Los Angeles hides some of the most exclusive golf in the world behind quiet gates — clubs where George Thomas's Golden-Age architecture, canyon settings, and Hollywood-and-CEO membership rolls make a tee time one of the hardest to come by in the country.
From the tournament stage of Riviera to the canyon puzzle of Bel-Air and the U.S. Open pedigree of LACC, here are the private clubs that define the top of the LA golf pyramid.
Most of these clubs are invitation-only or require member sponsorship, but several open the door for charity events and reciprocal play — often the only way in for the rest of us.