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On any given morning in Long Beach, the city’s golf courses hum with life. At Skylinks, the men’s club is deep into a monthly medal round. Across town at El Dorado Park, the women’s club is teeing off under a canopy of old-growth trees. Over at Heartwell, a group of junior golfers are learning the art of the short game. Some are barely taller than their putters.
This is Long Beach golf: competitive yet welcoming, steeped in tradition yet always looking ahead.
Seven Courses, One Community
Long Beach is rare among American cities. Every municipal course has an active men’s and women’s club. Each club has its own personality. Together, they form a network of fairways that connect generations.
| Course | Personality | Club Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Skylinks Golf Course | Championship layout near the airport, known for fast greens and water hazards. | Men’s club runs monthly tournaments; women’s club offers competitive and social play. |
| El Dorado Park Golf Course | Tree-lined fairways, home to the Long Beach Open and LBSU golf teams. | Hosts some of the city’s most competitive club events; strong women’s league presence. |
| Recreation Park 18 (“Big Rec”) | Historic, walkable layout with a loyal local following. | Men’s and women’s clubs known for camaraderie and post-round gatherings. |
| Recreation Park 9 (“Little Rec”) | Scenic 9-hole executive course with views of the Colorado Lagoon. | Great for quick rounds, sharpening short game, and social club play. |
| Heartwell Golf Course | Executive course perfect for short game work. | Hub for the Long Beach Junior Golf Association (LBJGA) and beginner-friendly leagues. |
| Bixby Village Golf Course | Friendly 9-hole par-30 layout designed by Ron Fream. | Known for approachable play, short-game challenge, and social leagues. |
| Virginia Country Club (Private) | Exclusive, historic course with elite conditioning. | Invitation-only membership; hosts private tournaments and charity events. |
The Men’s & Women’s Clubs: The Heartbeat of the Game
The men’s and women’s clubs are the lifeblood of Long Beach golf.
- Men’s Clubs: Monthly tournaments, match play ladders, and away trips keep competition fierce and friendships strong.
- Women’s Clubs: Blend competition with mentorship, offering a welcoming entry point for newer players while still challenging seasoned golfers.
- Interclub Play: Friendly rivalries with neighboring cities add spice to the calendar and keep skills sharp.
The Junior Surge — LBJGA
The Long Beach Junior Golf Association is shaping the city’s future champions — and citizens.
- 200+ active members ages 7–17.
- Weekly league play at Heartwell, plus monthly medal tournaments.
- “Little Linksters” introduces kids as young as 5 to the game.
- Alumni have gone on to compete in high school, college, and beyond.
Little Rec and Heartwell are the proving grounds. Young golfers learn not just how to swing there. They also learn how to carry themselves with sportsmanship and respect.
The Long Beach Golf Festival: A Citywide Celebration
Every summer, the Long Beach Golf Festival ties the community together:
- The Long Beach Open at El Dorado Park draws pros and top amateurs.
- Junior, senior, and team events ensure every age group has a place to shine.
- Club members volunteer, caddie, and compete, blurring the lines between spectator and participant.
Why Long Beach Golf Works
- Accessibility: Affordable green fees and multiple public courses.
- Community: Clubs create a built-in social network.
- Pathway: Juniors grow into club members, and club members into city champions.
- Diversity: Players from all walks of life share the same fairways.
Closing Note
You might be chasing a club championship. Maybe you’re mentoring a junior. Or perhaps you’re simply enjoying nine holes at sunset. The city’s courses provide more than just grass and sand. They’re where stories are told, friendships are forged, and the next generation learns to love the game.
