Pay to play the best private course in your state?

[AUTIGER07]

Now that I'm back in GA, $2-3k for Augusta. If we're talking the Sunday before the Masters, $10-15k and I wouldn't bat an eye.

I'd be divorced...but I'd have that memory.

[jptruck]

There's a lot of talk about what you'd pay to play Augusta, but i'm not aware of any route to actually do that. What I mean is that a lot of courses either host a charity event or allow unaccompanied play for a princely sum, but there's no such route at Augusta (or is there?). Since an Augusta member has to be on the premises and they can only have 4 guests at a time (from what I've bee told), there's very little likelihood of "buying" your way in. I'm sure they want it that way.

The best route is to move to Augusta, get on a waiting list to volunteer at the tourney and then possibly get a chance to play as a reward. How much is that going to cost you? A lot. "Hey hon, let's move so I can possibly play Augusta one day."

You can also change careers to a journalist. Get paid nothing, hope to get assigned to the tournament, then enter your name into the lottery to play the day after the tourney. Another costly move.

[azam14]

[quote name='Gripit_Swiftit' timestamp='1393026429' post='8718638']
[quote name='azam14' timestamp='1392772314' post='8697969']
I would pay about 350 to play Medinah #3 (already played #2), Olympia Fields, Butler, Rich harvest farms and Chicago Golf Club
[/quote]

Having played all of these with the exception of Olympia I have to agree with this list for the Chicagoland area. The only one I would add is Shore Acres near Lake Forest.
[/quote]

I could play Olympia next year as it is hosting the US Am, keeping my hopes up for that one

[cottonseed]

For everyone who is drooling over Chicago Golf Club, here is an opportunity to put your money where your mouth is.

http://www.golftripper.com/top-100-opportunity-chicago-golf-club/

[Northside Matt]

[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]

Check out charity auctions. I won a foursome to Medinah #3 at a Cubs Charities event a few years back. I set a limit of $500/person and my winning bid didn't even hit that amount. Still can't believe it happened. Was definitely worth it though.

[Shemp]

I routinely pay $300-400 to play places like Muirfield, The Old Course, Turnberry etc. other than Augusta and Cypress I don' think I'd spend more than that for anyplace in the US. I'd just book another trip overseas.

[Roody]

[quote name='joey2aces' timestamp='1392612276' post='8684411']
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.
[/quote]
I've played both the east and west. The west is not as prestigious as the east, but it's still a really nice course (if it were public, it'd be the nicest public course in the area). Many of the older members at Oak Hill prefer playing the west course over the east, because it's less frustrating to them. The guy I know who takes us out to play prefers the west. I've played west five times, and the east *only* twice.

[TerpInTime]

I would be in that $300-$400 area for Congressional/Burning Tree/Woodmont

[GTgolf]

1k for Augusta nat.

Already played East Lake and Atlanta Athletic Club.

[jptruck]

[quote name='TerpInTime' timestamp='1393953214' post='8795673']
I would be in that $300-$400 area for Congressional/Burning Tree/Woodmont
[/quote]

I wouldn't. Burning Tree is very cool, but Congressional is a zoo. Woodmont, whatever.

[thogborn]

Random question, kind of a general question and also one for the Mass guys. Just recently took an Assistant Pro job at a course on the Cape for the summer. I've just started my PGA book work so I'm not a PGA member yet. What are the chances of me being able to play some of these top courses in the area? I work at a course in the south now and usually having my pro call for me and usually it's no big deal. But with some of these more prestigious courses I wasn't sure if that would work. I recently made a list of places I wanted to play in the Mass/RI area and it was probably 30-35 deep. Courses like The Country Club, The Boston Club, Old Sandwich, Kittansett, The Bay Club, Myopia Hunt Club, Eastward Ho, Newport CC, Wannamoisett CC, etc.... Just wanted to see with people who had more dealings with some of these places. Obviously would be during their slower times but any other tips? TIA

[knock it close]

[quote name='thogborn' timestamp='1395767376' post='8947751']
Random question, kind of a general question and also one for the Mass guys. Just recently took an Assistant Pro job at a course on the Cape for the summer. I've just started my PGA book work so I'm not a PGA member yet. What are the chances of me being able to play some of these top courses in the area? I work at a course in the south now and usually having my pro call for me and usually it's no big deal. But with some of these more prestigious courses I wasn't sure if that would work. I recently made a list of places I wanted to play in the Mass/RI area and it was probably 30-35 deep. Courses like The Country Club, The Boston Club, Old Sandwich, Kittansett, The Bay Club, Myopia Hunt Club, Eastward Ho, Newport CC, Wannamoisett CC, etc.... Just wanted to see with people who had more dealings with some of these places. Obviously would be during their slower times but any other tips? TIA
[/quote] It will really come down to your head pros relationship with the head pros at those course, atleast that's how it is here north of the border, and your relationship with your hp as well. It is always better to have them call for you rather than you calling for yourself. I'm in a similar boat to you, work in the shop not a PGA pro though, don't think I'm going to go down that route, but I have been able to play most of the top private clubs in my area with my head pro. My cousin and father both played Wannamoisett when they were in the Boston area for a titleist event and said it was an awesome track, could not believe how they could fit such a great course in such a small area yet still make each hole somewhat secluded from the others

[Imp]

Same as down there... have your Pro call their Pro. You'll probably have a better opportunity getting on the Cape courses more than the Boston ones. We have shorter seasons up here (I'm 15 min from the Cape) and ... the only question I have is... Why the Cape?

--kC

[thogborn]

[quote name='Imp' timestamp='1395771478' post='8948317']
Same as down there... have your Pro call their Pro. You'll probably have a better opportunity getting on the Cape courses more than the Boston ones. We have shorter seasons up here (I'm 15 min from the Cape) and ... the only question I have is... Why the Cape?

--kC
[/quote]

Thanks for the responses. To answer your question. Kind of a perfect storm for me. I worked for a large management company down here in Mississippi. The course changed owners and they decided not to renew with the management company. I didn't like the direction this family run course is now going. So, I've been trying to get back with the management company for the last few months. An AP position came open on the Cape with them and I ended up interviewing and getting the job. I interviewed for the Cape job because I have family up there and will be able to live rent free. It will make the other 6 months a lot easier financially.

You asking that have me kind of worried now though... Hoping I shouldn't be too worried...

[Voltron]

[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]

MJ was denied from a bunch of private clubs in the Chicago area.. Onwenstia and Shoreacres to name a couple more... settled on Glen Flora then went to Merit Club where he still belongs, seen him out there a few times

[Albatross233]

[quote name='Maddog10' timestamp='1393296283' post='8738874']
I guess the best course in my state would be considered Valhalla, home of this years PGA Championship. I would probably pay a $200 green fee to play there if I knew a member. Now if we wanted to branch outside of my state, there are courses that I would spend $350ish on to play. Augusta would clearly be the top of my list, and I would be willing to stretch up to $500 for it.

I really feel that with the exception of a handful of courses, I would have a hard time enjoying a round that I spent more than $400 on. There are so many beautiful courses that can be played these days for much, much cheaper. You don't get the history or nostalgia that comes along with walking the same fairway (or rough) as the greats, but you can still enjoy beautiful scenery and pristine conditions for a fraction of the cost.
[/quote][quote name='Maddog10' timestamp='1393296283' post='8738874']
I guess the best course in my state would be considered Valhalla, home of this years PGA Championship. I would probably pay a $200 green fee to play there if I knew a member. Now if we wanted to branch outside of my state, there are courses that I would spend $350ish on to play. Augusta would clearly be the top of my list, and I would be willing to stretch up to $500 for it.

I really feel that with the exception of a handful of courses, I would have a hard time enjoying a round that I spent more than $400 on. There are so many beautiful courses that can be played these days for much, much cheaper. You don't get the history or nostalgia that comes along with walking the same fairway (or rough) as the greats, but you can still enjoy beautiful scenery and pristine conditions for a fraction of the cost.
[/quote]

Valhalla is a steal to play with a member, $95 to walk and $125 to ride, not bad, I had a phenomenal experience

[golfdummy]

I've been lucky enough to play roughly 80 of the top 100. Being a member at 2 private clubs in the L.A. area has definitely helped as well as 1 back east but to be honest I would pay 5 grand a guy to play augusta. Anyone can pull it off we'll pick you up on the company jet and go over. Seriosly. Lol

[One_Putt_Blunder]

There is nothing I would pay over $200 for in AZ. Whisper Rock a great whose who of members but still wouldnt spend over $200 for it. Forest Highlands in Flagstaff is up there too but not break the bank worthy.

FWIW I have no issues spending money on a great track played Pasatiempo last year at $250 would do it again in a heartbeat. I just have yet to run across anything in AZ that is really worth over $150 and that is even pushing it. Maybe that is cause I live here or maybe it is just a statement of newer desert golf courses lacking that certain something older traditional courses with history have to offer

In CA my native state bunch of private clubs I would pay good money to play Cal Club, Olympic, Cypress. SFGC etc etc

[Maddog10]

[quote name='Albatross233' timestamp='1409111425' post='10016033']
Valhalla is a steal to play with a member, $95 to walk and $125 to ride, not bad, I had a phenomenal experience
[/quote]

Wow, that is much cheaper than I expected because it is a beautiful course... Now I just have a find a member to buddy up with.

[Albatross233]

[quote name='Maddog10' timestamp='1409142188' post='10017099']
[quote name='Albatross233' timestamp='1409111425' post='10016033']
Valhalla is a steal to play with a member, $95 to walk and $125 to ride, not bad, I had a phenomenal experience
[/quote]

Wow, that is much cheaper than I expected because it is a beautiful course... Now I just have a find a member to buddy up with.
[/quote]

[quote name='Maddog10' timestamp='1409142188' post='10017099']
[quote name='Albatross233' timestamp='1409111425' post='10016033']
Valhalla is a steal to play with a member, $95 to walk and $125 to ride, not bad, I had a phenomenal experience
[/quote]

Wow, that is much cheaper than I expected because it is a beautiful course... Now I just have a find a member to buddy up with.
[/quote]

It's all about luck, I'm 22 and a college student at UofL but the first day valhalla closed to its members, I was playing nevel Meade ( what I consider to be my home course) and got paired up with him. He is a scratch at valhalla and I'm a 2 everywhere, I shot 73 and he shot 71. On 18 he invited me out (he had an assortment of valhalla things, bag, putter headcover, ect so I knew he was a member) but just got lucky enough to get an invite

[Awarren11]

You can get on Valhalla pretty easily, even without a member. Just be flexible on when you can play and careful in how you ask.

Idle Hour is probably actually the best in Kentucky. Super exclusive. Many have said Olde Stone is better as well.

[thejuice]

It's tough being from Atlanta and knowing that all of these awesome private courses are within an easy drive from my home. I have only been playing golf for 12 years but I wish I knew the game when I was a kid because I would have caddied at Eastlake or Peachtree or one of the other prestigious courses. I am a member of a club now but it's in no way like one of the "baller" clubs we have here in Atlanta.

[CDG1029]

Definitely not quite the caliber of what some of you are talking about but I got to play Heathrow CC in Orlando, FL a couple months ago and didn't have to spend a dime. I have a family member who is an employee there and he gets free standby with guests any day that he works. I happened to travel down there and arrived around lunch when he got off and we ended up playing 18 that evening. It was very nice!