Top 15 Expensive U.S. Golf Courses: Golf is a sport that is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, with courses ranging from public to private, affordable to exorbitant. For the avid golfer or someone seeking a luxurious experience on the green, there are several golf courses in the United States that come with a high price tag. These courses offer stunning scenery, impeccable maintenance, and world-class design that make them worth the hefty fees. In this list, we take a closer look at 15 of the most expensive golf courses in the United States, and provide a deeper understanding of what makes them worth the investment.
1. Shadow Creek, Las Vegas, Nevada – Green fees: $1,000
Shadow Creek is a private golf course in Las Vegas designed by Tom Fazio. It is set on a 350-acre estate that was transformed from barren desert into a lush, rolling landscape featuring waterfalls, streams, and trees. The course is known for its impeccable conditioning, breathtaking views, and secluded setting. Only guests of the MGM Resorts International portfolio of hotels are allowed to play this course. Greens like this in a desert, no surprise it’s one of the most expensive U.S. golf courses.
2. Pebble Beach Golf Links, Pebble Beach, California – Green fees: $575
Pebble Beach Golf Links is a public golf course in Pebble Beach, California, designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant. The course hugs the rugged coastline of the Monterey Peninsula and offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open, and is regarded as one of the most beautiful and challenging courses in the world. This courses popularity is a big reason it’s one of the most expensive U.S. golf courses.
3. Spyglass Hill Golf Course, Pebble Beach, California – Green fees: $420
Spyglass Hill Golf Course is a public golf course in Pebble Beach, California, designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. The course is known for its stunning forested setting, challenging layout, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Amateur and the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am.
4. The Country Club, Brookline, Massachusetts – Green fees: Invitation Only
The Country Club is a private golf club in Brookline, Massachusetts, founded in 1882. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup. The course was designed by Willie Campbell and features rolling terrain, mature trees, and challenging greens.
5. Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia – Green fees: Invitation Only
Augusta National Golf Club is a private golf club in Augusta, Georgia, founded in 1933. The course was designed by Bobby Jones and Alister MacKenzie and is known for its lush fairways, vibrant flowers, and iconic landmarks, such as Magnolia Lane and Amen Corner. It is the host of the annual Masters Tournament, one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world, making it one of the most expensive U.S. golf courses.
6. Pinehurst Resort and Country Club, Pinehurst, North Carolina – Green fees: $495
Pinehurst Resort and Country Club is a public golf resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina, founded in 1895. It features nine golf courses, including the world-renowned Pinehurst No. 2 course, designed by Donald Ross. The course has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the U.S. Women’s Open.
7. The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort, Kiawah Island, South Carolina – Green fees: $400
The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Resort is a public golf course in Kiawah Island, South Carolina, designed by Pete Dye. The course is set on the Atlantic coastline and offers stunning ocean views, challenging terrain, and unpredictable winds. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the Ryder Cup and the PGA Championship.
8. TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida – Green fees: $495
TPC Sawgrass is a public golf course in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, designed by Pete Dye. The course is known for its signature 17th hole, a par-3 island green that has become one of the most iconic holes in golf. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the Players Championship.
9. Whistling Straits, Sheboygan, Wisconsin – Green fees: $410
Whistling Straits is a public golf course in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, designed by Pete Dye. The course is set on the shores of Lake Michigan and offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the PGA Championship and the U.S. Senior Open.
10. Bandon Dunes Golf Resort, Bandon, Oregon – Green fees: $295-$375
Bandon Dunes Golf Resort is a public golf resort in Bandon, Oregon, founded in 1999. It features five golf courses, including the world-renowned Bandon Dunes course, designed by David McLay Kidd. The courses are set on a rugged coastline and offer stunning ocean views, challenging terrain, and unpredictable winds.
11. Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, New York – Green fees: Invitation Only
Winged Foot Golf Club is a private golf club in Mamaroneck, New York, founded in 1921. The course was designed by A.W. Tillinghast and features tree-lined fairways, challenging greens, and strategic bunkering. It has hosted numerous major tournaments, including the U.S. Open and the PGA Championship.
12. The Club at Mediterra, Naples, Florida – Green fees: $350
The Club at Mediterra is a private golf club in Naples, Florida, founded in 1999. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and features rolling terrain, challenging greens, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Open qualifier and the U.S. Women’s Open qualifier.
13. Shadow Glen Golf Club, Olathe, Kansas – Green fees: $350
Shadow Glen Golf Club is a private golf club in Olathe, Kansas, founded in 1989. The course was designed by Tom Fazio and features rolling terrain, mature trees, and challenging greens. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Senior Amateur and the Kansas Amateur.
14. The Greenbrier, White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia – Green fees: $450
The Greenbrier is a public golf resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, founded in 1778. It features three golf courses, including the world-renowned Old White TPC course, designed by Charles Blair Macdonald. The courses are set on a picturesque estate and offer stunning mountain views, challenging terrain, and historic landmarks.
15. The Broadmoor Golf Club, Colorado Springs, Colorado – Green fees: $375
The Broadmoor Golf Club is a private golf club in Colorado Springs, Colorado, founded in 1918. The course was designed by Donald Ross and features tree-lined fairways, challenging greens, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It has hosted several major tournaments, including the U.S. Senior Open and the U.S. Women’s Open.
The world of golf offers a vast array of courses to choose from, with options to suit every budget and skill level. However, for those seeking an elite experience on the green, the high-end courses on this list are sure to impress. From the breathtaking scenery to the exceptional design and maintenance, these courses offer a luxurious golfing experience that is unmatched. While the fees may be steep, the memories and experiences gained from playing on these courses are priceless.
