Kenmore, Washington
Inglewood is a pure, tree-framed Pacific Northwest layout, its 100-year-old Macan routing preserved and sharpened through contemporary restoration. Expect a timeless members’ course with a subtle but punishing set of challenges and a regional standing that outshines its national fame.
Pause to take in the subtle panoramic views of Lake Washington from the upper fairways—these snapshots are surprisingly scenic and often missed by first-time visitors walking the back nine.
Inglewood Golf Club is a showcase of classic Pacific Northwest architecture: a 1920s Macan/Johnstone masterpiece routed along subtle slopes above Lake Washington. The routing has remained nearly unchanged for a century, testament to its original genius. Major recent restoration by Jeff Mingay revived original bunkering, green contours, and mowing lines, strengthening its blend of shot-making strategy and visual character. Expect a golf experience shaped as much by thoughtful land use and crisp lines as by the ever-present evergreens and club history.
Macan’s influence shows in the seamless routing and shrewd use of sidehill lies, magnified by Mingay’s recent restoration.
A powerhouse par 5 that plays like a par 4-and-a-half, the 480-yard second asks for controlled aggression from the first swing. The narrow corridor and daunting length set the competitive tone early.
Favour the left side off the tee for a better approach, as right-side trouble lurks and reaching in two is a bold decision only for the longest hitters.
Errant drives induce compounding mistakes—miss left and trees block out, miss right and thick rough awaits.
Mature parkland turf, strong maintenance, and recently refined bunkers and greens, though daily speed and firmness may vary with Northwest weather.
Championship pacing—expect a thoughtful, deliberate round just under 4.5 hours.
Classic, understated Northwest private club atmosphere—heritage and tradition up front, with a warm, welcoming member community.
Standard private club attire—collared shirts, tailored shorts/pants, no denim.
Prepare for uneven stances on gentle slopes—Inglewood’s routing rewards players who trust their balance and ball position on non-flat ground.
The Pacific Northwest weather can shift quickly, even in peak season; a light rain shell or warm vest can save the day.
Those Lake Washington glimpses from the course—especially near the upper back nine—are worth capturing.
Inglewood Golf Club founded.
Original clubhouse destroyed by fire.
New clubhouse opens, becoming a club landmark.
Hosts first Seattle Open; Macdonald Smith wins with 65.
Redesign work by Bill Teufel.
Inglewood’s Macan/Johnstone layout from the early 1920s remains almost untouched after a century, an architectural continuity nearly unmatched in the region. That routing, with its rolling terrain and clever use of natural slopes, is still what you play today.
The course made history as the site of the inaugural Seattle Open in 1936, where Macdonald Smith fired a course-record 65 in a playoff. The moment still echoes in club lore, making Inglewood a regional stage for competitive drama.
A devastating fire in 1925 consumed the original clubhouse, but members rallied, reopening a new landmark clubhouse just one year later. That story of resilience is woven into the club’s culture and daily pride.
Jeff Mingay’s multi-year restoration discovered and revived many of Macan’s lost features: elongated bunkers, widened corridors, and sharper green edges, all bringing the course back to its original intent with a modern twist.
The original 1920s Macan/Johnstone routing is almost perfectly preserved, a rarity among classic clubs.
Inglewood hosted the first-ever Seattle Open in 1936, where Macdonald Smith’s storied 65 set a course record.
The iconic clubhouse had to be rebuilt after a 1925 fire—a symbol of the club’s resilience.
For nearly a decade (1987–1995), Inglewood was a home stop for the Champions Tour’s GTE Northwest Classic.
Many of the restored bunkers have edges and proportions directly referenced from Macan’s original sketches.
A playable, scenic North Sound favorite open to all.
Spectacular city views and a destination feel just over the lake.
Convenient for an eastside warmup with fun, fast rounds.
Packed with city history and walkable anytime you want a classic Seattle urban loop.
Stay in the North Seattle or Bellevue/Redmond corridor for best access to Inglewood and the area’s top public tracks.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: Chapel Hill Country Club is a natural next stop after Inglewood Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: Whitetail Ridge Golf Club is a natural next stop after Inglewood Golf Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Deerfield Golf Club a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character, making it a compelling counterpart to Inglewood Golf Club.
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Community Sentiment
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