In 1951, sixteen Chinese businessmen gathered at Seattle’s former Twin Dragon Restaurant with a shared vision of fellowship, friendly competition, and a growing passion for the game of golf. That meeting led to the founding of the Seattle Chinese Golf Club, which would later become known as the Seattle Cascade Golf Club.
The club established Jefferson Park Golf Course in Seattle as its home course and, in 1952, hosted its first invitational tournament against the Vancouver B.C. Golf Club. That early competition laid the foundation for decades of lasting friendships and regional golf traditions.
In 1954, the organization officially changed its name to the Seattle Cascade Golf Club, continuing its legacy as one of the premier Asian golf clubs in the Puget Sound region.
The Founding Members
The original charter members who helped establish the club were:
According to longtime club historian Frank S. Chin, many of the founders were originally tennis players who decided to learn and embrace the game of golf together.
Friendship and Friendly Competition
From the very beginning, the club was built on more than golf alone. Members and their families formed a close-knit social community that extended well beyond the fairways. Along with regular tournaments and practice rounds, the club frequently organized picnics, dinners, and family gatherings.
Friendship and competition always went hand-in-hand. Weekly traditions, including rotating Mah Jong gatherings among members and their spouses, helped strengthen lifelong relationships within the club.
The club’s annual invitational tournaments continued to grow over the years, eventually evolving into the well-known “4-City Invitational Tournament,” which included teams from Seattle, Vancouver B.C., Victoria B.C., and Portland. During the 1950s, Jefferson Park Golf Course served as an especially important venue because its municipal setting made golf more accessible and affordable for minority players.
Growth and Change Through the Years
As times changed, so did the club. While the organization was originally composed solely of men, women gradually became active participants in tournaments during the late 1970s. Golfers such as Dorothy Jue and Margaret Chin helped pave the way for greater inclusion, and in 1982 the club officially voted to welcome women members.
Over time, Seattle Cascade Golf Club also became increasingly diverse, reflecting the broader communities and friendships formed through the game.
In 2000, the club renewed its commitment to growth, membership outreach, and preserving its rich history. Frank S. Chin was appointed club historian, and a monthly newsletter was introduced to document club activities and milestones. During this period, members also voted to join the Federation of Chinese Golf Clubs, connecting Seattle Cascade Golf Club with golf organizations throughout the West Coast.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, Seattle Cascade Golf Club continues the traditions established more than seven decades ago. Members gather every other Sunday during the golf season to compete at courses throughout the greater Seattle area, from Burlington to Lacey.
The club remains dedicated to its longstanding mission:
“To promote participation in the game of golf and fellowship among its members.”
Through competition, camaraderie, and community, Seattle Cascade Golf Club proudly continues its tradition of bringing people together through the love of golf.
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