Speedzone Los Angeles Mini Golf (Sebring) – City of Industry, CA

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Played on March 3, 2020

Review by Mr. Tee

Just before the COVID-19 lockdown, I was fortunate to take in some friends playing on Season 2 of Holey Moley and a ton of Southern California mini golf. Throughout the trip, I was able to play Camelot, Golf N Stuff, and Castle Park several times each but only had the opportunity to take in one mini golf complex I had not played previously: Speedzone. This course was recommended to me by Holey Moley alum and my Holey Moley Season 1 Round 2 Teed Off opponent, John Lepak. I visited his nearby rad home golf instruction center that is regularly featured on his Instagram. John shared his wisdom and philosophy on putting that I’ve taken to heart as I’ve been working on my game throughout 2020. My first opportunity to put these new putting tips into play was at Speedzone.

Update May 2024 – After finding out that the Go-Kart track was used in a scene of one of my favorite shows, Freaks & Geeks, I looked up the course and discovered it had become part of the Boomers chain.

Rating

This racecar themed complex has two 18-hole courses. I’ll do a separate overview of the Daytona course but they both played similarly. The larger-than-life putter at the entrance and lush greenery give way to a modestly designed course that could use new turf. The design of the holes and the smooth cement walls were well executed but the surface played inconsistently due to being worn down. The extent to which it was worn down and/or damaged was event by a few holes that appeared to have a blacktop looking surface. If it was intentional, it would have matched the racing theme well but unfortunately, it just seemed to be in bad shape. The overall play ended up being more frustrating than it should have been. I’d be eager to revisit this fun family entertainment center if they put in new turf but until then, I’ll probably opt to play nearby courses I mentioned above that are some my favorites in the country.

Windswept hair, sun & new mini golf for 2020!
Can’t help but think of the GMC Sebring model of the 90s
Palm trees and putting
A few holes had this black surface that felt like it was something in the process of being fixed or just horribly worn down.
Fan of the hole designation in the cement
About as creative as the obstacles got
Most holes were Par 2 but there were a handful of Par 3s.
This shoot-through was more challenging and frustrating than it looks
Middle of the course
Hole 18 for both courses were right next to each other and collected the ball
Thanks to John Lepak for the incredibly helpful putting tips and heads up on this course.
John’s DIY golf center was a treat to check out
Can’t think of a more idyllic place to work on your putting & golf game

Pros

Palm trees and southern California foliage
Solid concrete walls with no seams
Overall hole and cup placement make for solid putting challenges
Huge putter sculpture outside of the course

Cons

Turf & surface is not in great shape
Not a ton of variety of holes
Could have better integrated the car/racing theme on and around the holes

Nerdy Notes

  • Two 18-hole courses (Daytona & Sebring). Par 39 on each corse.
  • $10/round.  All day and partial day attraction passes available
  • Attrractions include bowling, arcade, go-karts and arcade
  • The location for this Speedzone is sometimes listed as being in Malibu
  • The  Speedzone chain was founded in 1997 and started out as an adult entertainment center requiring that attendees have a valid driver’s license, featuring a full-service bar and restaurant, and offering late hours
  • The chain includes locations in Kennesaw, Georgia (Northwest of Atlanta) and Dallas, Texas.
  • The Freaks & Geeks episode “Dead Dogs and Gym Teachers” includes a go-kart scene filmed at this location

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