So you’re finally ready to take that long anticipated vacation. Your bags and golf clubs are all packed. Your roundtrip first class tickets are booked. All you have to do is find an exclusive golf club to spend a leisurely weekend doing what you love to do the most – play golf! Here’s a list of the most exclusive golf clubs you can play on in the United States. A word of caution – not everyone can get in!
1. Augusta National Golf Club
This is without a doubt the most sought after golf club in the world – with only 300 members including Bill Gates and Warren Buffet. It boasts of a stunning clubhouse, huge magnolia trees, and perfectly manicured greens. Augusta National hosts the Master’s tournament and has initiation fees ranging from $250K to $500K. It has 10 cabins that provide accommodation for members.
2. Baltusrol Golf Club
Founded in 1895, Baltusrol Golf Club, has a 36 hole, two championship courses, designed in 1922 by architect A.W. Tillinghast. Its clubhouse was the first one in the US to host a United States President (Pres. Taft) in 1912. Initiation fees start at $150K with dues amounting to $18,500.
3. Pine Valley Golf Club
Founded in 1913, the Pine Valley Golf Club boasts of a stunning location with pinelands and rolling hillsides. It has 1,000 members and you don’t apply for a membership – you get invited by the board of directors.
4. Oakmont Country Club
The Oakmont Country Club began in 1903 and is situated along the Allegheny River Valley. It is dotted with over 200 bunkers and is considered one of the most difficult in the country. Memberships are by invitation only with initiation fees starting at $75K.
5. Cypress Point Club
Cypress Point Club only has 250 members and it continues to be one of the most desirable golf clubs in the United States. It’s located on the Monterey Peninsula facing the Pacific Ocean.
6. Merion Golf Club
Established in 1896, the Merion Golf Club has hosted 18 USGA championships. The club has the most amazing locker rooms with 2-levels and impressive showers. Initiation fees start at $70K with $6K annual dues.
7. Winged Foot Golf Club
Membership to the Winged Foot Golf Club is strictly by invitation only. The club has two golf courses, a historic stone clubhouse built in 1929 and amazing shower rooms. Initiation fee starts at $200K with annual dues of around $15K.
8. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills has the oldest golf clubhouse in the U.S. which was launched in 1892 and recently underwent some restoration work. It has hosted the US Open numerous times. The only way you can play here is if a member accompanies you and you also need to book months in advance.
9. Aronimink Golf Club
Located in Newtown Square, Aronimink began in 1896 and was created by the Belmont Cricket Club. The course was designed by Donald Ross and continues to be rated one of the finest and most difficult golf courses in the United States. It has a little over 300 members and initiation fees start at $65K with $12,500 in annual dues.
10. Seminole Golf Club (Florida)
The 18-hole Seminole Golf Club was created in 1929 by an investment banker and the site is filled with natural sand dunes. The course was designed by Donald Ross and it features rolling greens that mimic the waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It only has 300 members and has been known to have turned down Jack Nicklaus. President John F. Kennedy, President Eisenhower and even royalty have played here. Mere mortals like us have no idea how much their initiation fees are, unfortunately.