Eagle's Pride Golf Course (unofficially known as the Ft. Lewis golf course though it lies outside the gates) was first conceived back in 1929 when Gen. Joseph Castner, using troop labor and Army engineers, laid out the course.

Officially, Eagle's Pride opened in 1938 as an 18-hole course, though it was only available to the military. It is rumored to have played a significant part in troop morale at then Ft. Lewis during World War II. Finally, about 15 years ago, the course opened to the public, though it still boasts that close to 60 percent of its clientele are military or military-related.

"This is a traditional golf course," said Mike McDonald, director of golf, who became course manager at Eagle's Pride in 2008. "There are woods and the trees surround many of the holes, so it requires planning and strategy, not just whacking the ball. Golfers know what traditional means."

While the term traditional might seem synonymous with old-fashioned, this is not the case at Eagle's Pride. The course has been consistently upgraded as the years have passed. For instance, this past summer, the parking lot was repaired, new irrigation drainage to help maintain the course during the fall and winter months was installed, and the forestry department was hired to help thin and remove trees that were shading the greens. Nine new tee boxes were constructed in 2011, with another four to come in 2012.

"Improvements to the course are an ongoing process. We're always looking to make the course better and to help our golfers have a great game," McDonald said.

The 6,440-yard long course includes three separate courses, 27 holes and a wedge range where golfers can practice their short game on 30- to 100-yard targets. Additionally, there is a year-round practice facility, complete with heating and lighting, and a driving range with natural grass hitting areas.

Winter rates are in effect through March 31 and run $10 for ID card holders and $18 for civilians. Those green fees allow golfers to play as many holes as they want, at least on foot. Golf carts are an additional $10 per cart, per person, and are useable for up to 18 holes.

Tee times should be made seven days in advance if possible, but the course will definitely accommodate walk-on players depending on the schedule. However, during the winter, the course closes its third nine-hole course, which is often used for small, summer tournaments and increased walk-on traffic, so a reserved tee time is strongly encouraged.

Eagle's Pride Golf Course is located directly off I-5 exit 116 and is open daily from dusk until dawn. To reserve a tee time, call (253) 967-6522 or visit https://webtrac.mwr.army.mil/webtrac/jblmrectrac.html.

And if playing golf isn't enough, there are always ways to spend more time on the links, sans clubs. "We are always looking for volunteers, from starters and marshalls, to laborers and range people," said McDonald. "There is a lot of work to be done, but there are rewards as well."

Those interested in volunteering should call the course.