Weekend Hacker

I consider myself the ultimate weekend hacker, one who plays golf on the weekend and rarely improves his handicap or game. But I, like so many others, still enjoy the game and we will be reviewing golf courses in Southern Calfornia and other places. Keep checking this page for more information.

Heartwell Golf Course-This Long Beach 9 hole 3 par that has some challenging holes with water and sand traps to keep it interesting. There is no hole over 150 yards so it is a good place for beginners or those wanting to improve their short game. As is the case with many executive courses, the greens can be tough as some of them are terraced and if you miss the hole the ball can go rolling for a long time.

Saticoy Regional Golf Course-This 9 hole course, with one Par 5, is a pleasant place to spend a couple of hours. The only complaint I would have is the condition of the course. There are many clumped areas where a lawnmower hasn’t been in quite a while. The greens are not in great shape either. But if you are looking for a little exercise and don’t want to pay too much, Saticoy is the place.

Lakes at El Segundo- This 3 par 9 hole course is a great place to play when you are in a hurry or just want to work on your short game. It has a couple of challenging holes with some well-placed bunkers and water hazards. I actually plunked on into the water on the first hole. I also got into all kinds of trouble on Hole No. 9 after hitting a tree to the right, then ended up with a depressing 14 for the hole. I think the management has lowered the price because I paid just $13 for 9 holes on a Saturday afternoon. It is a great walking course and it attracts a wide range of players. You will have fun playing this one!

Bixby Knolls Village Golf Course- I first heard about this course from some people I was golfing with at Harbor. They said it was a challenging 9 hole course in Long Beach. I had to check it out and I’m glad that I did. The 1600 yard course has a couple of Par 4 holes, water hazards, and a lot of bunkers. Some of the greens are terraced thus making them.The No. 8 hole has a big dogleg to the right, obscuring the view from the tee.  The No. 9 hole has a bunker in front and one at the back of the green adding to the fun. After the first 3 holes you walk through a tunnel to get to the last 6. For a top price of $15.00 bucks you can get a nice experience. Since it is only about a mile south of LIttle Rec, it is perfectly situated as an alternative if that course is too crowded. It is also situated in an upscale condominium project. Many residents have a great view. All-in-all it is a fun course that isn’t too well known.  6180  Bixby Village Dr., Long Beach. (562) 498-7003.

Westchester Golf Course Update- As many of you know 3 new holes were put back at Westchester Golf Course. I had a chance to play the course last Friday night. First of all I don’t play night golf too often, but the evening was nice, there was no wind and the course wasn’t crowded at all. The new holes, numbered 15, 16, and 17 are well lit. In fact it is almost like daytime on all parts of the holes. The 16th hole is a Par 5, the only one on the course. It is near 440 yards and is wide but don’t let that fool you. There are bunkers all around the green. I approached it to the left side of the fairway and did well until I tried to shoot my 80 yard shot through 2 bunkers. It was straight but landed in the bunker behind the green. I hit it too hard. Anyway the new 3 holes are fun and the course is now complete, after 20 years. Way to go L.A.!

Los Verdes Golf Course-One of the most beautiful Los Angeles County courses, Los Verdes is a challenging 18 hole affair that has terraced conditions. Hole No. 9 is particularly tough in that the fairway is slanted toward the ocean. If you put the ball in the wrong place it will roll all of the way to Catalina Island. I enjoyed my experience but I didn’t like having to wait 2 hours to play. I was a single and was not allowed to make reservations. The wait took place on a Wednesday, not the weekend.

Penmar Golf Course- This 9 hole course is one of most beautiful Los Angeles city courses there is. Trees are everywhere and close together as the fairways are narrow. But it is a challenge for just about any golfer. I enjoyed the nicely sculptured greens. Reservations are necessary as it does back up, especialy on the weekends.

Victoria Golf Course-Carson- I recently played this course for the first time about a month ago. I only wanted to play 9 holes but was informed when I got there that you must arrive by 9AM in order to play 9 holes. I could play 9 holes but would have to pay the 18 hold rate. This policy needs to be made more clear. As far as the course, it is fun. The fairways are wide open. Since it is built on a landfill, the trees are small. The greens are in great shape and it is a challenging course.

Alondra Golf Course 18 Hole 3 Par-This is a just for fun course. It has the smallest greens I have even seen. A couple of them are on slight hills so if you miss the green it will roll to the next hole. You can play it in about an hour and a half and it is great for working on the short game.

Castlerosse Golf Cousse-Killarney, Ireland-It was a thrill for me to play golf in Ireland, close to the origins of this fine game. This 9 hole 36 par course has some wide open fairways and slow, thick greens. I enjoyed the scenery and the challenge of the course. I walked it and the only problem I had was finding the 6th hole. You literally have to walk through a section of the forest to get to the final 4 holes, which are located near the clubhouse. I also ended up playing a green twice because I got lost. I was confronted by the French speaking tourists. I can’t speak French and they couldn’t speak English. They were trying to get back to town. I pointed in the right direction. I think they had more success finding Killarney than I did the 6th hold. Anyway this course can be played in about 2 hours on a slow day. But take your time, the scenery is great.

Westchester Golf Course-This may be the only 15 hole golf course in America. Located right next to the LAX airport, this Los Angeles Municipal course, managed by American Golf, is a fun, challenging course with both 3 and 4 par holes mixed in. The second hole has the only water hazard. It is located about 230 yards from the tee and is placed right in front of the green. There are usually ducks here as well. By the way, 3 holes are going to be put back in next year.

Harbor Golf Course-Harbor City- This 9 hole Los Angeles City municipal course is designed for weekend hacks like me and those who want a little more challenge. The 9 holes are peppered with a couple of long 5 pars, a couple of 4’s, and two 3 par short holes. The fairways are wide enough to keep most folks out of trouble, however I have used the hill on the right of Hole No. 7 for many carom shots. The 3 par Hole 6 is trickier than it looks because of a slight dog leg to the left and wherever they decide to place the pin on the green. If the flag is at the back of the green, it is hard to see from the tee. I always aim straight, deliberately staying away from the tempting tee shot over the trees. I will leave those to the ones that can make it.

Dominguez Golf Course-Carson-This is a perfect course for families. You see kids, seniors, and just about everyone else shooting for holes on very small greens. The longest hole is 147 yards. A total of 18 holes are all 3 pars. There are very approaches to all holes. Great for working on the short game. Also very affordable. 19800 Main St. Carson (310) 719-1942

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