Los Angeles is known for many things, including its beautiful weather, stunning beaches, and Hollywood glamour. But for golf enthusiasts, one of the top attractions in the area is the historic Los Angeles Country Club, which will be hosting the 2023 U.S. Open.
This private club has been a staple in the community for over a century, offering members access to world-class amenities and a first-rate golf course that has hosted some of the game’s most prestigious events.
We’ll take an in-depth look at the Los Angeles Country Club, exploring its history, membership requirements, amenities, events, and sustainability efforts.
Get ready for the 123rd U.S. Open coming up this week! With 72 of the top 75 players in the Official World Golf Rankings currently in the U.S. Open, this will be the one to watch.
How much are tickets for the 2023 U.S. Open?
US Open Tennis tickets typically average around US$166.00 with a pass for the week just under US$1200.00. each day the price is a little different, you can see that cost here.
However, NBC Sports will air almost 150 hours of the championship live on NBC, Peacock, USA Network, and the Golf Channel, starting June 15 with the first round of play. That should be helpful if you could never quite get that golf clap right.
What is the Los Angeles Country Club?
The Los Angeles Country Club is a private club located in the heart of Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1897, the club has a rich history and has been home to some of the most influential people in the city, starting with famed golf course architect George C. Thomas Jr.
He was part of the “Philadelphia School” of golf course architecture that collectively designed 27 of the top gold courses in the world. Easy to see why the U.S. Open will be played here this year.
The club boasts two championship courses, the North Course and the South Course, as well as a par 3 course, practice facilities, tennis courts, swimming pools, a fitness center, and several dining options. Membership at the club is by invitation only, and the application process is rigorous.
History of the Los Angeles Country Club
The Los Angeles Country Club was founded in 1897, making it one of the oldest clubs in Southern California. The club’s first course was the 18-hole South Course, which was designed by Willie Watson and opened in 1911.
However, it was the North Course, designed by George C. Thomas Jr. in 1921, that put the Los Angeles Country Club on the map. The course features rolling hills, challenging bunkers, and picturesque views of the surrounding area.
Over the years, the Los Angeles Country Club has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the U.S. Open, the Walker Cup, and the NCAA Men’s Golf Championship.
The club is notoriously selective about which events it hosts, with many opportunities, turned down due to the exclusivity of the membership.
Membership at the Los Angeles Country Club
Application Process
Becoming a member of the Los Angeles Country Club is no small feat. The application process is rigorous and includes several steps, including submitting an application, obtaining letters of recommendation from current members, and participating in an interview with the membership committee. The club also requires a significant initiation fee and annual dues, making membership an exclusive privilege.
Types of Memberships Available and Cost at the Los Angels Country Club
The cost of membership is as secretive as an LA speakeasy, but it probably doesn’t matter much to those interested in joining- maybe scale back a trip or two on the private jet, or forego that next luxury watch purchase.
The LA Country Club boasts 800 members, each of whom pays an entry fee of $25,000 plus a monthly fee of $100, amounting to a total value of $20 million. But it’s all worth it when you consider the share of the profits you get as a member, according to Golf Digest.
The website does have an extensive section regarding rules (especially attire), but several rules exemplify its very private nature, and can be found under their technology guidelines:
- Dissemination through social media of personal photographs or videos identifying The Los Angeles Country Club is not permitted.
- Any written references to The Los Angeles Country Club, its members, activities, and practices that are or might become accessible by the public are not permitted (e.g., hashtags, comments, posts, location check-ins, etc.).
- Members and guests of the Club may not discuss the Club’s membership, events, policies, rules, by-laws, or activities using social or professional media platforms.
Agreeing with all that, we can now look at the different types of memberships, including regular golf memberships, social memberships, and junior memberships.
Regular golf memberships include access to all the club’s facilities, including the golf courses, tennis courts, and fitness center. Social memberships offer access to the club’s dining facilities and social events but do not include access to the golf courses.
Those aged 40 and under can take advantage of a Junior Membership – it comes with a reduced initiation fee and reduced dues! Nice to know 40-ish is considered young by country club standards!
Membership Benefits
Members of the Los Angeles Country Club enjoy a range of benefits, including access to the club’s two championship golf courses, priority tee times, and access to its state-of-the-art practice facilities.
The club also offers tennis courts, swimming pools, and a fitness center, as well as several dining options. Members also have access to a range of social events, including holiday parties, wine tastings, and guest speaker series.
With access to this year’s U.S. Open, this leaves room for only about 8,000 from the general public to watch this tournament. That’s still plenty of elbow room with the grounds covering over 300 acres.
Amenities at the Los Angeles Country Club
Golf Course
The crown jewel of the Los Angeles Country Club is its two championship golf courses, the North Course and the South Course.
The North Course is considered one of the best parkland courses in America. The course features rolling hills, challenging bunkers, and stunning views of the surrounding area.
The North Course is an 18-hole layout that measures over 7,200 yards from the back tees. The course features several challenging holes, including the par-3 11th hole, which measures over 240 yards from the back tees.
This hole requires a precise tee shot to avoid the bunkers and hazards that surround the green. If Call of Duty had a golf course, the 11th hole might be on it.
The South Course, designed by Willie Watson, is a classic layout that offers a more traditional golf experience.
Par 3 Course
In addition to its two championship courses, the Los Angeles Country Club also features a par-3 course that is perfect for beginners or those looking for a quick round of golf.
The course is well-maintained and features several challenging holes that require accurate tee shots and precise putting.
Practice Facilities
The Los Angeles Country Club offers state-of-the-art practice facilities for members, including a driving range, chipping and putting greens, and a practice bunker.
These facilities allow members to hone their skills and perfect their swings before heading out onto the course.
Tennis Courts
In addition to its golf amenities, the club also features a number of tennis courts for members to enjoy. These well-maintained courts are available for both casual play and organized tournaments, making them a popular choice for members looking to stay active outside of the golf course.
We’re not sure if private tennis lessons here will get you up to par like these top tennis academies in the U.S., but it’s worth a shot if you’re part of the LA scene.
Swimming Pools
The Los Angeles Country Club boasts multiple swimming pools for members and their families to enjoy. The pools offer a relaxing oasis in the heart of Los Angeles, providing a perfect spot for members to cool off during the hot summer months or unwind after a round of golf or a tennis match.
Fitness Center
For those who prefer to stay active indoors, the Los Angeles Country Club offers a state-of-the-art fitness center, where rumor has it some of these celeb fitness trainers spend time working the crowd (to the bone).
This well-equipped facility features a range of cardio and strength-training equipment, as well as personal training services and group fitness classes to help members achieve their fitness goals.
Dining Options
Members of the Los Angeles Country Club have access to a range of dining options, from casual fare at the club’s grill to more formal dining experiences in the main clubhouse.
With an emphasis on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the club’s culinary team provides delicious meals that cater to a variety of tastes and preferences.
Events and Activities at the Los Angeles Country Club
Tournaments and Competitions
The Los Angeles Country Club hosts a variety of tournaments and competitions throughout the year, ranging from club championships to member-guest events. As we mentioned, this year the LACC will be the host to The 2023 U.S. Open where Matthew Fitzpatrick will try to defend his crown.
Social Events
In addition to its sporting events, the Los Angeles Country Club also hosts a range of social events for its members. From holiday parties and wine tastings to guest speaker series and themed dinners, the club offers a diverse calendar of events designed to foster a sense of community among its members.
Kids Programs
The Los Angeles Country Club is committed to fostering a family-friendly environment and offers a variety of programs and activities designed specifically for children.
These programs include junior golf and tennis clinics, swimming lessons, and summer camps, providing kids with the opportunity to develop their skills, make new friends, and create lasting memories at the club.
Sustainability Efforts at the Los Angeles Country Club
Water Conservation
As a responsible member of the community, the Los Angeles Country Club has implemented water conservation measures to help preserve this precious resource.
These efforts include utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation, installing drought-tolerant landscaping, and implementing advanced irrigation systems that minimize water waste.
Energy Efficiency
In addition to its water conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Country Club is also committed to reducing its energy consumption.
The club has implemented a variety of energy-efficient technologies, such as LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and solar panels, to help reduce its overall energy usage and carbon footprint.
Green Initiatives
The Los Angeles Country Club recognizes the importance of environmental stewardship and has implemented several green initiatives aimed at protecting and preserving the natural surroundings.
These initiatives include wildlife habitat preservation, tree planting programs, and the use of environmentally-friendly maintenance practices on the golf courses. In a nutshell, it’s always in good form to replace those divets.
Conclusion
The Los Angeles Country Club is a truly exceptional private club that offers its members an unparalleled golf experience, along with a wide range of world-class amenities and activities.
With its rich history, stunning courses, and commitment to sustainability, it’s no wonder that the club remains one of the most sought-after memberships in the Los Angeles area.
