P R ESENTED BY
Since 1915, Jefferson Park GC delivers something unique for golfers — both old school and new
PROPERTY
Golf history at every turn high atop Beacon Hill
T
hrough it all — wars, a depression, recessions, urbanization, gentrification, pandemics and politicians — Jefferson Park Golf Course, high on Beacon Hill above Seattle, continues to cater to generation after generation of golfers. The venerable course that shaped Fred Couples’ game and once hosted the (1967) U.S. Amateur Public Links, celebrates its 107th year of existence in 2022. There have been many changes over the years as the neighborhood has squeezed it down to a tight 5,970 yards with six Par 3s. But it remains what it always was, a reliable short-game test. Land-use pressure has contributed to a unique rerouting of the first three holes of the back nine, all Par 3s — 142, 149 and 85 yards, respectively. Some of the facility’s biggest changes came 100 years after its 1915 opening with a number of course improvements. The practice area now features a two-tier, 48-station range and an 8,000-square foot clubhouse that includes a restaurant, banquet space and a classroom leased by the First Tee of Greater Seattle — a nod to the next generation. There’s also a nice Par 3 layout where locals can even play Foot Golf. The course has various ‘dynamic pricing’ deals that are especially beneficial to senior, super senior (75-older), military, twilight and even super-twilight golfers. It’s also a course where you can follow in the footsteps of celebrities — Joe Lewis, Tiger Woods, Ken Griffey Jr. and Michael Jordan have all played here, mostly in Fir State Golf Club (the nation’s second-oldest African American organization) events. For a different perspective, lifelong local resident Jimmy Pishue, who grew up on the course and has played it hundreds of times over the decades, gives his thoughts on the key questions.
A Bucket with lifelong Jefferson Looper • Jimmy Pishue
Toughest Tee Shot — 18th hole No. 18 (Par 4, 412 yards) up the hill. Trouble on the left and right. Long second shot into a postage stamp green. And No. 1 (Par 4, 446 yards). From the first tee, slice it and it could be on Beacon Avenue. Chance of hitting a car: Good.
Best Birdie Opportunity — 8th hole No. 8, (Par 5, 487 yards). Short Par 5 that is reachable in two.
Best Par 3 — 12th hole Just 101 yards (which is also the No. 18 handicap).
Favorite Hole — 17th hole No. 17 (Par 5, 490 yards). Dogleg right Par 5. Tree lined, downhill second shot. Reachable for longer hitters. Small green.
Emergency Nine — front or back? Play the Par 3 course. Lots of fun.
Jefferson Park Golf Course 4101 Beacon Ave. S. • Seattle, WA 98108 (206) 762-4513 • premiergc.com/-jefferson-park-golf-course Opened in 1915 • Course Designer Robert Johnston
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Go-to lunch item on the menu — anything from the Beacon Grill smoker Sliced brisket, pulled pork, Mesquite turkey, Texas Red Hot, or smoked chicken.
HOLE
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
PAR
4
4
3
4
4
3
4
5
5
3
3
3
4
4
4
3
5
18 TOTAL 4
MEN
COURSE RATING
WOMEN
RATING
SLOPE
TEES
RATING
SLOPE 122
Blue
446 407 176 325 347 167 455 487 495 182 187 101 341 389 361 138 490 412
5906
67.6
113
Blue
73.3
White
365 370 156 308 316 138 418 475 467 167 178
93
335 375 324 125 480 377
5467
65.5
109
White
70.9
117
Red
327 338 138 248 281 102 373 452 421 142 149
85
327 346 282 112 447 333
4903
63.2
103
Red
67.4
112
JUNE 2022 2022 JUNE
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