2024. Prices and selections may vary and are updated frequently.
You’ll find very few country clubs older than the Chevy Chase Club, as it has been providing members refuge and recreation since 1892. The club even features a 6-hole golf course in 1895, which was also the same year that the USGA was founded.
Obviously, the amenities have expanded since then. There’s now an 18-hoel golf course, along with a golf practice facility. Athletic members can also enjoy any of the 17 outdoor tennis courts, along with the 4 tennis courts indoors. There are 7 paddle tennis courts as well.
You have your choice among the 3 swimming pools, and there’s also an full-sized outdoor ice skating rink. Even kids can enjoy the 8 lanes of duckpin bowling, while the entire family can train in the fitness facility.
Those who want to relax can just enjoy the guest house with the 18 rooms, while they can take a stroll among the greenhouses and the nature trail. For those with an appetite, the choices include 3 clubhouse dining rooms, full banquet facilities, 2 seasonal sports canteens, and the Winter Center for casual dining.
With the conservative values of the club, it’s not surprising that there’s a strict dress code enforced. For private functions and special events, jackets for men are mandatory while women have to wear the equivalent dresses. Jeans aren’t even allowed, except for the Winter Center (including the patio) and the Bowling Green. You won’t be able to bare your midriff in the fitness center, either.
The guests here often include political luminaries. Among the more notable visitors include members of the Supreme Court such as Justices John Roberts and Brett Kavanaugh.
The membership costs aren’t actually publicized, but some reports peg the golfer initiation costs at around $80,000 with annual dues of $6,300. But more recent reports set the golfer initiation fee at $92,000 with annual dues of $9,000.
The membership process is rumored to be rather strict, with even some Senators not finding it easy. Part of the process supposedly requires 14 letters of recommendation. This is an insider’s club where you need lots of friends among the members, before you can even be considered to become one of them.