Nestled in the heart of Beverly Hills, where Wilshire Boulevard meets the affluent corridor of Century City, Los Angeles Country Club stands as a testament to golf's golden age in America. This isn't just another exclusive club in a city of exclusivity – it's a sanctuary where golf's purest traditions have been preserved like fine wine in a cellar.
For over a century, LACC has remained deliberately under the radar, eschewing the spotlight that naturally falls on anything within the 90210 zip code. Yet its influence on American golf is undeniable, like a quiet maestro conducting from the shadows. The club's two courses – particularly the famed North Course – have whispered rather than shouted their excellence, making their elite status all the more intriguing.
As private as a Hollywood star's diary, LACC has cultivated a reputation that rivals Augusta National in its selectivity. Here, among the swaying eucalyptus and native California vegetation, some of the entertainment industry's biggest names and business titans find respite in a place where their acclaim takes a back seat to the simple pleasure of pure golf.
Historical Journey
The story of LACC begins in 1897, when Los Angeles was more dust than glamour, more promise than prosperity. The club's original location near Pico and Alvarado seems almost quaint now – a modest beginning for what would become one of America's most prestigious golfing institutions. Like many of LA's best stories, it's a tale of reinvention and relocation.
The move to Beverly Hills in 1911 marked a turning point. The club acquired a spectacular piece of property that would become its permanent home, offering the perfect canvas for what was to come. As Los Angeles grew into a global metropolis, LACC grew alongside it, though always maintaining its distinct identity.
The real masterstroke came with the arrival of George C. Thomas Jr. in the 1920s. Thomas, an architectural genius whose name deserves to be mentioned alongside Mackenzie and Ross, saw in LACC's terrain an opportunity to create something extraordinary. His vision for the North Course, in particular, was revolutionary – a design that would challenge the world's best while remaining playable for the membership.
Through the decades, the club has hosted a parade of notable members whose names read like a Who's Who of American culture and commerce. Howard Hughes once walked these fairways. So did Charlie Chaplin. But LACC has never been about name-dropping – it's about the golf, pure and simple.
The North Course
To understand the North Course is to understand golf architecture at its finest. The recent restoration by Gil Hanse has brought Thomas's original vision back to life with stunning clarity. It's a course that reveals itself slowly, like a great novel, each hole adding another layer to the story.
The restoration stripped away years of well-intentioned but misguided modifications, revealing the bones of Thomas's masterpiece. Hanse's work, completed in 2010, wasn't just about looking backward – it was about making Thomas's concepts relevant for modern golf while honoring the original design principles.
Signature holes? The par-3 11th might be the headliner, playing across a natural barranca to a green that appears to float in space. The 9th, a par 4 that tumbles downhill before rising dramatically to a plateau green, could be the finest hole in Los Angeles. Each hole seems to have been discovered rather than constructed, following the natural contours of the land in a way that makes modern courses look artificial by comparison.
The 2023 U.S. Open brought the North Course into the spotlight it had long avoided. The setup challenged the world's best players while showcasing the timeless principles of strategic golf. Players couldn't simply overpower the course – they had to think their way around it, just as Thomas intended nearly a century ago.
Rankings and accolades seem almost superfluous for a course of this caliber, but they tell part of the story. The North Course consistently ranks among America's top 20 courses, and many architects consider it one of the finest examples of strategic design in existence. It's a course that rewards intelligence over power, imagination over brute force, and patience over aggression – qualities that never go out of style in golf.
The South Course: LACC's Hidden Gem
While its more celebrated sibling might steal the headlines, the South Course at Los Angeles Country Club tells its own compelling story. Originally designed by George C. Thomas Jr. alongside the North, the South Course serves as more than just a secondary option – it's a masterclass in strategic golf design that would be the crown jewel at nearly any other club in America.
The South plays shorter than the North but demands no less precision. Its fairways dance through the same stunning Beverly Hills terrain, though in a more intimate fashion. Where the North Course might be likened to a symphony, the South is chamber music – no less complex but played in a different key.
Notable holes include the par-4 4th, which offers a risk-reward proposition that would make Bobby Jones smile. The green sits tantalizingly close to a natural barranca, daring players to flirt with danger in pursuit of the perfect approach angle. The par-3 7th, with its deceptively simple appearance but complex green contouring, exemplifies Thomas's belief that the best holes are those that reveal their challenges gradually.
Recent renovations have carefully balanced historical preservation with modern playability. While less publicized than the North Course's restoration, the South's improvements have enhanced drainage, updated bunker complexes, and refined green surfaces while maintaining Thomas's original strategic principles.
Members often speak of the South Course with a particular fondness – it's where they can find solitude on busy weekends, where they can work out the kinks in their game, and where they can enjoy the pure pleasure of golf without the weight of the North's championship legacy.
Course Architecture & Design Philosophy
To walk LACC's courses is to study George C. Thomas Jr.'s architectural philosophy in its purest form. Thomas, a passionate horticulturist and World War I veteran, believed that the best golf courses grow from the land rather than being imposed upon it. His vision for LACC was revolutionary for its time – and remains relevant today.
The natural barrancas that cut through the property became strategic elements rather than obstacles to be overcome. Thomas worked these features into his design with remarkable subtlety, using them to influence playing angles and create strategic decisions. The land's natural movement – rolling and tumbling through the Southern California landscape – dictated the routing and hole designs.
Thomas's approach to strategic design was both sophisticated and elegant. Each hole presents multiple ways to reach the green, but only one optimal path that varies based on pin position and playing conditions. It's like a chess game where the board subtly shifts with each round.
The bunker philosophy at LACC is particularly noteworthy. Rather than using bunkers merely as hazards, Thomas employed them as visual guides and strategic elements. Their placement creates optical illusions from the tee, making distances and angles challenging to read. The restoration work has brought these features back to their original glory, with ragged edges and native vegetation that blur the lines between manufactured and natural hazards.
The green complexes represent perhaps Thomas's greatest achievement at LACC. Each putting surface is a unique puzzle, with contours that reward thoughtful approach shots and punish the careless. The greens aren't simply platforms for holes – they're strategic elements that begin influencing play from the moment a player steps onto the tee.
The 2023 U.S. Open Legacy
The 2023 U.S. Open marked a watershed moment for LACC. After decades of preserving its privacy, the club stepped onto golf's biggest stage, and the results were nothing short of spectacular.
Tournament preparation presented unique challenges. How do you maintain the strategic integrity of a classic course while testing the modern game's best players? The USGA and club officials struck a delicate balance, allowing the course's natural defenses – its firm conditions, strategic bunkering, and complex greens – to challenge players rather than relying solely on length and rough.
Wyndham Clark's victory over Rory McIlroy provided the championship with a compelling narrative. The final round became an instant classic, with Clark's steady nerve and strategic play proving that Thomas's century-old design principles remain relevant in the modern era. The winning score of 270 (-10) demonstrated that LACC could challenge the world's best while remaining true to its architectural heritage.
Memorable moments abounded: Rickie Fowler and Xander Schauffele's record-setting opening rounds, the course's firm and fast conditions that had players thinking their way around rather than overpowering it, and the drama of the closing holes with Beverly Hills as the backdrop.
The championship's success has already sparked discussions about LACC's future role in major championship golf. The club's measured approach to hosting such events – maintaining its privacy while occasionally opening its doors to championship golf – seems likely to continue. There's already speculation about when, not if, another major championship will return to this storied venue.
The U.S. Open not only validated LACC's standing among America's great courses but also demonstrated how a classic design can remain relevant in the modern era. It's a legacy that would surely please George Thomas, who believed that great golf courses should stand the test of time.
The Clubhouse & Facilities
Standing proudly above Wilshire Boulevard, LACC's clubhouse embodies the understated sophistication that defines the club. The Mediterranean Revival architecture, with its warm terra cotta roof and cream-colored walls, speaks to Southern California's architectural heritage while avoiding the ostentatious displays common to many modern country clubs.
The clubhouse renovation, completed in 2016, masterfully preserved the building's historic character while incorporating modern amenities. Original details, like the hand-carved wooden beams and vintage photographs lining the hallways, serve as quiet reminders of the club's rich history. The expansive windows in the main dining room frame views of the North Course's 18th hole against the backdrop of Century City's gleaming towers – a striking contrast of old and new Los Angeles.
LACC's practice facilities rival any in the country. The driving range, recently updated with TrackMan technology, features multiple teeing areas on both ends, allowing members to work with the prevailing winds. The short-game area, designed to replicate the course's challenging green complexes, includes several practice bunkers that mirror those found on both courses.
The dining experience at LACC reflects the club's commitment to excellence without pretense. The main dining room, with its panoramic course views, serves refined California cuisine, while the more casual Grill Room offers a comfortable setting for post-round refreshments. The wine cellar, housing one of the finest collections in Los Angeles, includes bottles that tell their own stories of the club's history.
Perhaps nowhere is LACC's tradition more evident than in the locker room. The wooden lockers, some dating back to the club's early days, bear small brass plates with names that read like a history of Los Angeles. Members speak in hushed tones about the deals made and friendships forged in this sanctuary, where cell phones are prohibited and time seems to slow down.
Membership & Access
LACC's membership structure remains one of the most selective in American golf. The process is deliberately opaque, reflecting the club's preference for privacy over publicity. What is known is that potential members must be sponsored by existing members and undergo a thorough vetting process that considers not just financial qualifications but, more importantly, character and contribution to the community.
The club maintains a strict guest policy that both preserves the member experience and adds to its mystique. Guests must be accompanied by members, and repeat visits are carefully monitored. Even during the 2023 U.S. Open, the club maintained its dignified approach to access, creating a tournament experience that felt both exclusive and welcoming.
For those seeking alternatives, Los Angeles offers several prestigious private clubs, including Riviera Country Club and Bel-Air Country Club. Each has its own character and charm, but LACC's combination of history, architecture, and privacy places it in a category of its own.
Local Impact & Community
Despite its private nature, LACC has developed a symbiotic relationship with Beverly Hills and the greater Los Angeles community. The club's presence has helped preserve a significant green space in one of the world's most developed urban areas, providing environmental benefits that extend beyond its boundaries.
Environmental stewardship stands at the forefront of the club's modern mission. The recent renovation work included sophisticated water management systems and the restoration of native habitat areas. During California's recurring droughts, LACC has been proactive in water conservation, demonstrating that championship golf can coexist with environmental responsibility.
The club's junior golf program, though selective, has produced several collegiate players and professionals. More importantly, it has instilled the values of the game – integrity, respect, and perseverance – in successive generations of young players.
LACC's charitable impact, while deliberately understated, is significant. The club hosts several charitable events annually, supporting local education and youth programs. During the 2023 U.S. Open, the club worked with the USGA to ensure that the tournament's economic benefits reached beyond the immediate golf community, particularly supporting local businesses and environmental initiatives.
The club's economic impact on Beverly Hills extends beyond direct employment and maintenance expenses. Major events like the U.S. Open bring significant revenue to local businesses, while the club's reputation enhances the prestige of the already-famous 90210 zip code. However, true to its nature, LACC measures its community impact not by headlines but by the quiet appreciation of those who understand its role as a steward of both golf and local traditions.
Planning Your Visit
For the fortunate few who receive an invitation to play Los Angeles Country Club, proper preparation enhances the experience. Situated at 10101 Wilshire Boulevard, the club sits at the intersection of Beverly Hills and Century City, approximately 30 minutes from LAX (though allow for more time during LA's notorious rush hours).
The best time to experience LACC is during Southern California's extended golf season, particularly from October through May, when temperatures are moderate and the course conditions are at their peak. The Santa Ana winds, which typically blow in fall and early winter, can transform the course, adding another layer of strategic complexity to Thomas's design.
Dress code at LACC reflects the club's traditional values. Gentlemen are required to wear collared shirts tucked into tailored trousers or Bermuda-length shorts. Denim, cargo shorts, and athletic wear are strictly prohibited. For ladies, golf-appropriate attire includes collared shirts or sleeveless tops with a collar, and skirts, shorts, or slacks designed for golf. The club maintains a "phones-away" policy throughout most of the facility – a refreshing return to golf's social traditions.
For accommodations, several world-class options lie within minutes of the club:
- The Peninsula Beverly Hills (5 minutes)
- Beverly Wilshire, A Four Seasons Hotel (7 minutes)
- Hotel Bel-Air (10 minutes)
- The Beverly Hills Hotel (12 minutes)
While in the area, guests might explore:
- Rodeo Drive's legendary shopping (5 minutes)
- The Getty Center's art collections (15 minutes)
- Beverly Gardens Park (5 minutes)
- UCLA's beautiful campus (10 minutes)
- Santa Monica Beach (20 minutes)
Remember that playing LACC is about more than golf – it's an immersion in the game's traditions and etiquette. Take time to enjoy the clubhouse, engage with your host, and absorb the atmosphere that makes this place special.
Conclusion
Los Angeles Country Club occupies a unique place in golf's pantheon. While other clubs might seek the spotlight, LACC has let its courses speak for themselves. The successful hosting of the 2023 U.S. Open confirmed what architecture enthusiasts have long known: this is one of golf's great theaters, a place where the game's past and future converge.
Looking ahead, LACC seems poised to maintain its careful balance of tradition and evolution. The club's approach to preservation – both of its courses and its culture – suggests a future where excellence will continue to be measured not by headlines but by the daily experience of its members and fortunate guests.
In an era where many clubs chase trends and modern amenities, LACC remains steadfastly focused on golf in its purest form. The North Course's firm fairways, strategic challenges, and subtle greens remind us that great golf architecture, like great art, never goes out of style. The South Course provides a complementary experience that would be the pride of most clubs.
What sets LACC apart isn't just its architectural pedigree or its exclusive membership – it's the club's unwavering commitment to golf's essential values. Here, amid the hustle of modern Los Angeles, exists a sanctuary where the game is played and celebrated as its pioneers intended.
As the sun sets behind the Santa Monica Mountains, casting long shadows across Thomas's masterpiece, one can't help but feel grateful that such places still exist. Los Angeles Country Club isn't just preserving golf history; it's proving that the game's traditions remain relevant and vital in the modern era.
For those lucky enough to experience it, LACC offers more than just a round of golf – it provides a glimpse into why this game has captivated players for centuries. In an age of constant change, that might be its greatest legacy of all.
Editor's Note: Access to Los Angeles Country Club is strictly by member invitation only. This guide is intended to provide insight into one of golf's most significant venues while respecting the club's private nature and traditions.
