Golf is an extremely popular sport, but playing at the best, most exclusive clubs in the world comes with a price.
Whether it be business magnates like Bill Gates or celebrities like Sir Sean Connery, many of the rich-and-famous se are members of the most exclusive golf clubs around the world. Some memberships are by invite only, like Pine Valley in New Jersey (routinely ranked the No. 1 course in the United States), so it's difficult to know just what it takes to become a member.
However, the initiation fee to join some of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world has been made public over the years. Here is a list of the top 5 most expensive golf memberships.
The most expensive golf memberships in the world
5. Scottsdale National - Arizona, USA
A club owned by PXG owner and GoDaddy founder Dr. Bob Parsons, Scottsdale National is an incredible facility that has few members. Many of them fly in private with guests for a great time away from everything. At the club, the total food and beverage bill is split up among the members, with half the cost split evenly among the membership.
Initiation fee: $100,000 (£90,000)
4. Trump National Golf Club - New Jersey, USA
Trump National Golf Club is an ultimate luxury golf experience just an hour outside New York City. Its courses are not only ranked by Golf Digest but will host major championships. The club has several unique restaurants and hotels as well as a state-of-the-art golf academy.
Initiation fee: Approximately $188,000 (£148,000)
3. Bear’s Club – Florida, USA
The Bear’s Club is a private high quality golf club that provides its members with world-class golf. The club was founded in 1999 by Jack Nicklaus, who was looking to provide the finest golf experience in the world. There are not only amazing golf facilities but the club weaves through pricey real estate with astounding home sites.
Initiation fee: $201,000 (£160,000)
2. Congressional Country Club - Maryland, USA
The D.C. area's preeminent club comes with a big price tag to join. The club has an enormous clubhouse, great facilities, two golf courses and a large membership. It takes a long time to get in line to become a member.
Initiation fee: $250,000 (£190,000)
1. Liberty National – New Jersey, USA
Liberty National Golf Club looks to give members the highest quality service and facilities alike to the professionals. The course offers views of the Statue of Liberty and stuns with its beauty -- marking an amazing transformation of a former landfill. The club has fine dining, spa facilities and state-of-the-art fitness for its members. It is also now the host of the Presidents cup. The membership is kept extremely exclusive.
Initiation fee: $450,000 (£355,000)
