A Course of Courage: How American Lake Veterans Golf Course Is Helping Veterans Heal Through Golf

There are golf courses where people go to lower their handicap. And then there is American Lake Veterans Golf Course, where the game of golf can be part of something much bigger: healing, rehabilitation, camaraderie and finding a renewed sense of purpose.

Located on the grounds of the VA Medical Center in Lakewood, the 18-hole course has become a remarkable resource for veterans and their families. Originally established in the mid-1950s as a nine-hole course, American Lake has evolved into an accessible, full-length course designed to welcome veterans of all abilities—including wounded, mobility-impaired and disabled golfers.

Remarkably, the course is operated almost entirely through volunteer power and community support. There are no paid employees, and the course receives no federal funding. Volunteers handle everything from course maintenance and operations to helping golfers, repairing equipment and supporting adaptive golf.

A Mission Bigger Than Golf

The mission of American Lake Veterans Golf Course is simple but powerful: provide veterans with a place for recreation and rehabilitation.

The course’s ADA-accessible design was created with wounded and disabled golfers in mind, and specialized mobility-impaired golf carts help make the game accessible to people who might otherwise never be able to play. The course has also supported adaptive golf and rehabilitation programs for veterans.

In 2016, the course added a new nine holes designed by Jack Nicklaus, completing the 18-hole course. Nicklaus Design later officially recognized American Lake as a Jack Nicklaus Signature Course.

But the most impressive thing about American Lake isn’t necessarily the course itself. It’s what happens to people when they are there.

Enter Sam Williams

For Colonel (Ret.) Samuel E. Williams, service to his fellow veterans didn’t end when his 33-year Army career ended. During his military career, Williams served in leadership positions in the United States and abroad, in both peace and war, ultimately serving as a Brigade Commander at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Today, he has found another way to serve.

Sam is the General Manager of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, where he helps lead an extraordinary community of volunteers dedicated to making sure veterans have a place to play, connect and heal.

His perspective is uniquely personal. He understands military service, leadership and the transition from military life to civilian life. And he understands that sometimes what a veteran needs isn’t another appointment or another program.

Sometimes, they need a place where they can simply belong.

As Sam has described it, American Lake offers veterans a place to find peace—and for many, the worries of the world seem to stay behind when they step onto the course.

A Community Built on Service

American Lake is also a powerful example of what happens when a community rallies around a mission.

Hundreds of volunteers have helped build, maintain and improve the course over the years. The Friends of American Lake Veterans Golf Course, a nonprofit organization supporting the facility, has invested millions of dollars in capital improvements, equipment and accessibility.

The course’s story is filled with veterans, volunteers, donors, golf professionals, businesses and community members who have contributed their time, expertise and resources.

It is, in many ways, a community-built gift to those who served our country.

And Sam Williams is carrying that tradition forward.

More Than a Round of Golf

It’s easy to look at a golf course and see fairways, greens and flags.

At American Lake, you see something different.

You see a veteran learning to play again after an injury. You see adaptive equipment opening up possibilities. You see veterans meeting other veterans. You see volunteers showing up because they believe their time can make someone’s life a little better.

And you see a retired Army colonel continuing a lifetime of service—this time, one golf swing at a time.

American Lake Veterans Golf Course isn’t simply a place to play golf. It’s a place where veterans can reconnect with themselves, with one another and with their community.

That may be its greatest achievement of all.

🇺🇸 MEET SAM WILLIAMS

Colonel (Ret.) Sam Williams will share the story of American Lake Veterans Golf Course at the Rotary Club of Des Moines & Normandy Park lunch meeting.

📅 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

🕛 12:00 Noon

📍 Des Moines Theater

22235 Marine View Dr. S., Des Moines, WA

Guests are always welcome.

Learn more about American Lake Veterans Golf Course at American Lake Veterans Golf Course⁠.