Last Updated on August 3, 2023 by Britt Olizarowicz
What is it that makes one country club stand out from another? Is it the service, the course conditions, that shiny new bar top, or the premium wine selection? As a former membership director and golf professional, I became an expert in comparing one club to another.
The most exclusive clubs certainly have a way of doing things, and it does set them apart. I’ll show you how you can define an exclusive country club, what features to look for, and if this type of environment is best for you and your family.
Definition of an Exclusive Country Club
An exclusive country club is more than just an expensive club to join. With an exclusive country club, expect high levels of service, luxurious amenities, world-class facilities, and a group of people that are highly committed to making the club experience unparalleled.
For lack of a better term, these are fancy clubs.
Don’t think changing your shoes in the parking lot or showing up the range with your 25-year-old FootJoys is going to cut it. (Although it probably happens.)
These clubs are created for those with the highest need level and the highest income level. If you don’t want to settle, this is where you need to be.
What Are The Features of Exclusive Country Clubs
One exclusive country club could have 18 holes and no dining facilities. Comparatively, others will have tennis, pickleball, a pool, and three bars. However, there are perks and benefits that they all offer that help set them apart as exclusive.
I’ve worked at both exclusive and non-exclusive golf clubs. Without question the difference in the way the operation is run is a major reason behind the exclusivity.
Luxurious Amenities and Facilities
Top country clubs have the best of the best. The green conditions are perfect because they have highly educated golf course superintendents with no lack of budget. Top country clubs have fitness centers, spas, and a variety of dining options.
All of the facilities have a fresh coat of paint, newer carpeting, the chairs are clean and new, the air conditioning is cold in the summer, and members feel as though the place is luxurious as soon as they step on the grounds.
Good luck finding a leaf out of place or a bathroom that has not been attended to; exclusive country clubs value their amenities too much.
Membership Benefits
The membership benefits of an exclusive country club go beyond the ability to use the facilities. There are VIP events, social gatherings, networking opportunities, and even personalized services.
The difference between being a member and not being a member is vast when it comes to exclusive country clubs. Less exclusive clubs have golfers considering playing public or semi-private courses and skipping out on just a few benefits.
With the exclusive country clubs, there is no way to match the benefits that are offered.
Unparalleled Golf Course Conditions and Design
The golf course conditions of an exclusive country club are as close to perfect as you will find. However, one thing you will note about some of the most exclusive clubs in the world (Augusta National, Shinnecock, Winged Foot) is that they all started with a tremendous golf course design.
In fact, it could be said that the first step towards exclusivity in the country club business is having a great course.
Expect faster green speeds, a faster pace of play, fairways that have lush green grass, and neatly maintained areas or landscaping all around the course. Golf greens committees work tirelessly to check on these conditions and report back with feedback to allow the maintenance staff to shine.
Some of the most exclusive country clubs also host PGA or Korn Ferry events, and they are known to hire famous designers when it is time for a golf course update.
The Power of the People (Networking Like You’ve Never Seen Before)
Exclusive country clubs are a hot spot for networking. As a business professional, you can expose yourself and your business to some of the most prominent people in your area (and across the country)
Social events and activities at an exclusive country club make it a place where you will easily meet people and make friends. If you need an icebreaker, this is it. In addition, the golf course has always been a place to network and gain connections without it feeling stuffy or forced.
Privacy and Exclusivity
Exclusive country clubs keep the privacy of their members as a top priority. Staff is usually screened and background checked to make sure they understand the importance of keeping the member’s privacy a top priority.
Keeping the club exclusive and private also helps to improve the atmosphere of the club.
If you want a place to escape and to be given your space, the exclusive country club is the place to do it. Also, expect most of these country clubs to be behind a gate with security; getting in is not easy.
Tradition
Exclusive country clubs have incredible traditions and heritage. Many of the members of the most exclusive country clubs are children and grandchildren of the founding members.
Golf tournaments will be named after previous club presidents; there are trophies and medals with engraving and even things like green jackets for winners of the exclusive events.
There is something special about these impressive elements of the membership that contribute to the allure of the golf club. Knowing that very few people have the chance to participate in these exclusive traditions and experiences is part of the appeal.
Community Outreach
Exclusive country clubs are filled with people who have had successful careers, have been fortunate in their financial endeavors, and are looking for a way to give back. Expect large charitable events and fundraisers organized by the club.
Being part of an exclusive country club becomes even more appealing when you know you are also going to have the chance to give back to the community.
Prestigious Membership Benefits of Exclusive Country Clubs
Every exclusive country club puts its own spin on what prestigious looks like. Here are some of the most common you will see:
- World class golf courses and impressive golf course conditions
- Social events and networking opportunities
- Private dining, custom culinary experiences
- Personalized concierge services
- Special events, facilities to host private events
- State-of-the-art fitness and wellness facilities
- Sporting amenities such as tennis courts, equestrian centers, aquatic centers, pickleball courts, bocce, shuffleboard
- Guest services to provide friends and family with memorable experiences
- Opportunities for family programs and activities
- Chances to learn and grow with classes and educational experiences
- Unmatched service
- Community involvement and activity
Examples of Exclusive Country Clubs
The list of the most exclusive country clubs in the United States changes from time to time. However, I wanted to pick a few of the front runners so you have a clear idea as to the type of facility and club I’m talking about.
I’ve played two courses on this list, and I’ll stick to the privacy and exclusivity clause of exclusive club membership and let you take a guess at which two those are.
However, I can tell you that both of the courses gave off a similar feel. When you pull up to the club, you know it is something a bit different than you have experienced in the past.
- Augusta National Golf Club – Augusta, Georgia
- Pine Valley Golf Club – Pine Valley, New Jersey
- Cypress Point Club – Pebble Beach, California
- Shinnecock Hills Golf Club – Southampton, New York
- Seminole Golf Club – Juno Beach, Florida
- Merion Golf Club – Ardmore, Pennsylvania
- National Golf Links of America – Southampton, New York
- The Country Club – Brookline, Massachusetts
- Winged Foot Golf Club – Mamaroneck, New York
- Oakmont Country Club – Oakmont, Pennsylvania
Conclusion
We live in a world where products are disposable and great service is hard to find. An exclusive country club offers an experience that is quite difficult to find. Top country clubs are in high demand with large waiting lists.
People who have the money and want the full experience understand that they are not just purchasing a membership but also a lifestyle.
