Whispers of history surround Seattle Golf Club. Established in 1900 it wasn’t always in its current Shoreline location. Initially a 5-hole course near Gas Works Park Seattle Golf Club quickly outgrew its humble beginnings. A group of prominent Seattle citizens including a judge a fire chief and even a future mayor founded this exclusive club. Their vision was for a proper golf course a place of prestige and challenge. The initial $50 initiation fee and $30 annual dues were exorbitant for the time. This cemented Seattle Golf Club’s status as an elite organization.
The club’s first course in Laurelhurst was charming. It even doubled as pasture for the landlord’s cows and goats. Getting there was an adventure. Golfers took a cable car then a naphtha-powered launch called the “Sunny Jim” to reach the course. They’d then climb a steep ravine before arriving at the clubhouse.
But Seattle Golf Club’s ambitions soared higher. They purchased 360 acres of land in present-day Shoreline. Constructing the new course presented new challenges. Materials arrived by boat then were hauled up a steep hill by an overhead tram powered by a donkey engine. Initially reaching the course was difficult. Most people didn’t own cars. The solution was an electric shuttle car. This connected the club to the Seattle-Everett Interurban line. This ensured members could easily reach their new prestigious clubhouse.
The original course design is debated. Some credit John Ball a Scottish designer based in Minneapolis. Others mention Robert Johnstone. Irrespective of the designer the course evolved significantly over time. In the early years only the greens were watered. Fairways were left as natural meadows. The introduction of gasoline powered mowers changed the game. Fairways became manicured and regularly watered.
A major remodeling in 1968-1969 redesigned greens tee boxes and some holes. This involved closing the entire course for a long period. Another renovation in the 1990s by Arnold Palmer further enhanced the course. Palmer redesigned the 18th and 8th holes significantly. He also added water features and removed hundreds of trees. The Seattle Golf Club’s 18 hole course remains exceptionally beautiful. It’s surrounded by century-old Douglas firs. This beautiful course offers a challenge to golfers of all skill levels. Its exclusive status and rich history continue to make it a legendary destination. President William Howard Taft himself played at both the Laurelhurst and Shoreline locations. This further cemented the Seattle Golf Club’s place in history.