Whether you are a beginning, intermediate or advanced golfer, looking to enjoy a nice meal, or a fan of live music, Arroyo Seco Golf Course in South Pasadena has something for you. In addition to a picturesque 18-hole, par 3 golf course, there is also a 9-hole miniature golf course, a driving range and a putting green for golfers to hone their game, as well as a concert venue and a restaurant.
“We’re all about educating the golfers that come here, whether they’re miniature golfing, practicing putting, hitting on the driving range, or playing golf on the course,” said Arroyo Seco’s General Manager, Sam Cortez, who is also one of the course’s golf instructors.
Starters are very accomodating and those without tee times usually are able to get on the course quickly, but golfers can also book tee times in advance. To book a tee time, Cortez reccomends using the online booking service GolfNow, which offers special deals and discounted rates. Cortez warns that weekends and holidays are especially popular and playing during those times can often require advance booking.
Arroyo Seco offers a range of golf instruction from private and group lessons to golf clinics, all taught by a roster of skilled and certified golf instructors. One of those instructors, Kristin Ingram, was the former head men’s and women’s golf coach at the University of Arkansas. All of the instructors are listed on the website, along with their contact information, making it easy to reach out and schedule a lesson.
Lessons are available to golfers of all ages and skill levels, although there is a minimum age requirement of six years of age to be able to play on the main course. Miniature golf, meanwhile, is open to all ages—if a child can hold a putter in their hand, then they are able to play.
“Children are the next generation of golfers,” Cortez said to The Review. “It’s great to see them intrigued by the sport, learning how to play and understanding it better as time goes on. It’s very beneficial to keep them active and involved, to equip them with those life lessons as they go forward. As one of the instructors here, it’s nice to see that we have an impact on the community.”
Arroyo Seco Golf Course also has an on-site shop where visitors can rent putters, clubs and balls, as well as purchase accessories such as golf shirts, hats, visors and golf bags. Cortez and his team are available to offer their expertise about what equipment to purchase, such as what to consider when purchasing a first set of golf clubs.
In addition to golf, the Arroyo Seco property also has a restaurant that is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. On the menu are burgers, sandwiches, French fries, smoothies, and other fare for hungry customers. The restaurant also contains a full bar with an array of beers on tap. Food and drink are allowed on the course and at the driving range, but beverages must be consumed in plastic cups, not glasses, for safety purposes.
Across the hallway from the restaurant is one of South Pasadena’s most popular music venues, the Blue Guitar Room. Every week, South Pasadena musician Brad Colerick hosts live evening music Wednesdays as part of his Wine & Song concert series and Thursdays, as part of his Blue Guitar series. Wine & Song features accoustic singer-songwriters and Blue Guitar features a range of jazz/blues muscians. Tickets can be purchased in advanced on blueguitar.club or at the door.
Birthday parties are extremely popular at Arroyo Seco Golf Course, and Cortez said that miniature golf often books out several weeks in advance for private parties and events on the weekends. The fee for a private party includes two hours of miniature golf, along with use of the outdoor patio and food from the café. Oftentimes, families will bring in music, entertainment, and other activities to enjoy while playing golf.
“I love seeing the families and the kids come here, as well as the growth of the game,” said Cortez. “Recently, a 93-year-old lady brought in her daughter and grandchildren to play golf. She’s been playing for over 20 years, and it’s always special to see people share their love of the game with loved ones. We’re become a very family-oriented place.”
Arroyo Seco Golf Course is located at 1055 Lohman Lane in South Pasadena. They are open Mon. to Sun. from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call (323) 255-1506 or visit arroyosecogc.com.
The Arroyo Seco Golf Course Business Spotlight appeared in the print edition of the South Pasadena Review on 1.11.19. Support Local Business.
