Chester Washington Golf Course in South Los Angeles, California, has a rich history that reflects the city’s African American heritage. Named after the first African American to be elected to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the golf course opened in 1954 as 9-holes and expanded to 18 holes in 1965. It is a part of the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation and is the first golf course to be integrated in LA County.
The layout features level terrain, two lakes and large trees, narrow fairways and small greens, which provide a challenging experience for golfers of all skill levels. Water hazards come into play on a few holes, adding to the course’s difficulty. The par-3 8th hole, which requires a precise tee shot over a large lake, is one of the course’s most memorable and challenging holes. The par-5 18th hole, with its sloping fairway and large greenside bunkers, is also a significant test for golfers finishing their round.
Located due south of the 105 freeway, and a few powerful swings from Hawthorne Municipal Airport in L.A.’s West Athens neighborhood, it sits at 1818 Charlie Sifford Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90047. The course is notable for its connection to the African American community in Los Angeles and was built during a time when African Americans faced discrimination and segregation in many areas of society, including golf. At the time, Black golfers had limited access to courses and were often barred from playing at many of the city’s public courses. Chester Washington Golf Course provided an opportunity for Blacks to play golf in a welcoming and supportive environment.
The late Charlie Sifford, a renowned African American golfer, sought refuge in Los Angeles during the time when the PGA of America had a discriminatory “caucasian-only” policy. He and other talented African American golfers often frequented Western Avenue Golf Course (now known as Chester Washington Golf Course). In August 2015, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors honored Sifford’s legacy by renaming a portion of 120th Street, which runs along the northern boundary of the golf course, as Charlie Sifford Drive.
Over the years, the course has hosted several important events and tournaments for the African American community. In 1970, the Charlie Sifford Invitational, was held there. The tournament was named after Charlie Sifford, a professional golfer who broke the color barrier on the PGA Tour. It also hosts a number of charity tournaments throughout the year, giving golfers the chance to play for a good cause and raise money for a variety of local organizations and causes, including youth programs and cancer research.
Today, the course has played host to viable events such as the Tee Divas & Tee Dudes Golf Club Junior Achievement and Black Golf History program, the Leroy Bates Golf Foundation youth training center, The Cameron Champ Foundation clinic for junior golfers, as well as being a tournament stop on the Advocates Pro Golf Association Tour.
Over the years, Chester Washington has hosted the LA City Men’s and Women’s Championships, bringing together some of the best amateur golfers in the area to compete for the title of city champion. It has also been the site of regional and national events and played host to USGA qualifiers for the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open, giving golfers the chance to earn a spot in one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world.
In recent years, Chester Washington Golf Course has undergone a number of renovations and improvements to make it an even better venue for tournaments. The course has upgraded its facilities, including the clubhouse and driving range, and made changes to the course layout to make it more challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels.
The course offers affordable rates, membership, and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all backgrounds. Its history and legacy serve as a reminder of the challenges that African Americans have faced in pursuing their passions, including golf, and the resilience and determination that has allowed them to overcome those challenges.
If you are ever in Los Angeles stop by and play at Chester Washington Golf Course. It truly is a fantastic venue that provides a great experience, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a junior golfer just starting out, there’s something for everyone at this historic course.
Learn more about Chester Washington Golf Course by visiting http://www.chesterwashington.com or call (323) 756-2516.
