Honoring Golf Legend William “Bill” Wright
Please join us in our effort to recognize and
pay tribute to a Seattle legend, African
American golfer Bill Wright, who broke the
glass ceiling for African Americans and people
of color by attending Bill Wright Celebration at
the Bill Wright Golf Complex (formerly
Jefferson Golf Course). Your presence and
participation will be greatly appreciated!
Bill Wright was the first African American to win a United States Golf Association (USGA) event, winning the 1959 U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship. Bill was a graduate of Franklin High School and went on to play college golf at the Western Washington University (Western Washington College of Education), winning the 1960 National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Men's Golf Championship individual title. Mr. Wright was inducted into the Pacific Northwest Golf Association Hall of Fame in 2013. He was a fixture with Fir State Golf Club and Jefferson Golf Course. He broke the color barrier of American Golf and should be appropriately honored at his home course, Jefferson Golf Course.
The Bill Wright Recognition committee proposes:
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Renaming the Jefferson Park Golf Course and facilities to The William “Bill” Wright Golf Complex at Jefferson Park.
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Creating a permanent memorial to Bill Wright within and in front of the “Bill Wright Clubhouse”.
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Initiating a capitol campaign for a memorial installed by the 65th anniversary of Mr. Wright’s APL win, October 10, 2024.
William "Bill" Wright Day
William “Bill” Wright Recognition Day was celebrated with friends and family at Jefferson Clubhouse on
October 10,2023. Fifty people attended to recognize, share stories, and learn about Bill Wright’s
accomplishments as a golfer and as a human being who treated every person with worth and value.
Beacon Hill Council (BHC)and Fir State Golf (FSG) are leading the communities’ remembrance for Bill
Wright by renaming the Jefferson Golf Course to William “Bill” Wright Golf Complex. Along with
renaming, BHC and FSG will be creating an educational display within the Club House and installing a
statue of Bill Wright outside the Club House.
How you can help
Add your voice to this cause by contacting The Mayor’s office, your City Council member, Seattle Parks and Recreation Board and Superintendent, and contribute to the Seattle Parks Foundation-Honoring Bill Wright.
Contact Kathy Colombo, kckcolombo@gmail.com with questions.
