Chester Washington Golf Course
Chester Washington Golf Course in Los Angeles offers a friendly, urban 18-hole public layout characterized by parkland-style fairways and lakeside challenges. With its approachable design and well-maintained practice areas, it suits golfers seeking a straightforward, community-driven golf experience.
Course Overview
Located in the heart of Los Angeles, Chester Washington Golf Course presents an 18-hole public layout that offers a straightforward test embraced by both local players and visitors. This urban course features a traditional parkland style with fairways lined by mature trees and punctuated by several small lakes that come into play on a number of holes. Its gently rolling terrain and relatively short-to-mid length holes, ranging from 130 to around 550 yards, make the layout approachable for a broad range of golfers, including beginners and mid-handicappers looking to sharpen their strategy.
The setting may not be surrounded by sweeping vistas or dramatic elevation changes, but it has its own character rooted in the lively energy of the surrounding cityscape. The fairways are generally well-maintained, and the greens, while sometimes bumpy, present interesting challenges in reading break and speed. Water hazards and bunkers are used sparingly but serve effectively as tactical features that invite thoughtful shot placement.
Chester Washington is known for its welcoming atmosphere, highlighted by the friendly and upbeat staff who contribute to a positive experience from the pro shop to the course. Practice facilities include a putting green and a chipping area, both kept in good condition, allowing players to fine-tune their short game before a round. Music playing softly throughout lends an upbeat backdrop for a casual day on the course.
Pace of play, however, can challenge even patient golfers, especially at peak times and on Mondays when league play can slow groups significantly. Those planning a visit should consider early tee times during less busy periods and be prepared for a longer outing. While golf cart availability can be limited, walking is possible and offers a good way to enjoy the course’s natural rhythm and feel the pulse of its community-focused spirit.
Chester Washington Golf Course provides an accessible, no-frills golf experience in an urban setting, inviting players to navigate its fairways and lakes with a mix of patience and persistence. For those seeking a practical course to practice and enjoy a game without pretense, it holds a solid place in Los Angeles’ public golf landscape.
Course Highlights
The course balances urban parkland charm with strategically placed water hazards and mature tree-lined fairways. Its approachable holes accommodate a wide range of skill levels, while the well-maintained practice putting and chipping greens offer crucial prep opportunities. Friendly staff and music on the course create a casual, inviting atmosphere distinctive for a city setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Guest Reviews
Jungtae Thomas Kim
I have golfed here 3 times, I’m aware it’s a public course and the pace of place is a little slow but after my most recent time going I will not be coming back here. This course is very poorly managed. Prior to showing up the course, my 4th had cancelled and I tried calling the pro shop to let them know but was left on hold for an hour and I had to give up on giving them a notice my 4th was not going to be able to show up. My tee time was at 1:16, and since they had no golf carts available all tee times were over 30 minutes behind schedule. When the golf carts would become available the employees would just wait around waiting for someone else to deal with getting the carts available which was very frustrating. After getting on the course the pace of play was the worst it’s ever been. On multiple holes, there were 2-3 groups waiting to tee off. My front 9 ended up taking over 3 hours and my group eventually decided to just leave. When brining up the pace of play to the front desk, they say it’s not a private course and this what I should expect. This course refuses to invest in improving it’s management and into making the play experience better. They have an ok chipping green for practice and a range but would not recommend playing here nor any experience working with the front desk.
Hae Sung Park
complicated
Florian rockstroh
Fun 18 hole course with a few small lakes. Quite busy golf course. Pase of some people is extreme slow ! 1-2 holes we waited like 20 minutes. greens are sometimes a little bumpy. holes between 130-550 yards. Took us around 4-4:30 h to complete one round.
Jose Moreno
If you play here you better have the whole day off. Unfortunate! Seems like a cool course but man! 3 hours and we were on the 9th… I had to leave man I was walking 😂 I’m fat bro can’t be walking for a 5-6 hour game! On top of that I went to the pro shop with the genuine question of “is this the normal pace of play?” And I was met with very sour tone accompanied by a sarcastic reply of “this isn’t a fancy country club this is an urban course with lots of people…” Personally I would’ve been fine with “ya bro it’s slow here” However I did get an answer from a different employee. Apparently every Monday there is around 5 groups that play skins early and take their sweet time playing and it’s just normal so I guess don’t play Mondays? I have no complaints of the course itself though it was an interesting layout!(the 9 holes I played anyways) very unfortunate.
Jim Danno
A few things that I love about golfing at the Chester Washington course: 1)Guys in the Pro Shop are always in a good mood and seem genuinely happy to see you. 2) Practice putting area is in great shape. 3) Chipping area in great shape. 4) All inclusive flag on flag pole. 5) Great music. 6) I've noticed alot of attention being paid to the maintenance of course. ( good job maintenance crew) (There needs to be a snack/beverage cart, it's getting hot)
Jungtae Thomas Kim
I have golfed here 3 times, I’m aware it’s a public course and the pace of place is a little slow but after my most recent time going I will not be coming back here. This course is very poorly managed. Prior to showing up the course, my 4th had cancelled and I tried calling the pro shop to let them know but was left on hold for an hour and I had to give up on giving them a notice my 4th was not going to be able to show up. My tee time was at 1:16, and since they had no golf carts available all tee times were over 30 minutes behind schedule. When the golf carts would become available the employees would just wait around waiting for someone else to deal with getting the carts available which was very frustrating. After getting on the course the pace of play was the worst it’s ever been. On multiple holes, there were 2-3 groups waiting to tee off. My front 9 ended up taking over 3 hours and my group eventually decided to just leave. When brining up the pace of play to the front desk, they say it’s not a private course and this what I should expect. This course refuses to invest in improving it’s management and into making the play experience better. They have an ok chipping green for practice and a range but would not recommend playing here nor any experience working with the front desk.
Teva Teihotaata
Well maintained, excellent course, some waits despite everything on the way there, the return was much smoother.
Jim Danno
A few things that I love about golfing at the Chester Washington course: 1)Guys in the Pro Shop are always in a good mood and seem genuinely happy to see you. 2) Practice putting area is in great shape. 3) Chipping area in great shape. 4) All inclusive flag on flag pole. 5) Great music. 6) I've noticed alot of attention being paid to the maintenance of course. ( good job maintenance crew) (There needs to be a snack/beverage cart, it's getting hot)
In k Kim
Golf course where junior competitions are held It's a bit crowded. There are a lot of Koreans. There are senior discounts and junior discounts.
Tristan Massalay-Ellis
This was my first foray into Los Angeles golf and I had a great time. My experience was elevated by the staff who offered me an earlier tee time since I was a single. They also watched my luggage as I’d just gotten off a plane from the great state of New York. Also hall have coyotes on the course?!?! The fairways well well maintained and the greens were solid. Pace of play was decent. My round started a little after 8 and I was done by 12. I will definitely be back.
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Course Details
Access & Location
1818 Charlie Sifford Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90047, USA
Chester Washington Golf Course Clubhouse
Walking is permitted and recommended to enjoy the course’s layout; comfortable shoes advised due to some uneven surfaces and mild hills.
Open to the public with first-come, first-served tee times; online booking available for some time slots.
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