Hillcrest Country Club

Tucked away in the Cheviot Hills of Los Angeles is Hillcrest Country Club. This isn’t just any country club. It’s a place steeped in history, laughter, and a touch of Hollywood glamour. Hillcrest Country Club was founded in 1920. It was a haven for the city’s Jewish community, a place where they could gather, socialize, and enjoy the camaraderie that was often denied to them elsewhere. Hillcrest Country Club quickly became the heart of Jewish social life in Southern California. The club boasts an 18-hole golf course, originally designed by Willie Watson and later renovated by Kyle Phillips. Beyond the greens, there are tennis courts, a sparkling Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a clubhouse that has witnessed countless celebrations and memorable moments. But Hillcrest Country Club is more than just amenities. It’s about the stories it holds. In the 1950s, oil was discovered on the club’s land. This unexpected windfall led to unique “B.O.” memberships, short for “before oil,” which became highly prized possessions, passed down through generations. Hillcrest has also hosted its share of sporting glory. The PGA Championship graced its greens in 1929, marking the first major tournament held in the western United States. The Los Angeles Open followed in 1932 and 1942, with victories by Macdonald Smith and Ben Hogan, respectively. Imagine the legendary figures who walked these fairways. Picture the iconic “Round Table” in the club’s grill, where Hollywood’s comedic elite held court. Jack Benny, George Burns, the Marx Brothers, and many more would gather for Friday lunches. They’d trade jokes, test new material, and share the camaraderie of their shared profession. It was a college of comedy, a breeding ground for laughter that echoed through the halls of Hillcrest. Even Groucho Marx, who famously quipped about not wanting to belong to any club that would have him, found a home at Hillcrest. He cherished his membership enough to bequeath it to his son. Hillcrest Country Club also broke barriers. When it opened its doors to non-Jewish members, the first chosen was Danny Thomas, a Lebanese Catholic. The club’s embrace extended to other notable figures like Frank Sinatra, Jack Lemmon, and Sidney Poitier. Hillcrest Country Club continues to thrive today, a testament to its enduring legacy. Doug Emhoff, the first Jewish spouse of a Vice President, is a member and enjoys the club’s golfing traditions. As you stand before Hillcrest Country Club, remember that you’re not just looking at a building. You’re looking at a piece of Los Angeles history, a place where laughter and camaraderie intertwined with the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age.