Perhaps the state’s most youth-friendly course is Jefferson, located on Seattle’s Beacon Hill. Besides welcoming Seattle First Tee kids as well as operating its own extensive junior programs, the course has been receptive to one of the state’s most venerable youth golf groups, the Fir State Golf Club.
Fir State formed in 1947 to increase access to golf in the minority community. Its charitable arm, the Fir State Junior Golf Foundation, promotes junior golf for minority children.
“It’s for inner-city kids with no regard to race, color or creed,’’ said Bob Woodard, who has been involved with Fir State since 1991.
For 14 years, Jefferson hosted Fir State’s annual fund-raiser, which has had an extraordinary list of celebrity hosts and participants. Tiger Woods was the tournament’s first host in 1992, followed by Ken Griffey, Jr. (1993-97), Warren Moon (1998), Dale Ellis (1999-2001), Mike Cameron (2002-2003) and Nate McMillan (2004-2005). Former sports stars such as Bill Russell, Bret Boone and Edgar Martinez have played in the tournament.
Fir State has raised more than $15,000 in scholarships for college-bound youngsters who have come through the program. It also helps with instruction, greens fees and equipment for needy youth.
“That’s the payoff, watching these youngsters develop as they come through the program,’’ Woodward said. “We’ve had a lot outstanding individuals. We want them to be a viable part of the community.’’
The group continues to hold an annual event, now called Seniors for Juniors at West Seattle Golf Course. It’s a unique format, hosted by former TV personality Bruce King, in which senior golfers, 50 and over, are paired with Fir State junior golfers.
Fir State and First Tee have recently become partners, working together to assist the needs of youth golfers.
“We’re working on filling in the other blank spaces for youngsters, so we’re not stepping on each other toes,’’ Woodward added.
One of the most unlikely but best locations to attract junior golfers may be in downtown Seattle, at the Interbay Golf Center on Elliott Ave (15th Ave. W). It is a self-contained facility.
“Our location is prime here. It’s one of our biggest attributes,’’ said Jim Sprague, Interbay’s site manager. “It’s an all-inclusive facility with instruction, driving range, a nine-hole course and a large green. We have 80 (driving range) stalls, one of the largest in the area. And our quality of instruction is important. Of our five instructors, four are LPGA or PGA certified.’’
During the summer, Interbay has 10 weekly camps beginning June 19, where youngsters bounce from tee to green to range. The cost is $289 for a five-day camp and $199 for the three-day. It runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
For those youngsters with restricted access to the game, Chambers Bay in University Place runs the state’s biggest caddy program, with more than 180 in its database.
A youngster accepted into Chambers’ caddy program learns the rules and the etiquette. They watch how the game is played and receive discount opportunities to play the course.
“I believe caddying makes better golfers. They have more desire to play,’’ said Joe Wisocki, Chambers’ general manager. “In the old days, that’s how kids were introduced to golf.’’
Most courses in the state, public or private, provide opportunities for junior golfers. The owners/operators understand the value of junior golf. It’s not only good for the youngsters, but good for business.
“It’s our future,’’ Wisocki added. “All those kids will pick up the game at a later age.’’