If you are a golf lover and have a lot of money to spare, you might be interested in playing at some of the most exclusive and expensive golf courses in the world. These courses are not only challenging and beautiful, but also offer a chance to mingle with some of the richest and most famous people on the planet. However, getting a membership or even a tee time at these courses is not easy, as they are often invite-only, have long waiting lists, and charge hefty fees. In this article, we will take a look at some of the most elite golf courses in America, where they are located, how much they cost, what features they have, and who plays there.
Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club is arguably the most prestigious golf course in the world, as it hosts the Masters Tournament every year. The course is located in Augusta, Georgia, and was founded in 1933 by Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts. The course is known for its immaculate condition, its signature azaleas and magnolias, and its challenging holes such as Amen Corner and the par-3 12th. The course has 18 holes and plays at 7,475 yards from the back tees.
The membership at Augusta National is strictly by invitation only, and the club does not disclose its list of members or fees. However, it is estimated that there are about 300 members, who pay an initiation fee of $40,000 to $500,000, and annual dues of $10,000 to $20,000. Some of the notable members include Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Condoleezza Rice, Jack Nicklaus, and Tiger Woods.
Pine Valley Golf Club
Pine Valley Golf Club is widely regarded as one of the best and toughest golf courses in America and the world. The course is located in Pine Valley, New Jersey, and was designed by George Crump and Harry Colt in 1918. The course is set in a pine forest and features narrow fairways, deep bunkers, thick rough, and small greens. The course has 18 holes and plays at 7,057 yards from the back tees.
The membership at Pine Valley is also by invitation only, and the club is very secretive about its affairs. It is estimated that there are about 1,000 members, who pay an initiation fee of $300,000 to $400,000. The club also has a strict men-only policy for most of the year, except for one day when female guests are allowed to play. Some of the famous members include George H.W. Bush, Tom Brady, Michael Jordan, and Jon Bon Jovi.
Cypress Point Club
Cypress Point Club is another one of the most exclusive and scenic golf courses in the world. The course is located in Pebble Beach, California, and was designed by Alister MacKenzie in 1928. The course is situated along the Pacific Ocean and features stunning views of the coastline, the Monterey Peninsula, and the famous Lone Cypress tree. The course also has some of the most iconic holes in golf history, such as the par-3 16th that requires a 230-yard carry over the ocean. The course has 18 holes and plays at 6,524 yards from the back tees.
The membership at Cypress Point is also by invitation only, and the club does not reveal any information about its members or fees. However, it is rumored that there are about 250 members, who pay an initiation fee of $100,000 to $200,000. Some of the celebrities who have played there include Clint Eastwood, Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, and Justin Timberlake.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of the oldest and most historic golf courses in America. The course is located in Southampton, New York and was founded in 1891 by William K. Vanderbilt and other wealthy New Yorkers. The course was designed by Willie Davis and later redesigned by William Flynn in 1931. The course is known for its links-style layout that features rolling fairways windy conditions and undulating greens The course has hosted five U.S. Opens and will host another one in 2026 The course has 18 holes and plays at 7 445 yards from the back tees
The membership at Shinnecock Hills is also by invitation only and the club does not disclose its fees or members However it is estimated that there are about 300 members who pay an initiation fee of $150 000 to $200 000. Some of the notable members include Michael Bloomberg, Jimmy Fallon, Kelly Ripa and Phil Mickelson
The Vintage Club
The Vintage Club is one of the most luxurious and exclusive golf clubs in the world and one of the most expensive golf courses in America and for a reason. The club is located in Indian Wells, California, and was founded in 1979 by a group of wealthy investors. The club features two 18-hole courses designed by Tom Fazio, the Mountain Course and the Desert Course, that offer stunning views of the Santa Rosa Mountains and the Coachella Valley. The club also has a 85,000-square-foot clubhouse, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis complex, and several dining options.
The membership at The Vintage Club is also by invitation only, and the club charges an initiation fee of $250,000 and annual dues of $32,000. The club also requires its members to own a property within the club’s gated community, which can range from $1 million to $20 million. Some of the famous members include billionaires Bill Gates, Charles Schwab, Dennis Washington, and Neil Diamond.
Check out our articles on the most exclusive golf courses in Australia as well as the most exclusive golf courses in Europe where the rich play.
These are just some of the most exclusive and expensive golf courses in America, where you can play golf with some of the richest and most famous people in the world. However, unless you have a lot of money and connections, you might have to settle for watching them on TV or playing them on video games.
Most Expensive Public Golf Courses In America
America is home to some of the world’s most prestigious and expensive public golf courses, attracting golf enthusiasts from all around the globe. These remarkable courses not only boast exceptional designs and spectacular natural scenery, but they also serve as the ultimate playgrounds for golfers in search of challenging, unforgettable experiences.
Pebble Beach Golf Links is often considered the epitome of luxury in the world of golf. Situated in California with stunning ocean views, this iconic course has played host to numerous PGA Tour events and is consistently ranked as one of the best public golf courses in America. The green fee at Pebble Beach is reflective of its status, often exceeding $500 per round.
Another remarkable course, TPC Sawgrass in Florida, is home to the famous Stadium Course, known for its treacherous and visually intimidating island green at the 17th hole. As a popular PGA Tour venue, TPC Sawgrass commands a green fee north of $400, making it one of the most expensive public golf courses in the country.
In Wisconsin, you’ll find Whistling Straits, a world-class golf destination designed by the legendary Pete Dye. With breathtaking views of Lake Michigan and four incredible courses, including the internationally acclaimed Straits Course, green fees at this premier facility range from $250 to over $400.
Moving further south, Kiawah Island in South Carolina impresses golfers with its picturesque Ocean Course, designed by the esteemed Pete Dye. Famous for its captivating views of the Atlantic Ocean and the role it played in hosting the PGA Championship, a round at the Ocean Course comes with a green fee of approximately $400.
North Carolina’s Pinehurst Resort also deserves mention, with its renowned No. 2 Course, a vintage Donald Ross design that has hosted numerous major championships. Golfers at Pinehurst can expect to pay around $400 in green fees to experience this piece of golf history.
Finally, the exclusive Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, designed by Tom Fazio, delivers an opulent golf experience, complete with lush landscapes, sparkling water features, and a forecaddie for each group. With green fees around $500, Shadow Creek stands as a monument to golf luxury in America.
These are just a few examples of the most expensive public golf courses in the United States, each offering a truly unique and memorable golfing experience. From the pristine fairways of Pebble Beach to the challenging greens of TPC Sawgrass, America’s finest golf courses are worth exploring for those who appreciate the beauty, tradition, and excitement of the sport.
