Guest List: 10 Most Exclusive Courses

In October of 2006, I wrote this post about the most exclusive golf courses in America. Yesterday, some bored financial types in New York were arguing about which courses were indeed the most exclusive. They did a little Googling and came across my piece. Turns out, one of the guys involved in the conversation, Christian Siegrist, is a friend of my brother Jimmy.

So, below is their list of courses. I would point out that in my article, I said that Augusta is a given, so it was not included in my list.

Here is the list of the most exclusive private clubs that we believe are nearly impossible to play as a “non-member”. These clubs have very few members and strict policies that limit guests. It is highly unlikely that even the most well-connected golfer will be able to tee off at any of the below courses any time soon.

1) Augusta National Golf Club
2) Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
3) Seminole Golf Club
4) Oakmont Country Club
5) Merion Golf Club
6) Royal Montreal Golf Club
7) Wannamoisett Country Club
8) San Francisco Golf Club
9) Burning Tree Golf Club
10) Chicago Golf Club

With Maidstone Club and Sankaty Head Golf Club as alternatives to any on this list. Yes, number six is Canadian, but very exclusive.

My analysis: This is a good list, but not very original with the exception of Wannamoisett. I particularly like the inclusion of San Francisco and Chicago Golf. I understand that Chicago has one of the smallest memberships in the world and is very difficult to get on. Others that could have been included are the Valley Club of Montecito, The Country Club, Newport Country Club, and The Golf Club.