Golfing in the San Fernando Valley
Gorgeous Greens and Screens (Part 1) Written By: Stefanie Garcia
The game of golf has come a long way since its origins in Scotland, in the early 1400’s. Originally a game for the affluent and elite, when wooden golf clubs and golf balls made of bird feathers wrapped in leather were the implements of the sport, now has evolved into a hobby most anyone can enjoy. Whether you are looking for a prestigious golf course or golfing on a budget, the San Fernando Valley has a golf course for you!
The weather in the SFV is perfect most months out of the year making it the ideal place to play. If you want to golf but walking around the elements of nature is not your thing, the San Fernando Valley has several indoor golf courses for you to try!
1. Braemar Country Club, Est. 1959
Located at: 4001 Reseda Blvd. Tarzana, CA 91356
Cradled at the base of the Santa Monica Mountains sits the Braemar Country Club with world class, resort style amenities and gorgeous city views, you will feel like you have left the world behind as you stroll along the picturesque and meticulously maintained oasis known as the Braemar Country Club. This 27-hole, Ted Robinson-designed course is suited for any skill level, along with a full service pro-shop on site, you can expect to have the premier golf experience.
Open: Mon-Fri 5am-9:30pm Sat-Sun 6:30am-8pm
Visit the website for membership fees and daily rates or call (818) 345-6520 for more
information. https://www.invitedclubs.com/clubs/braemar-country-club
2. Knollwood Country Club, Est. 1957
Located at: 12040 Balboa Blvd. Granada Hills, CA 91344
Nestled in the beautiful canyons of Granada Hills outlined by massive pine and eucalyptus trees, you’ll find the gorgeous greens of the Knollwood Country Club. Once an exclusive private club, Knollwood continues to provide outstanding service on the 18-hole, well-manicured fairways designed by William F. Bell, considered California’s First Family of Golf Course Design. Golf amenities include a spacious practice facility and a full-service pro shop. The Oasis Restaurant is located nearby for your fine dining pleasure.
Open: Mon-Sun 9am-5pm
Visit: https://www.knollwoodgc.com for tee times and course rates.
3. Sepulveda Golf Complex, Est. 1954
Located at: 16821 Burbank Blvd. Encino, CA 91436
Encompassed within the Sepulveda Basin Recreation Area, are two golf courses, Balboa Golf Course and Encino Golf Course, where golfers of different skill levels can hone their game all in one location. Balboa Golf Course was the first to open with 18-holes and narrow fairways offering a more challenging golf experience. Encino Golf Course with 18-holes is the longer of the two courses. Both offer well-maintained greens, and an abundance of trees sprinkled throughout this easily accessible course along Burbank Blvd. Both Encino and Balboa share amenities with a full service restaurant, lounge, lighted driving range and practice facilities.
The greens fees are very reasonable and casual attire is acceptable at these public courses.
Open: Mon-Sun 6am-8pm
Visit: https://www.golf.lacity.org/course_balboa or
https://www.golf.lacity.org/course_encino for tee times and course rates.
4. Woodley Lake Golf Course, Est. 1975
Nestled between Lake Balboa Park and the Japanese Gardens is the youngest of the city golf courses. Designed for all skill levels, its wide fairways and large greens are ideal for beginner or intermediate golfers. Some of the amenities of this family friendly course include a lighted natural turf driving range, practice putting and chipping greens, and a restaurant! The perfect location for a day of adventure as it is centrally located to the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Woodley Park Archery Range and easily accessible from the Metro Orange Line.
Open: Mon-Sun 7am-7pm
Visit: https://www.golf.lacity.org/course_woodley_lakes for course details.
5. The City Golf, Est. 2023 (Indoor Golf Range)
Located at: 15250 Ventura Blvd. STE 130, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
Rainy days won’t get in the way of your game at this premiere indoor golf range. This immense indoor range has 16 hitting stations, a state of the art putting training system and highly skilled in house golf instructors. This facility is geared toward helping you improve your game AND you can play 18-holes of golf here!
Open: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm Sat-Sun 9am-8pm
Visit: https://www.thecitygolf.com/ or call (818) 296-7088 for more information.