LOS ANGELES COUNTRY CLUB, the venue for this month’s US Open, sits on some expensive real estate, a large chunk of Beverly Hills. Originally designed in 1921, the North course was given a face lift by Gil Hanse and the old girl is said to look as good as ever. She’s also just as snooty. No matter how much money or influence they had, the Hollywood crowd were not admitted to the Los Angeles Country Club, and still find it nearly impossible to get in. A bastion of bankers and corporate executives, LACC remains the most clannish golf club in Southern California.
Five top golf clubs were within a ten minute drive of Paramount and Warner Bros. studios. Bel Air Country Club, founded in 1927, boasted Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and Humphrey Bogart among it’s members. Howard Hughes once landed his plane on the 7th fairway because he was late for a game of golf with Katherine Hepburn, and Fred Astaire in the film Carefree danced a nifty golf number round the clubhouse. Regular players now include Kelsey Grammer and Tom Cruise (noted for $100 tips.)
Riviera Country Club is also a tough course and tough to get into ($250,000 initiation fee) Tiger Woods never won there and has scratched it off his list) It was always popular with the Hollywood set, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Bing and Bob would tee it up in foursomes. Then there is Sherwood Country Club, around which Douglas Fairbanks Snr’s Robin Hood was filmed in 1921 (hence the name.) Wilshire Country Club (founded 1921) and Lakeside (1924) complete the group. Spoilt for choice, Hollywood’s elite can afford to say “Hasta La Vista Baby” to the Los Angeles Country club.
LIV GOLF EVENTS are held over three days and 54 holes (that’s where the name comes from – LIV is 54 in Roman numerals), as opposed to the more traditional four days and 72 holes on the PGA Tour. The other big difference between the two tours is the shotgun start format of LIV Golf. This year players are competing for individual and team titles across 14 events of stroke play.
The LIV League’s next tournament is at Real Club Valderrama, Sotogrande (June 30th-July 2nd) giving golf enthusiasts a ‘fun-filled, three-day sports experience.’ Sergio Garcia will be happy (if he ever is) back on home soil chucking his clubs about and captaining his team Fireballs GC against Cameron Smith, Dustin Johnson et al in the latest money-spewing event of the season.
FINCA CORTESIN, rated Spain’s 2nd best golf course, is hosting this year’s Solheim Cup in September. Stacy Lewis, the US. Captain of the 2023 team, came over to check out the scenario. The two-time Major Champion stayed at the five-star Andalusian venue, where her team will take on Europe’s finest females.
The U.S. Captain is determined to try and return the trophy to the US. after the team’s two consecutive defeats in 2019 and 2021. The youngest American Captain in the history of the tournament praised Finca Cortesin, saying it was “A great match-play course with a lot of risk-reward holes, like the par 5’s. The Bermuda grass greens are the best I’ve ever played on in my life.”
The U.S. Captain toured Marbella and praised it’s attractions. “I’ve been to the beach and visited amazing bars and restaurants with fabulous food,” she said, “ I can understand why people come to Marbella for holidays.” She can’t have seen the bill.
IN THE 3rd ROUND of the 2016 Travelers Ernie Els made a hole in one at the 176 yd 16th. The Big Easy told his own and his playing partners’ caddies: “I’ll keep the bar tab open for six hours, after that you’re on your own.” After that, they were probably on life support.
SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER’s Masters Champion’s dinner included cheeseburger sliders, firecracker shrimps, warm Tortilla soup and crispy blue tortilla strips. Pity the players if they had a game next day.
Until next time: Happy Golfing.
Contact Mick for regripping and repairs. 638 859 475 or visit https://mickthegrip.blogspot.com
