Most people associate country clubs with wealth and opulence. And for good reason – membership to most clubs comes with a hefty price tag. Yet, every golfer has probably dreamed of joining an extravagant country club at some point. But just how much does it cost to join a country club?
The average cost of country club membership in the United States is extremely variable. Some may cost as little as $600, whereas others may total $600,000. However, you can generally anticipate paying between $700 and $25,000 in initial fees, plus monthly charges from roughly $70 to more than $1,500 a month.
So, what do you get for your money when you join a country club? And is it worth it? Let’s learn in detail.
What’s The Typical Cost Of A Country Club Membership?
As a starting point, the majority of American golf courses are country clubs. In addition to golf, they may offer various other facilities. For your convenience, we’ve checked out several popular clubs to get an idea of the average costs.
The Membership Categories
Firstly, you should be aware of the different membership categories. Several clubs offer individual memberships for individuals or family memberships for families. The various facilities on offer may also be limited to certain membership classes.
In general, club members are categorized according to their age range. Over 40 is the minimum age for full membership. A junior member is between the ages of 21 and 35. Members in transition are 35-39 years old.
In addition, there can be four types of membership.
- Full – entitles you to use all club amenities.
- Sports – unlimited access to every sports facility, with 12 golf rounds a year.
- House – clubhouse access with dining and social amenities, without access to sports.
- National – available to members living outside the immediate region of the club (determined by distance).
Average Full Member Costs
Membership initiation fees for regular full members are typically about $700 to $5,000. In addition, there are monthly fees of between $100 and $500 per month.
For example, at Cog Hill golf course in Lemont, Chicago, the initiation fee is $5,000. The monthly dues are $395.
The Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland has an initiation fee of $10,000, with $605 in monthly dues. The world-famous Pine Valley Golf Club in New Jersey has an initiation fee of $40,000 and monthly dues of $650.
On the lower end of the scale, the Country Club of York in Pennsylvania has an initiation fee of $700 and monthly dues of just $85. Likewise, the Country Club of Darien in Connecticut has an initiation fee of $1,500 and monthly dues of $185.
Average Sports Member Costs
Initiation fees for sports memberships are usually in the $1,000 to $2,500 range. In addition, monthly dues of between $100 and $400 are common. For example, the initiation fee at Montauk Downs State Park in New York is $2,000. The monthly dues are $175.
However, several big clubs have astronomical initiation fees for sports members. For example, Cherokee Town and Country Club in Atlanta, Georgia has an initiation fee of $45,000 for a sports membership. Dues are $775 per month.
Average House Member Costs
As for House members, they often pay lower initiation fees and dues than full members. This is because House members do not have access to the sports facilities. For example, at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo, California, the initiation fee is $2,000 with monthly dues of just $95.
The Belle Haven Country Club in Alexandria, Virginia has an initiation fee of $2,500 and monthly dues of $165. Then again, some clubs have high initiation fees for House members. For example, the New Canaan Country Club in Connecticut has an initiation fee of $50,000, with monthly dues of $475.
Average National Member Costs
If you live outside the club’s designated geographic area, you may be eligible for National membership. These memberships often have lower initiation fees and dues than other types of memberships. For example, at the Deer Creek Golf Club in Deerfield, Illinois, the initiation fee is $500 with monthly dues of just $75.
However, some clubs charge the same initiation fees and dues for National members as they do for other types of memberships. For example, at the Stonehenge Golf Club in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, the initiation fee is $3,000 with monthly dues of $325.
Additional Costs
In addition to the initiation fee and monthly dues, there are often other costs associated with country club membership. For example-
Annual Assessment Fee:
Many clubs charge an annual assessment fee. This fee is used to cover the cost of capital improvements, such as new golf carts or a new swimming pool. Assessment fees can range from $100 to $1,000 or more per year.
Food and Beverage Fee:
Some clubs also charge a food and beverage minimum. This is the amount that you are required to pay to include extravagant food and drink each year. The minimum can range from $250 to $2,000 or more.
Golf Course Maintenance Fee:
If you are a golfer, you may be required to pay a golf course maintenance fee. This fee is used to cover the cost of maintaining the golf course. Maintenance fees can range from $100 to $1,000 or more per year.
Social Activities Fee:
Some clubs charge a social activities fee. This fee is used to cover the cost of additional social activities outside the normal club programming. Social activities fees can range from $50 to $500 or more per year.
What Are Some Best-Value Country Clubs In The USA?
As you now know what to look for in the best country clubs, you may be wondering which clubs have the best value. Here, we have listed fifteen of the best-value country clubs in the United States based on our study of scores of them:
| Country Club | Initiation fees start from | Monthly dues start from |
| Lakewood Country Club (Colorado) | $2,000 | $165 |
| Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club (Oregon) | $4,950 | $270 |
| Harbor Town Golf Links (South Carolina) | $2,500 | $295 |
| Los Angeles Country Club (California) | $3,000 | $425 |
| Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania) | $2,500 | $325 |
| Winged Foot Golf Club (New York) | $5,000 | $475 |
| Oak Hill Country Club (New York) | $2,500 | $430 |
| The Country Club (Massachusetts) | $6,000 | $495 |
| Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (New York) | $2,500 | $525 |
| Baltusrol Golf Club (New Jersey) | $5,000 | $475 |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links (California) | $3,000 | $495 |
| Oakland Hills Country Club (Michigan) | $3,000 | $495 |
| Merion Golf Club (Pennsylvania) | $2,500 | $325 |
| Cypress Point Club (California) | $3,000 | $495 |
| Seminole Golf Club (Florida) | $5,000 | $475 |
What Do You Get From A Country Club Membership?
You can clearly see the steepness of the country club membership fees. But what do you actually get for your money? We did a survey of country club members to find out.
Here are some of the most popular amenities that country club members enjoy:
Pro-Level Golfing Facilities
If you are a golfer, then you will be happy to know that a country club membership gives you access to some of the best golf courses in the country.
In addition, you will have access to practice facilities, such as a driving range and putting green. You will also be able to join a country club golf league and compete against other members.
Tennis Courts And Swimming Pools
If you are not a golfer, then you will still be able to enjoy the other country club amenities, such as the tennis courts and swimming pools. You will also have access to the clubhouse, where you can enjoy a meal or a drink with other members.
Private Dining Facilities And Space Reservation
Country club membership also gives you access to private dining facilities. This is a great way to entertain clients or celebrate a special occasion. You will also be able to reserve space at the club for your private events.
Personalized Services
When you become a country club member, you will receive personalized services. For example, many clubs have valet parking and concierge services. You will also have access to a personal locker and golf bag storage.
Most country clubs also give you the privilege to use the club’s business center and meeting rooms. You can also set up a personalized fitness program with the club’s certified trainers.
Social Events And Activities
In addition to the recreation facilities, country club membership also gives you access to a variety of social events and activities. These events and activities are a great way to meet other members and make new friends.
Some of the most popular social events include dinner parties, holiday parties, and cocktail parties.
Things to Consider Before Joining a Country Club
As you can see, there are a variety of costs associated with country club membership. The initiation fee and monthly dues are just the beginning. So, before you join a country club, you need to consider the following:
Can You Afford It?
The first thing you need to consider is whether or not you can afford the membership fees. Country club membership is a significant investment, so you need to make sure that it is within your budget.
Are the Amenities Worth the Price?
The next thing you need to consider is whether or not the amenities are worth the price. If you are not a golfer, then you may not want to pay for access to a golf course. Likewise, if you do not have play buddies, you may not want to pay for access to the swimming pool and tennis courts.
Do You Have the Time?
Another thing to consider is whether or not you have the time to take advantage of the amenities. If you are a busy person, then you may not have the time to use the facilities on a regular basis. In this case, you may be better off joining a gym or fitness center.
Do You Know Anyone Who is a Member?
If you do not know anyone who is a member, then you may want to think twice about joining a country club. Country clubs are social organizations, so it is important that you know people who can introduce you to other members.
Is the Club Conveniently Located?
The last thing you need to consider is whether or not the club is conveniently located. If you have to drive a long way to get to the club, then you may not want to join.
As you can see, there are a variety of factors to consider before joining a country club. By taking the time to weigh the pros and cons, you can make sure that you are making the right decision for yourself and your family.
Is Country Club Membership Worth It?
So, is a country club membership worth the cost? The answer actually depends on a variety of factors. But these are primarily the two viewpoints you need to consider.
Benefit-Wise
If you enjoy golf, tennis, swimming, or other recreational activities, then you will probably find that the membership fees are worth it. More so, when you consider the eliteness, prestige, and social status that comes with being a member of a country club.
Also, if you entertain clients or host private events, then you will find that a country club membership gives you access to the best facilities and services. This can help you impress your clients and make a lasting impression.
Moreover, the sum of the one-time initiation fee and the monthly dues is actually a lot less expensive when you compare it to the sum of all the green fees, court fees, and other associated costs of using the facilities at a non-member rate.
Budget-Wise
However, things may be different if you are on a tight budget. Paying that hefty amount for a country club membership may not be your cup of tea if you are looking to save money.
In this case, you may be better off finding a cheaper recreational activity or joining a public golf course or community center instead of a country club. These facilities will offer you comparable recreational activities at a fraction of the cost.
Still, spending big on a costly country club membership may not be worth it at all either way, when you can find creative and less expensive ways to enjoy your recreational activities and socialize with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, we have answered some of the most commonly asked questions about country club membership:
Are Country Club Membership Costs The Same For All?
No, the cost of country club membership can differ depending on the club’s location, facilities, and amenities. Some clubs may be more expensive than others. Besides, each club has categorized memberships with different pricing.
What Other Hidden Fees Should I Expect Besides Country Club Membership?
Annual assessments are the most common, which all members must pay. The club’s board of directors usually approves the annual assessment fee. This fee covers the operational costs, such as repairs, maintenance, staff salaries, and utilities.
Other than that, some clubs may charge a ‘food and beverage minimum,’ whereas a few others also charge a ‘capital improvement fee’ for any capital improvements made to the club’s facilities.
Do Country Clubs Offer Payment Plans For The Membership Fee?
Most clubs require that the initiation fee is paid in full before you can gain access to the club’s facilities. However, some notable exceptions are the Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey and the Seminole Golf Club in Florida, which offer monthly payment plans for both the initiation fee and monthly dues.
What’s The Difference Between A Country Club And A Golf Club?
A country club is a private club that offers its members a wide range of recreational activities, such as golf, tennis, swimming, and dining. On the other hand, a golf club is a private club whose primary purpose is to provide its members with access to a golf course. Country clubs are usually more expensive than golf clubs.
How Do I Find A Country Club Near Me And Apply For It?
The best way to find a country club near you is by doing an online search. You can also ask your friends, family, or colleagues who are members of a country club for recommendations. Once you have found a few clubs that meet your needs, visit their websites and fill out an application form.
Can Country Club Membership Costs Be Six Figures?
Yes, some country clubs can be quite expensive, with initiation fees costing up to six figures. However, these clubs usually offer world-class facilities and services for celebrities, business tycoons, and athletes that are worth the price tag.
The most expensive country club in the world is the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, whose initiation fee is a whopping $40,000.
Final Words
When all is said and done, country clubs offer a luxury that not every golfer can enjoy. However, membership in a country club has far more perks than just access to an exclusive group of individuals and resources – it can be considered a lifestyle.
Ultimately, whether or not a country club membership is worth the cost is up to you. Consider your recreational needs and budget before making a decision. If you can afford it and the club offers the activities you’re interested in, then membership may be worth the investment.