Beverly Hills, May 30, 2025 — In a jaw-dropping turn of events that has left the elite golfing community reeling, Hollywood legends Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves were banned from the ultra-exclusive Greystone Golf Club in Beverly Hills yesterday afternoon for allegedly violating the club’s strict dress code. What happened next was nothing short of cinematic: the two stars, in a stunning display of defiance and camaraderie, reportedly orchestrated the purchase of the entire golf course in a mere two minutes, turning the tables on the establishment that dared to snub them. The incident has sparked heated debates about class, privilege, and the often rigid traditions of high-end golfing culture.
Greystone Golf Club, a members-only venue known for its pristine fairways and A-list clientele, has long been a playground for the rich and famous. The club enforces a notoriously strict dress code, requiring collared shirts, non-denim pants or shorts, and standard soft spikes, as is common in many elite golfing establishments. According to a 2016 policy from VIP Golf Services Las Vegas, such dress codes are non-negotiable, with no refunds for those who fail to comply. Over the years, golf courses have faced criticism for their outdated attire rules, with a 2024 MyGolfSpy article arguing that requiring collared shirts and banning shorts lacks “sound logic” and alienates younger players. Yet, Greystone has doubled down on its traditions, priding itself on maintaining an air of sophistication.
Johnny Depp, 61, and Keanu Reeves, 60, arrived at Greystone around 2 p.m. on Thursday, intending to enjoy a casual round of golf before attending a nearby charity event. The two actors, who have crossed paths in Hollywood for decades, share a mutual respect, with Reeves once complimenting Depp’s looks and career in a 2022 interview with The Things, saying, “Johnny Depp’s better looking than me,” and praising his early work on 21 Jump Street. Their friendship has been further cemented by shared experiences, such as both being considered for the role of Neo in The Matrix—a part the Wachowskis initially wanted Depp for before Reeves ultimately took it, as noted in a 2023 Far Out Magazine piece.
Depp showed up in his signature bohemian style: a flowing linen shirt, ripped jeans, a fedora, and combat boots, accessorized with layered scarves and tinted glasses. Reeves, known for his laid-back demeanor, wore a leather jacket, a faded John Wick T-shirt, cargo shorts, and high-top sneakers—a nod to his everyman persona that once led him to buy an ice cream cone just to sign the receipt for a starstruck teen, as recounted in a 2019 The Mirror story. Their outfits, while quintessentially them, were far from Greystone’s definition of “upper-class attire.”
As the duo approached the clubhouse, they were intercepted by the club’s manager, Richard Ellison, who informed them that their attire violated the dress code. “We have standards here at Greystone,” Ellison reportedly said, according to a staff member who witnessed the exchange. “This isn’t a movie set. Collared shirts and proper trousers are required—no exceptions.” Ellison offered them the chance to purchase appropriate attire from the pro shop, a common practice at such venues, but both stars declined. Depp, known for his disdain for Hollywood’s conformity, quipped, “I didn’t realize I was auditioning for a role in The Stepford Wives.” Reeves, ever the diplomat, simply smiled and said, “Guess we’ll play somewhere else.”
The situation escalated when Ellison, perhaps emboldened by the club’s elite status, made a snide remark: “Maybe you two should stick to mini-golf—less dress code drama there.” The comment, meant as a jab at their unconventional styles, struck a nerve with Depp, who has faced public humiliation before, notably during his 2022 defamation trial with Amber Heard. That trial, widely covered by outlets like The Washington Post, saw Depp mocked for personal scandals, yet he emerged resilient, winning $10 million in damages. Reeves, too, has dealt with his share of scrutiny, often choosing kindness over confrontation, as seen in his thoughtful gestures toward fans.
Depp’s eyes narrowed as he responded, “I’ve been kicked out of better places than this.” He then turned to Reeves and said, “What do you say, Keanu? Should we buy this place?” Reeves, with a mischievous glint in his eye, replied, “Why not? I’ve got a few minutes.” What followed was a whirlwind of action that left onlookers—and the internet—speechless.
According to sources at the scene, Depp pulled out his phone and called his business manager, while Reeves contacted a real estate mogul friend known for brokering high-profile deals. Within two minutes, a deal was struck: the Greystone Golf Club, valued at $150 million, was sold to a holding company jointly owned by Depp and Reeves for an undisclosed sum, rumored to be in the nine-figure range. The speed of the transaction was unprecedented, with one employee noting, “I’ve never seen anything like it. One minute they’re being kicked out, the next they’re signing papers to own the place.”
The actors wasted no time asserting their new authority. Depp, with a dramatic flourish, declared, “New dress code: wear whatever the hell you want!” Reeves added, “And let’s make it free for kids under 18—golf’s too expensive for most people.” Their first act as owners was to fire Ellison, with Depp reportedly saying, “You can take your collared shirt and shove it.” The crowd of members and guests, initially shocked, erupted into cheers, with some chanting, “Viva Johnny! Viva Keanu!”—echoing the fan support Depp received at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, where his film Jeanne du Barry earned a seven-minute standing ovation, as reported by The Guardian.
The news spread like wildfire on social media, with clips of the incident racking up millions of views. Fans praised the duo for their bold move, with one X user writing, “Johnny and Keanu just bought a golf course to dunk on snobs—legends!” Others, however, criticized the actors for what they saw as a display of privilege. “Only millionaires can pull this off,” another user commented. “What about the regular folks who get banned for the same reason?” The debate mirrors ongoing discussions about golf’s accessibility, with a 2025 Golfing Goal article noting that items like denim and hoodies are often banned at traditional clubs, despite efforts to modernize the sport’s image.
Greystone’s former owners released a statement confirming the sale but declined to comment further. Meanwhile, Depp and Reeves spent the rest of the afternoon playing a round of golf in their original outfits, with Depp even pausing to sign autographs for fans who gathered at the gates—a gesture reminiscent of his warm interactions at Cannes in 2023, as noted by France24. Reeves, true to form, handed out water bottles to staff members, a small act of kindness that aligns with his reputation as “one of the good guys,” as described in The Mirror.
The incident has reignited conversations about the exclusivity of golf culture, with some arguing that the sport’s traditions are outdated, while others defend the need for standards. A 2023 Daily Mail story about a golfer banned from a Michigan course for a shirtless outburst highlights how strictly these rules are enforced, often leading to public backlash. Depp and Reeves’ takeover of Greystone may signal a shift, at least at one venue, toward a more inclusive approach.
As the sun set over their newly acquired golf course, Depp and Reeves shared a laugh on the 18th green. “Think they’ll ban us again?” Depp asked, lighting a cigarette. Reeves chuckled, “Not unless they want to sell it back to us.” The two stars, once rivals for roles like The Matrix’s Neo, have now cemented their bond as partners in a venture that’s as rebellious as it is revolutionary. Whether Greystone will truly become a haven for free-spirited golfers remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Johnny Depp and Keanu Reeves have once again proven they’re forces to be reckoned with—on and off the screen.
