The Most Expensive Golf Courses To Play 18 Holes, Ranked In Order (You’re Lucky If You’ve Played Here)
Golf is an expensive sport and you may need to shell out a few bucks to play a round at your local course. There are many golf courses around the world with fees that can go up into the hundreds. While this may seem outrageous, these golf courses charge a lot of money for good reasons.
Some of the best golf courses in the world come with great views, good playing terrains, and excellent weather conditions. If you are looking to play 18 holes at some of the most expensive golf courses around the world, here are a few of the best.
Whistling Straits – Wisconsin, U.S.
The Whistling Straits golf course in Wisconsin consists of two courses, the Straits and the Irish. The courses were designed Pete Dye and are said to be some of the best courses in the U.S. Whistling Straits has hosted numerous golfing events including the Palmer Cup and 2010 PGA Championships.
The golf courses extend through the Lake Michigan coastline for two miles and were designed with Irish style dunes and grass to make the course more challenging. One round of golf on this course costs $300 per person in addition to a $65 mandatory caddie fee.
Kingsbarns Golf Links – St. Andrews, Scotland
Kingsbarns Golf Links is located in St. Andrews, Scotland and one of the best golf courses in the world. The course is also home to numerous golf tournaments like annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. People have been playing golf on this course since 1973.
Kingsbarns Golf also has a resort on-site and is known for its next-level caddy service. If the service is not up to the player's satisfaction, the caddy fee will be refunded. This is a reflection of Scottish hospitality. Each round at this golf course costs around $300.
The Spyglass Hill Golf Course – California, U.S.
Spyglass Hill Golf Course, located on Pebble Beach, got its name from the book Treasure Island. The author of the book, Robert Louis Stevenson, is said to have spent time in the area in the late 1800s. Course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr. was inspired by this, and names the holes on the golf course after the pirates in the book, like "Billy Bones" and "Black Dog."
The golf course is said to have some of the most scenic views in the world. However, the course itself is quite challenging. Players such as Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson have played here. One round of golf costs around $370.
The Ocean Course – South Carolina, U.S
The Ocean Course, located in South Carolina, was designed to take advantage of the direction of the wind to make the game more challenging. This course is known for being one of the toughest in the U.S. However, while the game may be difficult, you can still take in the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean that the Ocean Course offers.
Numerous tournaments like the Ryder Cup and the PGA Professional National Championship in 2005 have been hosted here. It costs around $230 per person to play a round of golf on this course.
TPC Sawgrass – Florida, U.S.
The Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass is located in Jacksonville, Florida and playing on this Stadium course is a bucket list item for many golfers. This spot is known for being one of the most challenging courses in the U.S because it was not designed for just one type of golfer. It is also ranked as the best golf course in Florida.
TPC Sawgrass has hosted numerous games like the PLAYERS Championship. All the top players in golf from Tiger Woods to Arnold Palmer have played on this course. Each round of golf on the Stadium course costs around $375.
Cascata Club – Nevada, U.S.
Cascata Club in Nevada may be overshadowed by the other courses in the area but it is definitely not one that should be overlooked. This golf course is known for being one of the best in the world and is incredibly picturesque. The word Cascata means waterfall in Italian so this is heavily featured on the course.
The course is located near Boulder City and is located a little outside Vegas. The course is also surrounded by boulder rocks that make for some incredible views. Many famous golfers and celebrities are regulars at this golf course.
The Pinehurst Course Number 2 – North Carolina, U.S.
This golf course is located in Pinehurst, North Carolina and is one of the most expensive golf courses in the world. The 2014 US Open was hosted here and top golfers from all over the world come to play on this course. Out of the eight courses located on the resort, numbers 2,4 and 8 are the best ones to play on.
A round of golf in Pinehurst can cost around $430 and add an additional caddie fee of $55. However, if you want to play on the number 2 course, this can easily cost you a grand. However, you can play on this course for just $195 if you stay at the Pinehurst resort.
Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland
The Old Head Golf Links is located on a resort in Old Head Kinsale, which is in the south of Ireland. The course was designed by John and Patrick O' Conner and offers some incredible views. The course itself is quite challenging because it makes use of the natural terrain.
You can experience Irish hospitality at the resort and enjoy a meal at the Lusitania Bar. The bar got its name because the resort is located close to where the Lusitania ship sank in 1915. One round of golf on this course costs $400.
Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, U.S.
If you are a golf enthusiast, Pebble Beach Golf Links is definitely a bucket list course. This course has seen some of the biggest golf tournaments like the U.S Open and the Ryder Cup. The course overlooks the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by cliffs, and is one of the prettiest golf courses in America.
The designer of the course created an area that extends toward the peninsula above the Pacific to make the game more exciting. One round of golf on this course costs $575 and you'll definitely want to buy some memorabilia at the clubhouse.
Shadow Creek Golf Course – Nevada, U.S.
The owner of the Shadow Creek Golf Course is Steve Wynn, founder of the Wynn Resorts in Vegas. The course was built in the middle of the desert to offer its players some privacy. The course cost between $60 million and $100 million to build and is said to have over 200 trees. Guests who stay at the MGM Hotel can take advantage of this course.
Each round of golf costs $500 and the caddie fee can cost between $50-$100. Given the courses' stunning gardens and waterfalls, this price is justified. If you wish to play at this course in style, a limousine will even come and pick you up from the hotel.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort – South Carolina, U.S.
This golf course is located on the eastern side of Kiawah Island, South Carolina. Numerous professional tournaments have been hosted on the island, such as the PGA Championships. The course was designed by Pete and Alice Dye and has an incredible view of the coastline.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort's Ocean Course is said to be one of the toughest in the world and it stretches over 7,873 yards. It was featured in the movie The Legend of Bagger Vance. One round of golf on this course costs $350.
Cordevalle Golf Club – California, U.S.
The Cordevalle Golf Club offers the perfect blend of entertainment and luxury as this golf course is located close to the Rosewood Hotel and Resorts. The course was built in 1999 and has over 18 holes that stretch across 7,360 yards.
The Cordevalle Golf Club has hosted numerous tournaments including the U.S Women's Open and the PGA Cup. The course was designed by Robert Trent and offers views of meadows, streams, and oak trees spread over 270 acres of land. A single round of golf on this course costs $360.
Royal Melbourne – Victoria, Australia
The city of Melbourne has some of the best golf courses in Australia but the Royal Melbourne course definitely takes the cake. The golf course is divided into two sections. The Royal Melbourne course has a sand base and the holes are surrounded by trees and shrubs on either side. This was done to make the game more challenging for the players.
This golf course consistently ranks as one of the top courses in Australia for its picturesque views and challenging terrain. A single round of golf at the Royal Melbourne costs $300.
Hirono Golf Club – Kobe, Japan
This golf course is located in beautiful Hirono, Japan. It is said to be one of the most memorable golf courses in the world and was designed by C.H. Alison in 1932. The golf course is known for its par three which makes it stand out from the other golf courses in Japan.
The golf course is surrounded by lush greenery, making the player feel as though they are standing in a Japanese Garden. There are gardens located in different parts of the course which add to its beauty. A round of golf here costs $550.
French Lick – Indiana, U.S.
One of the best golf courses in America and the world is the Peter Dye course at the French Lick Resort. This magnificent course stretches over 8,102 yards and covers 18 holes. It has one of the longest tracks in the U.S, just behind Promontory Club and Painted Valley. The course has some incredible views that are worth paying for.
Each hole on the Peter Dye course comes with its own challenge making this course a bucket list item for many players. A single round of golf at the resort costs $254 plus an additional $100 tip for the caddie.
Links At Spanish Bay – California, U.S
The Links at Spanish Bay is located on Pebble Beach in California and was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum. This golf course is often overshadowed by the Pebble Beach Golf Links but the Links at Spanish Bay are quite spectacular.
The course has incredible views of the Pacific Ocean and can pose quite a challenge even for professional players. A golf game here can be expensive but the views and the difficulty are worth paying for. One round of golf costs $295.
Adare Manor – Limerick, Ireland
Adare Manor is said to be one of the most stunning places to play golf in Ireland. This course is home to numerous golf tournaments like the Irish Open. It was designed by Tom Fazio, who is also the mastermind behind many other courses such as Firestone Country Club West Course and Pelican Hill Newport Beach California.
Adare Manor's course has over 120 trees on 170 acres of low-cut grass. It offers a mix of challenging holes as well as some 'tribute' holes to cater to the needs of players at all levels. A single round of golf here can cost $400 with a caddie tip of $80.
Congressional Country Club -- Bethesda, Maryland
One of the most prestigious golf clubs in the world is the Congressional Country Club located in Bethesda, Maryland. First opened in 1924, Congressional has hosted three U.S. Opens and a PGA championship.
Both the Blue Course and the Gold Course are recognized for their challenging greens, beautiful tree-lined fairways and rolling terrain.
Archerfield Links -- East Lothian, Scotland
Archerfield has hosted golfers for over 100 years. The first recorded attendant was the unnamed bowman of King Edward I, and since then, the course has remained upscale. A membership at Archerfield costs £11,150 ($12,304). Some individual packages require an "up-front" fee of £35,000 ($38,625).
Today, Archerfield offers two courses: The Fidra and The Dirleton. Both provide 18 holes along pine forests and lakes. The Fidra heads toward the coast and the island's bird sanctuary. Archerfield is both a luxury resort and a golf course, and you're sure to get your money's worth there.
The Bear's Club -- Florida, U.S.
In 1999, professional golfer Jack Nicklaus founded a golf course with his wife, Barbara. His nickname inspired its name: The Golden Bear. Today, the Bear's Club in Jupiter, Florida, is one of the best courses you can play. The 7,164-yard layout spans by wetlands, oaks, pines, and old cypresses.
Inspired by the Melbourne Golf Club in Australia, the Bear's Club strategically places 102 bunkers throughout the course. Just beyond the par-5 holes, there's a stone Tuscan-style clubhouse. A membership at Bear's Club costs $25,000 annually.
Pasatiempo Golf Club – California, U.S.
The Pasatiempo golf course is located in Santa Cruz, California, and was designed by Alister MacKenzie who also is also responsible for the Royal Melbourne in Australia and Cypress Point in the U.S. However, the Pasatiempo course was the designer's personal favorite because he lived in this area until his death in 1934.
The golf course is incredibly picturesque and a game here can be quite challenging. One portion of the course extends onto Highway 17 and many players have said that playing here can be pretty treacherous. A golf game at Pasatiempo costs $220 to $250.
The Old White Course at Greenbrier – West Virginia, U.S.
The Old White Course at Greenbrier was established in 1914 and is one of the best golf courses in the U.S. It was designed by Charles Blair, who named many of the holes on the course after some famous holes in Ireland and Scotland.
The Old White Course is part of the TPC network and has hosted numerous tournaments like the PGA Tour and FedEx Cup. This course is surrounded by mountains, providing players with some incredible views. A game of golf on the Old White course costs $150 and an additional $75 fee for the caddie.
The Barton Creek Foothill And Canyon Golf Clubs – Texas, U.S.
The Barton Creek Foothill and Canyon Golf Clubs are located in Austin, Texas. These courses are known for being incredibly picturesque with a view of the waterfalls, limestone caves, and cliffs that surround the course. However, the courses themselves are considered quite challenging even for skilled players.
The Barton Creek Foothill and Canyon Golf Clubs are said to be two of the best golf courses in Texas and cost around $298 per person for a single round. If you are looking to improve your golf skills, this is the place to go.
Wynn Golf Club -- Nevada, U.S.
In 2017, the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, shut down. Many people assumed that the 7,042-yard course was gone for good. But after a $1.5 billion development, the Wynn Golf Club is open for business. The original designer, Tom Fazio, added eight new holes and revamped 10 others.
During peak season, it costs $550 to play at Wynn Golf Club, without gratuity. The price drops to between $300 and $375 during the summer. The course provides a break from the Strip, with sparkling streams and over 7,000 mature trees. For new players, there's a practice area right outside the first hole.
Yas Links -- Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Around 6,000 acres of the Arabian Gulf coast is devoted to golf. This is the Yas Links golf course, which opened in 2010 and quickly became a high-brow course. During his first project in the Middle East, architect Kyle Phillips removed two million cubic meters of sand to create the course.
A clubhouse overlooks the 18th green. Around the 9th, there's a great restaurant for an after-round drink. Membership fees are estimated to be around £17,100 ($18,871). A single run can cost up to $717, but with discounts, you can cut it down to $325.
Singapore Island Country Club -- Singapore
The Singapore Island Country Club offers one of the best courses in all of Asia. Playing a course costs anywhere from $140 to $290, depending on which day you play. You can add up to $75 more if you want to play 18 holes or receive a cart.
The entire location offers six courses and two driving ranges. In 2019, many of these courses were closed for redevelopment. So their stunning lake views and perfectly-cut grass may look even better after a couple of years. It's no wonder why professional golfers from all over travel to compete at Singapore Island Country Club.
Address Montgomerie -- Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Address Montgomerie resort in Dubai provides an impressive 18-hole golf course. The course was designed by Colin Montgomerie, who gave the area a five-star, award-winning layout. Leisure and pro golfers alike visit Address Montgomerie to play on the lush course with a view of uptown Dubai.
Golfers can even stay in rooms decorated to complement the course. You can spend an afternoon at the 200-acre course for upwards of $150. This does not include equipment rental, but it does offer a lounge and access to three international restaurants.
Madison Club -- California, U.S.
For more Tom Fazio courses, visit the Madison Club in La Quinta, California. Several private golf courses have won awards over the years. Built in 2007, the course spans 7,426 yards with a breathtaking view of the mountains. The Golf Digest lists Madison Club in its Top 20 clubs across the U.S.
Despite being lesser-known, this desert club requires a $200,000 initiation fee. Players can custom-order food on their way to the 10th tee. Players such as Pat Perez, Matt Kuchar, Ben Crane, and Phil Mickelson have spent time on this course.
Fancourt Country Club -- George, South Africa
The Fancourt Country Club boasts the slogan, "Living the Dream." When you're on the golf course, you'll feel that slogan in your heart. In reality, Fancourt offers three gold courses that consistently rank among Gold Digest's top 20. The privately-owned club, The Links, is South Africa's number one golf course.
During peak season, the Links may cost up to $2,000 to play 18 holes. Other courses require up to $950. You won't get ripped off with the public courses, Montagu and Outeniqua. They both rank within the Top 15 golf courses of South Africa.
Wentworth Golf Club -- Surrey, England
Many of Europe's professional golf tournaments occur at Wentworth Golf Club. Since the precursor to the Ryder Cup competed there in 1926, numerous professionals have played at the three magnificent golf courses. In 2015, a membership at Wentworth cost £125,000 ($160,694), although they have since lowered the price.
The original courses were designed by architect Harry Colt in the 1920s. Later, Bernard Gallacher, John Jacobs, and Gary Player designed the Edinburgh course. Some of golf's most iconic players, such as Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els, and Nick Faldo, have played here.
East Hampton Golf Club -- New York, U.S.
In the 1940s, potato farmer Pete Bistrian opened a nine-hole golf course with his family. By 2000, it expanded to 18 holes and became the most sought-after course in New York. The first seven holes lie on flat, open grasslands, while the rest snake through a pine forest. If you're a fan of views, you won't grow bored at East Hampton.
Golf Digest describes East Hampton Golf Club as "Big Time, Blue Blood, Big Money private." Compared to other expensive Hampton golf courses, East Hampton Club is more exclusive. It offers a limited number of memberships that can cost up to $200,000.
Clearwater Bay Golf -- Hong Kong, China
The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club is a privately-owned course in Hong Kong, China. Every year, they host the PGA Tour China, and in 2020, they will host the World Amateur Team Championships. You have to be a member to get in, and those fees can reach between HK$500,000 and HK$3,500,000.
The golf course trails along a cliff above the South China Sea. Reportedly, the original design was not that spectacular. But the team of Thompson-Perrett remodeled the layout to create interesting courses. Now, you can see stunning views of the hotel, clubhouses, and ocean while golfing.
Liberty National Golf Club -- New Jersey, U.S.
In Jersey City, New Jersey, a 7,353-yard course has dazzled golfers for years. Liberty National Golf Club opened in 2006 after 14 years of designing by U.S. champion Tom Kite and architect Robert E. Cupp. Since it cost over $250 million to build, it's one of the most expensive golf courses in history.
The course's website describes its layout as "dramatic and yet traditional." From certain spots, you can see the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan skyline. Notable members include Rudolph Giuliani, Eli Manning, Phil Mickelson, and Cristine Kerr. To become a member, you'll have to pay an annual fee of $25,000.
The Bridge Golf Club -- New York, U.S.
Designed by Rees Jones, the Bridge Golf Club covers a former raceway on Long Island, New York. With its holes following the race track, the course still mirrors the racing theme with crisscrossed grass designs and racecar-themed clubhouses. Its sweeping vistas and plunging holes reflect Jones's work.
The course cost $25 million to build. Initiation fees add up to $750,000, with yearly dues of $20,000 and taxes adding up to $62,000. Like many New York Hampton golf courses, the Bridge is exclusive and private. Many people save up to play there.
Koganei Country Club -- Tokyo, Japan
In the suburbs of Tokyo, you can find one of the most expensive golf courses in the world. Koganei Country Club was designed by Walter Hagen in the 1930s. It's a private, members-only course, and you can only play there if you have $3.57 million to spare, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Golf is incredibly popular in Japan. Even if you had the money, Koganei may not have the room to allow another member. Throughout the country, hundreds of brokerage houses work with customers to score a golf membership. So you may have to see the sakura blossomed-golf course from pictures.
Mission Hills Golf Club -- Shenzhen, China
If you're searching for the world's largest golf facility, look no further than the town of Guanlan in China. The Mission Hills Golf Club has been the biggest golf facility since 2004. Twelve championship courses hosted events such as the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. Designers include Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus.
In 2000, the membership fee cost $150,000. Since then, the fees have risen closer to $2 million. About one million Chinese citizens play golf regularly--only 0.7% of the population. That makes Mission Hills one exclusive club.
Morfontaine Golf Club -- Mortefontaine, France
The Morfontaine Golf Club, or Golf de Morfontaine, is one of France's most elite golf courses. Designed in 1913, architect Tom Simpson converted an old polo park to an 18-hole layout. Each hole in Morfontaine is surrounded by an elegant pine forest. Like many exclusive clubs, you're lucky if the Morfontaine opens its doors to you.
About 450 members play on an invitation-only basis. The Morfontaine Golf Club keeps its pricing private, and it's hard to find just how much membership costs. But such an exclusive club is bound to require a lot of money.
Sunningdale Golf Club -- Berkshire, England
Founded in 1900, Sunningdale Golf Club offers two 18-hole golf courses. The beautiful English course requires connections to get into. To become a member, you first have to play with a current committee member. Then, you'd pay $100,000 in initiation fees with $8,000 annual dues.
The course lines a sand belt and sprouts birch and oak trees. The course (sometimes called the "Old course") offers a spot for food and beverages halfway through the holes. If you do manage to get into Sunningdale, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful golfing experience.
Shanqin Bay Golf Club -- Hainan, China
On the southeast coast of Hainan Island, the Shanqin Bay Golf Club stands out from China's 400 other golf clubs. This private course was designed by Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore with the help of Wang Jun, a member of one of China's ruling families. The layout is far different from most courses.
The course winds around postcard-worthy scenery and a white sand beach. Towering trees challenge players to play close to the plants. Reportedly, Shanqin is meant to be a secret retreat; initiation fees cost close to $1 million.
Loch Lomond Golf Club -- Loch Lomond, Scotland
Loch Lomond was once Rossdhu Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots wrote her love letters. Designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, the Loch Lomond Gold Course is considered one of the top 100 finest golf courses in the world by Golf Magazine. It offers panoramic views of the woodland, castle, and lake.
Loch Lomond is also one of the most exclusive clubs in Europe. The joining fee is around $161,000. If you do get in, you're in for a treat. The Club offers 43 suites, the 7,100-yard golf course, and other activities such as boat tours.
Augusta National Golf Club -- Georgia, U.S.
The city of Augusta, Georgia, houses one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. The Augusta National Golf Club hosts an annual Masters Tournament and four major championships, although its reputation has been controversial over the years. Warren Buffett and Bill Gates are some of the club's 300 members.
While the Augusta National Golf Club was first male-only, they have recently opened their doors to women. Members have to pay a fee between $250,000 and $500,000. Its appearance is stunning: azaleas and dogwoods border the course, bird sounds play on speakers, and all ponds are dyed blue.
