With the National Links Trust losing their lease in Washington DC, affordable and accessible public golf in America needs a victory. Fortunately, not everyone is out to privatize the sport we love. The public golf course of Maggie Hathaway Golf facilities are getting a full renovation and a serious upgrade. Located in the heart of South Central LA, the municipal golf course has been serving the local community since 1962. Originally known as Jack Thompson Golf Course, the facility was renamed in 1997 to honor Hathaway, a golf instructor, blues singer, and civil rights leader who helped break through the color barrier on public courses in Los Angeles.
Out of the $20 million being spent, approximately $8 million came from LA county’s supplemental budget with significant contributions coming from the USGA, SCGA, LA Clippers, and the exclusive Los Angeles Country Club. PGA tour player Collin Morikawa is also heavily involved with the project.
The world class design team of Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner offered their services pro bono to make sure that the tiny 12 acre parcel of land is as good as it possibly can be. The land at Maggie Hathaway that Gil and Jim had to work with is an awkward “L shaped” piece of property surrounded by homes, an elementary school and even a power station. Given what they had to work with, the results are spectacular.
Re-opening in March of 2025, Maggie Hathaway is looking to make a difference in South Los Angeles. Here is a quick list of the new features to a classic local LA favorite.
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Larger greens with varied hole locations
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New grasses for better play less water use
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Improved views
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Turf reduction with new sand areas
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Expanded practice facilities
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New hole numbering