Inside the World’s Most Exclusive and Expensive Golf Courses

Published on 06/27/2026

Whistling Straits – Wisconsin, U.S.

Golf is an expensive activity, so you may need to spend a few dollars to play a round at your local course. There are many golf courses around the world with fees that can go into the hundreds. While this may appear excessive, these golf courses charge a lot of money for good reason. Some of the world’s top golf courses feature spectacular views, challenging playing terrain, and ideal weather conditions. If you want to play 18 holes at some of the world’s most costly golf courses, here are a few recommendations.The Whistling Straits golf course in Wisconsin has two courses: the Straits and the Irish. Pete Dye developed the courses, which are regarded as among the best in the United States. Whistling Straits has held various golf tournaments, including the Palmer Cup and the 2010 PGA Championship. The golf courses run two miles along the Lake Michigan coastline and were created with Irish-style dunes and grass to make the course more difficult. A round of golf on this course costs $300 per person plus a $65 obligatory caddie fee.

Whistling Straits – Wisconsin, U.S.

Whistling Straits – Wisconsin, U.S.

Kingsbarns Golf Links – St. Andrews, Scotland

Kingsbarns Golf Links, located near St. Andrews, Scotland, is one of the top golf courses in the world. The course also hosts various golf tournaments, including the annual Alfred Dunhill Links Championship. Golfers have been playing on this course since 1973. Kingsbarns Golf also features a resort on-site and is recognized for its exceptional caddy service. If the service does not meet the player’s expectations, the caddy cost will be reimbursed. This is an example of Scottish hospitality. Every round at this golf course costs roughly $300.

Kingsbarns Golf Links – St. Andrews, Scotland

Kingsbarns Golf Links – St. Andrews, Scotland

The Spyglass Hill Golf Course – California, U.S.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course, on Pebble Beach, was named after the book Treasure Island. The author of the book, Robert Louis Stevenson, is reported to have visited the area in the late 1800s. This inspired course designer Robert Trent Jones Sr., who named the holes on the golf course after pirates from the book, such as “Billy Bones” and “Black Dog.” The golf course is regarded to boast some of the best views in the world. However, the course is fairly hard. Players like Luke Donald and Phil Mickelson have competed here. One game of golf costs approximately $370.

The Spyglass Hill Golf Course – California, U.S.

The Spyglass Hill Golf Course – California, U.S.

The Ocean Course – South Carolina, U.S

The Ocean Course in South Carolina was intended to take advantage of the wind’s direction to make the game more demanding. This course is known for being one of the most difficult in the United States. While the game may be difficult, you can still enjoy the stunning vistas of the Atlantic Ocean that the Ocean Course provides. Numerous competitions, including the Ryder Cup and PGA Professional National Championship in 2005, have been held here. A round of golf on this course costs approximately $230 per person.

Ocean Course 16th Hole 22031

Ocean Course 16th Hole 22031

TPC Sawgrass – Florida, U.S.

The Tournament Players Club (TPC) at Sawgrass is near Jacksonville, Florida, and many golfers dream of playing on this Stadium course. This location is known for being one of the most difficult courses in the United States because it was not intended for a specific type of golfer. It is also considered the best golf course in Florida. TPC Sawgrass has held various games, including the PLAYERS Championship. This course has been played by all of golf’s greatest players, including Tiger Woods and Arnold Palmer. Each round of golf on the Stadium course costs approximately $375.

TPC Sawgrass – Florida, U.S.

TPC Sawgrass – Florida, U.S.

Cascata Club – Nevada, U.S.

Cascata Club in Nevada may be overshadowed by other courses in the vicinity, but it is absolutely not to be missed. This golf course is regarded as one of the best in the world and is quite gorgeous. The word Cascata means waterfall in Italian, hence it is prominently featured throughout the course. The course is located between Boulder City and a little outside of Vegas. The course is also bordered by boulder boulders, which provide some breathtaking views. This golf course attracts a lot of well-known players and celebrities.
Cascata Club – Nevada, U.S.

Cascata Club – Nevada, U.S.

The Pinehurst Course Number 2 – North Carolina, U.S.

This golf course, located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, is one of the world’s most expensive. The 2014 US Open was held here, and top players from across the world came to compete on this course. Out of the eight courses on the resort, the best ones to play on are 2, 4, and 8. A game of golf in Pinehurst can cost roughly $430, with an additional caddie fee of $55. However, if you want to play on the number two course, it will easily cost you a grand. If you stay at the Pinehurst resort, you can play this course for only $195.

The Pinehurst Course Number 2 – North Carolina, U.S.

The Pinehurst Course Number 2 – North Carolina, U.S.

Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland

The Old Head Golf Links is located on a resort near Old Head Kinsale, in southern Ireland. The course was built by John and Patrick O’Conner and has some breathtaking views. The course itself is quite difficult because it takes advantage of the natural terrain. The resort offers Irish hospitality and serves meals at the Lusitania Bar. The bar’s name comes from the resort’s proximity to the site of the Lusitania’s sinking in 1915. A round of golf at this course costs $400.

Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland

Old Head Golf Links – County Cork, Ireland

Shadow Creek Golf Course – Nevada, U.S.

The Shadow Creek Golf Course is owned by Steve Wynn, who founded the Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. The course was developed in the middle of the desert to provide its players with privacy. The course cost between $60 million and $100 million to construct and is claimed to feature over 200 trees. Guests staying at the MGM Hotel can benefit from this training. Each round of golf costs $500, and the caddie price ranges from $50 to $100. Given the courses’ beautiful gardens and waterfalls, the price is reasonable. If you want to play at this course in elegance, a limousine will come and pick you up from your hotel.

Shadow Creek Golf Course – Nevada, U.S.

Shadow Creek Golf Course – Nevada, U.S.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, U.S.

Pebble Beach Golf Links is a must-play course for any golf aficionado. This course has hosted some of the largest golf competitions, including the US Open and the Ryder Cup. The course overlooks the Pacific Ocean and is flanked by cliffs. It is one of the most beautiful golf courses in America. The course designer added an area that extends toward the peninsula over the Pacific to make the game more intriguing. A round of golf on this course costs $575, and you will undoubtedly want to purchase some memorabilia at the clubhouse.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, U.S.

Pebble Beach Golf Links – California, U.S.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – South Carolina, U.S.

This golf course is situated on the eastern side of Kiawah Island, South Carolina. The island has hosted numerous professional tournaments, including the PGA Championship. Pete and Alice Dye created the course, which offers a spectacular perspective of the shoreline. Kiawah Island Golf Resort’s Ocean Course is believed to be one of the most difficult in the world, stretching 7,873 yards. It appeared in the film The Legend of Bagger Vance. A round of golf at this course costs $350.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – South Carolina, U.S.

Kiawah Island Golf Resort – South Carolina, U.S.

Cordevalle Golf Club – California, U.S.

The Cordevalle Golf Club, located near the Rosewood Hotel and Resorts, provides the ideal combination of entertainment and elegance. The course was created in 1999 and includes 18 holes totaling 7,360 yards. The Cordevalle Golf Club has held several competitions, including the US Women’s Open and the PGA Cup. Robert Trent created the course, which spans 270 acres and features views of meadows, streams, and oak trees. A single round of golf at this course costs $360.

Cordevalle Golf Club – California, U.S.

Cordevalle Golf Club – California, U.S.

Links At Spanish Bay – California, U.S

The Links at Spanish Bay in Pebble Beach, California, was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Tom Watson, and Sandy Tatum. This golf course is frequently overshadowed by Pebble Beach Golf Links, but the Links at Spanish Bay are truly stunning. The course features breathtaking vistas of the Pacific Ocean and can be challenging even for professional players. A round of golf here can be pricey, but the scenery and difficulty make it worthwhile. A round of golf costs $295.

GettyImages 1156397490 92572

GettyImages 1156397490 92572

Royal Melbourne – Victoria, Australia

Melbourne contains some of Australia’s top golf courses, but the Royal Melbourne course is unquestionably the best. The golf course is separated into two halves. The Royal Melbourne course has a sand base with holes flanked by trees and plants on either side. This was done to make the game more difficult for players. This golf course is often ranked as one of the best in Australia because to its stunning views and tough terrain. One round of golf at the Royal Melbourne costs $300.

Royal Melbourne – Victoria, Australia

Royal Melbourne – Victoria, Australia

Hirono Golf Club – Kobe, Japan

This golf course is situated in the picturesque Hirono, Japan. C.H. Alison designed it in 1932, and it is regarded as one of the world’s most memorable golf courses. The golf course is notable for its par threes, which set it apart from the other golf courses in Japan. The golf course is surrounded by beautiful foliage, giving the player feel as if they are in a Japanese garden. There are gardens dotted throughout the course, adding to its charm. A round of golf here is $550.

Hirono Golf Club – Kobe, Japan

Hirono Golf Club – Kobe, Japan

Archerfield Links – East Lothian, Scotland

Archerfield has been hosting golfers for over a century. The first recorded attendee was King Edward I’s nameless bowman, and the course has remained upscale ever since. A membership at Archerfield costs £11,150 ($12.304). Some individual packages include a “up-front” cost of £35,000 ($38,625). Archerfield now offers two courses: The Fidra and The Dirleton. Both offer 18 holes alongside pine trees and lakes. The Fidra headed for the coast and the island’s bird refuge. Archerfield is both a luxury resort and a golf course, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

Archerfield Links – East Lothian, Scotland

Archerfield Links – East Lothian, Scotland

French Lick – Indiana, U.S.

The Peter Dye course at the French Lick Resort is one of America’s and the world’s top golf courses. This excellent course spans 8,102 yards and features 18 holes. It boasts one of the longest tracks in the United States, trailing only Promontory Club and Painted Valley. The course offers some breathtaking views that are well worth paying for. Each hole on the Peter Dye course has a unique challenge, making it a bucket list item for many players. A single round of golf at the resort costs $254, plus a $100 gratuity for the caddie.

French Lick – Indiana, U.S.

French Lick – Indiana, U.S.

Adare Manor – Limerick, Ireland

Adare Manor is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s most beautiful golf courses. This course hosts various golf tournaments, including the Irish Open. It was created by Tom Fazio, the mastermind behind many other courses, including Firestone Country Club West Course and Pelican Hill in Newport Beach, California. Adare Manor’s course spans 170 acres of low-cut grass and has over 120 trees. It includes both demanding and ‘tribute’ holes to meet the needs of golfers of all skill levels. A round of golf here can cost $400, including a $80 caddie tip.

Adare Manor – Limerick, Ireland

Adare Manor – Limerick, Ireland

The Bear’s Club — Florida, U.S.

Jack Nicklaus, a famous golfer, and his wife Barbara developed a golf course in 1999. His nickname inspired the term, The Golden Bear. Today, the Bear’s Club in Jupiter, Florida, is one of the top courses available. The 7,164-yard layout is surrounded by marshes, oaks, pines, and old cypress trees. The Bear’s Club was inspired by Australia’s Melbourne Golf Club and features 102 bunkers strategically placed across the course. Just beyond the par-5 holes is a stone Tuscan-style clubhouse. A membership at Bear’s Club costs $25,000 per year.

The Bear's Club Florida, U.S.

The Bear’s Club Florida, U.S.

Congressional Country Club – Bethesda, Maryland

The Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Maryland is regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious golf courses. Congressional, which began in 1924, has held three US Opens and a PGA Championship. Both the Blue Course and the Gold Course are known for their difficult greens, picturesque tree-lined fairways, and rolling terrain.

Congressional Country Club – Bethesda, Maryland

Congressional Country Club – Bethesda, Maryland

The Barton Creek Foothill And Canyon Golf Clubs – Texas, U.S.

The Barton Creek Foothill and Canyon Golf Clubs are in Austin, Texas. These courses are well-known for their stunning scenery, which includes waterfalls, limestone caves, and cliffs. However, even competent players find the courses to be fairly hard. The Barton Creek Foothill and Canyon Golf Clubs are regarded as two of Texas’ top golf courses, with single rounds costing approximately $298 per player. If you want to enhance your golf talents, this is the place to go.

The Barton Creek Foothill And Canyon Golf Clubs – Texas, U.S.

The Barton Creek Foothill And Canyon Golf Clubs – Texas, U.S.

East Hampton Golf Club – New York, U.S.

Pete Bistrian, a potato farmer, and his family established a nine-hole golf course in the 1940s. By 2000, it had grown to 18 holes and was the most sought-after course in New York. The first seven holes are on flat, open meadows, with the remainder winding through a pine forest. If you enjoy vistas, you won’t be bored at East Hampton. East Hampton Golf Club is described by Golf Digest as “Big Time, Blue Blood, Big Money private.” It is more exclusive than other pricey Hampton golf courses. It provides a restricted number of memberships, which can cost up to $200,000.

East Hampton Golf Club – New York, U.S.

East Hampton Golf Club – New York, U.S.

Pasatiempo Golf Club – California, U.S.

The Pasatiempo golf course in Santa Cruz, California, was designed by Alister MacKenzie, who is also famous for the Royal Melbourne in Australia and Cypress Point in the United States. However, the designer’s personal favorite was the Pasatiempo course, as he lived in the area until his death in 1934. The golf course is breathtakingly beautiful, and a game here may be rather hard. One stretch of the course extends onto Highway 17, and many players have reported that playing here can be dangerous. Golf at Pasatiempo costs between $220 and $250.

Pasatiempo Golf Club – California, U.S.

Pasatiempo Golf Club – California, U.S.

The Old White Course at Greenbrier – West Virginia, U.S.

The Old White Course at Greenbrier, founded in 1914, is one of the top golf courses in the United States. Charles Blair created the course, and several of the holes are named after famous holes in Ireland and Scotland. The Old White Course is part of the TPC network and has held various tournaments, including the PGA Tour and the FedEx Cup. This course is surrounded by mountains, which provide golfers with breathtaking vistas. A round of golf on the Old White course costs $150, with an additional $75 fee for the caddy.

The Old White Course At Greenbrier – West Virginia, U.S.

The Old White Course At Greenbrier – West Virginia, U.S.

Wynn Golf Club – Nevada, U.S.

In 2017, the Wynn Golf Club in Las Vegas, Nevada, closed down. Many people assumed that the 7,042-yard course was vanished for good. However, following a $1.5 billion development, the Wynn Golf Club is now open for business. Tom Fazio, the original designer, added eight new holes and renovated ten others. During peak season, playing at Wynn Golf Club costs $550, excluding gratuity. During the summer, prices range from $300 to $375. The course offers a respite from the Strip, with sparkling streams and over 7,000 mature trees. A practice area is available for new players just outside the first hole.

Wynn Golf Club – Nevada, U.S.

Wynn Golf Club – Nevada, U.S.

Yas Links – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Around 6,000 acres of the Arabian Gulf coast are dedicated to golf. This is the Yas Links golf course, which debuted in 2010 and rapidly became a prestigious venue. Architect Kyle Phillips created the course by removing two million cubic meters of sand during his first assignment in the Middle East. A clubhouse overlooks the 18th green. Around the 9th, there is a fantastic restaurant for an after-round drink. Membership fees are projected to cost roughly £17,100 ($18,871). A single run might cost up to $717, but with reductions, you can reduce the price to $325.

Yas Links – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Yas Links – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Singapore Island Country Club – Singapore

The Singapore Island Country Club features one of Asia’s top courses. The cost of playing a course can range from $140 to $290, depending on the day of play. You can pay up to $75 more if you want to play 18 holes or get a cart. The entire property has six courses and two driving ranges. In 2019, many of these courses were closed for renovations. So their magnificent lake views and nicely manicured lawns may appear even better in a few years. It’s no surprise that professional golfers from all around come to participate at Singapore Island Country Club.

Singapore Island Country Club – Singapore

Singapore Island Country Club – Singapore

Address Montgomerie – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

The Address Montgomerie resort in Dubai features an amazing 18-hole golf course. Colin Montgomerie built the course, which has five-star ratings and has won numerous awards. Address Montgomerie attracts both recreational and professional golfers who want to play on the verdant course with a view of Downtown Dubai. Golfers can even stay in accommodations that are furnished to match the course. You may spend an afternoon on the 200-acre course for up to $150. This does not include equipment rental, but it does provide a lounge and access to three international eateries.

Address Montgomerie – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Address Montgomerie – Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Fancourt Country Club – George, South Africa

The Fancourt Country Club has the tagline “Living the Dream.” You’ll feel that slogan in your heart while playing golf. In truth, Fancourt has three gold courses that are consistently ranked among Gold Digest’s top twenty. The Links, a privately owned club, is South Africa’s #1 golf course. During high season, the Links can cost up to $2,000 to play 18 holes. Other courses cost up to $950. Montagu and Outeniqua are public courses that will not scam you off. They are both among the top 15 golf courses in South Africa.

Fancourt Country Club – George, South Africa

Fancourt Country Club – George, South Africa

Madison Club – California, U.S.

For more Tom Fazio courses, go to the Madison Club in La Quinta, California. Several private golf courses have received honors throughout the years. Built in 2007, the 7,426-yard course offers a beautiful perspective of the mountains. Madison Club is among the top 20 clubs in the United States according to Golf Digest. Despite This lesser-known desert club charges a $200,000 initiation fee. Players can place bespoke orders for meals on their way to the 10th hole. Pat Perez, Matt Kuchar, Ben Crane, and Phil Mickelson have all played this course.

Madison Club – California, U.S.

Madison Club – California, U.S.

Wentworth Golf Club – Surrey, England

Many of Europe’s professional golf competitions take place at Wentworth Golf Club. Numerous professionals have played on the three superb golf courses since the predecessor to the Ryder Cup, which was held there in 1926. Wentworth’s membership cost £125,000 ($160,694) in 2015, but the fee has since dropped. Harry Colt, an architect, designed the first courses in the 1920s. Later, Bernard Gallacher, John Jacobs, and Gary Player created the Edinburgh course. Some of golf’s most famous players have played here, including Colin Montgomerie, Ernie Els, and Nick Faldo.

Wentworth Golf Club – Surrey, England

Wentworth Golf Club – Surrey, England

Clearwater Bay Golf – Hong Kong, China

The Clearwater Bay Golf & Country Club is a privately owned course in Hong Kong, China. They host the PGA Tour China each year, and the World Amateur Team Championships will be held there in 2020. To join in, you must be a member, and membership costs range from HK$500,000 to HK$3,500,000. The golf course runs along a cliff overlooking the South China Sea. According to reports, the original design was not particularly stunning. However, the Thompson-Perrett team altered the layout to produce fascinating courses. Golfers may now enjoy spectacular views of the hotel, clubhouses, and ocean.

Clearwater Bay Golf – Hong Kong, China

Clearwater Bay Golf – Hong Kong, China

Liberty National Golf Club – New Jersey, U.S.

For years, golfers in Jersey City, New Jersey, have been captivated by a 7,353-yard course. Liberty National Golf Club debuted in 2006, following 14 years of design by US champion Tom Kite and architect Robert E. Cupp. It is one of the most expensive golf courses ever built, costing more than $250 million. The course’s website defines the layout as “dramatic and yet traditional.” Certain locations offer views of the Statue of Liberty and the Manhattan skyline. Notable members include Rudolph Giuliani, Eli Manning, Phil Mickelson, and Cristine Kerr. To become a member, you must pay a $25,000 annual fee.

Liberty National Golf Club – New Jersey, U.S.

Liberty National Golf Club – New Jersey, U.S.

The Bridge Golf Club – New York, U.S.

The Bridge Golf Club in Long Island, New York, was designed by Rees Jones and is located on a former racecourse. With holes that follow the race track, the course retains the racing motif, complete with crisscrossed grass designs and racecar-themed clubhouses. Its sweeping views and falling holes are reminiscent of Jones’s art. The course cost $25 million to construct. Initiation costs total $750,000, with annual dues of $20,000 and taxes totaling $62,000. The Bridge, like all of New York Hampton’s golf courses, is exclusive and private. Many folks save money to play there.

The Bridge Golf Club – New York, U.S.

The Bridge Golf Club – New York, U.S.

Koganei Country Club –Tokyo, Japan

One of the world’s most costly golf courses is located in Tokyo’s outskirts. Walter Hagen developed Koganei Country Club in the 1930’s. According to the Chicago Tribune, the course is private and members-only, and you may only play if you have $3.57 million to spare. Golf is extremely popular in Japan. Even if you had the money, Koganei may not have enough room to accommodate another member. Hundreds of brokerage houses across the country help customers obtain a golf membership. As a result, you may only be able to witness the sakura blooming golf course through photos.

Koganei Country Club –Tokyo, Japan

Koganei Country Club –Tokyo, Japan

Mission Hills Golf Club – Shenzhen, China

Guanlan, China, is home to the world’s largest golf facility. The Mission Hills Golf Club has been the largest golf facility since 2004. Twelve championship courses staged events, including the Omega Mission Hills World Cup. The designers are Ernie Els, Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Jack Nicklaus. In 2000, the membership fee was $150,000. Since then, the fees have climbed to almost $2 million. Golf is played on a regular basis by approximately one million Chinese individuals, or 0.7% of the total population. That makes Mission Hills an exclusive club.

Mission Hills Golf Club – Shenzhen, China

Mission Hills Golf Club – Shenzhen, China

Morfontaine Golf Club – Mortefontaine, France

The Morfontaine Golf Club, also known as Golf de Morfontaine, is one of France’s most prestigious golf courses. In 1913, architect Tom Simpson transformed an ancient polo park into an 18-hole course. Each hole in Morfontaine is bordered by a beautiful pine forest. Like many private clubs, you’re lucky if the Morfontaine welcomes you. Approximately 450 members participate on an invitation-only basis. The Morfontaine Golf Club keeps its pricing hidden, so it’s difficult to determine how much membership costs. However, such an exclusive club will undoubtedly demand a significant investment.

Morfontaine Golf Club – Mortefontaine, France

Morfontaine Golf Club – Mortefontaine, France

Sunningdale Golf Club – Berkshire, England

Sunningdale Golf Club, established in 1900, operates two 18-hole golf courses. To enroll in the beautiful English course, you must have connections. To become a member, you must first play with one of the current committee members. Then, you’d pay $100,000 in initiation costs, plus $8,000 in annual dues. The track runs over a sand belt and contains birch and oak trees. The course (often referred to as the “Old course”) has a stop for food and refreshments midway through the holes. If you manage to get into Sunningdale, you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic golfing experience.

Sunningdale Golf Club – Berkshire, England

Sunningdale Golf Club – Berkshire, England

Shanqin Bay Golf Club – Hainan, China

The Shanqin Bay Golf Club, located on the southeast coast of Hainan Island, stands out among China’s 400 golf clubs. Ben Crenshaw and Bill Coore collaborated with Wang Jun, a member of one of China’s governing dynasties, to design this private course. The layout is very different from most courses. The course winds past picturesque landscape and a white sand beach. Towering trees require players to play near to the plants. According to reports, Shanqin is intended to be a secret hideaway with initiation fees of around $1 million.

Shanqin Bay Golf Club – Hainan, China

Shanqin Bay Golf Club – Hainan, China

Loch Lomond Golf Club – Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Lomond was once Rossdhu Castle, where Mary Queen of Scots composed her love letters. The Loch Lomond Gold Course, designed by Jay Morrish and Tom Weiskopf, is ranked as one of the world’s top 100 golf courses by Golf Magazine. It provides panoramic views of the woods, castle, and lake. Loch Lomond is one of Europe’s most exclusive clubs. The joining cost is approximately $161,000. If you manage to get in, you’re in for a treat. The Club has 43 suites, a 7,100-yard golf course, and various activities such as boat cruises.

Loch Lomond Golf Club – Loch Lomond, Scotland

Loch Lomond Golf Club – Loch Lomond, Scotland