Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy is a public golf facility located in Norwalk, California, provides a beginner-friendly, short-game focused golf experience in a family-friendly setting, with a strong emphasis on junior golf development. 

Location and Contact Information

The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy is located at 13717 Shoemaker Ave, Norwalk, CA 90650. The general contact number is (562) 921-7047.

Course Design and Features

The golf course was designed by Gary Bye of Rainville & Bye Golf Course Architects, LLC. It features large bentgrass greens and hole lengths ranging from 50 to 100 yards, making it ideal for beginners and those looking to improve their short game. The course includes a 9-hole par 3 course, a double deck driving range, a practice pitching green with a bunker, and other amenities.

The facility also includes a double deck driving range, a practice pitching green with a bunker, and a practice putting green. The entire facility is lighted and available for evening use.

The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy offers a year-round junior golf academy and instruction program for juniors of all ages and ability levels, focusing on the core competencies of the game, including the swing, rules, etiquette, and life skills. 

Junior Academy and Programs

The Junior Academy offers various programs and classes, including a fall session from September 16 to November 9. The academy is known for its welcoming environment and is considered one of the top junior golf programs in Southern California.

Reviews and Ratings

The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy has received high ratings from reviewers, with 92% giving it a bubble rating of 4 or higher on TripAdvisor. The course is praised for its beginner-friendly nature and its focus on improving short game skills.

Operating Hours and Policies

• Operating Hours: The golf center operates from 6:30 am to 9:00 pm, providing ample opportunities for golfers to practice and play.

• Policies: The course accepts credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) and does not allow metal spikes. Walking is permitted, and the facility offers a variety of rental options, including clubs, pull-carts, and driving range balls.

Additional Information

• History: The course was formerly known as the Norwalk Golf Center and was built in 1963.

• Amenities: The facility includes a bar, snacks, a restaurant, and beverage carts. It also offers meeting facilities and is part of the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation system.

• The Don Knabe Golf Center is part of the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation system and offers a variety of free outdoor activities and experiences during the month of July as part of their "Let’s Play Outside" program.

What are the unique features of the Don Knabe Golf Center's course design

The course's short yardages, large greens, and beginner-friendly features create an environment well-suited for juniors, beginners, and golfers looking to hone their short game skills. The lighted course also extends playing hours into the evening.

• 9-hole par 3 course designed by Gary Bye of Rainville & Bye Golf Course Architects, LLC 

• Hole lengths ranging from 50 to 100 yards, making it ideal for new golfers and short game practice 

• Large bentgrass greens with gentle breaks and undulations that provide a challenge even for experienced players 

• Straight fairways and flat greens described as a "leisurely walk in the park" 

• Tee box mats to provide a consistent teeing area 

• Lighted course allowing for evening play 

• Part of a larger facility that includes a double-deck driving range, practice pitching green with bunker, and practice putting green 

What types of community events are most popular at Don Knabe Golf Center

Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy seems to be a hub for popular annual community events like holiday celebrations, as well as recurring tournaments, receptions, and meetings that engage the local Norwalk, California community. The facility also supports broader county-wide initiatives to promote free outdoor recreation.

Annual Community Events

• Easter Egg Hunt: The facility hosts an annual Easter Egg Hunt event for the community, as mentioned on the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation website. 

• Halloween Carnival: The golf center also organizes an annual Halloween Carnival for local residents. 

Recurring Community Events

• Tournaments: The golf center regularly hosts tournaments that are open to the community, as listed on the American Golf Corporation page. 

• Country Club Receptions and Meetings: The facility offers these types of community events and gatherings. 

Other Community Offerings

• Free Outdoor Activities: As part of the Los Angeles County Parks & Recreation system, the Don Knabe Golf Center participates in the "Let's Play Outside" program, providing over 200 free outdoor activities and experiences for the community during the month of July. 

• So in summary, the Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy seems to be a hub for popular annual community events like holiday celebrations, as well as recurring tournaments, receptions, and meetings that engage the local Norwalk, California community. The facility also supports broader county-wide initiatives to promote free outdoor recreation.

Are there any discounts or promotions for new golfers at Don Knabe Golf Center

1. GK Coupon: The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy offers promotions and discounts through GK Coupon, which can be used by new golfers.

2. Groupon Deal: Groupon offers a discount on private golf lessons at the Don Knabe Golf Center. The regular price is $80, but with the code PROMO, it is discounted to $57.60.

3. Course Rates: The golf center offers discounted green fees for juniors and seniors, making it an affordable option for new golfers. For example, junior green fees are $1.75 on weekdays and $2.25 on weekends and holidays.

What are the best times to visit the Don Knabe Golf Center to avoid crowds

• Early mornings, as the facility opens at 6:30am. Arriving shortly after opening will allow you to enjoy the course and practice areas with fewer people.

• Weekdays, especially Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The center is closed on Wednesdays, so weekdays other than Wednesday are likely to be less crowded than weekends.

• Late afternoons and evenings. The facility is open until 9:00pm, so playing a round or practicing in the late afternoon or evening can help you avoid peak daytime crowds.

How does the Don Knabe Golf Center support junior golfers

Don Knabe Golf Center provides a beginner-friendly course, affordable access, expert instruction, and a welcoming environment that makes it an excellent place for juniors to learn and grow in the game of golf. The year-round programs and community engagement further demonstrate the facility's commitment to supporting junior golfers.

Junior Golf Academy

• The facility offers a year-round junior golf academy and instruction program for juniors of all ages and skill levels.

• The academy focuses on teaching the core competencies of the game, including the swing, rules, etiquette, and life skills.

Beginner-Friendly Course Design

• The 9-hole par 3 course features hole lengths ranging from 50 to 100 yards, making it ideal for junior golfers to learn and practice.

• Large bentgrass greens with gentle breaks provide an appropriate challenge as juniors develop their skills.

Affordable Access

• The golf center offers discounted green fees for juniors, making it accessible for young players.

• Junior green fees are $1.75 on weekdays and $2.25 on weekends and holidays.

Welcoming Environment

• The Don Knabe Golf Center & Junior Academy is known for its welcoming and supportive environment for juniors.

• This creates a positive experience that encourages juniors to continue playing and improving their game.

Community Engagement

• The facility hosts annual community events like an Easter Egg Hunt and Halloween Carnival that engage junior golfers.

• Participating in the "Let's Play Outside" program provides free outdoor activities and experiences for juniors during July.