Tee Time Deposit Policy Reduces Scalping at LA City Golf Courses

Scalpers once controlled prime tee times at LA city golf courses, reselling them for a profit. That’s changing fast. The tee time deposit policy, introduced in May 2023, has cut cancellations by 95%.

Wilshire Country Club with the Hollywood Sign in the background, representing LA’s golf scene.
Wilshire Country Club in Los Angeles, with the Hollywood Sign in the background. LA’s golf courses have seen major changes with the tee time deposit policy. [yonhap]
The LA Department of Recreation and Parks now requires a $10 deposit for reservations. It applies to green fees but is non-refundable if canceled. The golfer who booked must also be present, or the entire group loses the slot.The rule targets scalpers who booked in bulk and resold times through KakaoTalk and other platforms. The practice made it nearly impossible for casual golfers to get a reservation, especially at Griffith Park and Rancho Park.

The numbers tell the story. Between May and October 2023, 339,732 tee times were canceled. That number dropped to 17,739 during the same period in 2024β€”a 95% drop. Previously, more than 400 golfers canceled 60 or more reservations each. Now, only 13 remain.

Betty Brix, chair of the LA Golf Advisory Committee, said the impact is clear. β€œBefore, booking a tee time felt impossible. Now, everyone has a fair shot.”

The committee is now pushing to make the policy permanent and considering lower deposits for off-peak hours to boost participation.

BY BRIAN CHOI [ichoi@koreadaily.com]

Brian Choi
By Brian Choi
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