Sail Ho Golf Club, the nine-hole executive course at the north end of Liberty Station, seems to some golfers a well-kept secret. This may not be true for long, however, as Sail Ho’s popularity grows among its patrons — particularly during the lazy days of summer. A.G. Spalding of Spalding Sports fame built the original course in 1926, and it was then owned and operated by the Navy. The course opened to the public in 2006. “It’s a very friendly environment,” said Tim Parun, the professional golfer on staff. Parun acknowledged the stigma associated with executive courses, but said the shorter course enables players to get a round in before work and to work on their short game. “There is a lot of character to the course that makes if enjoyable for all levels of golfers,” he said. Rui Anjo has lived in Point Loma since 1975 and has been playing at Sail Ho since it opened to the public. “Number five is a very scenic hole that faces the downtown skyline,” Anjo said. His daughter has taken lessons from Parun and enjoys playing whenever she has time. PGA pros Phil Mickelson and Craig Stadler used to play the course for junior golf tournaments when the Navy still owned it. The course consists of only par-three holes. The old layout used to be somewhat dangerous, Parun pointed out. The holes were too close together, some of the pars were four and two fairways crossed paths. Sail Ho was redesigned before opening up to the public. While there are still some of the original holes, the updated course is much safer, he said. “For people that enjoy their golf, this is right up their alley,” Parun said. Sail Ho has both active men’s and women’s leagues. The benefits to membership are quarterly tournaments, social events and discounted rates. However, membership is not required. Sail Ho offers unique golf outings that can be arranged for fundraisers, parties or corporate outings. “Sail Ho can have a group play nine holes, which many people prefer, and have a buffet and fundraiser, and be done in three hours,” Parun said. The course is not lit, making the popular Glow Ball event a fun experience for both regulars and newcomers. Certain Fridays throughout the year — for a fee — the club provides participants with glowing golf balls and glowing necklaces. Golfers play in the dark, aiming for the glowing flag marking the hole. “If someone’s never played golf at night, they get a kick out of it,” Parun said. There are also raffles and prizes for contests such as closest-to-the-pin awards. “It’s a big party out here,” added Parun, who has found himself manning the grill and relaxing with patrons from time to time after a nice round of golf. The golf course boasts a bar and grill, practice facilities, a clubhouse and a pro-shop. Greens fees vary between $10 and $15 per round. The course is located at 2960 Truxtun Road. For more information, visit www.sailhogolf.com or call (619) 222-GOLF.