Ever wondered which golf courses command the highest green fees in the world? Golf can be a pricey sport, especially when you factor in the cost of equipment, gear, and those elusive green fees. This article dives into the most expensive public golf courses, where a single round can cost as much as $1,000.
Leading the pack is Shadow Creek in Las Vegas, Nevada, where peak-season green fees top out at a staggering $1,000 per round.
This course, celebrated for its unique and luxurious golfing experience, has held the title of the priciest public course since 2019.
If you’re curious about what makes these courses so special and whether they’re worth the splurge, you’re in the right place.
1) Shadow Creek Golf Course – $1,250
Topping the list is Shadow Creek Golf Course in Las Vegas, Nevada, which charges a staggering peak-season fee of $1,250 per round.
Shadow Creek isn’t just a golf course; it’s an experience. Renowned for its opulence, the course seduces you with manicured greens, stunning landscapes, and top-tier amenities.
It first claimed the title of the priciest public golf course in 2019 when it raised its fees to $600 and has continued to elevate the luxury, raising the rate to $1,000 in 2021.
Designed by famed architect Tom Fazio, the course offers more than just a game it promises an unparalleled and unforgettable experience.
The journey starts even before you tee off. As a guest, you’ll be chauffeured to the course in a luxurious limousine, setting the tone for the day.
The exclusivity continues as access is limited to patrons staying at one of MGM Resorts International’s properties in Las Vegas.
Your round at Shadow Creek means playing 18 challenging holes set against a backdrop of serene lakes, rolling hills, and lush, tree-lined fairways.
The care put into maintaining the course ensures every shot feels like a privilege. The course’s reputation for excellence is well-earned, with descriptions often falling short of capturing its sheer grandeur.
While the $1,250 green fee might make your wallet shudder, golfers often find the price justifiable for the experience of playing at one of the world’s most extraordinary courses.
2) TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course – $900
Constructed in 1980, the TPC Sawgrass Stadium Course has the distinction of being the original stadium course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye.
This Florida gem serves as the hallowed ground for the annual Players Championship. Renowned for its challenging layout, the par-3 17th hole, famously known as the “Island Green”, stands as one of the most iconic holes in golf.
Playing this course will set you back $900 during peak season. In this package, you get access to all 18 holes, a golf cart, a helpful forecaddie, and a warmup set of golf balls.
While it’s a pricey round, you’ll find the experience worth every penny, considering the pristine course conditions and the thrill of facing the same challenges as the world’s elite golfers.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider playing during the offseason. North Florida’s winter sees temperatures drop, but the climate stays favorable for a fulfilling round. You’ll still get to experience the dramatic and exhilarating layout without the peak-season price tag.
Byeong Hun An made headlines in the 2021 tournament, scoring an eleven on the Island Green after four shots found the water. So, if you decide to take on TPC Sawgrass, you might want to invest in a few extra balls.
3) Pebble Beach Golf Links – $675
Located on the stunning Monterey Peninsula, Pebble Beach Golf Links offers an unrivaled golfing experience for $675 per round.
This course is renowned for its breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Carmel Bay, making each hole a visual and strategic delight.
Opened in 1919, Pebble Beach has hosted numerous championship games, including multiple U.S. Opens. The pristine greens and challenging fairways attract golfers from around the globe, ensuring you face both a scenic and competitive outing.
When you play at Pebble Beach, you’re stepping onto a piece of golf history. On its opening day, the green fees were a modest $2 for gentlemen and $1.50 for ladies.
Today, despite the steep price, every penny is worth it for the iconic experience and the beauty of the course.
The high cost doesn’t deter golf enthusiasts; instead, they’re drawn by the chance to walk the same fairways as golfing legends. Remember to book well in advance, as tee times fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
So, if you’re ready to invest in a round at one of the world’s most beautiful courses, Pebble Beach Golf Links is the perfect choice.
4) Kiawah Island Ocean Course – $650
Kiawah Island Ocean Course, designed by Pete and Alice Dye, is one of the most prestigious golf courses in the world.
It’s renowned for having the most oceanside holes in the Northern Hemisphere, offering an unparalleled coastal golfing experience.
With immersive exposure to the vast Atlantic Ocean, the course is known for its challenging winds, making for a formidable round. During the peak season from May to November, green fees at Kiawah Island reach $650 a round.
The course’s unique design and location have hosted notable tournaments including the 2021 PGA Championship and the 1991 Ryder Cup. A caddie is included in the green fee, with an expected tip of $100 per bag.
The walking-only policy from June to August enhances the traditional golfing experience, although medical exceptions can be made.
Kiawah Island Ocean Course provides a challenging yet rewarding adventure for avid golfers willing to invest in a top-tier golfing experience.
5) Wynn Golf Club – $600
Located on the bustling Las Vegas Strip, the Wynn Golf Club offers a striking contrast to the city’s energetic vibe. The course, designed by Tom Fazio and later refined with his son Logan, reopened in 2019 after a meticulous renovation. This exclusive resort course promises an opulent golfing experience.
Featuring rolling greens, challenging water hazards, and impeccable landscaping, every detail of the Wynn Golf Club exudes luxury.
You’ll find battery-powered golf carts and attentive forecaddies enhancing your day on the links. The club even provides a Rolls-Royce pickup service for guests staying offsite, emphasizing its commitment to high-end service.
At $600 per round, the Wynn Golf Club ranks among the most expensive golf courses, ensuring a premier experience in the heart of Las Vegas.
6) Trump National Doral Blue Monster – $595
Designed by Dick Wilson in 1962, Trump National Doral’s Blue Monster has made a name for itself in the golf world. Hosting a PGA Tour event from 1962 to 2016, this course set the standard for modern South Florida golf design.
You’ll encounter abundant lakes, deep bunkers, and elevated greens which provide a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner’s renovations have sharpened the course’s edge while preserving the legendary 18th hole.
The updates ensure the Blue Monster lives up to its fearsome reputation, making each round both exhilarating and memorable.
With a green fee of $595 in 2024, golfing here is a premium experience, but one that’s worth every penny.
Its storied past and meticulously designed features attract avid golfers from around the globe. If you’re looking for a course that combines challenge, history, and beauty, the Blue Monster won’t disappoint.
7) Harbour Town Golf Links – $593
Located in Hilton Head, South Carolina, Harbour Town Golf Links charges $593 per round during peak season. This iconic course, designed by Pete Dye in consultation with Jack Nicklaus, is a fixture on the PGA Tour, hosting the RBC Heritage tournament each year.
Experience the Challenge
Harbour Town Golf Links is known for its narrow fairways and small greens, making accuracy a must. The signature hole, the 18th, features a lighthouse backdrop and views of Calibogue Sound, offering a picturesque end to your round.
Enhance Your Visit
The course lies within the Sea Pines Resort, providing access to luxury accommodations, fine dining, and other recreational activities like tennis and biking. You can book a stay at the resort to secure a tee time well in advance.
Maximize Your Investment
Take advantage of the practice facilities, including a driving range, putting greens, and short game areas, to refine your skills. Consider hiring a caddie for insightful tips and a more immersive experience.
Harbour Town Golf Links isn’t just a round of golf; it’s a blend of challenge, beauty, and elite status, justifying its $593 green fee.
8) Whistling Straits (Straits Course) – $555
Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, the Straits Course at Whistling Straits is a masterpiece by Pete and Alice Dye.
This distinguished venue was the chosen site for the 2021 Ryder Cup, making it the first public course in 25 years to host the prestigious event. The green fee to experience this renowned course is $555 per round.
Modeled after the rugged, wind-swept courses of Ireland, the Straits Course offers an exhilarating challenge with its rolling terrain, deep pot bunkers, and stunning lake views. Precision is key to navigating its intricacies.
Playing here means walking in the footsteps of legends, as the course has hosted the PGA Championship in 2004, 2010, and 2015, plus the 2007 US Senior Open.
Booking a tee time at Whistling Straits requires advanced planning. You need to secure your spot exactly two weeks in advance.
This ensures you’re not only paying for a round of golf but also a piece of history and an unforgettable golfing experience on a par with the world’s elite courses.
9) TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course – $551
Experience the thrill of playing where the pros do at TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course. This iconic Arizona course hosts the Waste Management Phoenix Open, known for its rowdy 16th hole. Paying the $551 green fee allows you to immerse yourself in a professional-level environment.
Marvel at the beautiful desert landscape as you navigate the course’s strategic bunkers and water hazards. Designed by Tom Weiskopf and Jay Morrish, the Stadium Course offers challenges at every turn, ensuring an exciting round for golfers of all skill levels.
Relish the outstanding service and amenities that come with the fee. Enjoy access to top-notch practice facilities, GPS-enabled golf carts, and expert caddies who can guide you through the course’s intricacies.
Off the course, savor a meal at the clubhouse restaurant, which boasts views of the stunning Scottsdale skyline.
Booking your tee time here requires planning. High demand means slots fill up quickly, so reserve your spot well in advance.
Whether you’re a serious golfer or just looking to enjoy a round at one of the nation’s premier courses, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course promises an unforgettable experience.
10) Greenbrier Old White – $550
Immerse yourself in history at The Greenbrier’s Old White course. Designed by Charles Blair Macdonald and opened in 1914, this 18-hole course is a legend in golf history.
Named for the Old White Hotel, which graced the grounds from 1858 to 1922, the course carries a rich legacy.
Experience the same fairways where golf greats have played during numerous championships. The Greenbrier Classic, later renamed A Military Tribute at The Greenbrier, saw winners like Angel Cabrera and Xander Schauffele.
Though it’s no longer on the Tour calendar, the Old White remains a key destination for golf enthusiasts.
Expect to pay a green fee of $550 to enjoy a round here. Note that the Greenbrier Resort, known for housing 26 presidents, offers top-tier amenities.
From expert caddies to luxury accommodations, your golfing experience will be unparalleled. Booking in advance is recommended to secure your spot on this historic course.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you play golf at Kiawah Island Resort without staying there?
Yes, non-resort guests can play at Kiawah Island’s courses, including the Ocean Course. However, staying at the resort gives you better access to tee times and amenities.
Can anyone play a round of golf at TPC Scottsdale?
Yes, TPC Scottsdale’s Stadium Course is open to the public. The green fee is $551, and advance booking is strongly advised to secure your spot.
What amenities are included at the TPC Scottsdale Stadium Course?
TPC Scottsdale offers expert caddies, GPS-enabled golf carts, and top-notch facilities. These amenities enhance the overall professional golfing experience.
How much does it cost to play on The Greenbrier Old White course?
Playing on The Greenbrier Old White course costs $550. This historic course at The Greenbrier Resort offers luxurious amenities and requires advance booking for tee times.
Conclusion
Exploring these high-end golf courses offers more than just a game; it provides an unforgettable experience. From the rugged terrain of Whistling Straits to the desert beauty of TPC Scottsdale, each course presents unique challenges and luxurious amenities.
The historic charm of the Greenbrier Old White course adds another layer of prestige to your golfing adventures.
Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or an enthusiast looking for the ultimate round, these courses promise a memorable and elite experience.
Plan ahead and savor every moment on these exceptional greens. The exclusivity of Pebble Beach Golf Links and the sweeping ocean views of Cypress Point Club make them must-visit destinations for golf aficionados.
Each course is meticulously designed to provide not just a round of golf but an immersive luxury experience.
Colin McCarthy