Guest senior editor Jason W., Santa Monica CA: The days of my exotic golf travel adventures to Hawaii, Scotland, Australia and other faraway links are over. Now, I prefer to take weekend golf getaways in the Los Angeles area.

In my sunset years, sometimes I enjoy the combination of a luxury hotel, fine dining and a weekend of golf. Here are suggestions for great Los Angeles golf escapes: Rancho Park Golf: Conveniently located in West L.A., across the street from Fox Studios, it’s owned by the city, and has welcomed golfers since 1949. Host to the annual Los Angeles Open, the 18-hole, par 71 course runs 6,630 yards. I like the course,  with its long, wide fairways and small greens set back and challenging.

Main hazards are sand and the trees that line each hole. Greens fees are about $40 weekdays and $50 weekends, with discounts for 9-hole play, seniors and twilight play. Cart rental is $30. Advance reservations are available online.

Wilson Municipal Golf: Another public course owned by the city, it’s in Griffith Park, about 20 minutes from Rancho Park. The course was built in 1923, as a second course to the original municipal course, now called Harding.

At 6,947 yards, Wilson is a full 18-hole, par 72 course. As with Rancho Park, it has very long, wide fairways with gentle slopes. Fees are the same as at Rancho Park.

For your golf venture, book a room at the InterContinental Los Angeles Century City. It’s just five minutes from Rancho Park Golf Course, and about 15 from Wilson. The location is 2151 Avenue of the Stars, L.A., CA 90067. It’s one of the city's most luxurious hotels and a great base for a golf getaway. Rates from about $300 per night.

If you want to practice your skills before hitting the golf course, go to the Aroma Spa and Sports Driving Range, within a 20-minute drive from the hotel and golf courses.

This automated four-level range, in the Koreatown area of downtown L.A., is one of the city's best kept golf secrets. You can play there until 11 p.m. seven days a week. It’s at 3680 Wilshire Blvd. in L.A., CA 90010. The 180-ball buckets are $20.

A golfer’s favorite quick bite destination is The Counter, about five minutes from the Intercontinental. It boasts that it offers thousands of variations of burger. Fresh beef, chicken, turkey or veggie, are made with choice of cheese and toppings. A full one-pounder, with selections of toppings is $20. The Counter is within the upscale Westfield Century City shopping mall.