Harper Lin
The idea of playing golf in a prison setting may seem unusual, but it is a reality in some correctional facilities. The Prison View Golf Course at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, is a notable example. This 9-hole golf course is situated within a maximum-security prison, and while prisoners are not allowed to play, they perform all the groundskeeping work. The course presents unique hazards, including alligators, rattlesnakes, and the ever-present watchtowers. Playing a round of golf in this environment requires undergoing a background check, presenting valid identification, and consenting to searches upon entry. Beyond the novelty, golf is also being recognized as a tool for rehabilitation and teaching life skills to incarcerated individuals, as seen in initiatives like the staff-led golf program at Cedar Creek Corrections Center in Washington State.
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What You'll Learn
Golf as rehabilitation
Golf is a game often associated with the wealthy and privileged. However, in the United States, the game has found a unique place in the prison system, and specifically within maximum-security prisons. Prison View Golf Course at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola Prison, is a 9-hole golf course built inside prison walls. It is open to the public and anyone who passes a background check can play a round for a small fee.
The course was built by the prisoners themselves, under the direction of the prison dentist, John Ory, who taught himself course design from books and observing other courses being built. Prisoners continue to maintain the course, performing tasks such as grass cutting and ball retrieval. They are paid a small amount for their work, and it has been suggested that these landscaping and maintenance skills could provide employment opportunities for them after their release.
The warden, Burl Cain, had the course built to keep guards around on weekends and for security reasons. The course has been described as attractive and well-maintained, with a unique set of hazards, including alligators, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. It has proven popular, with over 70,000 people a year paying to enter the prison gates, many of whom come to play golf.
While the prisoners who work on the course do not get to play, the activity has been described as a privilege and a unique opportunity. It provides a sense of pride and a break from the harsh realities of prison life. For some, it may even offer a chance at rehabilitation, teaching valuable skills and a work ethic that could benefit them upon their release. Golf at Angola Prison is an unusual but intriguing example of the game being used as a form of recreation, skill-building, and potentially, rehabilitation for prisoners.
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Golf as a privilege
Golf is often seen as a game of privilege, with membership fees and equipment costs being out of reach for many. This perception is further reinforced when considering the existence of golf courses within prison complexes. While it may seem incongruous to have a golf course in a prison, some correctional facilities have introduced golf as a form of recreation or labour for inmates, recognising the potential benefits of the sport in fostering discipline, patience, and integrity.
The Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola and "the Alcatraz of the South", is home to Prison View Golf Course, a 9-hole course situated within the prison grounds. Here, inmates are tasked with maintaining the course, a privilege compared to the labour of working in the fields. Warden Burl Cain has highlighted the employability benefits of these skills, noting that inmates trained in landscape architecture and green maintenance could find work in the golf industry upon their release.
However, the idea of playing golf within prison walls is not limited to Louisiana State Penitentiary. In Washington state, the Cedar Creek Corrections Center (CCCC) has introduced a staff-led golf program, recognising that the rules of golf can mirror the rules of life. Superintendent Tim Thrasher believes that the discipline, patience, and integrity required in golf can teach incarcerated individuals important life skills. The program has been well-received, fostering camaraderie and providing a space for personal growth and teamwork.
Beyond the confines of prison life, golf has also been utilised as a means of recreation in prisoner-of-war (POW) camps. During World War II, prisoners at the Nazi Stalag Luft III camp, famously known for "The Great Escape", established a golf club to stave off boredom and restlessness. This improvised sports club provided captives with a sense of normalcy and a powerful weapon against the monotony of prison life.
While golf may be associated with privilege, its introduction within prison systems highlights a different aspect. By providing inmates with skills, discipline, and a sense of community, golf can become a tool for rehabilitation and personal growth, offering a second chance to those who may have never experienced the privilege of the sport otherwise.
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Golf course hazards
Golf is a game that requires a lot of precision and focus. One of the most important aspects of the game is the course itself. The design of the course can greatly affect the player's performance and strategy. Golf courses are filled with various hazards that can challenge even the most experienced players. These hazards are designed to add difficulty and beauty to the course, requiring players to carefully plan their shots and strategies.
There are two official categories of hazards: water hazards and bunkers. Water hazards include natural obstacles such as waterfalls, ponds, streams, creeks, wetlands, and lakes. These hazards can be intimidating as landing in the water usually results in a penalty and the loss of a shot. Some courses even feature more extreme water hazards, such as oceans with whipping winds and wild animals, or even an active volcano nearby.
Bunkers, on the other hand, are typically filled with sand and are designed to penalize players for inaccurate shots. There are three types of bunkers: fairway bunkers, greenside bunkers, and waste bunkers. Fairway bunkers catch wayward tee shots, while greenside bunkers collect inaccurate approach shots. Waste bunkers are natural sandy areas that are not considered hazards, allowing golfers to ground their clubs or remove loose impediments.
In addition to these official hazards, there are other obstacles that can affect a player's game. Vegetation, such as tall grass, plants, and trees, can interfere with a player's shot and make it difficult to set up the next stroke. The wind is another natural element that can significantly impact the game, requiring players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Some golf courses even take hazards to the extreme, such as the Prison View Golf Course at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, which features additional hazards like alligators, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. Playing golf within a maximum-security prison certainly adds a unique layer of hazard to the game, with strict security measures and the constant presence of guard towers.
Ultimately, while hazards can be intimidating, they also add excitement and strategy to the game of golf. With the right equipment and strategy, players can learn to use these hazards to their advantage and improve their overall golf skills.
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Golf course access
It is important to familiarize yourself with the course layout before your round. Most golf courses provide a course map or layout on their website, which can be extremely useful in planning your strategy and understanding the unique features of each hole. Some courses may also offer a course guide or local caddie advice, which can provide valuable insights into the course's nuances. Understanding the course layout beforehand can help you navigate hazards, identify the best approach routes, and make more informed shot selections during your round.
Course management is crucial when playing under Prison Rules. Consider the position of the pin on each green and the most strategic way to approach it. Some holes may require a more aggressive strategy, while others may call for a more conservative approach. Managing your course strategy effectively can make a significant difference in your score and overall performance. It is generally advisable to play for the center of the green in most cases, especially if you are unsure about your ability to execute a more risky shot.
In Prison Rules golf, it is particularly important to respect the course and adhere to any specific rules or guidelines the course may have. For example, some courses may have mandatory cart path-only rules during wet weather conditions to protect the course from excessive cart traffic damage. Always repair divots, rake bunkers, and follow proper etiquette to contribute to the course's maintenance and ensure enjoyable playing conditions for yourself and other golfers. Remember that the course is a shared resource, and your actions can impact the experience of those around you.
Additionally, be mindful of your pace of play. Prison Rules golf can sometimes lead to slower play due to the added strategic considerations and consequences of each shot. Be considerate of the group behind you, and allow faster players to play through if they are waiting. It is good etiquette to keep up with the group in front of you, and if there is a gap opening up, invite the group behind to join you. This ensures a smooth flow of play and maintains a positive experience for all golfers on the course.
Lastly, stay focused and be mindful of any potential distractions or disruptions during your round. Prison Rules golf can be mentally demanding due to the added pressure of each shot's consequences. Stay committed to your pre-shot routine, and try to minimize any interruptions that may break your concentration. Inform your playing partners of your intention to play by Prison Rules before starting your round, so they are aware of the added focus and discipline required during play.
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Golf course maintenance
The course was designed by the prison dentist, John Ory, who taught himself how to create a golf course from a book he purchased at Barnes & Noble. Veteran prisoners with a history of good behaviour were then recruited to help build the course. One such prisoner, Alphabet (real name Tsolainos), is the most dedicated groundskeeper, often working longer hours than required. Warden Burl Cain has stated that working on the course provides benefits beyond just maintenance, as it helps train inmates in landscape architecture and green-keeping, making them more employable upon their release.
However, it is unlikely that the inmates maintaining the course will ever use these skills outside of prison, as more than 75% of the prisoners at Angola are serving life sentences or are on death row. Despite this, Cain believes that providing inmates with marketable skills is a way to reduce recidivism and improve their chances of finding employment after prison.
Prison View Golf Course is unique in that it is the only course of its kind in America, located within the walls of a maximum-security prison. It offers a challenging 9-hole course with additional hazards, including alligators, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins. The course is open to the public, and visitors can enjoy the "spectacular view" of the prison for a greens fee of $10, plus $5 per person for a cart.
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Frequently asked questions
Prison rules in golf refer to the rules of the game when played in a prison.
There are a few prisons that have golf courses within their premises. The Prison View Golf Course at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, also known as Angola, is a 9-hole golf course. Another example is the Stalag Luft III camp, a Nazi prisoner-of-war camp during World War II, where prisoners played golf.
In some cases, prisoners are not allowed to play on the course but are responsible for maintaining it, as seen at the Louisiana State Penitentiary. However, there are exceptions, such as the Cedar Creek Corrections Center in Washington, where golf is used as a rehabilitation tool for incarcerated individuals.
When playing golf at a prison golf course, individuals must adhere to specific rules and regulations. A background check is required, and all visitors must consent to a search of their vehicle, belongings, and person at any time. Firearms, drugs, alcohol, and other contraband items are strictly prohibited. Play may be suspended at any time at the Warden's discretion.
In addition to the usual hazards of a golf course, prison golf courses may present unique challenges. For example, the Prison View Golf Course in Louisiana has hazards such as alligators, rattlesnakes, and water moccasins.
