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 support and provides environmental and youth-program benefits across the city. Council member Alex Kettle said he valued the program’s environmental stewardship and geographic spread; Council member Teresa Rivera and Council President Nelson both praised the turnaround after years of maintenance challenges and the opportunities for youth. Chair Joy Hollingsworth presided.

The committee considered two amendments offered by Council member Strauss aimed at expanding non‑golf public access. Amendment 1 would have authorized the city to reduce or relocate golf facilities to create walking paths inside course perimeters; Amendment 2 would have added one weekly walking period on each 18‑hole course (and increased non‑golf hours in the public‑benefit table from 500 to 750 hours and added disc golf and fling golf). Council central staff explained Amendment 2 would require courses to cease tee times for the walking periods, reducing golf revenue and increasing the value of the public benefit to $224,000 as written.

Both amendments failed on roll calls. For Amendment 1 the vote was Kettle: No; Rivera: No; Council President Nelson: No; Chair Hollingsworth: Abstain (3 opposed, 1 abstain). Amendment 2 failed by the same recorded tally (3 opposed, 1 abstain). Committee discussion cited liability concerns, the existing perimeter trails or nearby parks for walking, the high cost of maintaining greens and the potential revenue impact of lost tee times. Patrick Merriam, golf director for Seattle Parks and Recreation, confirmed existing cart paths connect holes but said designated walking inside courses raises safety and maintenance issues.

After the amendment votes, the committee voted to recommend passage of council bill 120999. The clerk recorded 4 in favor, none opposed; the bill will be sent to the full City Council on July 1, 2025.

The committee record shows the agreement length will increase from a 10‑year to a 15‑year term, will include tighter payment card industry compliance requirements and requires a significant capital investment to support asset management. The agreement also formalizes annual target metrics for public benefits and an annual review process to consider adjustments to those metrics.

Public comments during the meeting included a request from Julie Holland of the South Lake Union Community Council, who addressed a separate agenda item and described a community‑led LCLIP project list; a separate caller criticized local policy and mentioned Premier in passing. Those public remarks did not alter the committee’s action on the operator agreement.

The committee’s action was limited to recommending passage; the ordinance and the finalized contract terms (including the capital investment schedule and detailed public‑benefit metrics) will be considered by the full Council on July 1, 2025.