Philadelphia country clubs are where powerful people conduct important business deals over a round of golf. They are also known for their hefty initiation fees and are highly exclusive.

The exact membership process and fee structure at these clubs is kept under wraps. However, recurring billing helps these clubs maintain a steady stream of revenue.

Augusta National Golf Club

The Masters is one of the most prestigious golf tournaments in the world and it’s held at Augusta National Golf Club, which is among the most exclusive country clubs. The coveted spots are limited to around 300 members, and the Club is known for its strict adherence to old-fashioned rules of etiquette and courtesy.

The Club’s membership roster features many famous names, from Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Other members include the CEOs of MillerCoors, American Express and IBM.

The Club also offers first-class amenities like the iconic Butler Cabin, where winners are presented with their green jackets.

Shanqin Bay Golf Club

Located on Hainan Island, this course features a stunning coastal layout and is only open to members of the club. The initiation fee is estimated to be $1 million and membership fees are in the five- or six-figure range.

Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course is truly unique. The holes play directly alongside the sea and the cliffs and beaches provide breathtaking views. The golf course is very challenging and offers a variety of shots and challenges.

If you’re interested in joining Shanqin Bay, you’ll need a recommendation from at least one member of the club and a personal invitation from the executive committee.

The Vintage Club

Located in the beautiful Coachella Valley of California, The Vintage Club is an ultra-exclusive private country club community that features two 18-hole Tom Fazio championship golf courses, world-class dining, and a stunning 80,000 square foot clubhouse. The community offers a variety of luxury homes and condos with options for custom home design and personalization.

Members can enjoy a host of amenities in the pristine community, including nine tennis courts and eight pickleball courts, a full-service spa, and two golf training centers. The community also has two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, the Mountain Course and the Desert Course, both of which have won multiple awards.

Liberty National Golf Club

Besides renowned names such as Concert Golf Partners, Liberty National is a golf club that overlooks the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It was built on a former Superfund clean-up site and cost $250 million to build. The club is private and has a membership with initiation fees of $450,000 or more.

The club features a luxurious clubhouse and modern amenities. It also offers a variety of dining options and event facilities. It is one of the most expensive country clubs in the world. Members can enjoy views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan, and the New York Harbor.

The Bear’s Club

Bear’s Club is an exclusive gated golf community in Jupiter, Florida that features a one-of-a-kind course designed by Jack Nicklaus. The community has 68 estate homes and 17 golf villas on minimum 1-acre lots, with landscaping of unmatched beauty and excellence.

The golf course is surrounded by lakes, wetlands, marshes, and preserves and is framed by old pines and palmettos. The layout also includes a natural 12-foot-high sand ridge that runs across the property.

The community is minutes away from world-class shopping, high end restaurants and beaches. It is also within easy reach of Orlando’s world class destinations and tourism attractions.

Winged Foot Golf Club

Winged Foot, located in Mamaroneck, New York, opened in 1923 and features two 18-hole championship courses. It is considered one of the most creative works of golf architect A.W. Tillinghast. The club has invested $70 million in its course and facilities over the past decade. Membership includes full access to the two golf courses, the clubhouse, the Grille, and locker rooms.

Founders built Winged Foot to last, and members have spent years preserving its 97-year-old clubhouse. They also preserve the courses’ challenging conditions, which are largely unchanged outside of some tree removal and some adjustment to green complexes.

Fisher Island Club

The Fisher Island Club is an exclusive club located minutes south of Miami Beach. It offers a world-class resort experience with seaside golf, Mediterranean tennis, luxury spa, and stunning beach club. Fisher Island is home to many wealthy residents including celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey, Boris Becker, and Mel Brooks.

The club has many upscale restaurants and bars, including the 1930s-style Garwood Lounge at the Vanderbilt Mansion. The club also hosts an impressive selection of catered events.

Membership fees are high at this exclusive club, but the membership is well worth it for a truly unforgettable experience. Members must pay an initiation fee of $250,000 and annual dues in addition to the cost of their multimillion-dollar homes.