Premier Golf helping to lead the way for Seattle’s golf courses master plans

When Premier Golf took over the operations at the city of Seattle courses, the company knew it was going to be involved in some changes. The courses were struggling and the financial outlook was anything but bright. Working in partnership with the City of Seattle Parks Department, Premier and the Department have improved operations to the point where the courses are generating enough operating surplus to fund major improvements. Last year the City of Seattle approved a new Golf Master Plan, with the cash flow from the courses covering the cost of the necessary financing.

The master plan calls for a myriad of improvements to all four golf courses – Jefferson Park, Jackson Park, West Seattle and Interbay.

“Over the last seven years, the financial performance of the City’s four golf courses has improved to the point they are able to cover the cost of the Master Plan improvements. All of the money to support the financing is coming from the courses…from the golfers.” said Bill Schickler of Premier Golf.

Schickler, the head of Premier Golf, is excited about the master plan, which calls for new driving ranges at West Seattle and Jackson Park and a double deck for the range at Jefferson Park. Also planned are new clubhouses at Jackson Park and Jefferson Park.

In addition, there are many other projects which will be part of the $20 million master plan; new cart paths and cart barns, as well as perimeter trails to enable golfers and non golfers alike to enjoy these beautiful courses. The plan calls for all projects to be completed by 2016. Premier Golf has managed Interbay Golf Center since 2001 and the three 18 hole courses since 2003. The Parks Department maintains the golf courses at all four locations. Schickler said it has been very rewarding to be involved in the master plan, and seeing the many long overdue improvements so close to reality.

The first project rolling is the new driving range at West Seattle. City officials are going through proposals and an architect will be hired soon and construction is expected to be completed in the spring of 2012. The plans call for a double-deck driving range with 50 stalls.

A new clubhouse and a double deck range at Jefferson Park, as well as new cart paths at Jackson Park are the next projects on the docket.

If all of this is not enough, other projects have been completed in recent years, like the re-model at Jackson Park back in 2003 and the renovation of the range at Jefferson Park with new turf and netting. And more recently bunker improvements at West Seattle and Jefferson Park and new driving range turf and a total repainting of Interbay, which makes the place look almost new.

And it’s all affordable. Top Greens fees are $32 during the week and $37 on weekends with many specials and package rates, including a new $15 Super Senior (75+) weekday rate. Check out all the rates, join the Premier Golf Club and get more information on the Golf Master Plan at PremierGC.com.