Most Expensive Golf Course

Golf is a sport known for its luxurious amenities and stunning landscapes. While many golf courses offer a premium experience, some take opulence to the next level. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of golf’s most expensive courses, showcasing the extravagance and exclusivity that makes them stand out.

1. Shadow Creek Golf Course, Las Vegas, USA

• Cost: Estimated to be over $60 million.
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Description: Shadow Creek is renowned for its lush green fairways, cascading waterfalls, and meticulously landscaped surroundings. It’s a private course that’s only accessible to guests of the MGM Resorts and their invited guests, enhancing its exclusivity. With its extravagant landscaping and pristine condition, it’s no surprise that it ranks among the world’s most expensive golf courses.

2. Pebble Beach Golf Links, California, USA

• Cost: Green fees can exceed $550 per round.
• Designer: Jack Neville and Douglas Grant (1919), redesigned by various architects.
• Description: Pebble Beach Golf Links is famous for its breathtaking coastal views along the Monterrey Peninsula. It has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the U.S. Open. The iconic 7th hole is world-renowned for its stunning par-3 over the ocean. The combination of stunning views and golfing history contributes to its high cost.

3. The Old Course at St. Andrews Links, Scotland

• Cost: Green fees can be over £200 for non-residents.
• Designer: Unknown, but dating back to the 15th century.
• Description: Often referred to as the “Home of Golf,” the Old Course at St. Andrews is steeped in history. Golf has been played here for over 600 years. Its unique layout and the famous Swilcan Bridge on the 18th hole make it a must-play for golf enthusiasts. While it may not have extravagant amenities, its historical significance and the chance to follow in the footsteps of golf legends make it an expensive pilgrimage.

4. Turnberry Golf Course, Scotland

• Cost: Green fees can exceed £350 per round.
• Designer: Various architects, with significant changes by Mackenzie Ross.
• Description: Turnberry, a coastal course on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast, offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and the iconic lighthouse overlooking the 9th and 10th holes. It has hosted multiple Open Championships, and its rich history and championship pedigree contribute to its high cost.

5. Trump National Golf Club, Bedminster, USA

• Cost: Initiation fees reportedly range from $100,000 to $200,000.
• Designer: Tom Fazio
• Description: This private golf club is known for its luxury and exclusivity. It was once owned by former U.S. President Donald Trump. The course features lavish amenities and meticulous landscaping, including a 45,000-square-foot clubhouse. The initiation fees and annual dues for membership put it in the upper echelon of expensive golf clubs.

6. Pinehurst No. 2, North Carolina, USA

• Cost: Green fees can exceed $500 during peak seasons.
• Designer: Donald Ross
• Description: Pinehurst No. 2 is known for its unique design featuring natural waste areas and wiregrass. It has a storied history, having hosted multiple U.S. Open Championships, including the 1999 and 2005 events. The challenging layout and meticulously maintained course contribute to its high cost, attracting golfers from around the world.

7. The Greenbrier, West Virginia, USA

• Cost: Initiation fees and annual dues for members.
• Designer: Several architects have worked on the course over the years.
• Description: The Greenbrier, a historic resort in West Virginia, boasts a world-class golf experience. The resort features multiple courses, including the Old White TPC, which has hosted the PGA Tour’s Greenbrier Classic. The elegant accommodations, spa, and casino add to the overall luxurious experience of this golf destination.

8. Monte Rei Golf & Country Club, Portugal

• Cost: Green fees can exceed €250 per round.
• Designer: Jack Nicklaus
• Description: Monte Rei is a high-end golf resort in the Algarve region of Portugal. The course is known for its pristine conditions, stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean, and top-notch service. With a limited number of tee times available each day, golfers are assured a peaceful and exclusive round of golf.

9. Yas Links, Abu Dhabi, UAE

• Cost: Green fees can range from AED 500 to AED 1,500.
• Designer: Kyle Phillips
• Description: Yas Links is part of the Yas Island complex in Abu Dhabi and offers a unique golfing experience with dramatic views of the Arabian Gulf. The challenging links-style course and the luxurious facilities make it a sought-after destination for golfers visiting the United Arab Emirates.

10. Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand

• Cost: Green fees can exceed NZD 400.
• Designer: David Harman
• Description: Kauri Cliffs is a stunning coastal golf course on New Zealand’s North Island. It offers panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and incorporates natural features like farmland, forests, and cliff edges into its design. The remote location and the awe-inspiring scenery make it one of the most expensive golf experiences in the Southern Hemisphere.

Most Expensive Golf Courses

Golf Course Name	Location	Year Established	Designer	Estimated Cost to Play (USD)
Shadow Creek	Las Vegas, USA	1989	Tom Fazio	$500 – $600
Pebble Beach Golf Links	Pebble Beach, USA	1919	Jack Neville	$550 – $600
Augusta National Golf Club	Augusta, USA	1933	Alister MacKenzie	Invitation Only
Pinehurst No. 2	Pinehurst, USA	1907	Donald Ross	$495 – $695
St. Andrews Links – Old Course	St. Andrews, Scotland	1552	Various	£195 – £230 (Non-residents)

More Expensive Golf Courses

Golf Course Name	Location	Year Established	Designer	Estimated Cost to Play (USD)
The Country Club	Brookline, USA	1882	Willie Campbell	By Invitation Only
Cypress Point Club	Pebble Beach, USA	1928	Alister MacKenzie	Invitation Only
Trump National Golf Club	Bedminster, USA	2004	Tom Fazio	Membership Required
Whistling Straits	Kohler, USA	1998	Pete Dye	$410 – $485
Royal County Down Golf Club	Newcastle, N. Ireland	1889	Old Tom Morris	£210 – £250

Expensive Golf Courses

Golf Course Name	Location	Year Established	Designer	Estimated Cost to Play (USD)
Muirfield	Gullane, Scotland	1744	Old Tom Morris	By Invitation Only
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club	Southampton, USA	1891	William S. Flynn	By Invitation Only
Oakmont Country Club	Oakmont, USA	1903	Henry Fownes	By Invitation Only
Valderrama Golf Club	Sotogrande, Spain	1974	Robert Trent Jones	€395 – €450
The Links at Fancourt	George, South Africa	2000	Gary Player	$320 – $420

Prestigious Golf Courses

Golf Course Name	Location	Year Established	Designer	Estimated Cost to Play (USD)
Merion Golf Club	Ardmore, USA	1896	Hugh Wilson	By Invitation Only
Royal Portrush Golf Club	Portrush, N. Ireland	1888	Harry S. Colt	£220 – £260
Winged Foot Golf Club	Mamaroneck, USA	1923	A.W. Tillinghast	By Invitation Only
Royal Melbourne Golf Club	Melbourne, Australia	1891	Alister MacKenzie	By Invitation Only
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort	Bandon, USA	1999	David McLay Kidd	$100 – $310

Exclusive Golf Courses

Golf Course Name	Location	Year Established	Designer	Estimated Cost to Play (USD)
Medinah Country Club	Medinah, USA	1924	Tom Bendelow	By Invitation Only
Sunningdale Golf Club	Sunningdale, England	1900	Willie Park Jr.	By Invitation Only
The Ocean Course	Kiawah Island, USA	1991	Pete Dye	$370 – $450
Ballybunion Golf Club	Ballybunion, Ireland	1893	Tom Simpson	€100 – €220
San Francisco Golf Club	San Francisco, USA	1915	A.W. Tillinghast	By Invitation Only

Conclusion:

These expensive golf courses offer not only exceptional playing conditions but also a sense of exclusivity and luxury that attracts golfers seeking a premium experience. Whether it’s the historical significance, breathtaking scenery, or impeccable course maintenance, each of these courses has something unique to offer to golf enthusiasts willing to invest in the ultimate golfing experience. While the cost may be steep, the memories and satisfaction of playing on these prestigious courses are often considered priceless by those who have had the opportunity.