Scott Z.
Yelp
The Lakes is a multi-use local golf facility...
1) Driving range w/ about 50-60 stalls, well maintained, with upper and lower levels. I've never gone here and not gotten a stall. Sometimes there are no rubber tees for hitting woods, but I carry one in my bag, so goody for me. The range balls are mostly in good shape, and aside from some noisy patrons on their phones it is a good place to work on your game.
NOTE: If you are going to hit balls regularly, go inside and get a range card, because it is the best deal. You get "more money" on your card when you buy buckets in bulk. I usually get my whole month up front, and it saves time and money.
2) The Par 3 Course at the Lakes is interesting, if not somewhat enjoyable. You will get public course hackers, kids, folks playing in larger groups, and a few rude people here and there....but hey, its a public course...no one is a freakin' pro, so get over it. Any day on the golf course (even a lousy one) beats a day behind my desk, fighting traffic, or getting mauled by a bear. So suck it up, drink a beer, and laugh with your buddies...most likely you stink at golf too...because if you were THAT good, you'd be playing the Trump course with some big shot real estate mogul not the Lakes.
3) Golf is about having fun, being accessible to everyone, and constantly finding ways to improve your game. You can do all the above at the Lakes, so when you go to one of the expensive, posh courses around LA...you can shoot better and appreciate it.
Swing away...!