Your Ultimate Guide to Booking a Tee Time in Long Beach, CA

Your Ultimate Guide to Booking a Tee Time in Golf-Rich Long Beach, CA

Long Beach, California, is a public golfer’s dream, offering five excellent municipal courses managed by American Golf and centrally booked through one system. Whether you’re a local seeking a discount or a visitor looking for a prime weekend slot, knowing the booking rules is key to securing your desired tee time.

Here is everything you need to know about booking your next round at one of Long Beach’s fantastic public courses.

The Long Beach Golf Network

All five of Long Beach’s public courses utilize the unified LBCGolf.com booking system.

1. Where and How to Book Your Time

While LBCGolf.com is the main hub, you have three options for booking:

• Online (Recommended): The fastest way to see availability across all five courses is via LBCGolf.com. This is the primary system for advance reservations and managing waitlists.

• Phone: You can still call the pro shop of each course directly to make a reservation.

• In Person: Walk-ups are possible, but be prepared for popular times to fill up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.

2. The Strategy: How to Get Prime Tee Times

Securing a coveted weekend morning slot requires booking as soon as your window opens.

• Public Access: All golfers can book online in advance, though the booking window for the general public is shorter than for residents.

• The Resident Advantage: Long Beach residents with an LBC Resident Card receive two major perks:

  1. Earlier Booking Windows

  2. Discounted Rates

Pro Tip: For Saturday and Sunday rounds, treat the opening of your booking window as a hard deadline. Prime morning slots are the first to go.

 

3. Understanding Rates, Specials, and Policies

Knowing how the courses manage pricing and cancellations can save you money and headaches.

• Dynamic Pricing: Rates are not fixed. They vary based on demand, time of day, day of week, and season. Always check LBCGolf.com for the current price.

• Great Value: Twilight & Super Twilight: If you are flexible with your schedule and don't mind finishing your round in lower light, the Twilight and Super Twilight rates offer significant savings.

• Membership Perks: Consider joining the Players Club at participating courses. Memberships can include benefits like free range balls, discounted tee times, and access to exclusive events.

• Waitlist: If your preferred time is sold out, use the “Join Waitlist” option on LBCGolf.com. You will be notified immediately if a spot opens up.

• Cancellation Policy: To avoid fees, most courses require that you cancel your tee time at least 24 hours in advance.

4. Insider Tips for a Smoother Round

A little local knowledge goes a long way to making your Long Beach golf experience great.

• Pairing Up is Common: If you book as a single, a twosome, or a threesome, be prepared to be paired with other golfers to fill out the foursome. It’s a great way to meet new people!

• Embrace the Marine Layer: If you book a very early morning time, expect a cooler, foggier start (the "marine layer"). The course conditions are typically better, and the pace of play is often faster before the crowds set in.

• Watch for Wind: While mornings are cooler, afternoons tend to be sunnier but can also be windier, especially at Skylinks.

• Use Heartwell for Practice: Since Heartwell GC is fully lighted, it’s the perfect spot to get in some night-time short-game practice after work.