10 Most Expensive Golf Courses in the World

Golf has always been a sport associated with elegance, tradition, and exclusivity. While millions of golfers worldwide enjoy accessible municipal courses and public links, there exists an elite tier of ultra-exclusive golf clubs where membership costs can rival luxury real estate purchases. These courses represent the pinnacle of golf course design, impeccable service, and unmatched prestige.

From the ultra-private clubs of Japan to the historic links of Northern Ireland, the world's most expensive golf courses offer experiences that go far beyond the game itself. They provide championship-quality layouts, breathtaking scenery, and access to a community of influential members.

In this guide, we'll explore the 10 most expensive golf courses in the world, breaking down membership fees, green fees, and what makes each course worthy of its legendary status. Whether you're dreaming of playing these elite venues or simply curious about the world of luxury golf, this article will give you an insider's look at where the ultra-wealthy play.

And while these courses represent golf at its most exclusive, remember that improving your golf game doesn't require a million-dollar membership. With tools like the Hole19 Golf App, you can track your performance, analyze your stats, and play smarter golf on any course—from your local muni to championship layouts around the world.

Before we dive into the specific courses, it's important to understand what drives the astronomical costs at the world's most exclusive clubs. Several factors contribute to making a golf course among the most expensive on the planet.

The primary cost barrier at elite golf clubs is the initiation fee—a one-time payment required to join the club. At the most exclusive venues, these fees can exceed $1 million USD. On top of that, members pay annual dues ranging from $10,000 to over $100,000 per year. Some clubs also require purchase of equity shares or bonds that may be refundable upon leaving the club.

The world's most expensive courses spare no expense when it comes to course conditioning. Many feature designs by legendary architects like Tom Fazio, Pete Dye, Jack Nicklaus, or Alister MacKenzie. Daily maintenance crews ensure pristine fairways, lightning-fast greens, and immaculate bunkers. Some courses even rebuild greens annually or use specialized grasses that require intensive care.

Location plays a massive role in determining a course's value. Clubs situated in prime real estate markets—like Manhattan, the Hamptons, or Tokyo—command premium prices. Additionally, exclusivity drives demand. Courses with limited membership rolls (some cap membership at fewer than 100 people) or invitation-only access become even more desirable among the ultra-wealthy.

How Much Does It Cost to Play the World's Most Expensive Courses?

The cost to join the world's most expensive golf clubs ranges from $500,000 to over $5 million in initiation fees, plus annual dues of $10,000 to $100,000 or more. Public access courses on this list charge green fees between $300 and $1,000 per round, while private clubs require sponsorship by existing members for guest access.

#10: Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club, Australia

Located on Queensland's Gold Coast, Sanctuary Cove Golf and Country Club represents Australian golf at its finest. This exclusive resort community features two championship courses designed by Arnold Palmer and offers members access to pristine beaches, luxury accommodations, and world-class dining.

Initiation fees at Sanctuary Cove start around $500,000 AUD (approximately $330,000 USD), with annual dues exceeding $15,000 AUD. The club's Palms Course and Pines Course both offer challenging layouts with strategic bunkering and water hazards that demand precision. Members enjoy not just golf but an entire luxury lifestyle with marina access, tennis facilities, and spa services.

For traveling golfers, Sanctuary Cove occasionally allows resort guests to play with advance booking and local sponsorship. The tropical climate makes it a year-round golf destination, and the courses are maintained to tour-quality standards.

Using the Hole19 Golf App at championship courses like Sanctuary Cove gives you accurate GPS yardages to navigate strategic layouts and track your performance against these elite designs.

#9: Trump National Golf Club, New Jersey, USA

Situated in Bedminster, New Jersey, Trump National Golf Club has hosted major championships including the U.S. Women's Open. The course features dramatic elevation changes, a stunning waterfall on the 13th hole, and views of the Manhattan skyline on clear days.

Membership at Trump National Bedminster requires an initiation fee of approximately $350,000 to $450,000, plus annual dues around $20,000. The club offers not just golf but also extensive tennis facilities, a luxurious clubhouse, and access to other Trump properties nationwide.

The course itself plays over 7,400 yards from the championship tees and demands length, accuracy, and strategic thinking. The undulating greens and firm fairways reward well-struck shots and punish wayward efforts.

For golfers who can't afford membership but want to experience similar championship conditions, tracking your stats with Hole19's Advanced Performance Stats helps you understand your game at a deeper level and identify areas for improvement.

#8: Sebonack Golf Club, New York, USA

Nestled in the Hamptons on Long Island, Sebonack Golf Club sits on prime real estate overlooking Peconic Bay. Designed by the legendary duo of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Doak, Sebonack blends links-style golf with modern strategic design.

Initiation fees at Sebonack reportedly exceed $650,000, with annual dues around $25,000. The club has a deliberately small membership roll, ensuring tee times are readily available and the course remains in pristine condition.

The layout features wide fairways that encourage aggressive driving, but the deep bunkers and firm, fast greens demand precision on approach shots. Wind off the bay adds another layer of difficulty, making club selection crucial—exactly the kind of decision the Hole19 Club Recommendation feature helps with by analyzing your personal club distances.

Sebonack has been ranked among the top 100 golf courses in the world by multiple publications and continues to attract high-profile members from the finance and entertainment industries.

#7: Fancourt Hotel and Country Club, South Africa

Fancourt in George, South Africa, is renowned for its Links Course, which hosted the Presidents Cup in 2003. The property features three championship courses and has become a destination for international golf tourism.

While Fancourt offers more accessible green fees for resort guests (around $200-$300 per round), full membership comes with substantial initiation fees exceeding $400,000, particularly for international members. The property provides an all-encompassing luxury experience with accommodations, spa services, and fine dining.

The Links Course is the crown jewel—a dramatic layout with massive elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and some of the largest greens in championship golf. Playing here requires excellent distance control and the ability to read complex green contours.

For golfers looking to improve their approach shot accuracy and green-reading skills, the Hole19 Shot Tracker provides detailed data on your performance from various distances, helping you identify patterns in your game.

#6: The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA

The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island is one of the few courses on this list that allows public play—though at a premium price. Designed by Pete Dye, this brutal championship layout has hosted multiple major championships, including the 2012 PGA Championship and 2021 PGA Championship.

Green fees at Kiawah's Ocean Course can exceed $400 to $500 depending on season and tee time. Resort guests receive preferred rates and booking privileges, but the course remains accessible to determined golfers willing to pay the price.

The course runs directly along the Atlantic Ocean, with ten holes playing beside the water. Wind is a constant factor, making club selection challenging. The course stretches over 7,800 yards from the tips, making it one of the longest championship venues in the world.

Playing a course like Kiawah demands strategic course management. The Hole19 GPS Flyover feature helps you visualize each hole and plan your attack, while Distance Arcs show you exactly how far your clubs carry—critical information on a windy, exposed layout.

#5: Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

Royal County Down in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, is consistently ranked among the best golf courses in the world. This links course offers spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains and features challenging blind shots, deep bunkers, and thick gorse that punishes errant shots.

While Royal County Down allows visitor play, green fees approach $300 to $400 per round, and advance booking is essential. The club also offers memberships, though international members face initiation fees exceeding $350,000 when accounting for bonds and joining costs.

The course demands accuracy over distance—narrow fairways lined with gorse mean wayward drives result in lost balls and big numbers. The firm, fast conditions typical of links golf reward creativity and shot-making ability.

For golfers preparing to play links courses, using Hole19's Notes feature to document wind conditions, bounce patterns, and strategic insights from practice rounds can significantly improve your performance when you return.

#4: Shadow Creek Golf Course, Nevada, USA

Hidden in the Nevada desert near Las Vegas, Shadow Creek is a man-made paradise created by Tom Fazio. Originally built for casino mogul Steve Wynn, the course transforms the arid landscape into a lush, tree-lined sanctuary.

Shadow Creek operates on an invitation-only basis, with rounds costing approximately $500 to $1,000 depending on arrangements. Access typically requires connections to MGM Resorts properties or sponsorship by influential members.

The course features waterfalls, streams, and thousands of transplanted mature trees that create an environment unlike any other desert course. Every detail receives meticulous attention, from the conditioning to the personalized service each guest receives.

While Shadow Creek remains largely inaccessible, golfers can experience similar strategic challenges on their home courses by using Hole19's Advanced Performance Stats to analyze their performance and identify weaknesses that need attention.

#3: Liberty National Golf Club, New Jersey, USA

Perched on the edge of New York Harbor with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and Statue of Liberty, Liberty National Golf Club represents American golf at its most exclusive. The course has hosted The Northern Trust (part of the FedEx Cup Playoffs) and continues to attract golf's biggest stars.

Liberty National's initiation fee reportedly ranges from $450,000 to $500,000, with annual dues around $29,000. The club features extensive practice facilities, a world-class clubhouse, and access to one of golf's most photographed settings.

The course itself plays firm and fast, with wide fairways but strategically placed bunkers and water hazards. The par-3 14th hole, playing directly toward Manhattan, is one of the most iconic holes in American golf.

Members at clubs like Liberty National often use performance tracking to compete in club championships and member events. The Hole19 Handicap Calculator makes it simple to maintain an accurate handicap based on your rounds, ensuring fair competition.

#2: Hirono Golf Club, Japan

Hirono Golf Club near Kobe, Japan, is widely considered the finest golf course in Asia. Designed by English architect Charles Hugh Alison in 1932, Hirono features strategic bunkering, challenging greens, and a classic design that has stood the test of time.

Membership at Hirono requires purchasing bonds that can cost $3 to $4 million USD, making it one of the most expensive golf memberships on the planet. Annual dues add another $100,000 or more. The club maintains an extremely limited membership roll, ensuring exclusivity and pristine conditions.

The course demands precision and creativity, with strategic options on nearly every hole. The bunkering is both beautiful and penal, and the greens feature subtle contours that challenge even scratch golfers.

Japanese golf culture emphasizes etiquette, pace of play, and respect for the course. Golfers looking to improve their course management skills can use Hole19's Shot Tracker to understand their tendencies and make smarter decisions under pressure.

#1: The Naruo Golf Club, Japan

At the top of our list sits Naruo Golf Club in Osaka, Japan—the most expensive golf club membership in the world. This ultra-exclusive club has fewer than 200 members and requires connections at the highest levels of Japanese business and society.

Membership at Naruo requires purchasing bonds that have reportedly sold for over $5 million USD, though exact figures remain closely guarded. Annual dues exceed $100,000, and gaining entry requires sponsorship by multiple existing members and approval by the membership committee.

The course itself, while not overly long by modern standards, features strategic design elements that reward thoughtful play. Immaculate conditioning, personalized service, and absolute privacy make Naruo the ultimate symbol of golf exclusivity.

Very few details about Naruo's day-to-day operations reach the public, as members value their privacy above all else. The club represents the pinnacle of what money can buy in the golf world—absolute exclusivity and perfection in every detail.

What Do These Courses Have in Common?

Beyond their astronomical price tags, the world's most expensive golf courses share several defining characteristics that set them apart from everyday golf experiences.

Every detail receives attention at these clubs. From personalized locker rooms to concierge-level caddie services, members experience golf at its most luxurious. Many clubs offer fleet transportation, custom club cleaning and storage, and dining experiences prepared by award-winning chefs.

These courses feature designs by legendary architects and conditioning that rivals major championship venues. Greens run at championship speeds, fairways are manicured to perfection, and bunkers are meticulously maintained daily.

Perhaps most importantly, these clubs offer privacy and exclusivity. Limited membership rolls ensure tee times are readily available, and the ultra-wealthy value the discretion and security these private clubs provide.

How the Hole19 Golf App Helps You Play Smarter on Any Course

While most golfers won't join clubs with million-dollar initiation fees, everyone can benefit from the strategic thinking and performance tracking that elite players use. The Hole19 Golf App brings professional-level tools to golfers at every level.

Use Shot Tracker to record every shot during your round, building a database of your actual distances with each club. This data reveals patterns in your game that practice sessions alone can't uncover. Understanding that you hit your 7-iron 155 yards on average—not the 165 yards you thought—transforms your approach shot strategy.

The GPS Flyover feature provides accurate yardages to greens, hazards, and layup zones on over 43,000 courses worldwide. Whether you're playing your local municipal course or a bucket-list destination, Hole19 ensures you always know the exact distance.

Advanced Performance Stats break down your game into actionable insights. Track your fairways hit percentage, greens in regulation, scrambling success, and putting performance. These metrics help you understand where to focus your practice time for maximum improvement.

The best part? While elite clubs charge hundreds of thousands for membership, Hole19 Premium provides these performance tools for a fraction of the cost of a single round at most courses on this list.

Can You Visit These Courses Without Membership?

Many golfers wonder if there's any way to experience these legendary venues without joining as a member. The answer depends on the specific club and your connections.

Some courses, like Kiawah's Ocean Course and Fancourt, allow public play at premium green fees. Others offer resort packages that include golf access. Courses like Shadow Creek provide access to high-level resort guests and VIP customers of affiliated properties.

Private clubs occasionally host charity tournaments or corporate outings where non-members can play. Building relationships with members or participating in golf industry events can sometimes lead to coveted invitations.

The most exclusive clubs, particularly Japanese venues like Naruo and Hirono, rarely allow outside play under any circumstances. These clubs prioritize member privacy and experience above all else.

The Price of Prestige in Golf

The world's most expensive golf courses represent the ultimate intersection of sport, luxury, and exclusivity. From Japan's ultra-private clubs to America's championship venues, these courses offer experiences that go far beyond the game itself.

For most golfers, these clubs remain aspirational dreams—but that doesn't diminish the joy of the game. Whether you're playing a $500,000 membership club or your local municipal course, golf provides the same fundamental challenges and rewards.

The beautiful thing about golf is that a well-struck 7-iron feels just as satisfying on a public course as it does at Liberty National. A perfectly judged lag putt brings the same satisfaction whether you're playing Naruo or your neighborhood 9-hole track.

What truly separates players isn't where they play—it's how they approach the game. Using tools like the Hole19 Golf App to track performance, analyze stats, and make smarter strategic decisions helps golfers improve regardless of where they tee it up.

So while dreaming about these legendary courses is fun, remember that the best golf course is always the one you're playing right now. Focus on improving your game, enjoying your time on the course, and making the most of every round—because that's what golf is really about.