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Corona Premier Property
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PRESENTED BY • CORONA PREMIER
Since 1915, Jefferson Park GC delivers something unique for golfers — both old school and new
Golf history at every turn high atop Beacon Hill
Through 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.
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
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.
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.
