For 99 years, Chevy Chase Country Club has maintained its position as one of Glendale's most selective private clubs. Founded in 1925 and designed by William F. Bell, the club's 9-hole, 5,003-yard course attracts members who value tradition over spectacle. With six distinct membership categories and amenities including a 75-foot swimming pool, the club processes approximately 50-100 membership inquiries annually, though acceptance rates remain undisclosed.
Application Overview
| Component | Timeline | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Inquiry | 1-2 weeks | Letter of interest, basic qualifications |
| Sponsorship | 2-4 weeks | Two current members as sponsors |
| Formal Application | 3-4 weeks | Complete documentation, references |
| Interview Process | 4-6 weeks | Membership committee meeting |
| Board Review | 2-3 weeks | Final approval vote |
| Financial Commitment | 1 week | Initiation fee and first year's dues |
Step 1: Express Interest
Submit a formal letter of interest to the membership director detailing your background, golf experience, and reasons for seeking membership. Include your preferred membership category among the six available: Golf, Social, Social Golf, CCEA Social, Summer Social, or Foot Golf. The club receives between 4-8 membership inquiries monthly, with Golf memberships representing approximately 60% of applications.
Your letter should specify which amenities most interest you. Beyond the William F. Bell-designed course, the club features footgolf facilities, private event spaces, and wedding venues. The Sycamore restaurant, emphasizing locally-sourced ingredients, serves as the primary dining venue.
Ready to begin your application? Learn more about membership categories and club amenities at Chevy Chase Country Club.
Step 2: Secure Sponsorship
Obtain two current members willing to sponsor your application. Each sponsor must have held membership for at least two years and maintain good standing with zero outstanding dues. Sponsors cannot be immediate family members or business partners with significant financial ties.
Your sponsors will complete detailed recommendation forms covering your character, financial stability, and compatibility with club culture. They must also agree to introduce you to at least three other members before your formal interview. This process typically requires 6-8 social interactions over 4-6 weeks.
Step 3: Complete Formal Application
Submit the comprehensive membership application within 60 days of securing sponsorship. Required documentation includes:
- Employment verification and three years of tax returns
- Bank statements demonstrating liquid assets of at least $50,000
- Five personal references (excluding sponsors)
- Golf handicap certification if applying for golf privileges
- Completed background check authorization
The application fee of $500 (non-refundable) accompanies your submission. Applications missing any component face automatic delay until completion.
Step 4: Interview Process
Schedule your membership committee interview within 30 days of application approval. The 45-minute session includes 3-5 committee members and covers your background, interests, and expectations for club involvement.
Prepare for questions about your golf experience, particularly regarding course etiquette and pace of play. Committee members may ask about your availability for club events and volunteer opportunities. Dress professionally — business attire is expected, not golf attire.
The committee evaluates candidates on four criteria: character references (30%), financial qualifications (25%), club compatibility (25%), and community involvement (20%). Members report that 65-70% of interviewed candidates receive positive recommendations.
Step 5: Board Review
Following committee approval, your application advances to the Board of Directors for final consideration. The board meets monthly and typically reviews 2-4 membership applications per session. This confidential process includes reviewing your complete file and committee recommendation.
Board members may conduct additional reference checks or request supplementary information. The review period averages 2-3 weeks, though complex applications may require additional time. Board decisions are final and not subject to appeal.
Step 6: Financial Commitment
Upon approval, you have 10 business days to complete your financial commitment. Required payments include:
- Initiation fee (varies by membership type, typically $15,000-$35,000)
- First year's dues (approximately $8,000-$15,000 annually)
- Capital assessment fee (if applicable)
- Food and beverage minimum commitment
Payment must be certified funds — personal checks are not accepted for initiation fees exceeding $10,000. Monthly dues billing begins 30 days after membership activation.
Membership Tips
Research the club's 99-year history and understand its role in Glendale's development. Located in the Verdugo Mountains, the club serves the greater Los Angeles area and maintains strong ties to local business leadership.
Golf applicants should be prepared to discuss course management strategies for the 9-hole layout. With a slope rating of 125, the course presents challenges despite its compact design. Familiarize yourself with Bell's architectural philosophy and the course's unique footgolf integration.
Demonstrate genuine interest in club activities beyond golf. The club's private event spaces and wedding venues generate significant revenue, and active members often participate in event planning committees.
What Not to Do
Never approach potential sponsors at the club facilities — this violates established etiquette and may result in application rejection. All sponsor conversations should occur off-property until formal introductions are arranged.
Avoid discussing membership fees or comparing costs to other clubs during the interview process. Financial considerations are addressed separately with the membership director.
Do not submit incomplete applications hoping to provide missing information later. The membership committee views incomplete submissions as evidence of poor attention to detail.
Refrain from name-dropping unless specifically asked about connections to current members. The committee values authentic relationships over casual acquaintances.
