New From SoCal

[GeeQ87]

How’s it going everyone. I’m from the Los Angeles area and new to golf. I have never played golf but recently got curious. I bought a used set of clubs that I’ve been practicing with in the backyard because I don’t want to look silly on the range. There are some shamrock irons, woods, and a big bertha erc ii.

 

i keep saying “tomorrow is the day” so let’s hope, tomorrow is the day haha

[dennyjones]

Welcome to TST.  This is the place to learn about golf and get you started in the right direction

[Shindig]

Welcome to TST!  Don't worry about looking silly at the range;  there are plenty of people who had successful PGA Tour careers who looked silly hitting a ball.  

If it really does bother you, and depending where you are in Los Angeles, there are a few ranges that have upper floors, typically "irons only" but that shouldn't be an issue, where you're less likely to be seen.  Rancho Park and the two Griffith Park (Wilson and Harding, one complex) courses have such a range.   Both of those have more solid dividers, too, so even if someone is in the bay next to you, they can't get a good view unless they're doing it on purpose (which, I promise, just about nobody would do that).  The Lakes at El Segundo used to have a two floor range, but I haven't been there since it became a TopGolf so I don't know if it still does (I can't imagine TopGolf getting rid of a multi-floor range, but who knows).

[GeeQ87]

40 minutes ago, Shindig said:

Welcome to TST!  Don't worry about looking silly at the range;  there are plenty of people who had successful PGA Tour careers who looked silly hitting a ball.  

If it really does bother you, and depending where you are in Los Angeles, there are a few ranges that have upper floors, typically "irons only" but that shouldn't be an issue, where you're less likely to be seen.  Rancho Park and the two Griffith Park (Wilson and Harding, one complex) courses have such a range.   Both of those have more solid dividers, too, so even if someone is in the bay next to you, they can't get a good view unless they're doing it on purpose (which, I promise, just about nobody would do that).  The Lakes at El Segundo used to have a two floor range, but I haven't been there since it became a TopGolf so I don't know if it still does (I can't imagine TopGolf getting rid of a multi-floor range, but who knows).

Thanks for the recommendations, I’m in SCV so have a few courses nearby. Maybe with some earbuds to help focus and ignore everything else will give me the courage. 
 

aiming for tomorrow after dropping off the kids 

[Shindig]

3 hours ago, GeeQ87 said:

Thanks for the recommendations, I’m in SCV so have a few courses nearby. Maybe with some earbuds to help focus and ignore everything else will give me the courage. 
 

aiming for tomorrow after dropping off the kids 

I'm rooting for you.  Let me know how it goes!  

[GeeQ87]

On 9/29/2025 at 10:20 PM, Shindig said:

I'm rooting for you.  Let me know how it goes!  

I've been dealing with sick kids so haven't made it to the range, however, I've still been practicing in the backyard. This morning, using plastic whiffle balls, i hit 15 with the SW, 15 with PW, 15 with 7 iron, 15 with driver. I have some nice shots but very inconsistent.

[Shindig]

3 hours ago, GeeQ87 said:

I've been dealing with sick kids so haven't made it to the range, however, I've still been practicing in the backyard. This morning, using plastic whiffle balls, i hit 15 with the SW, 15 with PW, 15 with 7 iron, 15 with driver. I have some nice shots but very inconsistent.

Regular practice is very useful to improving.  I'm glad you're able to do that.  You'll have some nice shots and some poor ones, and you'll get consistency with time (and, more importantly, that consistency will improve over time).

I hope your kids feel better soon, both for the normal reason and so that you'll be able to get to a golf range at some point. 

[GeeQ87]

Getting some practice. Worked with the 3 iron and 9 iron to familiarize myself with every club.

[Shindig]

5 hours ago, GeeQ87 said:

Getting some practice. Worked with the 3 iron and 9 iron to familiarize myself with every club.

Nice!  That is a sweet setup you have too.