JBLM spring-summer golf

Tournaments pack the calendar for Pacific Northwest golfers

By Tyler Wicke on May 2, 2019

Spring is here. Summer is around the corner. What complements the beautiful weather better than a round of Pacific Northwest golf?

For Joint Base Lewis-McChord residents and families, three courses are accessible in the area -- including two located on-base.

Whispering Firs Golf Course -- located on McChord Field -- is an 18-hole test, stretching 6,646 yards. Per the JBLM Family and MWR website, "(Whispering Firs) is a challenging, yet fair course."

Eagle's Pride Golf Course, located off Interstate 5, exit 116, stretches nearly 6,900 yards. JBLM's website praises the course as "a treasure of the Pacific Northwest, nestled in the shadow of magnificent Mount Rainier."

Off-base, Veterans Affairs provide the American Lake Veterans Golf Course, half of which was built just three years ago. Once a nine-hole course, golfing legend Jack Nicklaus designed a new back-nine that opened in 2016. Dubbed the "Nicklaus Nine," the project completed the 18-hole track.

Aside from layout and design, JBLM's courses host multiple events and tournaments that span throughout the summer.

Eagle's Pride is set to hold their 61st annual Fort Lewis Amateur this weekend (May 4-5). While amateur golfers are permitted to compete, players must carry an established handicap below 19.6.

In June, Both Eagle's Pride and Whispering Firs will play host to the Rainier Cup -- a three-day tour in June that features golf at both JBLM courses, plus a round at The Gallery -- a Navy golf course on Whidbey Island.

The tournament begins at the Gallery June 21 before traveling to Eagle's Pride and Whispering Firs June 22 and 23, respectively.

From April to October, Eagle's Pride and Whispering Firs rotate hosting privileges for the JBLM Commanding General's Scramble Tournament. Four-person teams compete in a scramble format, with more than 100 players participating on average, reported by Eagle's Pride General Manager Jeff Clark.

Though the first leg of the CG Scramble occurred April 17, the next leg of the tournament is scheduled for May 17 at Whispering Firs, and will continue monthly through October.

For those involved in intramural sports on JBLM, the Commander's Cup provides the ability for teams to earn points throughout the year in multiple competitions. Golf is just one aspect of the many events available for team participation, including softball, bowling, and soccer, to name a few.

A four-hour afternoon on the course likely sparks hunger. After your round, both Eagle's Pride and Whispering Firs offer restaurants at their respective courses.

At Eagle's Pride, visit the Sam Adams Brewhouse -- a sports bar atmosphere with pub-style food. Catering is available, and the brewhouse carries the ability to feed big tournament events.

To contrast, Habanero Mexican Grill -- Whispering Firs' dining option -- is a Mexican-themed restaurant, featuring burritos, tacos and salads.

Both courses offer a men's club in addition to a women's club at Whispering Firs, where members are offered entry into tournaments throughout the year.

Whether you're an experienced golfer or simply looking for something new, visit JBLM's three courses to play, compete, and enjoy the sunshine.