These are the 10 most expensive golf courses in the world. There are some other courses in these price ranges around the world, but we selected these 10 courses based firstly on price, secondly on prestige, and thirdly on history.
From The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England to Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia. Here’s our list of the top ten most expensive golf courses in the world:
- 10. The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England (Annual Membership $15,000)
- 9. The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts (Annual Membership $25,000)
- 8. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, New York (Annual Membership $20,000, Plus $75,000 Initiation Fee)
- 7. La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California (Annual Membership $25,000)
- 6. Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California (Annual Membership $30,000)
- 5. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland (Annual Membership $30,000)
- 4. The Sandy Lane Resort in Barbados (Annual Membership $30,000)
- 3. The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland (Annual Membership $50,000)
- 2. The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai (AED 250,000, approx. $68,000 USD)
- 1. Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia (Annual Membership $75,000)
But, what makes these clubs so expensive? Take a look at 10 of the most expensive golf courses in the world and explore what makes them so special.
10. The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, England (Annual Membership $15,000)
This course has hosted more Ryder Cups than any other venue in history (a total of ten) and membership fees start at £15,000 annually. It’s the oldest and also one of the most popular golf clubs in the world.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
It doesn’t get much better than playing a round on The Belfry’s hallowed grounds, which offer stunning views across the rolling English countryside.
The grounds features and clubhouse are also top-notch, making it a popular destination for golfers and non-golfers alike.
Celebrity members include Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and Justin Rose.
9. The Country Club in Brookline, Massachusetts (Annual Membership $25,000)
This club has been around since 1882 and is home to two USGA Championships. Annual membership fees are $25,000.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
Annual memberships at The Country Club are by invitation only. If you’re lucky enough to be invited, you can look forward to world-class amenities like a 27,000 square foot clubhouse, five tennis courts, Olympic size pool and spa, and of course an 18-hole golf course designed by A.W. Tillinghast.
The club has been around since 1882 and is one of the most prestigious in the country.
Rumored famous members include Bill Gates and Michael Bloomberg.
How does The Country Club compare with The Belfry?
Comparing golf course costs, The Belfry is significantly less expensive, starting at £15,000 annually as opposed to The Country Club’s $25,000 annual membership fee.
Additionally, The Belfry offers much more than just golf — it has a world-renowned clubhouse and its grounds are absolutely stunning.
8. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, New York (Annual Membership $20,000, Plus $75,000 Initiation Fee)
This private club charges an initiation fee of $75,000 as well as annual dues of $20,000.
We placed Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in between The Country Club and La Quinta Resort in our list because although it’s less expensive for annual memberships there’s a very expensive $75,000 initiation fee to pay.
So, the overall cost comparison depends on how long you intend on being a member!
Why is this golf course so expensive?
Situated on 800 acres of rolling, pristine land on Long Island’s most exclusive enclave — the Hamptons — Shinnecock Hills Golf Club is one of America’s oldest and most prestigious clubs.
The club was founded in 1891 by a group of local businessmen and has been host to more USGA Championships than any other golf course in America.
In 2004, the club underwent a $25 million renovation which saw it become even more challenging and picturesque with new bunkers, tees and greens added.
Today, membership at Shinnecock Hills GC is highly sought after and by joining you’ll be rubbing shoulders with some of the world’s richest people.
Rumor has it that the initiation fee may soon be raised to $100,000!
Some notable members are Hollywood director, Steven Spielberg, and fashion mogul, Ralph Lauren.
7. La Quinta Resort and Club in La Quinta, California (Annual Membership $25,000)
This luxury resort has two golf courses — the Nicklaus Tournament Course and the Tom Weiskopf Mountain Course.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
La Quinta Resort and Club is a private golf club, and as such, prices are set to ensure that the most avid golfers can enjoy its world-class courses. The lush desert setting doesn’t hurt either — this is one of the most picturesque spots in California to tee off.
Golfers looking for an exclusive experience at a top-tier course need look no further than La Quinta Resort and Club in California. Annual dues start at $25,000 per year, but members can enjoy two championship courses designed by some of the biggest names in golf. If you want to play where the pros do, this is your spot.
La Quinta regularly makes it into lists of the best U.S. golf courses. Some famous names in golf you might see there, include Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson.
How does La Quinta compare with Shinnecock Hills Golf Club?
Both clubs have high initiation fees and annual dues, but La Quinta Resort and Club offers two championship courses while Shinnecock Hills Golf Club only has one.
Annual membership at the California resort will set you back $25,000, compared to $20,000 at the New York club.
6. Cypress Point Club in Pebble Beach, California (Annual Membership $30,000)
This course has been ranked as one of the best in the world by Golf Magazine and is a favorite among celebrities and professional golfers alike. Membership fees here start at $30,000 per year.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
Cypress Point Club is known for its dramatic ocean views, luxurious amenities, and challenging course layout. The club has been in operation since 1928 and offers members access to a private beach, pool, and clubhouse.
Some well-known celebrity members are Hollywood actors Jack Nicholson, and Clint Eastwood.
How does Cypress Point Club compare with The Royal and Ancient Golf Club?
Cypress Point Club is a little more expensive to join than The Royal and Ancient Golf Club, but it offers some unique benefits that make it well worth the price.
For starters, its location on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula is hard to beat. And if you’re looking for luxurious amenities, Cypress Point Club has you covered with its private beach and pool. The course layout is also very challenging, making it a favorite among pro golfers.
5. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews in Scotland (Annual Membership $30,000)
This club is the oldest and most prestigious golf club in the world, and membership fees are no joke — $30,000 per year!
Why is this golf course so expensive?
It has a long and illustrious history — the first recorded game of golf took place on this very course in 1457!
Add to that the fact that it’s located in one of the most beautiful areas of Scotland, and you can see why membership fees are so high.
If you’re looking for an exclusive golfing experience with some of the most challenging holes in the world, The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews is definitely worth checking out.
It’s easy to understand why this is one of the most special golf courses in Europe. Royal family members including Prince William and Prince Harry are members!
4. The Sandy Lane Resort in Barbados (Annual Membership $30,000)
This exclusive resort features three world-class golf courses, all of which are open to members only. Annual fees start at $30,000.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
The Sandy Lane Resort is one of the most exclusive resorts in the world. Not only does it offer three world-class golf courses, but membership also includes access to all of the resort’s amenities, including its beaches, restaurants, and spas. Annual fees start at $30,000.
Furthermore, the resort is located in Barbados, one of the most exclusive and expensive destinations in the world. If you’re looking for a luxurious golfing experience, The Sandy Lane Resort is definitely worth considering.
Famous names you may rub shoulders with include footballer, David Beckham.
3. The Old Course at St. Andrews, Scotland (Annual Membership $50,000)
Old Course at St. Andrews, located in Scotland. This course has been around for centuries and is considered by many to be the birthplace of golf. It’s no surprise that it comes with a high price tag – memberships can cost up to $50,000 per year!
Why is this golf course so expensive?
There are a few reasons. For starters, the course is located in a very desirable location – right on the coast of Scotland. It’s also one of the most historic courses in the world, and it has hosted some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments. Finally, it’s simply a challenging course that requires a lot of upkeep.
It’s rumored to be frequented by some of the most famous golfers in the world, including Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus.
How does St Andrews compare with Sandy Lane?
The Old Course at St Andrews is most definitely one of the most expensive golf courses in the world, but it’s still less expensive than Sandy Lane. That course charges an annual membership fee of $75,000!
But then, Sandy Lane has white sand beaches and ocean sunsets. Which should probably factor into the price.
2. The Emirates Golf Club in Dubai (AED 250,000, approx. $68,000 USD)
This club has two championship golf courses and initiation fees start at AED 250,000 (approx. $68,000 USD). It was built in 1988 and it quickly became one of the most prestigious clubs in Dubai.
Why is this golf course so expensive?
The Emirates Golf Club is located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It’s one of the most expensive golf courses in the world and it’s no wonder why. The initiation fees start at AED 250,000 (approx. $68,000 USD).
Children playing golf courses is a little unusual. The Emirates is the only course in the world with a nine-hole course designed specifically for children and the only course in the country with a par-three academy course.
You can only find out the yearly membership fees which are even higher by applying for membership.This club has two championship golf courses — The Majlis and The Faldo Course. Both are 18-hole courses that were designed by some of the most well-known names in golf: Nick Faldo and Greg Norman.
1. Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia (Annual Membership $75,000)
The birthplace of the Masters Tournament. If you want to tee off here, be prepared to spend some serious cash — memberships cost a whopping $75,000 per year!
Why is this golf course so expensive?
Augusta National is widely considered to be one of the most difficult courses in the world. It features narrow fairways and fast greens that can make even the most experienced golfer nervous. In addition to its challenging layout, Augusta National is also known for its luxurious amenities, which include a world-class clubhouse and unparalleled service.
How does this course compare with The Emirates?
We think that they might tie. We don’t know how much the Emirates annual membership fee is because they keep it a secret. Anyone who tells you know the cost is either guessing or a member.
However, The Emirates does offer some unique features that are not found at Augusta National, such as a waterfall and lush gardens.
Where Would You Choose?
So, what do these clubs have in common? Aside from being some of the most expensive golf courses in the world, they all offer members exclusive access to some of the most challenging and beautiful courses on earth.
They also offer exceptional amenities and services that cater to high-end clientele. If you’re looking for a luxurious golfing experience, any one of these clubs would be a great place to start.