Few golf courses in America carry the cultural, historical and civil rights significance of Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles, California. For nearly a century, this historic public facility has served as a gathering place for African American golfers, professional athletes, civil rights activists and generations of players who helped challenge racial barriers in the game.
Located at 1818 Charlie Sifford Drive in Los Angeles, the course originally opened on March 11, 1928, as La Avenida Golf Course. It was renamed Western Avenue Golf Course in 1931 and eventually became Chester Washington Golf Course in honor of Chester L. Washington, the influential African American publisher of the Los Angeles Sentinel.
During an era when African Americans faced widespread discrimination at private golf clubs and professional tournaments, Western Avenue became an important refuge and competitive gathering place for Black golfers.
Among the legendary players who frequented the course were Charlie Sifford, Bill Spiller, Ted Rhodes, Lee Elder and boxing champion Joe Louis. Football legend Jim Brown and other prominent athletes also enjoyed the course.
The facility became particularly important during the PGA of America’s discriminatory membership era, when its constitution restricted membership to Caucasians. Black professionals who were denied opportunities elsewhere found a place to practice, compete and develop their games at Western Avenue.
In 1955, civil rights activist and golfer Maggie Hathaway challenged racial discrimination when the predominantly white women’s golf club denied her membership. She appealed to Los Angeles County Supervisor Kenneth Hahn, arguing that a club operating on publicly owned land should not discriminate against taxpayers based on race.
Hahn intervened, resulting in the removal of the discriminatory organization and extending integration requirements across Los Angeles County golf facilities.
Hathaway’s efforts helped establish Chester Washington as a landmark in the struggle for racial equality in recreational sports. Reflecting on the significance of the Black golfing community, longtime member Larry Clemons recalled in FORE Magazine: “All the best Black players all across America would come here to Chester Washington and play.”
Course Layout, Slope and Signature Holes
Originally designed by John Dunn, the course underwent significant modifications, including a 1970 redesign by renowned Southern California golf architect William F. Bell.
Today, Chester Washington features an 18-hole, par-70 layout measuring approximately 6,286 yards from the back tees. Its published slope rating is 124, with a course rating of approximately 70.6.
The relatively level terrain features tree-lined fairways, strategically positioned bunkers, two lakes and small, challenging greens. Kikuyu grass fairways add another dimension, requiring golfers to pay attention to ball lies and approach shots.
One of its signature challenges is the par-3 eighth hole, where golfers must execute a precise tee shot over a large lake. The finishing par-5 18th is another memorable test, featuring a sloping fairway and greenside bunkers.
Notable Tournaments and Golf Events
The course has hosted significant competitive events, including the Charlie Sifford Invitational, APGA Tour competitions and the 1975 PGA Seniors Championship, according to published course histories. More recently, Chester Washington has welcomed APGA Tour events, including its Juneteenth Classic, celebrating the historical relationship between African Americans and golf.
Its Current Legacy
In April 2020, Los Angeles County designated Chester Washington a historic landmark in recognition of its African American civil rights and sporting history. The facility continues operating as a public golf destination with practice facilities, instruction, tournaments, a clubhouse and community golf activities.
Perhaps the most fitting tribute came from Maggie Hathaway herself, who celebrated Tiger Woods’ historic 1997 Masters victory by declaring: “Tiger has built his own bridge and crossed over a river of prejudice.”
Her words capture the spirit of Chester Washington Golf Course: a place where barriers were challenged, champions developed and opportunities expanded. Today, Chester Washington remains more than a golf course. It is a living monument to African American perseverance, achievement and the ongoing struggle for equality in golf.
