Whittier, California
Friendly Hills delivers a highly strategic, visually engaging SoCal club experience defined by exciting elevation changes and inventive green sites. Jimmy Hines’ 1968 design rewards shot-making and demands placement over power, offering both members and guests a test that’s as fair as it is fun. With recent bunker enhancements and a storied clubhouse atmosphere, it stands out as a regional private gem.
Don't miss the iconic 'island' first tee staging area, where groups gather for opening dramatics against a backdrop of the course and clubhouse.
Friendly Hills Country Club’s architecture is defined by an expressive blend of SoCal flair and strategic challenge. Jimmy Hines’ original 1968 routing leverages the site’s natural elevation changes, creating a rhythm of elevated tees, switchback fairways, and dynamic doglegs. Greens are large, canted, and boldly contoured, demanding creative approach shots and touch with the putter, while fairways and bunkers display shapes and angles well ahead of their time. The 2018 bunker renovation reimagined sand hazards, returning both visibility and audacity to the visual signature. The entire experience feels like a private club classic with a distinct, almost 'Augusta-inspired' edge.
Jimmy Hines’ design philosophy fit the routing snugly to the foothill terrain, and the 2018 Casey O’Callaghan bunker work rejuvenated features without sacrificing the course’s original spirit.
This lengthy par 3 requires a pure uphill iron or hybrid with little margin for error if you miss short. The green is well-guarded and plays longer than the number if the pin is back.
Club selection is critical—take enough to cover the front, and favor the safest side to avoid a tricky up-and-down.
Miss left or short, and a sand or slope penalty awaits; right leaves a hard recovery off a tilted lie.
Turf is kicker-quick but sticky due to kikuyu grass throughout; expect true, firm lies and solid upkeep.
Rounds move briskly, especially on midweek afternoons, but hillside terrain can slow play during busy events.
Classic and understated members’ club, neither stuffy nor showy, blending comfort with quiet confidence.
Standard private club attire expected—verify specifics with the club before arrival.
Walking is possible but challenging—the hilly routing and distances will test your stamina if you forgo a cart.
Sloping, undulating greens reward sharp touch and bold recovery shots—practice before you tee off.
Elevation shifts can make yardages deceptive—use your rangefinder and play for conservative areas over forced carries.
Club founded and course opened, designed by Jimmy Hines
New main clubhouse constructed
Clubhouse expanded; major non-golf rebuild
Bunker redesign project by Casey O’Callaghan's firm began
Course-wide bunker renovation completed
Club celebrates its 50th anniversary
When Friendly Hills opened in 1968, its bunkering and free-flowing greens were wildly unconventional, earning a reputation for 'psychedelic' design among SoCal private clubs. Jimmy Hines’ routing boldly embraced the land, establishing an instant architectural identity.
The 2017–2018 bunker renovation by Casey O’Callaghan modernized the course while preserving Hines’ audacious vision. New sand, reshaped contours, and improved visibility restored strategic interest and resurrected the course’s visual drama.
Club lore hints that Hines took inspiration from Augusta National, reflected in generous fairways and bold green undulations. The result: a uniquely Southern California blend of challenge and playability.
A signature 'island' first tee was expanded over time, serving as both stage and gathering place for members, amplifying the anticipation before each round.
Legend says Jimmy Hines took cues from Augusta National’s sweeping greens.
The original 1968 clubhouse building still hosts some member events.
Bunker renovation in 2018 cut sand area while restoring shape and strategic impact.
The first tee island has grown to become a favorite member-gathering point.
Kikuyu grass—rare for US private clubs—defines the course’s unique playability.
Scenic municipal with fun par 3s and affordable access for visitors.
Playable, hilly layout just minutes from Friendly Hills—enjoyable test with less exclusivity.
Well-regarded, multi-routing private track in the North OC region.
Nearby private club in dramatic foothill terrain for those with access.
Stay in north Orange County or Whittier/La Habra area for easy access to both private and public gems.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Green Oaks Country Club makes the greens a central strategic puzzle, making it a compelling counterpart to Friendly Hills Country Club.
Why it matches: Congress Lake Club is a natural next stop after Friendly Hills Country Club: it a comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character.
Why it matches: What links these two? A comparable balance of challenge, variety, and character — a familiar feeling, expressed in Century Country Club's own setting.
Community Sentiment
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