News Summary
In response to golfer frustrations over tee time brokers at public courses, Los Angeles has implemented new measures to ensure fair access to tee times. Following public outcry and viral social media coverage, city officials suspended broker accounts and introduced a pilot program requiring a deposit for bookings. This has led to a significant decrease in canceled tee times and improved availability for golfers. Despite some remaining issues, the golfing community remains hopeful for continued reforms to maintain equitable access to public play.
Los Angeles — The city of Los Angeles has taken significant steps to address the growing frustration among golfers regarding tee time brokers at its public golf courses. The new changes come after over a million rounds of golf were played in Los Angeles last year, highlighting the high demand for affordable play at public venues compared to the exorbitant prices at private courses.
Public courses in Los Angeles, such as Wilson and Harding in Griffith Park, offer competitive tee time rates starting at about $55, while facilities like Trump National Golf Course charge upwards of $1,000 during peak weekend times. However, many golfers have recently expressed outrage upon learning that brokers have been buying and reselling prime tee times at these public courses, a practice that many see as unfair and exploitative.
The issue gained traction on March 4, 2023, when a golf influencer’s viral Instagram video exposed the practices of these brokers, drawing widespread attention and outrage. This prompted coverage from various publications, including local news outlets. The brokers, primarily serving a predominantly Korean clientele, utilize the Kakao Talk app to coordinate bookings, often using multiple devices to secure prime tee times ahead of other golfers.
Prior to this public outcry, the SoCal Dream Golf Club had raised concerns about tee time brokers in October 2022, but the city was slow to act. However, following the viral video, city officials swiftly suspended accounts of individuals suspected of broker activities and committed to implementing changes. A critical moment occurred during a Golf Advisory Committee meeting on March 18, 2023, where golfers voiced their concerns and called for reforms to the booking system.
In response to the mounting complaints, the city initiated a pilot program requiring a $10 deposit for tee time bookings. This measure is intended to discourage tee time hoarding by brokers and promote fair access for everyday golfers. Since implementing the deposit requirement, feedback has indicated improvements in tee time availability, with a notable decrease in cancellation rates and an increase in access for regular players.
Data from May to October 2024 show a remarkable 95% reduction in booked but canceled tee times compared to the same period in 2023, suggesting that the new system is having a positive impact. Golfers have reported an improved ability to secure tee times, although challenges persist, particularly for highly sought-after slots on weekends.
Despite some improvements, golfers have continued to express concerns about various aspects of the booking process. Issues such as high cancellation fees and the lingering presence of brokers remain topics of dissatisfaction within the golfing community. The city’s parks department has acknowledged the reduction in broker activity and the positive trends resulting from the new deposit system, yet no formal investigation into potential longstanding corruption or other issues has commenced.
Due to the success of the pilot program, recommendations are now being considered to make the changes permanent, with potential for flexible fee structures for various tee time slots. The overall golfing community in Los Angeles continues to thrive, with significant participation contributing to the funding of other parks programs and the upkeep of public golf facilities.
As the city works to refine its golf course booking system, golfers remain engaged, hoping for further improvements to ensure equitable access and enjoyment of the sport they love. The situation underscores the importance of ongoing dialogue between the golfing community and city officials in maintaining a fair and accessible golfing environment for all.
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Additional Resources
- LAist: Shadow Tee Time System at LA Public Golf Courses Explained
- Los Angeles Times: Success in Blocking Tee Time Brokers from City Golf Courses
- Golfweek: Best Public Access Courses in Los Angeles
- Google Search: Tee Time Brokers Los Angeles
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
