2024. Prices and selections may vary and are updated frequently.
Dubbed as the “Classiest Club in Houston”, the River Oaks Country Club is known for its gorgeous views as well as the philanthropic efforts of its members. It’s been famous since its founding in 1923, when the club house was built just south of a golf course designed by Donald Ross.
Its long history has unfortunately been marked by its notorious “whites only” membership, but that changed in 1997 with the acceptance of a black attorney in 1997. Though race is no longer an explicit hurdle to overcome, nonetheless the membership is extremely exclusive.
An applicant for membership will still be judged according to their wealth and status, as it has always been for its 1,000 members. Membership costs have not been made public, but the initiation cost is reputedly around $100,000 with monthly dues of at least $1,000. Of course, the applicant has to be sponsored by a current member.
Despite the stringent standards and high costs, there’s a long waiting list for membership. It’s not unusual to wait for at least 5 years before your membership application is finally approved (if it is even approved in the first place).
But then again, plenty of people consider a River Oaks membership worth the effort and expense. Besides the networking possibilities, you get 183 acres of gorgeous surroundings, with plenty of recreational and social amenities.
There’s the 18-hole golf course, with the slope rating of 141. Slope numbers range from 55 to 155 (the most difficult), and the average slope rating is about 120. That makes the golf course here more of a challenge, especially for your typical bogey player. But River Oaks does have a golf teaching center, and that certainly helps.
River Oaks also has 16 tennis courts, which isn’t surprising given the club’s long history with tennis. It has hosted the River Oaks International Tennis Tournament since 1931, and this is the oldest US tournament that’s still being played in its original site and stadium.
Other amenities include a complete aquatics program, a high-tech fitness center, and an elegant clubhouse with various banquet and dining facilities. One ballroom can even accommodate 500 guests, making it perfect for weddings and other grand celebrations.