country clubs a very green hole on the golf course with a bridge

Most Exclusive Country Clubs in the US

Most Exclusive Country Clubs in the US

Country clubs members have always been a staple for wealthy men in the United States. In fact, it was almost unthinkable for a well-to-do-person not to have at least one of these memberships during the late 19th century. 

The sentiment still holds true today. Yet with hundreds of them around the country, and more springing up all the time, a new breed of country clubs has been born. These ultra-exclusive country clubs feature exorbitant membership fees, top-tier service, and golf courses that exceed all others in the world.
Here are the five most exclusive country clubs in the United States.

 

  1. Augusta National

The Augusta National is not only home to golf’s famous Masters tournament, it’s also considered by most to be the best golf course in the entire world.

Interested in membership at this top-tier country club? Then expect to pay an initial fee of around $250k plus around $10k in annual fees. Yet even that sum won’t necessarily get you in. Unlike other exclusive country clubs, membership at Augusta National is by invite only.

If you are one of the lucky 300 that’s granted membership, you get access to the amazing golf course as well as luxurious clubhouse and deck. Another perk is receiving one of the famous green jackets worn by Augusta members.

Learn more about the Augusta National in Augusta, Georgia.

augusta-national

 

  1. Algonquin Golf Club 

The Algonquin Golf Club is St. Louis’s oldest private country club. It’s also considered one of the best golf courses in the United States.

Membership at the Algonquin Golf Club isn’t as exclusive as Augusta National – but it still comes with a steep price. Expect to pay an initial fee of around $50k plus $7k per year in annual fees after that.

Cough up the dough, however, and you’ll likely be surrounded with royalty from St. Louis and beyond. The folks behind Anheuser-Busch are frequent visitors to this hot bed of Missouri golf and culture.

Learn more about Algonquin Golf Club in St. Louis, Missouri.

algonguin

 

  1. Cyprus Point Golf Club

Cyprus Point Golf Club is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and luxurious country clubs in the world.

With three holes situated alongside the Pacific Ocean, it’s hard to deny that this country club is anything short of special. Then take into consideration the fact that only 250 members are allowed at once. And these members consist of the likes of Clint Eastwood and Charles Schwab.

Learn more about Cyprus Point Golf Club in Pebble Beach, California.

cyprus-point

  1. Seminole Golf Club

It’s difficult to find a country club more exclusive than the Seminole Golf Club.

Membership is restricted to around 300 hand-chosen members. Even royalty, celebrities, and other wealthy elite have been denied membership. Case in point: even Jack Nicklaus, one of the most famous golfers ever, was denied membership.

An interesting perk of membership is taking part in the Seminole Pro-Member tournament. The annual tournament pairs each member with a pro golfer.

Learn more about Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach, Florida.

seminole

 

  1. Nanea Golf Club

Who wouldn’t want membership at an ultra-exclusive country club in Hawaii?

Located in Kailua-Kona, Nanea Golf Club was founded by Charles Schwab and George Roberts. Ever since its inception, it’s goal was to offer very exclusive membership to only the wealthiest elite in the United States.

Like many other exclusive country clubs, membership is by invite only – yet Nanea Golf Club takes this one step further. The club, and its members, are shrouded in secrecy and the club is difficult to locate even with the help of a GPS unit.

nanea