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Don Knabe Golf Course: Perfect for Beginners and Families
Looking for an affordable, accessible, and welcoming place to learn golf or enjoy a quick round with the family in Southern California? Finding a facility that caters to brand-new players, kids, and experienced golfers looking to sharpen their skills can be a challenge. You need a place that’s not just a course, but a complete center for golf development.
The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy in Norwalk, CA is a comprehensive, lighted 9-hole par 3 facility designed for beginners, families, and players of all levels, featuring a double-deck driving range and a renowned year-round junior golf program. This guide synthesizes information from official sources like LA County Parks, NorwalkCA.gov, and SCGA Junior to give you the most complete picture.
Here’s what you’ll learn:
* A full breakdown of the course, driving range, and practice areas.
* In-depth details about the highly-regarded Junior Academy program.
* All the practical information you need on rates, hours, and booking.
* Answers to your most frequently asked questions.
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What Facilities and Amenities Can You Expect?
The facility includes a 9-hole par 3 course, a lighted double-deck driving range, a practice pitching green with a bunker, a separate practice putting green, a clubhouse, and a community meeting room. The Don Knabe Golf Center is a central recreational and learning hub designed to provide a complete golf experience for everyone from individuals to families. It’s more than just a course; it’s a destination for practice, learning, and enjoyment.
To help you visualize your visit, here’s a complete inventory of what you’ll find on-site:
* A 9-Hole Par 3 Course: Perfectly designed for new golfers and for working on your short game.
* Double-Deck Driving Range: A spacious, two-tiered area for you to practice your swing.
* Practice Pitching Green with Bunker: An essential area to hone your chipping and sand play.
* Practice Putting Green: A dedicated green to work on the most crucial part of your game.
* Clubhouse: A central point for check-in, information, and relaxation.
* Community Meeting Room: Available for local events and gatherings.
Here’s the deal: The entire facility is lighted, making it a perfect spot for an evening practice session or a round after work! This major convenience sets it apart and offers incredible flexibility for your schedule.
The 9-Hole Par 3 Course: Designed for All Skill Levels
Designed by Gary Bye, the course features 50-100 yard holes ideal for beginners, while its large, undulating bentgrass greens offer a challenge for experienced players’ short games. The layout is intentionally accessible and wallet-friendly, making it the perfect place to bring new golfers or the whole family without the intimidation factor of a championship course.
The course underwent a significant overhaul and redesign by Gary Bye of Rainville & Bye Golf Course Architects, LLC, a firm known for its thoughtful work in Southern California.
The core of the design is its versatility. The hole lengths range from 50 to 100 yards, which is the perfect distance for beginners to experience success and for seasoned players to dial in their wedge accuracy. However, the real test lies on the greens. Even experienced players will find a challenge in the subtle breaks and undulations of the large bentgrass greens. This design choice ensures the course remains engaging and provides real value for players of all abilities who want to perfect their short game.
A Deep Dive into the Don Knabe Junior Academy
The year-round Junior Academy offers affordable golf and educational programs for youth aged 5-17, focusing on swing mechanics, rules, and etiquette, as well as life skills and golf industry career opportunities. This academy is a cornerstone of the facility, transforming it into a vital community asset for youth development. In partnership with respected organizations like SCGA Junior, the academy provides structured, high-quality instruction from certified golf instructors.
Are you looking for a program that teaches more than just a golf swing? The curriculum is impressively comprehensive, going beyond the basics to foster well-rounded individuals.
| Program Aspect | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Core Golf Skills | Swing mechanics, putting, chipping, rules, and on-course etiquette. |
| Life Skills | Incorporates lessons on character, integrity, and sportsmanship. |
| Education | Provides educational support and learning opportunities. |
| Career Introduction | Exposes students to the various career opportunities within the golf industry. |
Classes are carefully structured by age and ability level, ensuring that every child receives tailored instruction appropriate for their stage of development. This commitment makes the Don Knabe Junior Academy a standout program in Southern California.
Planning Your Visit: Hours, Rates, and Tee Times
To plan your visit, check the official website or call for current rates and hours for the golf course and driving range. Tee times can be booked online or by phone. Getting the most up-to-date information is crucial for a smooth experience, as hours and pricing can vary. The facility is known for being family-friendly and wallet-friendly, offering one of Southern California’s most affordable golf experiences.
For your convenience, here is a general breakdown of the key logistical information you’ll need.
Hours of Operation
| Facility | General Hours |
|---|---|
| Golf Course | Typically opens at 6:30 AM; evening hours available due to lighting. |
| Driving Range | Open daily with extended evening hours. |
Rates & Fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| 9-Hole Round | Check official sources for current Regular, Senior, and Junior rates. |
| Driving Range Baskets | Multiple bucket sizes available at various price points. |
| Players Club | Membership options like the Players Club are available for added value. |
Quick Fact: Remember, the lighted course and range offer extended hours for evening play, a major convenience! This feature allows you to fit a round of golf or a practice session into even the busiest of schedules.
To make sure you have everything you need for a great day on the course, especially if you’re a beginner or helping a new player get started, having the right gear is essential. A complete set of clubs and some practice aids can make all the difference in your learning journey.
Location & Contact Information for Don Knabe Golf Center
The Don Knabe Golf Center is located at 13717 Shoemaker Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650. You can contact the facility directly at (562) 921-7047. As a key facility within the LA County municipal system, it is professionally managed and maintained by the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation, which proudly operates under the motto “Parks Make Life Better!”. This ensures a standard of quality and service you can trust.
For your GPS or to call ahead for information, here are the details:
* Address: 13717 Shoemaker Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650
* Phone: (562) 921-7047
FAQs About Don Knabe Golf Course
Who is the Don Knabe Golf Course named after?
The facility is named after Don Knabe, a notable figure in the community, and is part of the LA County parks system. Many community members search for “Don Knabe political party,” and while he was a prominent public servant, the golf course itself is a non-political recreational facility managed by the County of Los Angeles for all residents to enjoy.
How long are the holes on the course?
The holes at the Don Knabe Golf Course range from 50 to 100 yards in length, making it ideal for beginners and for practicing your short game. These distances are perfect for learning club control, and they provide an excellent opportunity for more advanced players to dial in their wedge shots and scoring clubs from inside 100 yards.
Is the Don Knabe Golf Course suitable for experienced golfers?
Yes, experienced players will find the course’s large bentgrass greens, with their subtle breaks and undulations, provide a significant challenge for the short game. While the course length is designed to be accessible, scoring well requires a precise touch on and around the greens. It’s an excellent venue for any skilled golfer looking to sharpen this critical aspect of their game.
What ages can enroll in the Junior Academy?
The Junior Academy at the Don Knabe Golf Center offers programs for youth aged 5 to 17. The academy provides a structured, year-round curriculum with classes organized by age and ability level. This ensures that children and teens receive instruction that is perfectly tailored to their development and skill, making it a premier youth golf program.
Where can I find the scorecard for the course?
You can find the scorecard for the Don Knabe Golf Center on websites like greenskeeper.org, which provides detailed course information. These resources typically offer a hole-by-hole layout, yardages, and par information, allowing you to familiarize yourself with the course before you even arrive. Scorecards are also available at the clubhouse when you check in for your round.
Final Summary: Why Don Knabe Golf Course is Your Go-To Spot
The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy stands out as a true gem in the Southern California golf scene. It successfully combines accessibility and affordability with high-quality facilities and exceptional programming. This guide has shown you everything from the specifics of the course design to the comprehensive nature of its renowned junior academy. It is a place built to grow the game of golf.
Here are the top reasons to make it your next golf destination:
* Perfect for Beginners & Families: Its welcoming atmosphere and manageable par 3 layout make it the ideal place to learn the game.
* A True Short Game Challenge: Experienced golfers can sharpen their most important skills on the tricky bentgrass greens.
* An Elite Junior Academy: The year-round program offers unparalleled instruction in golf and life skills for youth.
* Incredible Value & Convenience: With affordable rates and a fully lighted facility for evening play, it fits any budget and schedule.
Whether you’re introducing your child to the sport or just need to sharpen your short game, head over to the Don Knabe Golf Center for an exceptional experience
Last update on 2025-07-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
