Being able to play golf all year long in Southern California is a privilege. But pros and hacks alike know that summertime gives you a chance to leave work early and fit in 18 holes before sunset. Whether you’re looking to score in the 80s or you stop keeping track after the sixth hole, take advantage of some of the twilight rates offered at par-3, executive and full-length courses all over the Southland. And no matter what your foursome says, you get a clubs-length of relief from that tree. See you at the 19th hole.
1. Scholl Canyon Golf Course: Just off the 2 Freeway in Glendale lies one of the best kept secrets in local golf. Scholl Canyon is a mid-range course that features competitive rates and panoramic views of the city below. The challenging back nine makes a golf cart all but mandatory (you’ll see why). Green fees with a cart on the weekend come out to $35, but the same setup on a weekday after 3pm will run you $19. That’s just enough savings to justify your trip to The Oinkster afterward.
2. Weddington Golf: If you’re looking for an affordable and picturesque par-3 in the Valley, look no further than Weddington Golf in Studio City. For $12 on weekdays and $15 on weekends, you can play all nine well-maintained holes and still have time to grab a drink at their cozy mid-century clubhouse. Also, remember to grab one of their punch cards to earn a free round after sixteen plays. It’s a lofty goal, but still the only reward card in my wallet.
3. The Links at Terranea: South Bay is home to some pretty ritzy courses with green fees to match. But just outside of Rancho Palos Verdes is The Links at Terranea: a world-class 9-hole par 3 right on top of the Pacific Ocean. Scenic golfing like this will normally cost you much more, but for $45 Monday to Thursday and $55 on the weekend, you too can golf in the lap of luxury.
4. Westchester Golf Course: You’ve probably passed this course on your way to LAX, and you can do some serious sky gazing since Westchester is in the flight path of the airport. This 18-hole, par-64 course underwent renovations in 2010 and breaks out the neon pink and highlighter yellow golf balls for lit night golf until 10:00 pm. Super twilight rates after 6pm will cost you $20 with a cart, compared to the $31 rate on weekends.
5. Roosevelt Golf Course: Nestled into Griffith Park is Roosevelt Municipal, a 9-hole executive course that opened in 1964 in the shadow of the observatory. The course doesn't have carts and you won’t need one either. As with any LA municipal course, a resident card will get you a discount at any one of the 13 courses run by the city. At $25 for the year ($65 for three years), the card practically pays for itself.