Looking for tee times a few days before, the 18-hole courses were well booked so I played Roosevelt Friday, 6/12, booking a 4:10 tee time. While there were times available throughout the day, I electe... Continue »

Looking for tee times a few days before, the 18-hole courses were well booked so I played Roosevelt Friday, 6/12, booking a 4:10 tee time. While there were times available throughout the day, I elected to go out for the late afternoon experience. Once there, a sign indicated no walk-ups allowed and tee times had to be reservation based, but the sign also posted a phone number, so I think it would be possible to call while you are there and book if there was something available. Me as a single joining a foursome made five. This was only my second time at the course and I think it is a pretty cool 9-holes. Overall conditions were good. Tee boxes were generally pretty level with good coverage. The notable exceptions were the sixth,which was getting more of workout, and the seventh, where the actual teeing grounds weren't being used and the makers were clustered off to the side of the white tee. The seventh was same situation when I played there months ago. The unused tee boxes look great, so maybe they were part of an upgrade that they giving time to mature. The fairways were nicely grown in and cut an appropriate length. Previous visit they were lush to the point of shaggy. The rough was grown in enough to teeter between punitive and playable depending on your spot. I avoided the bunkers so I can't comment beyond they looked OK. The areas around the greens were good length, but if you hit a kikuyu section, chipped against the grain, or the ball settled down a bit, it could be grabby and tricky. The greens themselves were a nice medium quick speed. With an abundance of trees,you get a bit more detritus and pine needles around, but the surface itself was good, true and with a minimum of pitch marks. Pace was a little sluggish overall but steady. The major exception being a backup of about four groups at a time at the sixth tee box — a narrow, downhill chute of a par four. You could see that wait coming from several holes away, so everyone was pretty chill about it when they got there. In fact, that vibe seems to be part of the character of the place. The four guys I was grouped with were relaxed and enjoyable company throughout the round. No par-5s, so technically an executive course, there are only three par-3s and several holes you can pull out your driver if so inclined, it doesn't feel particularly executive. The contours, proximity to the Griffith park hillsides, and occasional urban and observatory views make the course much more interesting than the usual back-and-forth muni. I played a pretty mediocre round but had a really enjoyable overall experience. Because there is no range there and the putting green is still closed, the lesson I am finally taking to heart for these 9-holers is to stop somewhere on the way and get properly warmed up first — in this case over by Harding/Wilson. Warming up and figuring it out on the actual course in the space of nine holes is usually going to detract from the experience. My last two full swings were by far my best of the day, but a little late. That is a slap on me, not the course. After two rounds, I happen to think the course is a bit of a gem, but for most, it's certainly worth a one-time experience, at minimum.

Along with a buddy, we had our first experience at Roosevelt, Friday, 3/6, teeing off around 3:25. I was taken by the vibe of the place and thought it was very cool, but first the conditions. Playing ... Continue »

Along with a buddy, we had our first experience at Roosevelt, Friday, 3/6, teeing off around 3:25. I was taken by the vibe of the place and thought it was very cool, but first the conditions. Playing from the blacks, the teeing grounds had good coverage and were pretty level overall. Exceptions would be a touch of forward slope to the sixth teeing grounds, and the markers were grouped forward of the regular teeing areas on the seventh. No complaints, really. The fairways were very interesting. At a time of year where thin, tighter lies and rollout seem to be the norm, these fairways were well grown in and shaggy — lush compared to anything I've seen lately. Really almost more like playable rough than fairways, which is not really a complaint. The course isn't overly long, so rollout isn't necessary, and the ball generally sat up on these thicker, unkempt fairways, so the lies were fine. The rough was a step thicker and could vary from playable to a bit punitive, and there are wooded and dirt areas, and drop-offs that could enter into play with misguided shots. I was in one bunker, which was a riot of footprints that my ball managed to avoid for a decent lie. But the sand was plentiful, a nice, beach-y consistency, and good to hit out of. Green surrounds could verge on lumpy at times, discouraging putting from just off the green but more often was a good lie from which to chip. Greens themselves were in good shape with a scattering of residual marks and a reasonable minimum of outright pitch marks. A bit slower than I've seen most places lately, they ran medium, occasionally on the sticky side, but nothing that required excessive adjustment. The only real warm up areas are the practice putting green for putts and the first tee for swinging clubs. The practice green matched up with the course. The layout definitely presents some challenging moments, including blind shots, and playing it a second time with course knowledge will make it more fun. I enjoyed it. While the course conditions were quite reasonable, if nothing special, I thought the overall vibe was. The layout is visually interesting, ensconced into Griffith park with a deceptively remote feel. An interesting mix of tight and wide holes, rolling contours and elevation changes, and an abundance of wildlife that included deer and coyotes, all of which belie its actual, immediate proximity to urban Los Angeles. The view of Griffith Observatory from the eighth tee that is framed by the tree-line fairway is one of the cooler and most unexpected things I've seen on a golf course — iconic and actually a bit thrilling. I would go back for that alone. Being an inexpensive nine-holer, I get a sense of an unpretentious, eclectic, urban mix of clientele which I thought very cool. You may find a few more personal ticks and variable attire, but also a lack of attitude. The clubhouse is also tidy in it's mid-century simplicity. A boxy structure, the flat roof covers an office and bar/snack shop facility which are separated by a breezeway-style patio with some sectional lounge-style seating. That the bar/snack shop area has doors that open out to the breezeway give it a nice sense of openness, extending and multiplying the relatively modest space. There is also a nearby, uncovered area with picnic-style tables and tree trunk section seating. For me something about the Griffith Park courses has always hearkened back to earlier time in LA's history that has a certain nostalgia and even romance to it. Maybe, while golfing there, I sense ghosts on the course wearing fedoras and peak caps? Ok, you may check this place out and wonder why anyone would make any kind of fuss about it at all. Check it off your list and move on. I, for one, will be back.

Played Rosie on Saturday 12/14. Played 18.
Greens were in GREAT shape with a few exceptions around the edges (#7 front edge of green had some rough patches). Tee boxes were not in great shape - a li... Continue »

Played Rosie on Saturday 12/14. Played 18.
Greens were in GREAT shape with a few exceptions around the edges (#7 front edge of green had some rough patches). Tee boxes were not in great shape - a little too wet and lacking coverage in some places. Fairways were in good shape and you can see it really starting to grow in.
Overall, I would recommend this course. It's a fun little 9 with some tricky greens, elevation changes, blind tee shots, sloping fairways, and a couple of tight driving holes. It's an LA muni, so it's never going to be perfect/immaculate, but it is in very very playable shape.

Played the newly revamped Roosevelt on Sunday with bnaso and his son with a 9:44am tee time and walking it. Was very excited to see some of the changes that have happened here since they put some mone... Continue »

Played the newly revamped Roosevelt on Sunday with bnaso and his son with a 9:44am tee time and walking it. Was very excited to see some of the changes that have happened here since they put some money into fixing up the place and updating the irrigation system.

Overall, the course still plays mostly the same way. They added in a few bunkers here, moved some there, and removed some others elsewhere. The most prominent changes? Big bunker in the middle of the fairway on the 4th hole and trees removed for the draw. There are no longer fences backstopping the greens on the 4th and 9th holes. The bunker guarding the 7th hole green is now just mounds. The bunker on the fifth hole in the middle of the fairway appears to have been moved more to the left from the tee box.

What else has improved? Drinking fountains! They're great and a nice addition. They've also updated the parking lot with more spaces (great idea!) and the restaurant/snack shop is modernized and apparently more dog and kid friendly. I never thought the old one needed replacing though.

Conditions were somewhat better than I remember most of the time at Roosevelt, but conditions never bothered me much here because it's such a unique nine-hole experience. The terrain and holes are varied, there are elevations and narrow chutes, some wide open fairways and of course the scenery, topography and wildlife is second to none in the region.

Fairways were in pretty good shape this time around with a lot fewer thin or burned out areas than my last visits a few years ago. Tee boxes remain a difficulty here though as they're mostly beat up and bare. Bunkers had some decent sand in them to get the job done. The greens were pretty good in terms of roll and holding shots, but there were some areas of damage and a lot of ball marks from lazy golfers.

I always enjoy coming to this course when time is of the essence and want a quality experience and don't have to break the bank to do it. Always recommend this place, especially if you've never played it before. It's very cool.

After over a year of being closed, Roosevelt finally reopened a fews weeks ago. Among things that were done. They installed irrigation using recycled water. Added new forward tees. Eliminated a ... Continue »

After over a year of being closed, Roosevelt finally reopened a fews weeks ago. Among things that were done. They installed irrigation using recycled water. Added new forward tees. Eliminated a few bunkers.

Other than those mentioned, the course is the same.

Condition-wise, it is good condition. Greens roll fairly well. Occasional bumps here and there . Tee boxes pretty level and good coverage. did'nt go into bunkers but they looked well stocked.

Fun course. Definitely glad this is back in rotation.

Weekend round for the junior championships. Greens are better than when we came beginning of the week.

Still lots of bare spots on teeing ground.

For the price and the view, it is not a bad ... Continue »

Weekend round for the junior championships. Greens are better than when we came beginning of the week.

Still lots of bare spots on teeing ground.

For the price and the view, it is not a bad spot to go play. Will be back soon.

Played here in preparation with my son's junior championship. While we enjoyed playing here, conditions are less than ideal.

Tee boxes are bare and no grass coverage. And greens look weird with ... Continue »

Played here in preparation with my son's junior championship. While we enjoyed playing here, conditions are less than ideal.

Tee boxes are bare and no grass coverage. And greens look weird with some other plant growth all over. Bunkers could use more sand in them as well.

POP was decent except for the bottleneck on #6.

Fun to play as all the holes vary in looks and design. Just dont expect prestine conditions on the course.

Side note. Dont go this weekend as they have city junior championships so the place will be packed.

Early Sunday round this past weekend at Roosevelt with later commitments that day in the Hollywood area and only so much time to squeeze in some golf. Roosevelt though is always a fun and challenging ... Continue »

Early Sunday round this past weekend at Roosevelt with later commitments that day in the Hollywood area and only so much time to squeeze in some golf. Roosevelt though is always a fun and challenging 9-hole even if the conditions don't always match up with the layout and surroundings. For $20 or so, it's a steal. Speaking of conditions, pretty poor all around if you're looking for pristine. The tee boxes on many of the holes are nothing more than mud and dirt with the occasional patch of thin grass. Bunkers are generally a thin layer of sand but pass the test for functionality. Fairways are thin, dried out and bare in a lot of sections but you will also find some decent grass to hit from on occasion. Visually it looks probably a lot worse than it plays, but I see that being said a lot right now as we have not had a bit of moisture in SoCal for nearly half a year it seems. The rough is a mixed bag from good and plenty to dirt, dried leaves and burnout. Unfortunately it doesn't get much better with the greens at Roosevelt as they are chock full of ball marks and bumps, have tons of debris all over them that requires plenty of 'creating runways' by moving objects in your putt path, and a lot of damaged or dried out areas. There are a few that are better shape than the others of course, but in general, you won't be confusing these greens with Pebble's anytime soon. Still though, for all of its flaws, Roosevelt retains a charm, challenge and uniqueness that always keeps me coming back every so often. You have to play smart, strategic golf here to score well, and the combination of the mountains, city views and all the animals running around truly make it a memorable short day out every time.

Played last weekend, in the afternoon, and the course conditions were pretty good but I don't have high expectations of this course. Fairways were solid. I wasn't in any bunkers so no opinion there.... Continue »

Played last weekend, in the afternoon, and the course conditions were pretty good but I don't have high expectations of this course. Fairways were solid. I wasn't in any bunkers so no opinion there. Tee boxes were mostly level but the par 3 tee boxes were chewed up. POP was fine, with our fivesome taking a little over 2 hours. Greens looked fine but were quite slow. For a relatively short 9 hole course, scoring isn't easy especially with some narrow fairways and doglegs that bring trees into the equation. Definitely one of my favorite 9 hole courses.