Raphael Tennenbaum
Shhh! Fees at America’s 25 elite private courses
Our sources: Some golf clubs aren't shy about publicizing their initiation fees. Clubs affiliated with upscale real estate, for instance, are willing to talk since membership typically figures into the price of buying a home. But as far as most private golf clubs are concerned, what they charge for membership is nobody else’s business. So, we contacted well-placed golf insiders around the country—head golf professionals, regional golf association executives, industry consultants, even club managers—for well-informed estimates of initiation fees, based on their first-hand knowledge of club members and management, with a guarantee of anonymity...
Shhh! Fees at America’s 25 elite private courses
Our sources: Some golf clubs aren't shy about publicizing their initiation fees. Clubs affiliated with upscale real estate, for instance, are willing to talk since membership typically figures into the price of buying a home. But as far as most private golf clubs are concerned, what they charge for membership is nobody else’s business. So, we contacted well-placed golf insiders around the country—head golf professionals, regional golf association executives, industry consultants, even club managers—for well-informed estimates of initiation fees, based on their first-hand knowledge of club members and management, with a guarantee of anonymity...
Raphael Tennenbaum Shhh! Fees at America’s 25 elite private courses Our sources: Some golf clubs aren't shy about publicizing their initiation fees. Cl... more
24
CURRENT RANK
CURRENT SCORE
less stats more stats46.08
Rank (best ever) 1
Score (all time) 45639.00
Created 06/08/08
Views 45589
Votes [disabled]
1
Sebonack
$1 million (rumored)
From a golf designer's perspective, the stretch of Southampton, N.Y., real estate Michael Pascucci bought for Sebonack, adjoining the legendary National Golf Club on Peconic Bay, was practically a dream site. Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, opposites in design philosophy and personality, joined together (uneasily by most accounts) for the design. When Sebonack opened two years ago, its $650,000 initiation, which allows overnight staying privileges at on-site cabins, set some kind of a record—now the fee is rumored to be nearing $1 million.
2
The Bridge
$850,000 (rumored)
Former commodities trader Robert Rubin hired architect Rees Jones to build The Bridge on the site of a former racetrack in Bridgehampton in Long Island, N.Y. The initiation fee is a relatively good deal, according to one Hamptons golf insider, since it includes guest fees.
3
The Bear's Club
$500,000
An equity club in Jupiter, Fla., The Bears Club is practically a shrine to Jack Nicklaus, who lives nearby. Plus, Jack's wife Barbara designed the interior of the Tuscan-style clubhouse.
4
Liberty National
$450,000
Situated on a 165-acre parcel of reclaimed land in Jersey City, N.J., across the harbor from downtown Manhattan, Liberty National reportedly cost $130 million to build.
5
Nanea Golf Club
$450,000
Charles Schwab's his very private club on the Kona coast of Hawaii's Big Island features a clubhouse that emulates local lava formations.
6
The Quarry
$400,000
In 1994 Tom Fazio let loose with dynamite to create The Quarry at La Quinta, Calif., a perennial favorite in top-100 lists.
7
Trump International Golf Club
$350,000
Featuring a Jim Fazio-designed course opened in 1999, this club in West Palm Beach, Fla., is the Donald's home course.
8
Trump National Golf Club New Jersey
$250,000-$350,000
Trump National in Bedminster, N.J., is "a family-centric club with world-class golf facilities" according to manager David Schutzenhofer. Cottages are available for overnight stays; members can also enjoy five miles of equestrian trails, tennis facilities and a heated pool complex. The fee is $350,000, or $250,000 if proposed by a member.
9
The Madison Club
$350,000; $237,500 for property owners
The Madison Club in La Quinta, Calif., boasts a full roster of over-the-top amenities, like a full-time staff of tailors to custom-make member togs. Course designer Tom Fazio moved five million cubic yards of dirt to ensure a private feeling despite surrounding home sites; refrigerated greens help preserve the bent-grass putting surfaces.
10
Due Process
$350,000
Single-digit millionaires need not apply to this ultra-exclusive club, located on a former equestrian farm in Colt's Neck, N.J., where membership is well below 100.
[source: https://www.forbestraveler.com/golf/expensive-golf-clubs-story.html ]
Not watching this list (get updates on this list).
(all people watching this list)
).
MORE LISTS
RECOMMENDED LISTS
COMMENTS
