Honestly, I’ve been getting tons of DMs lately asking where beginners should start golfing without feeling totally embarrassed or overwhelmed. Kept hearing whispers about Laguna Oaks being a good spot, so last Tuesday I decided to just grab my cheap starter clubs and go see for myself. No research, no calls – just showed up bright and early.
First Impressions & Getting Started
Pulled into the parking lot around 8 AM and felt that nervous beginner buzz immediately. Walked into the pro shop – super small and unpretentious. The guy behind the counter, Mike I think his name was? Took one look at my nervous smile and ancient bag and just said, “First timer?” Nailed it. Told him yes, and asked straight up: “Is this place actually okay for someone like me?” He laughed and said, “Dude, half the people here are learning. Relax. Rentals are cheap too if you wanna save your back.” Felt a weight lift off my shoulders right there.
What Made It Beginner-Friendly (For Real)
Okay, here’s the stuff I actually noticed once I got out there:
- The Driving Range is HUGE and Cheap: Seriously huge. Tons of space, not crowded at all. Paid like $5 for a big bucket of balls. No pressure, nobody breathing down your neck. I shanked probably half of them, and honestly? Didn’t feel judged once.
- Par 3 Course? Lifesaver. Mike pointed me to the short course after I finished whacking balls. Holes are SHORT. Like, seriously short. We’re talking maybe 100 yards max for a couple? Sounds easy? Hah. Still took me way too many shots, BUT because they’re short and it’s a separate little area, I didn’t feel like I was holding anyone up. Huge mental relief.
- Wide Fairways (Mostly): On the main course later, I noticed the fairways seem wider than this other place I tried once. Less “oh crap I missed by three feet and I’m in the woods forever.” More room for error. Good for my ego.
- Staff & Regulars Didn’t Scare Me: Every staff member I saw, from the guy collecting range balls to the starter, gave a nod or a quiet “Have a good round.” Got paired up with another single, an older guy who clearly plays a lot, and instead of being grumpy, he just said, “Take your time, we’re all beginners once.” Almost fell over. Expected way more side-eye.
Things I Wish I Knew & Tips
Alright, learned a few things the hard way:
- Start with Range & Short Course: Do NOT, and I repeat, do NOT be tempted to jump straight onto the big 18-hole course like an idiot just because it looks pretty. Warm up on the range, then play the short course. You’ll feel way less stressed.
- Weekday Mornings Rule: Went on a Tuesday morning. Place was quiet. If you can swing it (pun kinda intended), avoid weekends until you feel confident.
- Ask About Beginner Rates: Talk to the pro shop! They mentioned they sometimes run cheap group clinics just for newbies. Didn’t take one that day, but good to know it’s an option.
- Bring Water & Snacks: Sounds dumb, but I forgot. Sun got hot, and dragging my terrible shots around made me thirsty as heck.
So, final take? Yeah, Laguna Oaks is legit good for beginners like us. It’s not fancy-pants, the greens aren’t Augusta National, but it’s chill, affordable, and honestly? Nobody seems to care how bad you play as long as you keep pace and aren’t a jerk. Big relief. Already planning to go back next week to hack at that short course again.
