Pay to play the best private course in your state?

I have had the fortunate opportunity to play Sand Hills GC in my former home state, Nebraska. It was a friend-of-a-friend type deal and we "tipped him" for allowing us to play as his guest.

It got me thinking, if you had the opportunity to play the more exclusive courses in your state, how much would you pay?

For example, I'd probably pay $250-300 to play the best club in my new home state, Prairie Dunes. Probably about the same for Oak Tree National, Southern Hills, The Broadmoor.

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392607315' post='8683795']
I have had the fortunate opportunity to play Sand Hills GC in my former home state, Nebraska. It was a friend-of-a-friend type deal and we "tipped him" for allowing us to play as his guest.

It got me thinking, if you had the opportunity to play the more exclusive courses in your state, how much would you pay?

For example, I'd probably pay $250-300 to play the best club in my new home state, Prairie Dunes. Probably about the same for Oak Tree National, Southern Hills, The Broadmoor.
[/quote]
i would pay about 500.00 to play southern hills it about 10 miles from me here in Broken Arrow would love to play cedar ridge also go by it almost every day would pay about 200.00 to play it when the grass is green
hit them straight
Tim

Of course, this really doesn't apply to New Jersey and Georgia ...

If either of you boys get a chance to play The Patriot in Tulsa, DO IT.

Have been trying to figure out how to play Chicago Golf Club. It's the oldest golf course in the country and 1 of 5 clubs that formed the USGA.

Would pay pretty much anything...

Oak hill is about am hour from me. I'd probably pay $350 to play the east course. Our amateur days end of year tourney is there but on the west course. When i play there this year I'll be throwing out some obvious hints to try and get on the east course.

I would pay to play most of the privates in the top 100 I haven't played yet and a few I've played several times already.

Not a lot, but I'd feel comfortable paying $300.

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392612144' post='8684405']
Have been trying to figure out how to play Chicago Golf Club. It's the oldest golf course in the country and 1 of 5 clubs that formed the USGA.

Would pay pretty much anything...
[/quote]

Good luck! That's one of the clubs that is really high on my list (like scary close to Augusta), but I've heard it's nearly impossible to play as a guest, let alone become a member. I believe people have joked about being born into the club as about the only way to get in.

I think I at least know one person who has played every club I want to play but haven't... and Chicago is probably the only one where I can't think of a single person who I know personally who has played it.

I caddied for a guy last summer that has been a member at Chicago Golf Club for 50 years. It blew my mind. I was lucky enough to play Oakland Hills last year and expected to pay $300 or so and was comped (slight brag, sorry).

50 years at Chicago? Holy cow... was he a legacy member?

Pretty sure I'd sell a kidney to play the best in my state.

We have 2 courses here in MA that are on my list The Country Club in Brookline and Olde Sandwich in Plymouth. The 1st one is obvious why I want to play there, the 2nd one many might not know about but here in N.E. is the unicorn course. UBER $$$ ($250k entry fee), has a long list of A-List members (Steven Speilberg and Clint Eastwood are members). When you drive by the course there is NO signs for it, its totally hidden from the public.

As for my "price", I would just leave it at I will gladly pay the guest fee plus caddy fee/tip.

[quote name='OrangeCrush' timestamp='1392648212' post='8685831']
We have 2 courses here in MA that are on my list The Country Club in Brookline and Olde Sandwich in Plymouth. The 1st one is obvious why I want to play there, the 2nd one many might not know about but here in N.E. is the unicorn course. UBER $$$ ($250k entry fee), has a long list of A-List members (Steven Speilberg and Clint Eastwood are members). When you drive by the course there is NO signs for it, its totally hidden from the public.

As for my "price", I would just leave it at I will gladly pay the guest fee plus caddy fee/tip.
[/quote]

I drive by The Country Club on my way to work. Oh I hope someday..

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392607315' post='8683795']
I have had the fortunate opportunity to play Sand Hills GC in my former home state, Nebraska. It was a friend-of-a-friend type deal and we "tipped him" for allowing us to play as his guest.

It got me thinking, if you had the opportunity to play the more exclusive courses in your state, how much would you pay?

For example, I'd probably pay $250-300 to play the best club in my new home state, Prairie Dunes. Probably about the same for Oak Tree National, Southern Hills, The Broadmoor.
[/quote]

I've turned down three invites to Sand Hills due to schedule conflicts. Now I can't seem to mange an invite. It cost me $500 for a weekend at the Prairie Club (I didn't know the cost before hand or wouldn't have gone), so,I think if I could get at least two rounds at Sandhills I would at least give it serious thought for that much money. I'd also like to try Dismal River, but I don't think I'd be willing to pony up anywhere near that kind of money.

[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1392613469' post='8684491']
I would pay to play most of the privates in the top 100 I haven't played yet and a few I've played several times already.

Not a lot, but I'd feel comfortable paying $300.

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392612144' post='8684405']
Have been trying to figure out how to play Chicago Golf Club. It's the oldest golf course in the country and 1 of 5 clubs that formed the USGA.

Would pay pretty much anything...
[/quote]

Good luck! That's one of the clubs that is really high on my list (like scary close to Augusta), but I've heard it's nearly impossible to play as a guest, let alone become a member. I believe people have joked about being born into the club as about the only way to get in.

I think I at least know one person who has played every club I want to play but haven't... and Chicago is probably the only one where I can't think of a single person who I know personally who has played it.
[/quote]

Fyi, Michael Jordan was even denied membership when he tried joining

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392612144' post='8684405']
Have been trying to figure out how to play Chicago Golf Club. It's the oldest golf course in the country and 1 of 5 clubs that formed the USGA.

Would pay pretty much anything...
[/quote]

Please pick me up on the way. Thanks!

Being from downstate I don't hear much about Chicago Golf Club but it must be pretty awesome. I'd probably drop a grand and hope my wife didnt notice. If I was from Georgia I'd consider 5 or 10k to play Augusta. I'm a saver though!

Chicago Golf Club has a really long history. It's about 40 miles west of the city in Wheaton. There is a train stop basically right there. Back in the old days (my kids laugh at that phrase) there was a train on the weekends that went out to Wheaton from the city. That train included a club car with a bar, dining, etc. They'd take that car off the main tracks and park it on the side waiting for people to return to the city.

The course itself is short by today's standards, only around 6,500 yards. There are only about 120 members and by club charter, there will never be more. It wasn't until the 1990's that they allowed women members and I think there are only 1-2 now. Even though Rich Harvest only has 30 members, it's a lot easier to get to play there as opposed to CGC.

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392656451' post='8686691']
Chicago Golf Club has a really long history. It's about 40 miles west of the city in Wheaton. There is a train stop basically right there. Back in the old days (my kids laugh at that phrase) there was a train on the weekends that went out to Wheaton from the city. That train included a club car with a bar, dining, etc. They'd take that car off the main tracks and park it on the side waiting for people to return to the city.

The course itself is short by today's standards, only around 6,500 yards. There are only about 120 members and by club charter, there will never be more. It wasn't until the 1990's that they allowed women members and I think there are only 1-2 now. Even though Rich Harvest only has 30 members, it's a lot easier to get to play there as opposed to CGC.
[/quote]


Was lucky enough to play Chicago GC back in 1998. Somehow, my folks' church had someone offer up a round accompanied by a member. My father bid on it- quite frankly, I don't think anyone knew much about the place as he won it with a(relatively) low bid. And seeing as he has three sons who very much love golf, he passed on it and gave it to us. Being in our late twenties/early thirties, we definitely could appreciate just what lay in front of us. Pretty cool experience indeed- was late September, obviously walked, stopped for a bite between nines. I think they saw four groups all day. Absolutely perfect out, could have played all day... If I remember correctly, there are no monthly bills- everything is tallied up and divided amongst the members at year end. I knew of one guy down at the CBOT who was a member- and yes, he got in because of his old man...

I've heard those MJ stories OFTEN. He essentially applied to all the big name tracks in the area and was rebuffed by a number of them. His main haunts now are Bob O'Link and Medinah as he is a member at both...

Aug Nat is just down the road from me and probably considered the best private course in the state. I'd consider paying a daily rate to play but probably wouldn't pay the cart fee. Let's not get crazy now.

[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1392657660' post='8686839']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392656451' post='8686691']
Chicago Golf Club has a really long history. It's about 40 miles west of the city in Wheaton. There is a train stop basically right there. Back in the old days (my kids laugh at that phrase) there was a train on the weekends that went out to Wheaton from the city. That train included a club car with a bar, dining, etc. They'd take that car off the main tracks and park it on the side waiting for people to return to the city.

The course itself is short by today's standards, only around 6,500 yards. There are only about 120 members and by club charter, there will never be more. It wasn't until the 1990's that they allowed women members and I think there are only 1-2 now. Even though Rich Harvest only has 30 members, it's a lot easier to get to play there as opposed to CGC.
[/quote]


Was lucky enough to play Chicago GC back in 1998. Somehow, my folks' church had someone offer up a round accompanied by a member. My father bid on it- quite frankly, I don't think anyone knew much about the place as he won it with a(relatively) low bid. And seeing as he has three sons who very much love golf, he passed on it and gave it to us. Being in our late twenties/early thirties, we definitely could appreciate just what lay in front of us. Pretty cool experience indeed- was late September, obviously walked, stopped for a bite between nines. I think they saw four groups all day. Absolutely perfect out, could have played all day... If I remember correctly, there are no monthly bills- everything is tallied up and divided amongst the members at year end. I knew of one guy down at the CBOT who was a member- and yes, he got in because of his old man...

I've heard those MJ stories OFTEN. He essentially applied to all the big name tracks in the area and was rebuffed by a number of them. His main haunts now are Bob O'Link and Medinah as he is a member at both...
[/quote]

Your Dad is my hero! What an awesome thing to do for your kids. Did you take any pics? Was the course flawless as the legend goes?

[quote name='ckates7' timestamp='1392651272' post='8686107']
[quote name='oregongolf' timestamp='1392613469' post='8684491']
I would pay to play most of the privates in the top 100 I haven't played yet and a few I've played several times already.

Not a lot, but I'd feel comfortable paying $300.

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392612144' post='8684405']
Have been trying to figure out how to play Chicago Golf Club. It's the oldest golf course in the country and 1 of 5 clubs that formed the USGA.

Would pay pretty much anything...
[/quote]

Good luck! That's one of the clubs that is really high on my list (like scary close to Augusta), but I've heard it's nearly impossible to play as a guest, let alone become a member. I believe people have joked about being born into the club as about the only way to get in.

I think I at least know one person who has played every club I want to play but haven't... and Chicago is probably the only one where I can't think of a single person who I know personally who has played it.
[/quote]

Fyi, Michael Jordan was even denied membership when he tried joining
[/quote]

Without a doubt, they did not want the hoopla that would invariably follow with MJ joining. Always a couple foursomes, always huge money games, cigars, drinking, dinner. It's an all day event for him as he's been known to play 36+ a day.

It's funny, I almost got the impression that they sort of frown upon a real active membership. Play once a week or so and head over to your other club type of thing. We actually lived in Wheaton back in the mid 70's and I don't recall ever seeing a sign saying what it actually was. I believe it's changed but I'm not sure- just don't make it out that far west any more...

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392658706' post='8686945']
[quote name='hogans71' timestamp='1392657660' post='8686839']
[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392656451' post='8686691']
Chicago Golf Club has a really long history. It's about 40 miles west of the city in Wheaton. There is a train stop basically right there. Back in the old days (my kids laugh at that phrase) there was a train on the weekends that went out to Wheaton from the city. That train included a club car with a bar, dining, etc. They'd take that car off the main tracks and park it on the side waiting for people to return to the city.

The course itself is short by today's standards, only around 6,500 yards. There are only about 120 members and by club charter, there will never be more. It wasn't until the 1990's that they allowed women members and I think there are only 1-2 now. Even though Rich Harvest only has 30 members, it's a lot easier to get to play there as opposed to CGC.
[/quote]


Was lucky enough to play Chicago GC back in 1998. Somehow, my folks' church had someone offer up a round accompanied by a member. My father bid on it- quite frankly, I don't think anyone knew much about the place as he won it with a(relatively) low bid. And seeing as he has three sons who very much love golf, he passed on it and gave it to us. Being in our late twenties/early thirties, we definitely could appreciate just what lay in front of us. Pretty cool experience indeed- was late September, obviously walked, stopped for a bite between nines. I think they saw four groups all day. Absolutely perfect out, could have played all day... If I remember correctly, there are no monthly bills- everything is tallied up and divided amongst the members at year end. I knew of one guy down at the CBOT who was a member- and yes, he got in because of his old man...

I've heard those MJ stories OFTEN. He essentially applied to all the big name tracks in the area and was rebuffed by a number of them. His main haunts now are Bob O'Link and Medinah as he is a member at both...
[/quote]

Your Dad is my hero! What an awesome thing to do for your kids. Did you take any pics? Was the course flawless as the legend goes?
[/quote]


We didn't want it to play out that way as we thought we would make it out again some time( and I believe my younger brother actually has). He was insistent though and you don't have to ask us twice! Sadly, no pictures as they have a strict no cell phone rule- come to think of it, I'm certain my phone at the time wasn't camera ready! We thought about a camera but no one wanted to bring it. And we all wanted to play well...

The course was in excellent shape- I remember thinking how out of place it seemed compared to its surroundings. The redan hole was something to behold. Had a couple square greens... Just an absolute treat.

Somehow this turned into a thread about Chicago Golf Club!

Anyways, PA resident here. would pay ~$500 to play Merion or Oakmont. Wouldn't pay more because I assume at some point I'll get an invite. It's always nicer to be invited to play somewhere then have to push for an invitation. I like to consider Pine Valley a PA course considering how it's in the Philadelphia area, that I'd drop a cool G on to play.

needless to say I'd probably spend the same amount in the proshop if/when I make it to these clubs.

Apologies for the C.G.C discussion...

I've been lucky enough to play quite a few of the private tracks in the Chicagoland area. One I have yet to play is shoreacres- I'd pay a little bit for that...


I'm hoping my older brother gets me on San Francisco Golf Club. Heard good things about that place. Of course, he has yet himself to do it but perhaps soon...

[quote name='DavePelz4' timestamp='1392656451' post='8686691']
Chicago Golf Club has a really long history. It's about 40 miles west of the city in Wheaton. There is a train stop basically right there. Back in the old days (my kids laugh at that phrase) there was a train on the weekends that went out to Wheaton from the city. That train included a club car with a bar, dining, etc. They'd take that car off the main tracks and park it on the side waiting for people to return to the city.

The course itself is short by today's standards, only around 6,500 yards. There are only about 120 members and by club charter, there will never be more. It wasn't until the 1990's that they allowed women members and I think there are only 1-2 now. Even though Rich Harvest only has 30 members, it's a lot easier to get to play there as opposed to CGC.
[/quote]

Played in a US Publinx in Wheaton at Cantigny and actually rode the trains to and from Chicago. Very cool place.

Being from Oklahoma I've played all the good ones except Southern Hills. Have a contact there now and will be playing it in a month or so.

Pine Valley is amazing. I just wish I was a better golfer when I got to play there (22 HC at the time)

[quote name='OrangeCrush' timestamp='1392648212' post='8685831']
We have 2 courses here in MA that are on my list The Country Club in Brookline and Olde Sandwich in Plymouth. The 1st one is obvious why I want to play there, the 2nd one many might not know about but here in N.E. is the unicorn course. UBER $$$ ($250k entry fee), has a long list of A-List members (Steven Speilberg and Clint Eastwood are members). When you drive by the course there is NO signs for it, its totally hidden from the public.

As for my "price", I would just leave it at I will gladly pay the guest fee plus caddy fee/tip.
[/quote]

Orange I get to play The Country Club every year. The company I work for holds the 2 day company tournament there every year. Employees only. Great perk but you have to have a lower HDCP. No new or once a year golfer types. Company knows who can play thru word of mouth and that is now you get the invite.

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1392651234' post='8686105']
[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392607315' post='8683795']
I have had the fortunate opportunity to play Sand Hills GC in my former home state, Nebraska. It was a friend-of-a-friend type deal and we "tipped him" for allowing us to play as his guest.

It got me thinking, if you had the opportunity to play the more exclusive courses in your state, how much would you pay?

For example, I'd probably pay $250-300 to play the best club in my new home state, Prairie Dunes. Probably about the same for Oak Tree National, Southern Hills, The Broadmoor.
[/quote]
I've turned down three invites to Sand Hills due to schedule conflicts. Now I can't seem to mange an invite. It cost me $500 for a weekend at the Prairie Club (I didn't know the cost before hand or wouldn't have gone), so,I think if I could get at least two rounds at Sandhills I would at least give it serious thought for that much money. I'd also like to try Dismal River, but I don't think I'd be willing to pony up anywhere near that kind of money.
[/quote]
Guest fee at Sand Hills is only $125 [i]per day[/i].

[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392670328' post='8688211']
[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1392651234' post='8686105']
[quote name='QMany' timestamp='1392607315' post='8683795']
I have had the fortunate opportunity to play Sand Hills GC in my former home state, Nebraska. It was a friend-of-a-friend type deal and we "tipped him" for allowing us to play as his guest.

It got me thinking, if you had the opportunity to play the more exclusive courses in your state, how much would you pay?

For example, I'd probably pay $250-300 to play the best club in my new home state, Prairie Dunes. Probably about the same for Oak Tree National, Southern Hills, The Broadmoor.
[/quote]
I've turned down three invites to Sand Hills due to schedule conflicts. Now I can't seem to mange an invite. It cost me $500 for a weekend at the Prairie Club (I didn't know the cost before hand or wouldn't have gone), so,I think if I could get at least two rounds at Sandhills I would at least give it serious thought for that much money. I'd also like to try Dismal River, but I don't think I'd be willing to pony up anywhere near that kind of money.
[/quote]
Guest fee at Sand Hills is only $125 [i]per day[/i].
[/quote]

Yeah, that's pretty amazing isn't it? I think at the time of my last declined invitation it was only $85.

From what I've been told (true or not I don't know) they've tightened up invites. Local guys who helped in the building of the course I guess had some privledges which included sponsoring people to play. I guess that is no longer an option. Has to be a full fledged member now, and the one that I know, I don't think asking him is an option. Our new pro is a guy from the state though, and he might be able to make something happen this summer.

[quote name='deadsolid...shank' timestamp='1392672575' post='8688403']
From what I've been told (true or not I don't know) they've tightened up invites. Local guys who helped in the building of the course I guess had some privledges which included sponsoring people to play. I guess that is no longer an option.
[/quote]
If true, there goes my privileges. I am glad I made good use of it while I had it. It is a great place.

I'm hoping to get on at Prairie Dunes and Oak Tree National this year.