Sherwood Country Club

History of Sherwood Country Club

When walking into Sherwood Country Club’s Georgian-style clubhouse, or walking out onto its beautiful terraces sounded by the Santa Monica Mountains, you’ll feel a sense of timeless awe. 

The venue boasts a rich and layered history. Hundreds of years ago the land was home to the Chumash Indians, who thrived amongst the land’s hills and valleys. But in the 1500’s the Spanish conquistadors decimated the native population, and over the next few hundred years the land transformed into ranches, orchards and farmland. Chumash artifacts can be found on display in the main clubhouse, paying tribute to the origin of this land and the Chumash, a tribe known for their deep connection to the natural environment of coastal California. 

In the last hundred years, the area became defined by its role in Hollywood. In 1921, the lake, which at the time was known as Potrero Lake, and its surrounding area was used as a filming location for the movie "Robin Hood". This event was so influential that the area was subsequently renamed to Lake Sherwood, in honor of the legendary Sherwood Forest.

The Sherwood Country Club was founded in 1989 by David Murdock, a billionaire businessman and owner of Dole Food Company. The property, spanning 1,000 acres, features a world-class golf course designed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus. After opening in 1989, the golf course quickly gained acclaim as one of the top golf and country clubs in the United States. It’s a venue with a uniquely layered past; from its Chumash heritage, to Hollywood filmmaking. Today, it’s not just a golf club but a notable Los Angeles wedding venue that emphasizes the surrounding natural beauty of the area.