Living in West Covina means you won't face the heavy traffic like in LA, and just a short drive east offers a variety of public golf courses, making weekend rounds quite enjoyable. It's not hard to find a course that suits your skill level, whether you're a beginner or a single-digit golfer.

The most popular spot is Industry Hills Golf Club. It's about a 10-15 minute drive from West Covina and features a 36-hole golf course located within the Pacific Palms Resort.

The course is divided into the Eisenhower Course and the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Course, both of which are maintained to a standard that hosts PGA tournaments. On weekdays, the cost is around $65-$90 including a cart, while afternoon twilight rates are about $45-$60, and weekend mornings can go up to $90-$140. The facilities are excellent, so even if the prices are a bit high, the satisfaction level is generally high.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, Mountain Meadows Golf Course in Pomona is also popular.

It's about a 15-minute drive from West Covina, with weekday rates ranging from $40-$60 and weekend rates from $60-$80. The fairways are wide, making it less intimidating for beginners, and many frequent visitors come here to practice.

Los Serranos Golf Club, located towards Chino Hills, is quite well-known among Korean golfers. It operates two courses, the North Course and the South Course, with weekday rates of $45-$70 and weekend rates of $70-$100. The distance is reasonable, and the maintenance is good, earning it a reputation for value.

If you're looking for a unique course, Brea Creek Golf Course in Brea is also worth recommending. It's a 9-hole par 29 course, perfect for beginners or for practicing short games. The green fees are around $20-$35, making it easy to play a round without breaking the bank.

There are also decent practice facilities. In the Covina and Industry areas, there are several driving ranges, with prices typically around $8-$10 for a small basket, $12-$15 for a medium, and $16-$20 for a large basket. Nowadays, some places even have swing analysis systems like Toptracer, making solo practice more enjoyable.

Overall, West Covina is a very convenient place for golfing. There are several courses within a 20-minute drive, with options ranging from $20 for 9 holes to over $100 for championship courses. You don't have to drive far from downtown LA every time, and the ability to choose a golf course that fits your skill level and budget is a significant advantage. For those considering golf as a hobby, West Covina can be seen as a hidden gem that enhances your quality of life.