Private

Bel Air Course

Bel Air Country Club

Los Angeles, CA, USA
MatthewJJacobson
dm4squared
George Thomas
arossexperience
@rhenningjr
+75
18 holesPar 706,482 yds74.7/134

About this course

Bel Air Country Club's rolling hills whisper of Old Hollywood glamour, where the echoes of studio deals and clandestine rendezvous mingle with the satisfying thwack of persimmon on gutta-percha long since passed. Nestled within the eponymous enclave, the parkland-style layout, while not possessing the rugged drama of seaside links or desert landscapes, provides an engaging strategic test. Its generous fairways initially appear forgiving, but subtle undulations and strategically placed bunkers punish errant approaches, rewarding thoughtful course management. Designed by George Thomas, Jr., in the Golden Age of course architecture, Bel Air has seen careful touch-ups over the decades, most notably from Tom Fazio, ensuring its relevance in the modern game. While not a frequent host of major professional championships, the club has held several prestigious amateur events, cementing its place in the Southern California golf landscape. Membership at Bel Air is highly coveted, drawing from the entertainment industry's elite and the city's business titans, fostering an environment of quiet exclusivity. The club is rumored to have several quirky rules, including restrictions on cell phone use and attire, preserving its genteel atmosphere and storied past. The members often speak fondly about how the course forces them to play target golf off the tees, as many of them have lost significant yardage over their careers.

Rankings

Ranked by CV ratings from golfers who've played this course. Positions are shown worldwide, by country, and by state; the Private column compares member-only and guest-restricted courses.

186

Best in World

132

Best in USA

16

Best in CA

Quick facts

Location
Los Angeles, CA, USA
Access
Private
Year built
1926
Holes
18
Par
70
Length
6,482 yards
Difficulty
74.7/134
Course Vaults score
8.9

Getting there

Los Angeles International Airport serves as the primary gateway, though the private terminals at Van Nuys and Burbank offer a more discreet arrival for those who prefer it. From LAX, the drive north through West Los Angeles and into the foothills above Bel Air takes roughly forty minutes, depending on the city's famously unpredictable traffic. The route climbs steadily from the coastal plain into the exclusive enclaves tucked against the Santa Monica Mountains, where manicured gates and towering hedges signal arrival in one of Southern California's most rarefied neighborhoods - and at Bel Air Country Club, a storied sanctuary that has quietly hosted Hollywood royalty and captains of industry since 1927.

FAQ

Common questions about Bel Air

Ratings, design, and course details pulled from Course Vaults.

Bel Air has a Course Vaults score of 8.9 out of 10 based on 80 logged golfers.

Bel Air was designed by George C. Thomas, William Park Bell Sr., Jack Neville, and Tom Doak.

Bel Air is listed as private on Course Vaults; guest access is typically restricted.

Par at Bel Air is 70.

Bel Air plays 6,482 yards from the back tees on Course Vaults.

The slope rating at Bel Air is 134.

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