Itinerary: Learning to Play Golf

You watched the Ryder Cup as if it were a soap opera, and waking up at dawn doesn’t sound like a bad idea. You’ve imagined yourself sinking the million-dollar putt while playing miniature golf, and you took the time to read “Golf for Dummies.”

Sure, it helps to be like Tiger Woods and get your start on the golf course when you’re barely out of diapers, but it’s never too late for anyone to learn the frustrations of golf. Before you know it, you’ll be playing so badly, you’ll be hooked.

Friday

Before you head to the course, try the 19th Hole simulated golf game at Dave & Busters, (4821 Mills Circle in the Ontario Mills Mall, Ontario, [909] 987-1557; 71 Fortune Drive, Irvine, [949] 727-0555; or 20 City Blvd. West, Orange, [714] 769-1515). The 19th Hole is as close to golf as you can get without being on the course. Players can select any one of 19 golf courses to be projected onto a screen, including the exclusive Riviera Country Club and Torrey Pines. Players use real balls and clubs--they’re supplied or you may bring your own--and can play an entire round or just a few holes. If you slice or shank, it will show up in your score. At $25 per hour after 5 p.m., $20 before, this may be the closest you ever get to Pebble Beach.

Saturday

Putting is one of the most crucial aspects of the game, so it would behoove you to take in a round of miniature golf at Malibu Castle (2410 Marine Ave., Redondo Beach, [310] 643-5166). In addition to batting cages and an arcade, Malibu Castle has two 18-hole miniature golf courses. Each hole has a different theme, including a haunted house, candy land and the Wild West. Cost: $6.25 for adults, $5.25 for kids.

If you live on the other side of town, try mini-golf at the castle’s sister location, Malibu Speedzone (17871 Castleton St., Industry, [626] 913-9663). This race car theme park has two miniature golf courses--the Daytona and the Indianapolis ($6 per person). The greens here are, no doubt, the fastest.

Now that you’re getting the swing of things, head over to the Sea-Aire Golf Course (22730 Lupine Drive, Torrance, [310] 543-1583). This nine-hole pitch-and-putt is a perfect spot for practicing your short game, which makes up about 60% of your golf game. The average hole is 55 yards. The shortest is 44 yards, and the longest is 84 yards. Sea-Aire has weekly tournaments for ladies, seniors and juniors and rents clubs for 50 cents apiece. A round of golf is $4 for adults and $2.50 for seniors. Torrance residents get a 50-cent discount.

Sunday

Now you’re ready for the big leagues. Start with the two golf courses in Griffith Park (4730 Crystal Springs Road, Los Angeles, [323] 663-2555). At just over 100 years old, the Wilson and Harding courses are among L.A.’s most popular. About 300 rounds are played daily in winter and almost 400 played each day during the summer. Getting a tee time is tough, (cost is $18 during the week; $25 on weekends), but at least you can practice your swing at the driving range, which is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

If playing a spectacular course is on your agenda but you don’t want to take out a second mortgage, go to Los Verdes Golf Course (7000 W. Los Verdes Drive, Rancho Palos Verdes, [310] 377-7888). This 18-hole course is the gem in the Los Angeles County golf course system. The course sits on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the back nine has a spectacular view of Catalina. Golf Digest calls it “Pebble Beach for $27,” but you’d better be prepared to wait forever for a tee time.