Cypress Point Golf Club in Pebble Beach, Calif., and the Los Angeles Country Club were selected by Billionaire.com as two of the 10 most exclusive golf courses in the world.
The website that calls itself a “lifestyle resource for ultra high net worth individuals” (you know who you are, apparently) includes on its short list courses in the U.S., France, Scotland, England and Australia.
“With over 30,000 golf courses worldwide, picking the top 10 most exclusive is a difficult -- and sometimes controversial -- task,” editor-at-large Tara Loader Wilkinson said in a statement Tuesday.
Golf courses were judged by how difficult it is to become a member, how much membership costs, how the course was designed and other factors. Does this all sound snooty? That’s the point. After winnowing down the list, the website sought out the opinions of some choice golf lovers too.
Cypress Point, part of the Cypress Point Club, came in at No. 1. It was designed in 1928 by Alistair Mackenzie and is located on a particularly stunning slice of Monterey Bay. Naturally it received high marks for the views, but also was singled out for the 250 members “many of whom are prominent political figures.”
The Los Angeles Country Club at 10101 Wilshire Blvd. dates to 1897 and came in at No. 6. It earned props for having old L.A. families on its membership roster and reportedly employing “a strict no ‘movie-star’ policy.” Hey, isn’t that why you would want to join?
Don’t expect to play on these exclusive greens; it’s mostly members only. Here are the rest of top 10:
2. National Golf Links of America in Southampton, N.Y.
3. Augusta National Golf Course in Augusta, Ga.
4. Golf de Morfontaine in Morfontaine, France
5. Loch Lomond Golf Club, Dunbartonshire, Scotland
7. Royal Melbourne (West) Golf Club, Melbourne, Australia
8. Higashi-Hirono in Hyogo, Japan
9. Swinley Forest Golf Club in Berkshire, England
10. Gleneagles in Perthshire, Scotland (visitors are welcome to play here)
Check out “The World’s Most Exclusive Golf Courses.”
FAQs
California. With a total of 921 courses, California is just behind Florida.
How much does it cost to join the Thunderbird Country Club? ›
Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage, CA Golf Membership Initiation Fee: $50,000 and annual dues $22,440.
How much does it cost to join Cypress Point? ›
That's an itch that's challenging to scratch. Membership carries a reported $250,000 initiation fee, and that's not the biggest barrier to entry. You don't ask to join. You have to be invited, and it's less about your purse-strings than your pedigree.
How much does it cost to join the Bel Air Country Club? ›
All three of the high-priced L.A. clubs, Bel-Air ($13,500 plus $85 a month dues), Lakeside ($11,500 plus $75 dues) and L.A. ($100 a month after the initiation) offer the “youth” memberships.
Does Trump own a golf course in California? ›
Trump National Golf Club, Los Angeles is a public golf club in Rancho Palos Verdes, California with a 7,242-yard (6,622 m) course designed by Pete Dye and Donald J. Trump Signature Design. It is owned by The Trump Organization. Rancho Palos Verdes, California, U.S.
How many golf courses does Trump own? ›
Donald Trump is closely associated with the sport of golf. As a real estate developer, Trump began acquiring and constructing golf courses in 1999. By the time of his election as United States President in 2016, he owned 17 golf courses worldwide through his holding company, the Trump Organization.
How much does it cost to join Pinnacle Peak Country Club? ›
Pinnacle Peak Country Club has reduced the initiation fee for the first 35 members to $25,000, with $5,000 returned in equity. We also offer a One-Year (completely commitment-free) Trial Membership at $35,000, with a Seven-Year Payment Plan, with $5,000 returned in equity. Monthly Membership Dues are $680 per month.
What is a country membership at a golf club? ›
Often a country membership subscription will be up to half the price of a full membership. Generally, your permanent residence will have to be outside a designated radius from the golf club, often 50 or 100 miles. Being a golf club member is a fabulous way to meet like-minded golfers and to make new friends.
Are there any black members at Cypress Point Golf Club? ›
It was dropped from the rotation because it had no black members and refused to admit one to comply with the tour's anti-discrimination guidelines. Since then, Condoleezza Rice was admitted as a member of the club.
Can you wear shorts at Cypress Point? ›
No shorts allowed on the course, and guest foursomes (nominated by a member) must step aside and let members play through. It is a small price to pay for the experience of Cypress Point.
Regarded as the most exclusive course in the world, it is virtually impossible to play a round unless you are invited by a member.
How much does it cost to play Riviera Country club? ›
Non-member daily rates vary depending on the season. The course is open 12 hours a day from 6:30 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. From May to October, daily fees are $44.95 for 18 holes, $34.95 for nine holes - both including a cart or $21.30 walking.
Can anyone go to Bel Air? ›
Although the Bel Air community is gated, its two main entrances are open to the public.
How much does it cost to belong to Charlotte Country Club? ›
A full membership to the Charlotte County Club will have an initiation fee of $80,000. Full membership dues are $750 per month with a $300 quarterly minimum. Junior Members (those under the age of 40) pay half price until they turn 40 years of age. The Charlotte Country Club has won many awards over the years.
How many golf courses are in LA? ›
There are 18 golf courses in Los Angeles, California, including 2 public, 7 municipal, and 9 private courses. There are also another 57 golf courses within 20 miles of Los Angeles, including 6 public, 32 municipal, and 19 private courses.
How many golf courses does Las Vegas have? ›
There are 70 golf courses, and 22 golf resorts in and around Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
How many golf courses does each state have? ›
California is the country's largest state by the number of residents, making golf an extremely lucrative business that attracts the state's top talent, as well as golfers from around the world. California has a pristine climate that makes it great for resorts to stay open year-round, unlike some states that are found ...
How many golf courses does Florida have? ›
There are more than 1,250 Floridian golf courses, more than any other State, and many are open to the green fee paying public, however if you want to play the very best golf courses in Florida it will require effort and skilful networking.
