Hillcrest Country Club

Overview: Hillcrest Country Club is a private parkland course located near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles, California. Willie Watson designed the original layout, which features rolling terrain, mature trees, and small greens that require precise iron play. Kyle Phillips renovated the course in 2019, modernizing the layout with wider fairways and redesigned bunkering that enhances the strategic options for players. The updated design challenges modern players while maintaining the historical character of the property.

History: Opened in 1920, the club was founded by Jewish community leaders who were excluded from other local country clubs at the time. It has hosted several major events, including the 1929 PGA Championship won by Leo Diegel. The 2019 renovation by Phillips refreshed the course, restoring the natural drainage channels and classic styling.

Did You Know? Hillcrest has long been a cultural hub for the entertainment industry, counting stars like Groucho Marx, Milton Berle, and George Burns among its regular players. Burns loved the club so much that he played golf there almost every day well into his nineties. The club became known for its roundtable discussions where comedians shared jokes and stories over lunch.