The U.S. Open golf tournament began on Thursday amidst discussions of a potential merger between the PGA Tour and LIV Golf, owned by Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund. However, another significant aspect of this year’s U.S. Open is the extravagant location where it is taking place—the most expensive privately owned undeveloped land in the United States. The Los Angeles Country Club, situated on 313 acres in a wealthy residential neighborhood, has a rich history of exclusivity. Founded in 1897, the club initially allowed only Christian white male members and started diversifying in the late 1970s. Despite its prime location, it’s surprising that the club still exists given the expected property taxes. The valuation of the land suggests other potential uses could yield greater financial benefits. Despite these financial challenges, the club surprisingly continues to thrive. It manages to sustain itself through the imposition of exorbitant initiation fees and annual dues. However, the article also highlights the existence of Proposition 6, a measure aimed at preserving golf courses as green spaces and open areas in the face of ongoing urban development.
Given the amount of property taxes you would anticipate the L.A. Given its proximity to Beverly Hills, it doesn’t make financial sense for the Country Club to continue operating. Property tax appraisals consider “highest and best use” for maximum financial benefit based on size and location. A golf course isn’t the optimal use for the valuable 313-acre land in Beverly Hills and Holmby Hills, where homes sell for millions of dollars. Even with high membership fees, a golf club doesn’t justify it; Diario AS reports fees ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 with annual dues of $20,000 to $30,000.
The L.A. Country Club only allowed white Christian men to join from the beginning. In 1911, that wasn’t all that rare. The first African American was admitted in 1991, and the first two Jews in 1977.
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