If you live in L.A. and want the best run Club in the State, LACC is the place to be. The North is a great course, the South is fun and can be difficult at times but does seem like a little brother to the big 'un.
If you want history and a test, Riviera. However, as it is owned by a corporation it is hardly one's own club.
Bel Air is fun, a lot of gambling, some very good holes, some not so hot, no driving range and a starter that takes money from its members in pushing them up the line for starting times. If I was the the Czar there, I'd fire him on the spot.
When writing about Wilshire, Jim Murray said, "Color it grey."
He meant it was a bunch of bankers and brokers from Downtown and about as exciiting as a Mormon revival meeting.
Lakeside of course is the most Irish of the place and a capacity for booze was a pre-requisite many years ago.
Sherwood is so far out of town that it is a non starter. Lots of TV and new movie people. One of the best locker rooms extant.
For some serious golf go east 14 miles and play San Gabriel.
For the best food anywhere, Hillcrest C.C.
For an examination for membership at Brentwood C.C. be prepared to go through a fiscal examination rather like an IRS Audit. If you are not making a serious charitable donation to the synagogue or Cedars of Sinai Hospital, forget about it.
Have I missed anything?
Bob