Golf is one of the most leisurely, luxurious sports to play, and it’s been on the upswing ever since it was subject to fewer regulations than most during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wealthy enthusiasts are becoming more engaged with the game and are fueling growth at exclusive private clubs as well as “stay-to-play” resorts in the West, according to a February 2026 report from GIS, a leading multi-industry market research firm.
To help them discern which golf clubs are worth their time and membership fees (if they somehow manage to get in), Platinum Clubs of America has its biannual list of the Top 50 golf clubs, based on the quality of staff and services, facilities, amenities, quality of memberships and wider recognition, among other metrics.
The top 10 for 2025-26 are:
1. Augusta National Golf Club (Georgia) — The home of the Masters is believed to cater to billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett; the actual list is never published but is subject to constant speculation. The course’s maintenance is unparallelled.
2. Baltusrol Golf Club (New Jersey) — Its iconic 80,000-square-foot Tudor Revival clubhouse includes 17 guest rooms and eight unique dining venues.
3. Oakmont Country Club (Pennsylvania) — Memberships are believed to start at $200,000.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club (New York) — Host of the 2026 U.S. Open Championship.
5. Merion Golf Club (Pennsylvania) — Hosting this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship.
6. Pine Valley Golf Club (New Jersey) — No. 1 on Golf Digest’s list of top 100 courses.
7. Cypress Point Club (California) — High drama and maximum exclusivity at Pebble Beach.
8. Aronimink Golf Club (Pennsylvania) — Home of the 2026 PGA Championship.
9. Caves Valley Golf Club (Maryland) — Sports 49 guest rooms and seven golf cottages.
10. Winged Foot Golf Club (New York) — The waiting list is more than a decade long.
And No. 11 is just down I-17 from us:
11. Desert Highlands Golf Club (Scottsdale) — Membership tied to property ownership; guests must be invited by a member or can play during the summer under certain reciprocal agreements.
