If you’ve ever driven past the north end of Travis Air Force Base in Fairfield, California, you’ve probably seen the flashes of green tucked away behind the gates. That’s Cypress Lakes. It’s the Travis AFB golf course, but honestly, calling it just a "base course" feels like a bit of an undersell. Most people assume military golf is all about flat, dry fairways and basic layouts meant to keep airmen busy on a Saturday. Cypress Lakes is different. It’s actually one of the most respected courses in the Air Force's global portfolio.
It’s a 18-hole championship layout.
Designed by the legendary Robert Muir Graves, this place carries a pedigree that rivals many of the private clubs in Solano County. Graves is the same architect behind iconic spots like Sea Ranch and Boundary Oak. He didn't take it easy on the military guys. He built a course that uses the natural rolling terrain of the California foothills to create something that feels surprisingly isolated from the roar of the C-5 Galaxies taking off nearby.
What Actually Makes Cypress Lakes Hard?
It’s the wind. Always the wind. Because it’s located in the Suisun Valley corridor, the Travis AFB golf course gets hit by the same "delta breeze" that cools down the nearby vineyards. One minute you’re playing a 150-yard par 3 with an 8-iron, and the next, you’re pulling a 5-iron just to keep the ball from getting swatted down by a 20-mph gust.
Local regulars will tell you that the course plays much longer than the scorecard suggests. It tops out at about 6,760 yards from the championship tees, with a par of 72. That sounds manageable for a low-handicapper, right? Not really. The slope rating is 132. That means it’s got some teeth.
The greens are usually in better shape than the muni courses in Vacaville or Vallejo. They’re fast. If you leave yourself above the hole on the 9th, good luck. You’re basically putting on glass. The layout is also notoriously narrow in spots. Graves loved using "strategic bunkering," which is basically a fancy way of saying he put sand exactly where your drive wants to land.
The Access Question: Can You Actually Play?
This is the part that trips most people up.
Since it’s on a federal installation, access isn't as simple as just rolling up in your cart. You generally need a Department of Defense (DoD) ID card to get through the Forbes Gate. That includes active duty, retirees, reservists, and civilian contractors with base access.
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However, there is a loophole. Sorta.
The Travis AFB golf course does allow for sponsored guests. If you have a buddy who works on base or is a retired vet, they can get you on. Also, the course occasionally hosts tournaments and events that are open to the public, provided you go through a background check and get a temporary pass. If you're serious about playing it and don't have a military ID, your best bet is to look for local charity scrambles. They happen a few times a year and are a great way to see the course without needing a permanent security clearance.
A Breakdown Of The Back Nine
The front nine is fine, it’s a solid warmup, but the back nine is where the real drama happens.
Take the 11th hole. It’s a par 5 that doglegs and forces you to think about every single shot. You can’t just bomb it. If you’re too long off the tee, you’re in the trees. Too short, and you have no look at the green. Then there’s the finishing stretch. Holes 16, 17, and 18 are a brutal way to end a round if the wind is up.
- Hole 16: A long par 4 that usually plays dead into the breeze.
- Hole 17: A par 3 where the bunkering looks like it was designed by someone who hates golfers.
- Hole 18: A grand finale par 5. It’s reachable in two if you’re brave, but the water near the green has claimed thousands of Titleists over the years.
The practice facilities are also legitimately good. Most military courses have a tiny range and a flat putting green. Cypress Lakes has a full-scale driving range, a dedicated chipping area, and a practice bunker. It's the kind of place where you can spend three hours just working on your short game without anyone bothering you.
Costs and the "Fairways" Value
Prices for golf have skyrocketed lately. Go try to play a weekend morning in Napa or San Francisco, and you’re looking at $150 minimum.
At the Travis AFB golf course, the pricing is tiered based on rank. It’s one of the few places where being an E-4 actually gives you a major financial advantage over a Colonel. Even for civilians or guests, the rates are incredibly reasonable compared to the private sector. Usually, you’re looking at under $50 for a round with a cart.
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The pro shop is surprisingly well-stocked too. They carry Callaway, TaylorMade, and Ping, often at prices that beat the big-box retailers because they aren't trying to make a massive profit margin off the airmen.
The Hidden Social Scene
Beyond the fairways, there’s the Fairways 707 Lounge.
It’s not just a snack bar. It’s the de facto social hub for the base's retirement community and the off-duty flight crews. You’ll see guys who flew missions in Vietnam sitting next to 22-year-old mechanics who just got back from a rotation in the Middle East. The breakfast burritos are legendary. Seriously, if you play an early morning round, don't skip the burrito. It’s arguably the best meal on base.
The atmosphere is noticeably different from a typical country club. There’s less ego. Nobody cares what brand of polo you’re wearing or how much your driver cost. There’s a shared respect because everyone there has a connection to the mission at Travis.
Sustainability and Environmental Impact
One thing most golfers don’t realize is that Cypress Lakes is an Audubon International certified sanctuary.
This isn't just a marketing tag. To get that certification, the grounds crew has to follow strict rules about water conservation, chemical use, and wildlife habitat management. Because the course sits on the edge of the base’s undeveloped land, you’ll see an insane amount of wildlife. Red-tailed hawks, coyotes, and even the occasional bobcat roam the outskirts of the fairways.
The course uses reclaimed water for irrigation, which is a big deal in drought-prone Northern California. It allows them to keep the grass green and lush even when the rest of Fairfield is looking pretty brown and crispy in August.
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Planning Your Visit To Cypress Lakes
If you're planning to head out to the Travis AFB golf course, there are a few things you need to do differently than a normal muni trip.
Getting Through The Gate
Don't just show up at the main gate expecting to drive through. If you are a guest, make sure your sponsor has cleared you through the Visitor Control Center (VCC) ahead of time. You’ll need a valid REAL ID, proof of insurance, and your vehicle registration. It’s a military base, so they don’t play around with the paperwork.
Booking Tee Times
While they do take walk-ins, it's risky. The course is popular, especially for retirement ceremonies and squadron "morale days" on Fridays. Use the Air Force Golf website or call the pro shop directly at (707) 424-2097. They usually take bookings up to a week in advance for ID holders.
Dress Code Realities
Even though it’s casual, it’s still a military facility. Standard golf attire is expected—collared shirts and no denim. They’re also a soft-spike-only facility.
Take Advantage of the Lessons
If you’re struggling with your swing, the PGA pros on staff at Travis are excellent. They deal with a lot of beginners and high-handicappers, so they tend to be very patient and focus on the fundamentals rather than trying to rebuild your entire swing from scratch in one hour.
Check the Weather App
Fairfield is known for its heat and wind. A 90-degree day in the valley feels like 100 on the course because there isn't much shade on several of the holes. Bring extra water and a good hat. The "Travis Wind" usually kicks in around 1:00 PM, so if you want to post a low score, get an early morning tee time.
The reality of Cypress Lakes is that it’s a championship-caliber course hiding in plain sight. It’s a testament to the idea that military life isn't just about the work—it's about the community built around it. Whether you're a scratch golfer or someone who just wants to hit some balls and eat a burrito, it’s one of the most unique sporting experiences in Northern California.
Keep your head down, play for the wind, and don't forget to check the flight schedule—there’s nothing quite like trying to sink a birdie putt while a C-17 Globemaster III thunders overhead. It’s loud, it’s beautiful, and it’s pure Travis.