Netflix subscribers may have already binge-watched all ten episodes of “The Hawk.” The brand new series, which stars Will Ferrell in the lead role, centers on a washed-up golf pro who comes out of retirement with a dream of winning the U.S. Open. Along the way, he mends his relationship with his son, tears up the green with his eccentric flair and reignites his love for the game, all while butting heads with the PGA establishment. The series shares a lot in common with films like “Happy Gilmore” or Apple TV’s “Stick,” showcasing a new and exciting world of golf unlike the dry game your grandfather might have watched back in the day. Throughout “The Hawk,” Lonnie Hawkins and his crew travel all across the country, playing on courses in Florida, North Carolina, Las Vegas and more. Though the narrative takes place in these various locales, the actual production for “The Hawk” remained surprisingly localized, all over Southern California.
Actual production set-ups for “The Hawk” were established across Los Angeles, Santa Clarita, and on location in a variety of LA County country clubs. If you’re interested in checking out some of these screen-used locations for yourself, and maybe tapping a few golf balls while you’re in the spirit, be sure to read ahead. We’ll outline some key venues and offer some insight into the best local restaurants, hotels and tourist sites. Before long, you could be on a Lonnie Hawkins-style adventure yourself, or at least a Hawkins-inspired vacation.
Your Guide To The Show’s SoCal Filming Locations
Key Scenes: As stated, “The Hawk” filmed at numerous country clubs across the greater Los Angeles area, including Friendly Hills, Moorpark, Sand Canyon and Spanish Hills. One of the most lavish backdrops in the entire show is Pelican Hill Resort, where the season reaches its tumultuous climax.
Best Time to Visit: Even though SoCal looks sunny and beautiful year-round in the movies, most locals recommend visiting during the shoulder seasons. The dog days of summer can become inundated with extreme heat, which could prevent you from enjoying your trip to the fullest. Consider booking your flight for mid-May or early October, so you can cash in on the gorgeous coastline views, outdoor events and welcoming surroundings, without having to fear excessive wildfire precautions.
Transportation Options: Though Los Angeles is a thriving cultural hub with millions of permanent residents, the city is infamous for its poor public transportation grid. There are buses and cabs available throughout the inner city, but they aren’t nearly as reliable or comprehensive as those you’d find in New York or Boston, for instance. When planning your trip, be sure to set aside some money for rideshare services, or consider renting a car to get the most out of your time in the city of angels. Certain must-see excursions might actually offer shuttles, but it’s better to be over-prepared than to be stuck with no ride.
Per Forbes, Pelican Hill was highlighted during the final two episodes for its opulence. This functions both as an aspirational locale, attainable only to those with wealth and connections, and as a foil to Lonnie’s off-the-walls behavior. Netflix utilized this location for press events ahead of the series’ official release, allowing Will Ferrell and his co-stars to address the press in character. Unfortunately, most fans of “The Hawk” likely won’t have the capital to play 18 holes at Pelican Hill and enjoy the venue’s five-star spa. Still, local clubs like Woodland Hills, Rolling Hills, and Moorpark Country Club should serve as a more realistic stomping ground for golf enthusiasts.
Once you arrive in Los Angeles, you may find that your biggest hurdle is getting into a country club without a proper membership. Most clubs require annual memberships to play and enjoy their amenities, though there are several ways to get around this red tape, Lonnie Hawkins style. Usually, the best way to get in and play for a single day is to come as the plus-one of an existing club member. Depending on your connections, your charisma and your ability to schmooze, this could be as simple as reaching out and making a new friend with a card-carrying member of the Pelican Hill club in Newport Beach.
If that’s too big a hurdle, be sure to check for pay-as-you-play rates online. Many upscale clubs, like those that host PGA events, will refuse a pay-as-you-play option, but some of the cooler, middle-class-friendly places will allow you to buy your way in for a single golf session. If you’re really looking to bend the iron like the Hawk and you don’t care about cucumber slices under your eyes, you could always take your talents to a local driving range, or to a local Top Golf location. You might even find that those less snooty venues are a lot more fun.
Things to Do: Even if you have little interest in exploring “The Hawk” filming locations, you’ll find that sunny Los Angeles is absolutely teeming with exciting activities. Must-see tourist destinations that live up to the hype include the Griffith Observatory, La Brea Tar Pits Museum and the Santa Monica Pier. Tours of the city are also an excellent way for first-time visitors to get their bearings before venturing off with a packed itinerary. Depending on your budget, you can tour LA via helicopter, walk or open air bus. Once you’ve seen the city, you can take some time to check out landmarks like Dodger Stadium, Venice Beach and the California Science Center. If you’re a huge film and TV buff, you can also stop by Universal Studios Hollywood, or take a Warner Bros Studio Tour.
Where to Eat: While you’re trekking across the West coast looking for country clubs that accept vagabonds like Lonnie Hawkins, you’ll surely need to stop and recharge with a few solid meals. Luckily, the greater Los Angeles area is home to a wide array of excellent eateries, ranging from quick bites on the boardwalk to candlelit dinners in fancy rooftop bars. If you’re looking to live like a PGA champ for the week, be sure to score a reservation at one of LA’s Michelin star-rated kitchens, such as The Lobster, Chosun Galbee Restaurant or Maccheroni Republic. Other local favorites that boast an easier barrier of entry include 71Above Restaurant and Skylounge, Joselito’s Mexican Food and Burosu Ramen.
Where to Stay: Depending on your budget, be sure to check out the pricey stays at The Hollywood Roosevelt, The Garland or the Godfrey Hotel. If you’d prefer to save your cash for adventures and golfing, you can always check with the local Hilton, Holiday Inn or Sheraton locations which dot the perimeter of the city. If you’re traveling with a large group, be sure to consider Airbnb stays, which can sometimes offer exceptional bang for your buck, especially when you split it with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lonnie Hawkins a real golfer?
As you can likely tell by Will Ferrell’s larger-than-life performance, Lonnie Hawkins is not a real-life golfer. He is a fictional character created for “The Hawk,” with the intention of bringing humor, heart and chaos to the series.
Will there be a season two of “The Hawk”?
At this time, Netflix has neither confirmed nor denied a season two order. That means that there’s still time for the streamer to lock down “The Hawk” for more episodes. If you’re a super-fan of the show, the best thing you can do to ensure that “The Hawk” receives a season two order is rewatch and share with your friends. Netflix is likely waiting to see how the public feels before investing in additional seasons.
