Designed 50 years ago by renowned golf course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course renovation has undergone a modern redesign by his son, legendary course designer Rees Jones
Culminating an ambitious three-year, $10 million renovation to modernize and increase the environmental sustainability and all-level playability of its championship golf course, El Caballero Country Club celebrated its long-awaited relaunch officially on November 17, 2021.
Recognized by L.A. Magazine as “the finest [golf] course in the Valley,” the 64-year-old local landmark has long been known as a pioneer. El Caballero originally set a new national standard as a non-discriminatory country club upon its opening in 1957. Founder Bernie Shapiro declared that “No person shall be denied the privilege of the club, or employment by it, because of their race, color, creed, gender or religious belief.” Instead, it evaluated potential members based on their reputation, community service and philanthropy.
El Caballero’s par-71 golf course – whose long history includes hosting a USGA championship, numerous U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, LPGA events and charity tournaments – has undergone a comprehensive upgrade over the last three years. The course has been lengthened to approximately 7,019 yards, with all turfgrass being replaced with hybrid Bermuda, a drought and disease-tolerant blend. Along with native landscaping, the new course design will save more than 35 million gallons of water per year, using 30% less than in the past. Originally designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr., the course itself has been redesigned by his son, celebrated architect Rees Jones (Golf World Magazine’s “Golf Architect of the Year”) with strategic tree removal, improved designs on all putting greens, better positioned bunkers and other elements, to make it more challenging for the better player and more rewarding for the average player.
Its golf practice facility is constantly innovating as well, incorporating tech-driven diagnostic tools like Toptracer and Flightscope to benefit players of all levels, guided by a team of PGA-certified golf professionals. The spirit of its $10 million renovation touches all other aspects of the club, from upgraded tennis and newly built pickleball courts to fine-tuned dining program.
“The course’s modern redesign will give players a state-of-an-art experience, providing them with the tools they need to improve their skill level,” said PGA Head Golf Professional Tasha Bohlig.
Located in Tarzana in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, El Caballero offers a welcoming second home and ambient sense of community. Many families have belonged to El Cab for generations, and its diverse membership continues to reflect its founding mandate in the modern era of diversity, equity and inclusion.
“We are excited to relaunch El Caballero and position our championship golf course for the future, especially in light of recurring drought conditions in California and the need to be a responsible environmental leader in the golf community,” said General Manager and COO Phil Lopez. “Now more than ever, we all need a sense of community and shared experiences to sustain us during these challenging times. We know our members feel that at El Cab.”
For more information about El Caballero Country Club, please visit ElCaballeroCC.com. Additional images can be found here.