It’s not a diamond in the rough, exactly, but it is a gem and rough is a part of the game.

Gallery Golf Course, a full service, 18-hole course located on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, is open to the public.

The landscape features stunning views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the Olympic Mountains and Mount Baker, which can be seen from the golf course.
Some might say it has it all, and club pro Mike Fields, Professional Golfers Association Head Professional at the course, is looking at ways to get the public to recognize that and make more use of the course.

“I’m thinking playing loops, where someone would play four to five holes with time constraints,” Fields said. “Also have tees for kids, families to learn on a shorter course takes some pressure off them and is more rewarding than having to play a full golf course. And have holes that are shorter than the regular holes and run alongside the cart paths.”

Another thing Fields has planned is inviting members of Whidbey Island Naval Air Station out to golf.

He’s entertaining the idea of going to the the Liberty Northwest Center in Admiral Nimitz Hall and answering questions about golf in general and Gallery Golf Course, which is very close, in particular.

Fields wants to invite them out on a Wednesday in May where they’d have free balls, free equipment and play for free. He’s even thought of the young sailors – those E-4 and under.

“I’ll introduce them and see that everyone is engaged,” Fields said.

Fields said the military still makes up 60 to 70 percent of the course’s patronage but they’d like to get more civilians, more young people and more women.

That’s why on Thursdays starting in June and running through August, Gallery will have ladies’ night. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., 16 to 25 women will show up, have a clinic, eat some snacks, go over the rules and go out and play 18 holes. The cost is $15 per round.

By the numbers
Gallery averages about 25,000 rounds of golf a year.

It was opened in 1948 and features 6,351 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par of 72. It covers more than 150 acres.

Golf Digest listed it in Best Places to Play in 2008-2009 and the Whidbey News-Times named it best Golf Course in 2010.

And there are always improvements going on.

Right now, the 14th green is being rebuilt so that it is a little flatter, a little larger and not so high up off the course.

Superintendent James H. Smith has re-staked a 14th hole a little closer to the green while work is under way on the original.

It is also near a two-and-half million gallon pond which was finished in 2005 to feed the sprinkler system.

Services offered include lessons, clinics, tournaments, a driving range, ADA golf carts, a pro shop, resale, special orders and equipment.

Tee time reservation are available every day by phone or online at www.gallerygolfcourse.com.

For those looking to get acquainted with the sport of golf, this time of year might be a good chance.

As long as the dreary weather holds, the course is less crowded, meaning it could be a good way to learn the game.

You might like what you find.

“It’s a viable, recreational sport for the whole community,” Smith said.