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Golf Course Review Penmar Golf Course Venice California

Penmar Golf Course

Golf Course Review Penmar Golf Course Venice California

ALERT: Aeration
Aeration of the greens 4/21 & 4/22.
* Although Greenskeeper.org researches all alerts before posting, we ask that you please contact the golf course for confirmation.

Reviewed by: t8fish, Altadena

Golf Playing Conditions 6.78 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 6.78 GOOD

Saturday, 3/14, I was on the West side for an event that I found cancelled when I got there, so headed over to revisit Penmar. They are doing a bunch of remodeling, mainly of the food service area, so the main entrance is roped off and you enter through an access gate in the fence to the right of the building. I was matched up with an easy going twosome already on the tee and teed off directly.

The Review

On the course, things were generally wet, lush and actually in pretty good shape. The teeing grounds are generally level but a little beat up so, while quite serviceable, I would say they are the one aspect that is a little worse for wear relative to the rest of the course. Coverage on the fairways was very good but with the relative lushness and wet, there was minimal roll-out. While rare, their were isolated puddles to be found in some low spots. Rough was pretty consistently full and could be punitive, especially with the wetness, but you could get a bit lucky where the ball set more on top. Missed the bunkers and can’t comment there.

The greens, while littered with worm castings and other small bits, were tight and firm and running about as quick as I’ve seen them there. I remember years ago when they were always fuzzy and slow and this is a complete change from those days.

We played through a brief, misty shower for a hole or so in the middle of the round, but the precipitation mostly held off. One advantage of the weather was no pace of play issue on a course that I have rarely, if ever, seen quite as quiet. It’s a mellow nine that is usually in very good shape for the amount of traffic it gets. Recommended if you are in the area, but more typically, expect a slower pace.

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Golf Course Review Penmar Golf Course Venice California

Penmar Golf Course

Golf Course Review Penmar Golf Course Venice California

Reviewed by: t8fish, Altadena

Golf Playing Conditions 5.30 GOOD
Golf Playing Conditions 5.30 GOOD

A rare occurrence these days, I found myself over on the West side yesterday and was inspired by roarksown1‘s recent review to revisit The Shire down in Venice. I used to live nearby and play it a lot, so there is a nice, comforting — maybe even nostalgic— familiarity for me to play there. Not much different to add to roarksown1‘s review.

I was a single added to two pairs to form a five-some. The course is in nice shape overall. It historically seems to hold up well, especially given the steady amount of traffic it gets. I would differ from the previous review only in his appraisal of the greens and maybe that is the difference a few days makes. The remnant pattern of aeration was still visible but I actually felt they putted smoother than they looked with no noticeable hops and at a decent medium/quickish pace.

The good news was that there were some open holes out ahead of us. The bad news was the one group ahead between us and those holes was slow, even by Penmar standards, and we couldn’t take advantage of it to have an uncharacteristically quick round. That said, one never plays Penmar with the expectation of anything more than a languid pace, at best. Our group gelled well, accepted the pace as a non-issue, and a very sociable and enjoyable round was had by all. I was glad I stopped by.

Honestly, the place never seems to change and I hope it never goes away.

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LA City Golf Rolls out Re-Vamped Player Card

LA City Golf Player Card

The Player Card

Golf Loyalty Program through LA City Parks & Recration

City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation & Parks - Golf Division
Click HERE for All Things LA City Golf

You may have seen this advertised at your local city course here in Los Angeles.  LA City Golf presents their revamped Player Card.  It’s not just a reservation or discount card, it’s now a golf loyalty program.

We are not only blessed with some of the best weather for golf but now you can play for FREE provided you get your Player Card and take advantage of the savings.  Even the most cost-conscience golfer can play regularly at these great courses with the re-vamped Player Card from LA City Golf and get FREE Golf through their loyalty program.

How it works

It’s simple.

With the roll-out of their new reservation system, LA City Golf presents their golf loyalty program with the LA City Player Card.  Register your Player Card for $25/year.  You can obtain a Player Card at any LA City Golf Course or by calling 818-291-9980.  (Click HERE for additional information.)  For every $1 you spend on tee times at all participating LA City Courses you get a point.  Get enough points and you can redeem these points for FREE Golf after 10AM Weekdays and it’s good for 18 months.

If you’re like me you live next to more than one of LA City’s Golf Courses.  It pays to play local.  Play courses like Rancho Park, Wilson, Harding, Encino, Balboa, Hansen Dam and Woodley Lakes to name a few.  Show your Player Card to the starter and qualify for points you can redeem later for FREE golf.

And who doesn’t like FREE golf?

The Analysis

Just over 10 rounds playing regulation courses and the card pays for itself for the year.  Play 9 hole courses it pays for itself in a little over a 15 rounds of golf.  Seniors can take advantage of the deal.  Regular Joes like you and me can take advantage of the deal.  It’s available to every golfer in LA City and surrounding areas.

Not Just FREE Golf

LA Golf Loyalty Card
LA Golf Loyalty Card

As a Player Club member your Twilight rates are extended an hour early.  You can book 9 days in advance (general public can book only 7 days in advance. Player Club is available at all of Los Angeles City Golf Courses.

  • Rancho Park Golf Course – Host to a few PGA, LPGA and Champion Tour Events, Host of the LA Open, 24th Amateur Public Links Championship (USGA)
  • Wilson Golf Course (Griffith Park) – Host to the LA Open (1937-1939)
  • Harding Golf Course (Griffith Park) – Host to the LA Open (1937-1939)
  • Encino Golf Course (Sepulveda Golf Complex) – Part of a sprawling Golf Complex in the middle of the Valley.  Some Great golf and value.
  • Balboa Golf Course (Sepulveda Golf Complex) – Part of a sprawling Golf Complex in the middle of the Valley.  Some Great golf and value.
  • Hansen Dam Golf Course
  • Woodly Lakes Golf Course – Located opposite the Sepulveda Golf Complex; it’s range was recently revamped.
  • Harbor Park Golf Course (9 Hole) – Golf this regulation 9 Hole Course with some of the best conditions for LA City Courses.
  • Roosevelt Golf course (9 Hole) – in the Heart of Griffith Park
  • Penmar Golf Course (9 Hole) – Close to the Santa Monica Airport and a great landing emergency landing area.  Just ask Harrison Ford.
  • Rancho Park Par 3
  • Los Feliz Par 3

LA City is excited to offer this program to golfers to prove that it pays to play LA.  That’s a lot of golf and for the modest investment of only $25 yearly.  Seniors can take advantage of these specials and even deeper discounts.

Editor’s Note

Check it out.  Click HERE for additional information at the LA City Golf Course website.  Just remember you heard it here from Greenskeeper.Org.  Check out local maintenance schedules and aeration alerts here at Greenskeeper.org in addition to the latest golf course reviews of your favorite courses.  Know Before You Go (r) with Greenskeeper.Org.  Click HERE to view our website.