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Country Club Membership Cost – What Fees Do Clubs Charge?

Last Updated on September 21, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by Certified CFA CFA Alexander Popinker

A concept originally from Scotland, the “country club” rose to fame in the United States, relying on the desire of members to access an exclusive community of people with common concerns and interests.

Country clubs are private membership organizations that typically offer a variety of amenities, including golf, swimming, and dining. They can be found in many cities throughout the world, with multiple locations offering different services. But how much does country club membership cost?

How much does a country club membership cost?

Country clubs have a wide range of costs. Some can be as low as $600 to join, while others may cost you up to $600,000 or more. In general, though, expect an average price between $700 and $25,000 for initial fees and then monthly rates on top of that, which will vary from around $70 all the way up to over $1,500 per month.

Clubs must consider many factors when deciding how much they will charge you for membership. They may charge more from older people, but this is not always the case.

A new article written on HollywoodReporter.com reveals just how exclusive and pricey it is to get into some of LA’s most elite country clubs, with each club having its own initiation fee that can range between $47,000 and $280,000 per person.

For example, the most expensive one is Riviera Country Club, with an initial fee of $280,000. It is followed by Hill Country Club, which requires a fee of $195,000, and Brentwood Country Club, with a fee of $185,000.

If you want to be a Sherwood Country Club or Bel-Air Country Club member, be prepared to pay around $155,000 to join. The most accessible option in price is El Caballero Country Club, as it requires a fee of only $47,000.

An article from Askmen.com states that the initiation fees at the Sherwood Country Club start at $220,000 for a single member and up to as much as half a million dollars for dual memberships with Bighorn Golf Club. If you are looking to join one of America’s most prestigious country clubs like Augusta National, that is going to cost somewhere between $275,000 and $550,000.

The price of joining a club is extremely high, with some clubs charging up to $500,000. According to a survey done by Golf Digest, the average cost per month for this privilege was about $550.

What could golfers get from the country club membership?

Each country club will vary as to what is included in their membership fee. Some fees only include golf sessions, while others also cover the fitness center and swimming pool along with clubhouse perks such as parties or special events, and sometimes buffet, grill, and/or bars for members of that particular club.

There are also clubs that have partnerships with other clubs around the US and even internationally giving their members discounted rates or even free passes on golfing and other amenities at partner clubs.

Some clubs have amenities for your children as well, so that you can enjoy your time without having to worry about them having fun. There are several that have swimming pools made specifically for toddlers or kids’ play rooms, while others have full time daycare.

You might also like our articles about the cost of joining Birmingham Country Club, Hershey Country Club, or Porter Valley Country Club.

You can choose between two types of clubs: equity or non-equity. In an equity club, you get to hold shares in the company but can also vote on important matters regarding its management.

If you leave, your share will either be sold or redeemed for cash value at its current market price, depending on what kind of agreement was made with other members prior to your departure from the group. On the contrary, a non-equity club is more like leasing property than owning any real stake in ownership rights.

What are the extra costs and fees?

Rich People Country ClubIf you’re looking to join an upper-scale country club, food and beverage minimums are usually between $60 and $600 per month.

In addition to dues, some country clubs also bill for equipment storage and cart rentals.

Golf may not be for free, especially if you have a guest with you. A round of golf will cost about $110 per person, a fee that will also apply to the more expensive clubs.

Many country clubs ask for a home purchase in order to become a member. These are usually located within neighborhoods, and you must live in the neighborhood if you want to be part of the club.

A country club may charge for more than just golf. Country clubs can be divided into different categories based on what amenities they offer, such as only playing tennis or working out in the gym. In general, a country club’s most expensive membership category will include all of its amenities.

If you would like all of the employees at your business to enjoy country club luxuries, you will have to pay a lot for corporate fees.

There are some hidden fees that can be charged if a club is running low on funds or needs to perform a large job, such as remodeling the locker room. They are called assessment fees. An assessment fee could often be in the $5,500 range.

Is a Country Club Membership Worth It?

Whether the golf club membership will be worth the investment for you or not will usually depend on what you expect in terms of the perks and benefits of the club, as well as whether you play golf often enough or not.

As long as you play multiple golf multiple times a week and you consider yourself an avid golfer, then a country club or golf club membership might be worth it. If, on the other hand, you’re only playing golf recreationally, then paying for a membership, especially at an exclusive club might be a bit of a stretch.

The perks and benefits shouldn’t be ignored either when making a decision. For example, if you travel a lot and always like to try new golf courses to play on, then having access to partner clubs might be a great way of actually saving money in time.

Important things about golf clubs

The only way to get into an ultra-exclusive country club is through sponsorship or recommendation.

In the country clubs with a history behind them, the number of members is fixed. After exceeding the upper application threshold, anyone who wants to take advantage of the place’s services must wait months or even years for a vacancy.

And, even when one of the current members decides to leave the club and the much-desired availability is created, the rest of the members have to vote for and approve the one on the waiting list.

When it comes to joining a club, there are usually some rules to be respected. For example, clubs may have restrictions on guests or children in certain areas. This is why it is very important to read the Terms and Conditions of the club you’re interested in, as well as their FAQs pages.

Membership fees and monthly dues – how to save money?

Think about all the amenities you’re looking for when choosing a country club membership. Do you want just golf access? Or do you also plan to play tennis or swim in their pool? If money isn’t an issue, it’s worth getting one of the most expensive memberships that includes everything because they are often less costly than purchasing each amenity separately.

Some clubs offer discounts on initiation costs or monthly dues to young professionals, as part of programs like the Young Executive Program. Ask about these programs when considering country club membership.

Public memberships are available at various clubs around the area, but you must set up a tour and ask lots of questions before committing to one. Some require you to commit to a one-year minimum to join, so make sure the club is right for you.

Special promotions and events are often available, so it’s important for members to always stay in contact with the club staff at their country clubs.

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