Most dangerous game: The golf course where US soldiers play surrounded by North Korean snipers

Surrounded by minefields and within reach of enemy snipers through the DMZ, the par-3, one-hole golf course at Camp Bonifas was declared the “most dangerous golf course in the world” by Sports Illustrated in 1988, shortly before the Summer Olympics in Seoul.

Located in one of the most tense and militarized zones on earth, Camp Bonifas is a symbol of conflict and camaraderie. Located just 1,300 feet south of the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) and 7,900 feet south of the Military Demarcation Line, Camp Bonifas was a United Nations Command military post until its return to South Korea in 2006.

As a forward operating base, Camp Bonifas plays a critical role in monitoring and enforcing the 1953 Korean Armistice Agreement. It is home to the United Nations Command Security Battalion – Joint Security Area (JSA), a unique unit housing Republic of Korea soldiers in Korea and the United States stands guard.

The soldiers, known as “security escorts,” also lead tours in the United Nations Command’s DMZ Orientation Program, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the world’s most volatile borders.

“DANGER! Don’t get balls out of the rough. LIVING MINEFIELDS.”

The camp’s many facilities include a par-3, one-hole golf course. The unique course, built in 1972, is surrounded by minefields on three sides. Sports Illustrated highlighted the danger of playing a single hole after reports emerged that at least one shot detonated a landmine.

The tee shot is 50 feet above the fairway, which sits on an empty machine gun nest, making the 192-yard course even more surreal and dangerous. Over the years, Camp Bonifas and its famous golf course have attracted numerous visitors, including celebrities and athletes.

Despite the dangerous environment, playing a round of golf is a much-needed pastime for soldiers stationed at Camp Bonifas. The gusts of wind from the North Korean side make every shot a challenging undertaking, turning what should have been a leisurely game into a demanding exercise in precision and nerve.

Soldiers who live and work at Camp Bonifas are keenly aware that they are stationed at the forefront of one of the world’s most turbulent borders. The base is fortified with three coils of barbed wire and is equipped with a six-foot-deep trench and various fortifications.

It is a place where soldiers sleep with their boots on and their shoelaces tied, ready for action at a moment’s notice. But life at Camp Bonifas isn’t just about keeping an eye out for danger. The camp is visited by nearly 1,000 tourists daily who witness the harsh reality of the DMZ and learn about its historical significance. There is also a gift shop selling souvenirs.

The camp was originally called Camp Kitty Hawk, but was renamed in 1986 in honor of U.S. Army Captain Arthur G. Bonifas, who was killed along with First Lieutenant Mark T. Barrett by North Korean soldiers in a tree-cutting operation in 1976.

The tragedy, known as the Ax Murder Incident, highlighted the ever-present danger and tension in the DMZ and led to increased security measures.