Los Angeles, California
Hillcrest Country Club is LA’s archetypal private club—a refined, rolling course with a legacy of inclusivity and Hollywood connections. While not ranked among national bucket-list classics, it’s a beautifully maintained, member-centric course with architectural pedigree and serious Westside cachet. Play here for the tradition, community, and modernized golf in the heart of Los Angeles.
Ask a member about the legendary locker room roasts and showbiz stories—it’s where Hollywood lore and golf truly meet.
Hillcrest Country Club’s architecture is a study in Los Angeles tradition—rolling Cheviot Hills topography, effortless routing through naturally contoured land, and a long lineage of well-respected architects culminating in a 2019 Kyle Phillips transformation. The course feels simultaneously historic and fresh, balancing refined parkland serenity with modern green complexes and compelling shot values. Phillips’ update brought six brand new holes, crafted a sophisticated practice facility, enhanced the greens, repositioned bunkers, and preserved the course’s unmistakable club identity, making every round a walk through LA golf heritage with a contemporary twist.
Willie Watson’s original vision evolved across a century, with Kyle Phillips’ 2019 overhaul fusing historical touchstones and contemporary architecture into a seamless club experience.
A brisk dogleg left threading between old-growth trees and subtle hills, this hole calls for a precision tee shot and a confident approach to a diagonally set green with cheeky bunkering.
Favor the left center for the best angle in, but beware overcutting the corner—it can lead to blocked or downhill lies.
Miss the fairway and tough rough or tree trouble makes the approach a real scramble.
Impeccably maintained turf, smooth quick greens, and attentive grounds keeping—all at a private-club gold standard.
Relaxed and unhurried with set tee times and minimal outside play.
Traditional, understated, and proudly old-LA—expect a friendly but discreet member experience.
Jacket preferred in the clubhouse, classic golf attire required on course.
Take your time with check-in and warm-up—there’s a state-of-the-art practice facility post-renovation.
Jacket standards may apply in the clubhouse—double-check before arriving to avoid surprises.
The modernized greens feature subtle breaks and firm surfaces—bring your A-game.
Private club valets streamline your arrival, but city traffic can add extra travel time.
Club founded as Los Angeles’ first Jewish country club
Clubhouse and original Willie Watson course completed
Hosted the Los Angeles Open, a PGA Tour event
Significant redesign by Robert Muir Graves
Major redesign and modernization by Kyle Phillips
Founded in 1920 by local leaders seeking their own elite enclave, Hillcrest emerged as Los Angeles' first country club established by and for the Jewish community, securing its enduring legacy of inclusivity and independence. The very act of its founding is a landmark chapter in LA social history.
The club has long been a magnet for show business heavyweights, with legends like Groucho Marx, Jack Benny, and Milton Berle counted among its most storied members. Their camaraderie and banter filled the locker rooms and greens with laughter and lore.
The 2019 Kyle Phillips renovation brought six new holes, a reimagined routing, and state-of-the-art conditioning, launching Hillcrest into a new era while honoring its historical roots. Members widely praise the blend of classic charm and contemporary strategy.
Founded as LA’s first Jewish country club, a landmark of inclusion.
Hosted the 1968 Los Angeles Open—placing it among a select group of LA-area courses with PGA Tour pedigree.
A favorite haunt for old Hollywood stars and legendary comedians.
Six entirely new holes appeared with the acclaimed 2019 Kyle Phillips renovation.
The club’s historic locker room is famed for celebrity banter and roasts.
One of the country’s most revered major venues, famed for strategic genius.
Elite modern design, historic US Open host, rarefied exclusivity.
Broadway charm, storied city history, scenic urban terrain.
Accessible, central, and classic muni outing close to Hillcrest.
Casual nine-hole track, quick play, and iconic Venice breeze.
West LA, Beverly Hills, or Century City for easy access to Hillcrest and the region’s best courses.
Courses with the most similar DNA profile — matched by deviation shape across all eight playing characteristics.
Why it matches: What links these two? Puts the same premium on presentation — a familiar feeling, expressed in Interlachen Country Club's own setting.
Why it matches: There is real overlap here. Barton Hills Country Club offers similarly polished playing surfaces, making it a compelling counterpart to Hillcrest Country Club.
Why it matches: Bidermann Country Club is a natural next stop after Hillcrest Country Club: it offers similarly polished playing surfaces.
Community Sentiment
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