It's par for the course

Makeover of the Fort Lewis golf course includes a new look, new name

Matt Smith

Northwest Guardian

When calling to set a tee time at the Fort Lewis golf course, don’t be alarmed when the person on the other end of the line thanks you for calling Eagles Pride Golf Course at Fort Lewis. It’s still the same course as before, just with a few changes.

A new name isn’t the only makeover the Fort Lewis golf course received over the winter; there were several improvements to the course itself as well.

“The major expenditure this past winter was the addition of golf paths on the winter golf course,” said director of golf operations and course manager, Jim Barnhouse. “We did asphalt cart paths from tee to green on the winter 18-hole course.”

The course, which is open to the public, features three 9-hole courses for golfers to choose from during the summer.

The red course is 3,455 yards from the blue tees, 3,223 from the white and has a par of 37.

The blue course is 3,410 from the blue tees and 3,165 from the whites with a par of 35, and the green course is 3,282 from the blues and 3,200 from the whites with a par of 36.

Each course also has red tees that have even shorter yardage to them, which are typically used for women, children and seniors ...

“We’ve rebuilt some tees and we’ve added some new tees to make the course more playable for seniors and women,” Barnhouse said. “Not only the length, but the difficulty has been softened up. This is an awfully difficult course for women to play because of its length. We’re trying to attract more ladies and the senior players.”

In addition to the holes themselves, the course’s driving range went through an overhaul as well.

Driving Range

The range now features a chipping and putting green, a fairway bunker, a heated 10-stall hitting shed with good lighting as well as bathrooms. There are also three target greens for golfers to take aim at, which bodes well for those needing a little practice on their approach shots and short game.

Golfers can now also buy range tokens at the driving range instead of having to get them at the clubhouse. But if you do buy your tokens at the clubhouse you can get a 12-tokens-for-the-price-of-10 deal.

“We have a great driving range,” Barnhouse said. “I’ve been told it’s one of the best in the city because it’s grass; it’s a full practice facility.”

Events

The course is set to play host to several tournaments this summer, with the biggest being the 11th Annual Rainier Cup and the Military Long Drive Championship.

Rainier Cup: The Rainier Cup, which will be played June 20-22, pits the Army, Air Force and Navy against each other in a three-day tournament that utilizes Gallery Golf Course in Oak Harbor (Navy) on Day 1, Eagles Pride (Army) on Day 2 and Whispering Firs Golf Course (Air Force) on the final day.

The 40-person teams, composed of 36 men and four women, will compete in a scramble on the first day, an alternate shot round on Day 2 and then an individual match play round on the final day.

Registration is $100 per golfer and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Golfers wanting to compete on the Army team can sign up at the course pro shop. Golfers must have a verifiable handicap.

The entry fee gets each golfer a shirt and a hat to wear during the tourney as well as a tee gift and a meal after each round of competition.

“It’s a fun event,” Barnhouse said. “There’s no money or gift certificates involved, it’s all bragging rights and a trophy.”

Long Drive: The Military Long Drive Championship, which serves as a qualifier for the military division of the World Long Drive Championship in Mesquite, Nevada, will be held Aug. 1 at Eagles Pride for the second consecutive year.

Winners of the 27 local competitions, of which Eagles Pride is one, will go on to compete for six finalist spots in Mesquite. The champion will win $10,000 and an automatic bid into the 2009 competition.

The cost for entering the long drive competition at Eagles Pride is $10 per person and is open to all active-duty service members, retirees, Reservists, National Guard members and family members over the age of 18.

This type of event isn’t necessarily set up for those who consider themselves good golfers; it’s more about raw driving power and accuracy than anything. Last year’s winner smashed a drive upwards of 390 yards.

“It’s not necessarily for good golfers,” Barnhouse said, “because your long drivers are not necessarily good golfers and your good golfers are not necessarily long drivers.”

Snack Bar

In keeping with the renaissance theme, Eagles Pride’s food services are also under new direction. Lacey Creek Café will provide all the food and drinks available at the course including the snack bar, lounge, beverage carts and outside catered events.

Other services

Payday Scrambles: Beginning June 6, and continuing July 25 and Aug. 8, Eagles Pride will host Payday Scrambles. Each scramble will consist of four-person teams and will begin with a 1 p.m. shotgun start.

The cost is $20 per golfer plus green fees; the $20 goes towards golf cart use and prizes.

Annual members will not have to pay green fees for the scrambles.

Deployment Special: Those active duty service members who have been deployed will receive a $10 break on the cost of green fees and lessons. The Army Family Covenant also picks up the extra 10 bucks for dependants.

E-5s and below will get the most bang for their buck during twilight hours as they’ll only pay $2 for their round of golf.

More information is available at www.fortlewisMWR.com/golfcourse.htm.