Committee approves 15-year golf operator agreement with Premier Golf; walking-path amendments fail

The Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee on June 25 recommended passage of council bill 120999, authorizing Seattle Parks and Recreation to enter a 15-year golf course management agreement with Premier Golf Golf Centers LLC to operate Jackson Park Golf Course, the Bill Wright Golf Complex at Jefferson Park, Interbay Golf Center and West Seattle Golf Course.

The agreement would continue a vendor-managed model in which Seattle Parks and Recreation provides on-course maintenance and the operator manages pro shops, restaurants, lessons, events and non‑golf amenities. Mandy Sheffer, deputy superintendent for capital at Seattle Parks and Recreation, said the new contract “formalizes and increases the transparency” of public benefits and requires the operator to provide an annual public benefit report within 60 days after the end of each physical year.

Committee members said the golf program has operated without general fund…