by GolfAdvisor. And because most military golf courses are not operated using taxpayer money, but must instead depend on non-appropriated funds generated from MWR activities, many of the courses still offer opportunities for civilian play, but at higher rates.
Security has tightened since 9/11 for access to the courses, but opportunities for public play can be found through the MilitaryTeeTimes.com website.
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