Club History
WHCC opened at the height of the "golden age" of golf course architecture in 1925 and was designed by renowned architect William "Billy" Bell, Sr. We are proud to have hosted qualifying rounds for the USGA sanctioned Junior, Mid-Amateur and Senior Amateur tournaments on our extremely challenging golf course.
IN THE TREES ALONG THE FAIRWAYS AT WOODLAND HILLS COUNTRY CLUB there must live a golfer's phoenix. It has emerged from two fires, placing its immortal wing around the players who have discovered this gem of a course. Memberships in the equity-owned club tend to go back two and three generations. What is it about the Valley's second-oldest golf course hidden in the hills off Dumetz and Canoga avenues that golf aficionados can't seem to get enough of? "Its rich history, the challenging course, a magnificent view, five-star service" answers Betty Ann Bowler, the current club historian and a 40-year member, "and the people," she concludes. "It's the people who make this club." The one who actually did make it was the Victor Girard.
In 1950, Broderick Crawford celebrated his Best Actor Oscar with a party at WHCC the night he won. During the 1960s, professional athletes Don Drysdale, Sandy Koufax, and Bob Waterfield often hit the links during off-season.
In 1966, Ronald Reagan unofficially announced his candidacy for governor at a special United Chamber of Commerce dinner held at the club. Former Los Angeles Mayor Sam Yorty often landed his helicopter on the 18th fairway to attend club functions.
Los Angeles City golf champions Tim Hoggarth, Craig Steinberg and Mike Turner became members as well as club champs of the demanding course. "The young amateurs say there isn't a shot on this golf course you don't learn to make," shared Betty Bowler (40-year member). "If you can play Woodland Hills Country Club you can play anywhere.
In early 2012, the club undertook a renovation project to restore its bunkers to their 1925 character, consistent with the Billy Bell, Sr., design. Overseen by well-known architect Geoff Shackelford, design partner with Hanse Golf Design, the aesthetics and playability of WHCC's new bunkering is a tremendous enhancement for this historic golf course.