Virginia at Virginia Country Club

Virginia Country Club, a cornerstone of Long Beach golf history, whispers tales of Hollywood’s golden age and the echoes of Bing Crosby's laughter from its gently rolling hills. Designed in the early 1920s, the course embodies the spirit of classic parkland design, marked by mature eucalyptus and sycamore trees lining fairways that subtly reward strategic play over raw power. Errant shots, however, find immediate trouble, often snared by the course's tightly guarded, and deceptively fast, poa annua greens.

Original architect William Herbert Fowler imbued Virginia with a timeless elegance, a quality carefully preserved through thoughtful renovations over the years. While not a regular host of major championships, Virginia has been a proving ground for generations of Southern California amateurs. It remains a revered test that favors shot-shaping and thoughtful course management over brute force.

Beyond the course, Virginia maintains a uniquely relaxed, almost nonchalant atmosphere, despite its pedigree. The club is known for its unpretentious membership. It has a reputation for fostering camaraderie over competition. It's a place where the traditions of the game are celebrated without a hint of stuffiness – a true reflection of the easygoing Southern California lifestyle.

The legendary Virginia Country Club is where golf transcends mere sport, becoming an inextricable part of the community's identity and social fabric. And while you won't find a signature dish, per se, the post-round conversations on the clubhouse veranda, fueled by refreshing cocktails, are as integral to the Virginia experience as the golf itself.