Practice Makes Perfect

Blame it on Tiger, but golf driving ranges are busier than ever. At Rancho Park Golf Course, one of the few public courses on the Westside, the two-level range, featuring 43 slots, is busy from the early morning into the night. We dropped by on a recent Friday afternoon to see who was hitting and how.

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John Rutledge, 34 Photographer, Hollywood

What kind of golf day are you having?

Not bad. The last 10 to 15 balls I usually get into my swing.

How long have you been playing?

Off and on for about two years.

Do you have a favorite club?

My 2-iron because I just bought it. It keeps me out of trouble.

What would your golf nickname be?

I’ve got the Marvin the Martian head cover, so I guess Marvin.

Best golf advice you’ve received?

I try to keep it simple and keep the left arm stiff. Watching the Golf Channel doesn’t hurt.

Ever try to hit the golf ball retrieval cart?

I don’t aim at the cart. But if it happens to be around the 250-yard marker and I’m hitting a 2-iron shot, I’m happy.

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Grace Quek, 29

Writer, Hollywood

What kind of golf day are you having?

Above average. I had a really bad one three days ago.

How long have you been playing?

About 4 1/2 months. But I play every day.

Do you have a favorite club?

Probably my 7-wood.

What would your golf nickname be?

There’s the Tiger. So I guess I’d be the Kitten.

What’s the best golf advice you’ve received?

It’s an old one, but: If you want to see a bad shot, look up.

Ever try to hit the golf ball retrieval cart?

All the time. I have only succeeded twice.

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Scott Kummings, 12 Student, Seventh Grade, Brentwood

What kind of golf day are you having?

Good.

How long have you been playing?

Seven years.

What would your golf nickname be?

Tiger Kummings.

Do you have a favorite club?

My gap wedge, and it was recently stolen.

Best golf advice you’ve ever

been given?

Ninety percent of the game is mental.

Ever try to hit the golf ball retrieval cart?

Sometimes for fun.

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Mitch Nachbar, 60+ Textile Sales, Pacific Palisades

What kind of golf day are you having?

Very good. I’m developing a technique where I’m hitting long and straight. And I’m using the Titleist Pro V ball, the hottest ball in the country. Unfortunately, it’s too expensive.

How long have you been playing?

About 40 years. I carry about a seven handicap.

What would your golf nickname be?

When we set up my computer, my grandson gave me an e-mail address: golferpro.

Do you have a favorite club?

The driver’s fun, the putter. Whichever is serving me well that day.

Best golf advice you’ve received?

Just watch the club hit the ball. That’s how you keep your head still.

Ever try to hit the golf ball retrieval cart?

No, I’ve never tried to hit anybody who was moving.