Golf, once seen as a pastime for retired businessmen and weekend hobbyists, has found fresh footing as the sport of choice for the modern elite. Golf clubs, from the windswept coasts of Scotland to the ultra-secure hillsides of California, have become the modern equivalent of historic country manors, with costs that align with their world-class stature, in addition to Michelin-grade dining and invite-only membership lists.
Even so, this isn’t a recent phenomenon. King Edward VIII was a regular at Sunningdale; his fondness for both golf and discretion cemented the sport’s early association with quiet society life in Britain. Moving to the other side of the world, in the 1980s, the Japanese club memberships were being traded on the stock exchange, none more sought-after than Tokyo Golf Club, where seats at the table reached over US$3 million, outpacing the Nikkei itself. Then, by the time Tiger Woods signed with Rolex and American Express, the game had crossed firmly into luxury territory.
This guide charts the world’s top-tier golf memberships by initiation fee, spotlighting the curated luxuries behind the gates. Dubai’s offerings, while more accessible by comparison, round out this exclusive global circuit.
Shanqin Bay Golf Club – Hainan, China | Initiation: Over $1 million
Set along the windswept cliffs of Hainan’s southern coastline, Shanqin Bay is perhaps the most exclusive golf club on earth. With fewer than 50 members, the initiation fee reportedly exceeds $1 million. Membership is by invitation only, and perks include chauffeured airport transfers, personal caddies, and course access without the need for tee times.
Sentosa Golf Club – Singapore | Initiation: Approx. $650,000 (for foreigners)
On Singapore’s Sentosa Island, this lush dual-course club has seen its fees skyrocket by nearly 90% in recent years. A foreigner membership fetches over $650,000 on the secondary market. In return, members enjoy panoramic fairways, fine dining, a resort-style clubhouse, and access to elite tournaments like LIV Golf. For many in Asia’s finance circles, Sentosa is a real calling card.
The Madison Club – California, USA | Initiation: $500,000
This club, occupying the desert enclave of La Quinta, offers Hollywood-level privacy alongside a Tom Fazio-designed course. The fee to join is a steep half-million dollars, with modest annual dues in comparison. Amenities include private villas, world-class spa and dining options, and a strictly vetted social circle. Members are said to include the likes of the Kardashian family and Silicon Valley elite.
Liberty National Golf Club – New Jersey, USA | Initiation: $450,000–500,000
With the Statue of Liberty in full view and Manhattan glittering just across the water, Liberty National merges Wall Street access with country club calm. Members pay up to half a million dollars to join, with annual dues around $25,000. Members glide in by sea, sky or chauffeur, thanks to a helipad, private marina, and an on-call fleet to make traffic feel entirely optional. This is a club that is built around the needs of time-poor billionaires.
Queenwood Golf Club – Surrey, UK | Initiation: $255,000
Quietly situated in the English countryside, Queenwood is a strictly invitation-only club known for its privacy and intimate membership. Joining costs around £200,000, with annual fees of approximately £8,000. There is no signage or PR, just immaculate grounds, personalised lockers, gourmet dining, and a whisper network of dealmakers, captains of industry, and the odd British actor.
Wentworth Club – Surrey, UK | Initiation: £255,000 (debenture)
Historic and revered, Wentworth's presence requires a £200,000 debenture and annual dues estimated at £16,000. With three championship courses and a Georgian-style clubhouse, the venue hosts the BMW PGA Championship and boasts extensive tennis and wellness facilities. It has become a status destination for old money and international buyers, particularly since its controversial restructuring in 2014.
Augusta National – Georgia, USA | Initiation: Est. $40,000 (invite-only)
It is perhaps the most storied golf course. Though it doesn’t top the fee list, it remains the most exclusive. With no application process and a highly secretive member list, being asked to join is a distinction within itself. Estimated fees sit at $40,000 with annual dues near $10,000; membership here remains largely symbolic of prestige rather than privilege.
Dubai’s Premier Golf Clubs
Dubai’s clubs may be less financially intimidating, but they rival any global counterpart in terms of quality and substance. Among the most sought-after memberships:
Jumeirah Golf Estates (Earth Course) – AED 55,000/year ($15,000)
Two European Tour courses, a Tuscan-style clubhouse, and events like the DP World Tour Championship define this club. Membership includes access to both Earth and Fire courses and a high-society calendar of golf and leisure.
Emirates Golf Club (Majlis Course) – AED 45,000/year ($12,250)
The Middle East’s first grass course and home to the Dubai Desert Classic, the Majlis offers heritage, skyline views, and full clubhouse amenities. A favourite among Dubai’s business elite.
Dubai Hills Golf Club – AED 27,995/year ($7,600)
This newer course from Emaar is polished, approachable, and packed with lifestyle benefits: free golf carts, preferential booking, and discounts at Emaar’s network of hotels and spas.
Address Montgomerie – AED 32,025/year ($8,700)
Combining resort hospitality with serious golf, Montgomerie provides access to a championship course, wellness facilities, and a full-service clubhouse in the Emirates Hills.
The Final Word
Above the South China Sea or behind hedgerows in Surrey, these clubs represent entry into a tightly held world.
They say in golf, and its most exclusive circles, that mental grit outweighs glamour. That is to say, beyond the beauty and luxury of the course, there is a personal mental challenge each golfer faces, and golf rewards mental fortitude over anything else.
