Brentwood Country Club is a members-only private club located at 590 South Burlingame Avenue in Los Angeles's affluent Brentwood neighborhood, featuring a historic Max Behr-designed 18-hole championship golf course, 16 tennis courts, Olympic-sized pool, fitness facilities, and multiple dining venues with an estimated initiation fee of $180,000.
Keep reading to learn about the club's fascinating civil rights history, recent course renovation, complete amenities, membership categories, and what daily life looks like for members at this prestigious Westside institution.
From Santa Monica Country Club to Brentwood: A Historic Legacy
The property opened in 1916 as Santa Monica Country Club, with architect William Watson designing the original layout.
The first nine holes debuted with a tournament on March 25, 1916, followed by the second nine the next year, stretching approximately 6,000 yards.
Everything changed in 1925 when Max Behr arrived.
This Yale graduate and accomplished golfer brought a revolutionary design philosophy focused on creativity and strategic play.
He added 50 bunkers, relocated fairways, and rebuilt seven greens.
His approach allowed average golfers to enjoy their rounds while still testing expert players—a balance that defined the course's character.
The Great Depression hit hard.
What had been a thriving private club deteriorated into a failing public course by 1948.
That's when Edward Zuckerman led a group of largely Jewish investors to purchase and revive the property as Brentwood Country Club, offering an alternative to Hillcrest Country Club, which was then Southern California's only Jewish country club with full membership.
The club made civil rights history when it was originally set to host the 1962 PGA Championship—California's first since 1929.
After the PGA voted to keep its “caucasian only” clause in 1960, California Attorney General Stanley Mosk threatened to shut down the organization statewide.
The LA Junior Chamber of Commerce, contracted to host at Brentwood, withdrew rather than participate in segregation.
The tournament moved to Pennsylvania, and in 1961, the PGA finally removed the discriminatory clause, opening professional golf to Charlie Sifford, Lee Elder, and other African-American players.
Since reopening in 1948, the club has maintained its identity as a warm, welcoming community.
The Golf Course: Championship Design Meets Modern Sustainability
The 18-hole, par-72 championship layout bears Max H. Behr's original design DNA, later refined by John F. Harbottle, ASGCA.
Recent renovations stretched the course to 6,948 yards from 6,782, with a course rating of 72.9 and slope rating of 126.
You'll find 58 strategically-placed bunkers throughout and water hazards coming into play on one hole.
Course Character
This relatively flat parkland layout features tree-lined fairways and large greens with dynamic complexes that demand precision.
Firm conditions challenge your approach shots, while deep barrancas add visual drama and strategic complexity.
The design gives you width off the tee but defends with difficult green complexes that reward thoughtful play.
The Renovation
The recent refurbishment accomplished two goals: enhancing your experience and slashing water usage.
Four greens were completely rebuilt and shaped, while all others received adjustments to capture additional hole locations.
Green surrounds got rebuilt with reconfigured approach areas that returned to Behr's original strategy, making the course more receptive to run-up shots and ground game tactics.
Bunkers now reflect classic styling with strategic repositioning across the layout.
The environmental transformation removed non-native trees and shrubs, replacing them with native California Sycamores and Oaks highlighted by natural fescue character.
The canyon area—once a maintenance headache—became an aesthetically attractive natural feature.
Green surfaces converted from Poa to Bentgrass, and a well-planned tree removal program dramatically reduced water consumption while improving maintainability.
Members complete rounds in under 3.5 hours.
Practice facilities include a driving range, chipping and putting areas, and a pro shop.
Membership: Access, Investment, and Categories
You can't simply apply to Brentwood Country Club.
Membership requires invitation or sponsorship only—you need nomination by current members followed by approval from the board of directors.
The application goes through membership committee review before reaching the board for final approval.
The Member Community
The club maintains approximately 700 members with an average age of 61, though this number masks interesting demographic diversity.
A large number of young families have joined recently, while an unusually large contingent of active members over 90 keeps the club vibrant across generations.
Investment Requirements
Industry reports estimate the initiation fee at $180,000.
Annual dues aren't publicly disclosed, but industry estimates place them between $5,000 and $50,000 depending on your membership type.
As a member-owned non-profit, the club benefits from California's reduced property tax assessment for non-profit golf courses—the same tax advantage enjoyed by Bel Air and Wilshire Country Clubs.
Membership Categories
- Golf Memberships: Full privileges for ages 37 and older
- Young Adult Golf: Ages 31-36
- Junior Executive Golf: Under 31
- Social Memberships: Pool, recreation, fitness, and clubhouse amenities with limited golf access
For membership inquiries, contact the club directly at 590 South Burlingame Avenue or call (310) 451-8011.
Detailed requirements and fees are available to qualified prospective members with sponsorship.
Complete Amenities: Beyond the Fairways
Tennis and Aquatics
Sixteen tennis courts offer both hard and clay surfaces, with organized play, lessons, clinics, and tournaments for all skill levels.
The aquatics program centers around an Olympic-sized pool, plus a family pool and lap pool.
You'll find a poolside grill and bar, plus the WCSL Summer Swim Team program.
The club hosts 4th of July fireworks and holiday celebrations around the pool area.
Fitness and Wellness
The state-of-the-art fitness center features cardio and strength-training equipment alongside personal training services.
Fitness classes include yoga, Pilates, and boot camp options.
The spa provides massages, facials, and body treatments, complemented by a sauna and steam room.
The Historic Clubhouse
The original 1926 structure cost $200,000 to build—a two-story, 30,000-square-foot masterpiece of Southern California Spanish architecture with views overlooking the entire golf course.
While it's been enlarged, remodeled, and redecorated numerous times, it sits on the same footprint.
The beautifully remodeled space now includes a new Tavern serving hand-crafted specialty cocktails and wood-fired pizza from the club's own oven, plus a formal dining room, casual grill, and bar and lounge.
Events and Recreation
Multiple venues accommodate weddings, banquets, business meetings, and social gatherings.
The grand ballroom anchors the larger events, while smaller banquet rooms and outdoor spaces offer flexibility.
Dedicated event staff assists with planning, decor, entertainment, menu planning, and catering.
A narrow crushed-granite pedestrian path circles the property for over two miles, running from Burlingame Avenue westward along San Vicente Boulevard, through Gretna Green (where a Sunday farmer's market operates), and along Montana Avenue.
It's popular for running and stroller-walking.
Member Life: Dress Code, Guest Policies, and Daily Experience
Dress Code Standards
On the golf course and in the clubhouse, men wear collared shirts, slacks or Bermuda-length shorts or longer, and golf or athletic shoes.
Women wear golf or tennis attire including skirts, skorts, shorts, and tops with collars or sleeves.
You won't see denim, athletic shorts, cargo shorts, cut-off shorts, or t-shirts on the course or in the clubhouse.
The code has evolved to be more casual than comparable clubs, though.
Denim is now permitted in every dining area, reflecting the preferences of the club's younger demographic.
Guest Policies
You can bring guests, but they must comply with dress code and conduct policies.
You're responsible for their behavior and must accompany them throughout their visit.
The number of guests you can bring may be limited depending on club policies and availability.
The club maintains its identity as a welcoming community and “home away from home” for members—a culture that's defined the property since 1948.
Conclusion
Brentwood Country Club combines a historic Max Behr-designed championship course with comprehensive modern amenities and a welcoming community atmosphere that's remained constant since 1948.
The club offers everything from world-class golf and tennis to exceptional dining and wellness facilities, all within one of LA's most desirable locations.
For qualified prospects interested in membership, contact the club at (310) 451-8011 or visit 590 South Burlingame Avenue in Los Angeles.
