30 Most Expensive Golf Club Memberships In The World
With golf enjoying a renaissance in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, the biggest beneficiaries are high-class golf clubs who have been able to increase their initiation fees exponentially in recent years.
In a world where luxury and leisure intertwine, the allure of exclusive golf clubs has never been stronger. With initiation fees reaching staggering heights, we’ve compiled a list of the 30 most expensive golf club memberships worldwide.
Through extensive research and analysis of renowned publications such as Forbes, Golf Circuit, and Country Club Magazine, we present a ranking based on the one-time initiation costs, showcasing the epitome of opulence in the golfing realm.
Follow along as we count them down from 30 to 1.
30. Old Head Golf Links
Old Head Golf Links, a renowned golf club in Ireland, ranks among the 30 most expensive golf club memberships worldwide. With a membership initiation cost of $30,000, the club offers exclusive access to its prestigious facilities and amenities. As one of the top golf destinations, Old Head Golf Links attracts golf enthusiasts from around the globe, providing them with an unparalleled golfing experience amidst breathtaking scenery and luxurious surroundings.
29. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club
The Royal Melbourne Golf Club, an exclusive club located in Black Rock, Victoria, Australia, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the country. With a membership initiation cost of $40,000, it secures its place among the most expensive golf club memberships worldwide.
The club’s rich history, combined with its impeccable course conditions and top-notch amenities, makes it a sought-after destination for golf aficionados.
28. Pinehurst No. 2
Pinehurst No. 2, a championship golf course located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, ranks 28th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
With a membership initiation cost of $45,000, the club offers access to its world-renowned course, which has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments. The club’s rich history, coupled with its impeccable course conditions and top-notch amenities, makes it a must-visit destination for golf enthusiasts.
27. Merion Golf Club
Merion Golf Club, an exclusive golf club located in Haverford, Pennsylvania, features two courses: the East Course and the West Course.
Ranked 27th on the list of the most expensive golf club memberships, the club boasts a membership initiation cost of $70,000. With its rich history and impeccable course conditions, Merion Golf Club offers members an unparalleled golfing experience.
26. Trump National Doral Miami
Trump National Doral Miami, located in Doral, Florida, is one of the most popular and prestigious clubs in the world.
With a membership initiation cost of $75,000, it ranks 26th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
25. TPC Sawgrass – Players Stadium Course
The TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course, located in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, is a par-72 course that ranks 25th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
With a membership initiation cost of $75,000, the club offers access to its world-renowned course, which has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments.
24. Bear’s Club
Bear’s Club, a private club located in Jupiter, Florida, hosted the 2019 Open Championship. Ranked 24th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, the club boasts a membership initiation cost of $90,000.
With its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities, Bear’s Club offers members an exclusive and unforgettable golfing experience.
23. Boca West Country Club
Boca West Country Club, located in Boca Raton, Florida, is an exclusive residential club with a high membership initiation fee of $90,000.
Ranked 23rd on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
22. Sunningdale Golf Club
Sunningdale Golf Club, located in Berkshire, England, is a prestigious members-only club featuring two golf courses.
With a membership initiation cost of approximately $98,000, it ranks among the most expensive golf clubs worldwide.
21. Seminole Golf Club
Seminole Golf Club, a private beach club located in Juno Beach, Florida, offers membership to a limited number of people.
With a high membership initiation fee of $100,000, it ranks 21st on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
20. Golf de Morfontaine
Golf de Morfontaine, a prestigious golf club located in Morfontaine, France, is one of the most popular golf clubs in Europe. With a membership initiation cost of $100,000, it ranks 20th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
19. Shanqin Bay Golf Club
Shanqin Bay Golf Club, located in Qingdao, China, is a private golf course with a membership initiation cost of $100,000. Ranked 19th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
18. Les Bordes
Les Bordes, a prestigious golf club located in Sologne, France, is a private member-only club with a membership initiation cost of approximately $106,000.
Ranked 18th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
17. Whisper Rock Golf Club
Whisper Rock Golf Club, a premium golf club located in Scottsdale, Arizona, offers a variety of amenities at a membership initiation cost of $130,000.
Ranked 17th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, the club provides members with access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
16. Winged Foot Golf Club
Winged Foot Golf Club, a prestigious golf club founded in 1892 and located in Mamaroneck, New York, is open to members only. With a membership initiation cost of $150,000, it ranks 16th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
The club’s rich history, impeccable course conditions, and top-notch amenities make it a highly sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts.
15. Kiawah Island Ocean Course
Kiawah Island Ocean Course, a public golf course located in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, features a variety of amenities and ranks among the most expensive golf courses with a high membership initiation cost of $150,000.
14. Ocean Reef Club
Ocean Reef Club, located in Key Largo, Florida, is an exclusive club founded in 1957. With a staggering membership initiation cost of $150,000, it ranks 14th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
13. Baltusrol Golf Club
Baltusrol Golf Club, one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the United States, is located in Springfield, New Jersey. With a high membership initiation cost of $150,000, it ranks 13th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
12. Congressional Country Club
Congressional Country Club, an exclusive club located in Bethesda, Maryland, features two golf courses and ranks 12th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
With a membership initiation cost of $180,000, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
11. Cherokee Town and Country Club
Cherokee Town and Country Club, an exclusive member-only club located in Atlanta, Georgia, ranks 11th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships worldwide. With a membership initiation cost of $200,000, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
10. Oakmont Country Club
Oakmont Country Club, a private club located in Oakmont, Pennsylvania, hosted the US Open a record nine times. With a membership initiation fee of $200,000, it ranks 10th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
The club’s world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and rich history make it a highly sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts seeking an exclusive and unforgettable golfing experience.
9. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews
The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, an exclusive club located in St Andrews, Scotland, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the world. With a high membership initiation cost of $200,000, it ranks 9th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
8. Cypress Point Club
Cypress Point Club, a private member-only club located in Pebble Beach, California, features an 18-hole championship golf course and is renowned for its layout.
With a high membership initiation cost of $250,000, it ranks 8th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
7. Pebble Beach Golf Links
Pebble Beach Golf Links, a public golf course located in Pebble Beach, California, ranks 7th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships worldwide.
With a high membership initiation fee of $250,000, the club offers members access to its world-class facilities, impeccable course conditions, and luxurious amenities.
6. The Los Angeles Country Club
The Los Angeles Country Club, one of the most popular golf and country clubs in the world, is located in Los Angeles, California.
With the privilege of hosting the 2023 US Open on its North Course, the club ranks 6th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships, boasting a high membership initiation cost of $250,000.
5. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, a prestigious golf club located in Southampton, New York, is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States.
With a high membership initiation cost of $250,000, it ranks 5th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships.
4. Augusta National Golf Club
Augusta National Golf Club, one of the most popular and exclusive golf clubs in the world, is located in Augusta, Georgia. As the host of the Masters Tournament, one of the four major professional golf championship tournaments, the club ranks 4th on the list of most expensive golf club memberships with a staggering membership initiation fee of $300,000.
3. The Vintage Club
The Vintage Club, an exclusive club located in Indian Wells, California, was founded in 1986 and features two championship golf courses.
With a membership initiation cost of approximately $300,000, it ranks 3rd on the list of most expensive golf club memberships worldwide.
2. Liberty National – New Jersey
Liberty National New Jersey, a private club located in Jersey City, ranks 2nd on the list of most expensive golf club memberships with a membership initiation fee of $450,000.
1. The Madison Club
The Madison Club, a prestigious exclusive club located in La Quinta, California, ranks 1st on the list of most expensive golf club memberships worldwide.
With a whopping membership initiation fee of $500,000, the club boasts a star-studded list of members, including the Kardashian family and Apple CEO Tim Cook.
