How Much Does Exmoor Country Club Membership Cost?

Last Updated on February 10, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Nestled in the upscale Chicago suburb of Highland Park, Illinois, the exclusive Exmoor Country Club offers its members access to world-class amenities and a luxury lifestyle.

But joining this elite private club comes at a price. Here’s an in-depth look at the cost of memberships, fees, and dues for those interested in gaining entry into the Exmoor community.

Membership at the Exmoor Country Club grants you exclusive access to the club’s spectacular 18-hole golf course, sophisticated clubhouse, and array of dining and recreational facilities. Exmoor’s reputation for fine dining, golf tournaments, junior programs, and family-friendly social events also enhances the value of membership.

How Much Does Exmoor Country Club Membership Cost?

While Exmoor does not publicly disclose its membership costs, it is widely considered one of the Midwest’s most exclusive clubs with initiation fees from $30,000 to $75,000 and total first-year costs ranging from $15,000 to $20,000. The actual amount depends on your membership category and level of access to the club’s amenities.

Exmoor Offers Different Tiers of Membership

Exmoor has several membership classifications to meet the needs and budgets of different individuals and families interested in joining.

The club offers full golf memberships starting at $75,000 initiation fee and $15,000 in annual dues, social memberships with $15,000 initiation fee and $6,000 in annual dues, and junior memberships for those under 40 years old at $10,000 initiation fee and $4,000 in annual dues.

There is also a family membership category that covers spouses and children under 23 years old for a $100,000 initiation fee and $20,000 in annual dues.

Each tier provides varying access to Exmoor’s facilities, events, and dining options for a corresponding cost. Golf memberships are the most comprehensive and expensive because they offer unlimited use of the golf course and clubhouse locker rooms. Social memberships provide similar access to events and dining but exclude golf privileges.

Additional Costs to Expect When Joining Exmoor

On top of the initiation fees and annual dues, new Exmoor members should be prepared for additional expenses and requirements.

There are typically food and beverage minimums of $250-$500 per month that must be spent at Exmoor’s dining facilities. Many memberships need to pay capital assessments of $5,000 or more to support club improvements.

Other regular fees include golf cart rentals, fitness training, swim lessons, and court time for tennis or pickleball. Members also must tip caddies and waitstaff per club guidelines.

Exmoor may require new members to purchase a refundable Club Equity bond ranging from $15,000 to $35,000. These bonds help fund ongoing club operations and upgrades.

Prospective members should budget for these extra costs and financial obligations on top of the base dues and initiation fees.

Exmoor Offers Different Tiers of Membership

Exmoor has several membership classifications to meet the needs and budgets of different individuals and families interested in joining.

The club offers full golf memberships, social memberships, and junior memberships for those under 40 years old. There is also a family membership category that covers spouses and children under 23 years old.

Each tier provides varying access to Exmoor’s facilities, events, and dining options for a corresponding cost. Golf memberships are the most comprehensive and expensive because they offer unlimited use of the golf course and clubhouse locker rooms. Social memberships provide similar access to events and dining but exclude golf privileges.

Meanwhile, junior memberships allow limited access for younger applicants who will convert to full membership at age 40. Family memberships cover the initiation fee for the whole family to participate.

Golf Members Get Full Access to All Amenities

For the complete Exmoor experience, full golf memberships provide unlimited golf, use of the driving range, club storage, and access to men’s and women’s locker rooms.

Golf members can play year-round on Exmoor’s spectacular course, ranked as one of the best in Illinois. They also get preferential tee times and access to golf instruction.

The state-of-the-art 35,000 square foot clubhouse offers fine and casual dining, event spaces, card rooms, and bars. Golf members can use the clubhouse facilities for private events by reservation.

Other amenities include four Har-Tru tennis courts, heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Golf members get discounts on court time, personal training, swim lessons, and other services.

Exmoor’s dining options, social events, and recreational programs provide golf members with endless opportunities for golfing, entertainment, and community engagement.

Social Membership Offers Dining and Events Without Golf

For those more interested in Exmoor’s dining facilities and robust calendar of social events, a social membership grants access to the clubhouse and most amenities without golf privileges.

Social members pay lower fees in exchange for limited tee times and practice facilities access. But they still get member rates for dining, events, swimming, and tennis with some restrictions.

You might also like our articles about the cost of joining other country clubs like MountainGate, Bellerive, or Mar a Lago.

The clubhouse offers both fine dining in the formal dining room and more casual fare on the veranda or in the grille room. Members can also sign up for popular events like trivia nights, live music, holiday parties, and wine tastings.

While not getting golf access, social members still enjoy Exmoor’s first-class amenities and vibrant social scene for a reduced cost.

Junior Membership Targets Younger Applicants

To attract younger members, Exmoor offers junior membership for applicants under 40 years old. Junior members pay reduced fees due to their limited financial means early in their careers or time constraints with young families.

The junior membership provides full access with reasonable restrictions on weekend and morning tee times. Juniors also receive limited dining privileges and guest passes.

Once a junior member turns 40, they have the option to convert to a full golf or social membership by paying the difference in initiation fees. This makes junior membership an affordable way to join Exmoor at a younger age before “graduating” to full membership.

Family Membership Covers Spouses and Children

For families interested in joining Exmoor, the club offers family memberships to cover spouses and dependent children under 23 years old. The primary member pays the full initiation fee, while add-on fees apply for a spouse and eligible children.

With a family membership, spouses receive the same privileges and access to facilities as the primary member based on their membership type. Children get access to junior golf clinics, swim lessons, summer camps, and kids’ events.

The add-on fees for spouses and kids make joining more affordable for entire families. Exmoor also limits when dependents must convert to their own memberships between ages 21 and 23.

The family membership makes enjoying Exmoor’s amenities easier and more budget-friendly for spouses and kids.

Applying for Membership

To apply for Exmoor Country Club membership, prospective members must submit an application sponsored by two current Exmoor members in good standing. Sponsors vouch for the applicant’s character and financial standing.

The application states the desired membership category and needs board approval. Applicants should request the package from the membership director outlining policies, fees, and application instructions.

Next, the membership committee reviews each application before recommending approval to Exmoor’s board of directors. The board votes to accept or deny applicants.

Those approved must pay the initiation fee, which may be spread over three years, along with any applicable dues before accessing the club’s facilities and privileges.

Gaining entry to Exmoor involves finding member sponsors, detailed application materials, committee review, and ultimately board approval.

Final Words

Once accepted as a member of Exmoor, new inductees should get involved to maximize their membership privileges and build community connections.

Attending member events, reserving dining tables, booking tee times, and registering for sports lessons means you use the amenities available. Playing in club golf tournaments or joining a member committee also enhances your engagement.

Getting to know fellow members makes networking easier. Consider inviting new golf partners or dining with different member crowds. Introducing guests to Exmoor also allows you to show off the club.

Don’t be shy about plunging into Exmoor’s schedule of activities, services, and social gatherings. Making the most of everything offered gets you the full membership experience.