HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- The Patriot Golf Course, operated by the 66th Services Squadron, will open for the season April 10, offering a number of programs and services to customers at bargain prices. The Patriot Golf Course is located just 4 miles from Hanscom on the grounds of the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Bedford, Mass.

Golfers of all skill sets can get 'geared' up with the bargain hunter's feast (some restrictions do apply) at the Pro Shop with 20 percent off "in-stock" items of: shirts, sweaters, jackets, pants and skirts; 10 percent off shoes, golf bags and selected golf gloves; and 20 percent off golf clubs. The sale starts April 10 and runs through the end of the month.

The good news for patrons is that many Services Squadron facilities, to include the Golf Course, are meeting the needs of their customers with a "recession busting" hold on many of their prices. Charges at many of the facilities have not increased since last year said Paul Hartigan, Chief, Community Support Flight, 66th Services Squadron. Those facilities include the base pool, Outdoor Recreation, the bowling center and Hanscom's seaside vacation community Fourth Cliff recreation site.

"We recognize today's tough financial times and the Services Squadron is making every effort to hold down prices for our customers while at the same time not allowing service to our valued customers to decrease," Mr. Hartigan said.

Annual Greens Fee memberships for the 2009 season are on sale now at Outdoor Recreation in building 1530. Go to the Services web site at www.HanscomServices.com for a full listing of annual and daily fees for the 2009 season. Patrons will also find current charges for club rentals as well as the driving range. Tee Time reservations are accepted up to seven days in advance for active duty military; Annual Greens Fee members may reserve up to six days in advance, all other patrons can reserve up to five days in advance.

Patrons that purchase an annual membership before April 10 can sign up and receive a free Range Key valued at $35. Refer a friend and save even more. For each new member a member refers through April 10, they'll receive $25 off their 2009 membership with no limit on the number of referrals a member may bring in. Some restrictions do apply.

Programs for the 2009 season include: Golf 4 Kids offering golf instruction for children ages 8 to 13; Link Up 2 Golf designed to connect or reconnect people with the game of golf to ensure a lifetime of enjoyment. During the month of May customers can enjoy half-price golf and cart rentals during the recession buster Twilight Golf. Pay only half the price of your normal category on Friday and Saturday, after 5 p.m. during the month of May. Tee times are required so call in advance.

Scheduled April events include a Spring Rules Seminar on April 25 which will cover all the new PGC rule changes and a review of the latest USGA changes. This free seminar will be held, weather permitting, on the course from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Registration is required and rule books will be available for purchase.

"Free Fitting and Trade-up Month" is a must for both the low and high handicappers, anyone who signs up for this event will receive a free equipment evaluation and club fitting. The evaluation includes a check of lofts and lies to make sure equipment is fitted correctly.

On April 25 annual greens fee members can enjoy a "mixed 9-hole scramble" scheduled to tee off at 10 a.m. A blind draw by handicap will determine A, B, C, D players. Sign up by April 20 in the pro shop. Entry fee will be $20 to cover prizes, lunch, chips and soda.

May's scheduled events include a Mother's Day 9-Hole Scotch Tournament. The tournament will include a shotgun start at 3 p.m., concluding with food and an awards presentation following the event. Registration is required by May 4 and cost is $20 for members, $40 for guests.

On May 30, a Match Play 18-hole qualifying round will be held. A single elimination "knockout" competition pitting golfers going one on one until one person is crowned the winner. Registration by May 25 is required. Entry fee is $20 per person and includes prizes for the top three finishers.

Additional information on these and other Services events can be found by going to the Services web site at www.HanscomServices.com.