Now under new management, the Long Beach Golf Learning Center (LBGLC) is likely to see some changes. Alan Tapie, Paul Penrose and John MacMillan plan to bring a new set of golf, business and range management skills to the well-established driving range.
The LBGLC is a premier driving range with full golf facilities, including a cafe and Roger Dunn pro shop. Although the LBGLC is expected to continue catering to golfers who want grass tees and a dedicated short game area, it will also expand its youth golf activities and transform the facility into a family-friendly environment.
“I want players to feel comfortable at this range,” Tapie said. “I want golfers to feel that they can bring their associates here because the facility is top notch, but I want them to also feel like they can bring their families to play and practice because the place is kid-friendly and fun.”
The new facility combines the attention to detail golfers at the LBGLC have come to expect with a casual laidback atmosphere that will allow young people to feel at home.
To encourage golfers to make the LBGLC a family destination, plans have been made to have regular golf clinics, summer youth programs, singles mixers and charity events.
Tapie is a USC graduate and college All-American. He was a top 100 money-list winner on the PGA Tour for six years and is currently ranked No. 26 on the European Senior Tour.
All three of the managers were involved in the ownership and operations of the Buena Park Golf Center for 10 years.
The LBGLC’s hosted the Manufacture’s Demo Day last Saturday. The event was the range’s first major event and was held in conjunction with Roger Dunn Golf Shops. Ten of the top golf manufacturers were on hand to demonstrate their latest products.
Drawing players from as far north as Santa Monica and as far south as Laguna Niguel, LBGLC has plenty of appeal. The facility maintains a combination of 20 grass tees and 60 mat tees. This single-ended range is 300 yards from side to side, with zenon style night lights.
There are two practice greens, two chipping greens and two practice bunkers. There are also six full-time professional instructors for private or group lessons.
The Long Beach Golf Learning Center is located at 3701 Pacific Place in Long Beach. For more information or to make reservations, call (562) 426-0510.
