You’ve packed your bags, shipped your golf clubs, and arrived at the airport – it’s finally time to relax with your first drink of the trip. But if you want your golfing getaway to be as luxurious as your travel style, it’s essential to choose a destination that matches your expectations.
How can you do this?
By booking a round at one of the world’s most exclusive golf clubs – if you can get in, that is!
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just getting into the sport, some of these clubs might already be on your radar, but others may come as a pleasant surprise. Here’s a rundown of 10 of the most exclusive and prestigious golf courses worldwide.
1. The Old Course at St Andrews (Scotland)
Often referred to as the ‘Home of Golf,’ the Old Course at St Andrews in Fife is one of the oldest and most iconic golf courses globally, dating back to the 15th century. Officially founded in 1754, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews is a prestigious institution with a long history of shaping the modern game.
Membership at the R&A is by invitation only, with around 2,400 members worldwide – making it one of the most exclusive clubs on the planet. Despite this, the Old Course itself remains accessible to the public, albeit with a lottery-style ballot system for tee times, reflecting its status as a true golfing pilgrimage site.
2. Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia, USA)
Arguably the most famous golf club in the world, Augusta National is home to The Masters – one of golf’s four major championships. With a highly exclusive membership list, rumoured to include the likes of Warren Buffett and Bill Gates, this Georgia-based club maintains a strict invite-only policy.
Initiation fees are reportedly between $250,000 and $500,000, with annual dues adding to the expense – a fitting price for one of the most revered courses in the game.
3. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (New York, USA)
Situated in Southampton, New York, Shinnecock Hills is one of the oldest golf clubs in the United States, dating back to 1891. It has hosted the US Open multiple times and is regularly ranked among the top courses in the world.
Playing here is no easy feat – you must be invited by a member, and walking the course with a caddie is compulsory. The green fee is around $350 per round, adding to the sense of exclusivity.
4. Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey, USA)
Widely regarded as one of the toughest courses in the world, Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey is known for its challenging design and extreme privacy. Membership is strictly by invitation only, with no formal application process – if the club’s board decides you’re a good fit, they’ll reach out.
Female members were only recently admitted, making this a historically exclusive institution, but female guests can still only play if accompanied by a male member.
5. Shanqin Bay Golf Club (Hainan, China)
Perched on the southeast coast of Hainan Island, Shanqin Bay is one of the most exclusive clubs globally, with just 20 members. The course offers spectacular views over the South China Sea, and the initiation fees are reportedly as high as $1 million, reflecting its ultra-elite status.
6. Golf de Morfontaine (France)
Originally built in 1913 as a private course for the Duke of Guiche and his friends, Golf de Morfontaine remains one of the most exclusive clubs in Europe. The course is tucked away in the Chantilly Forest, just north of Paris, and is known for its stunning design and immaculate conditioning.
Membership remains tightly controlled, limited to around 450 members, with a strong emphasis on tradition and discretion.
7. Ocean Reef Club (Florida, USA)
Located in Key Largo, Florida, Ocean Reef Club is more than just a golf course – it’s a private community with its own airstrip, marina, fire department, and security force. Membership is by invitation only, with new members needing sponsorship from at least two current members, plus a hefty charter equity fee of around $200,000.
8. Sunningdale Golf Club (England, UK)
Located just 30 miles from London, Sunningdale is one of the UK’s most prestigious clubs, with two exceptional 18-hole courses. Founded in 1900, the club requires support from six existing members for a new applicant, plus a successful round of golf with a committee member before approval.
Joining costs are rumoured to exceed £80,000, with annual dues adding to the exclusivity.
9. The Royal Melbourne Golf Club (Australia)
Founded in 1891, The Royal Melbourne Golf Club is the oldest and most highly ranked golf course in Australia. It has hosted numerous international tournaments, including the Presidents Cup, and is widely regarded as one of the best courses outside the United States.
Membership is tightly controlled, and the club’s exclusivity makes it a bucket-list destination for serious golfers.
10. Muirfield (Scotland, UK)
Known as the home of The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield is one of the oldest and most prestigious clubs in the world. Located in East Lothian, it’s also part of The Open Championship rotation.
In 2017, the club made headlines when it voted to allow female members for the first time in its 270-year history – a significant step for the sport.
So, there you have it – 10 of the world’s most exclusive and sought-after golf clubs. While some are more accessible than others, playing on these courses remains a dream for many golfers. If you’re planning a golf holiday this year, why not aim high and tick one of these legendary clubs off your bucket list?
So this year, if you’re planning a golfing holiday, why not make it a special one with a trip to some of the most exclusive clubs out there.
