OBJECTIVES

The City of Los Angeles, Department of Recreation and Parks sponsors a large Citywide Junior Golf Program. The purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for children ages 7 through 17 to develop their golf skills, competition skills, and relationships with their peers.

JUNIOR CERTIFICATION

Junior golfers 13 years old and younger must be certified before they will be allowed to play on most of the City's golf courses.  To be certified, junior golfers must be able to demonstrate that they can consistently strike the golf ball in a manner that will allow them to keep a normal pace of play, as well as pass a test covering golf rules and etiquette.  Once certified, the junior golfer must still be accompanied by an adult during play. 

Juniors may apply for certification by having their parents make an appointment with the Golf Course Manager or Junior Golf Coordinator at the following courses:

SUMMER PLAY PROGRAMS

The summer play programs are offered from late June through Mid August at the following courses:

The fees vary by course, but are very economical.  Starting times are set aside for play once a week in the early afternoon.  On each day of play, guidance is given in the area of golf rules, etiquette, and sportsmanship.  Although no formal lessons are given during the program, children are given tips and encouraged to take lessons offered by the pro shop teaching staff.  Most of the pro shops offer a special junior rate.

COMPETITION

Most of the clubs conduct a Club Championship during the summer program.  For the more advanced players, there is Team Play competition among the City junior clubs.  Rancho Park, Griffith Park, Woodley, Sepulveda, Hansen Dam Golf Courses, and Harbor Park participate.  At the end of the Team Play season, there is a "shoot out" at Woodley Golf Course, followed by an awards ceremony with individual trophies and a barbeque at Woodley Park.  The results of the team play days are kept, and the winning team has its name inscribed on the traveling perpetual trophy.

Additional tournaments are offered throughout the year.

Program members are also encouraged to participate in the L. A. City Junior Championships.

INSTRUCTION

Prior to the beginning of the summer play, the Pro Shop and Golf Starter Staff at Sepulveda, Rancho, and Hansen Dam provide free lessons for junior golfers.  The lessons are free, but there may be a small charge for range balls.  Children are asked to bring their own clubs. Year-round lessons are available through the Pro Shops at each facility; junior rates are offered.