Top5 most expensive golf courses! #golf #golfyoutube #podcast #golfgear #golfer #pga
For dedicated golfers and luxury travelers, chasing a round at a famous, high-end course can be as thrilling as the game itself. In this article, we break down the Top 5 most expensive golf courses to play around the world based on typical green fee ranges, exclusive access, and the overall luxury experience. You’ll learn what drives the price, what you get for your money, and practical tips to plan an unforgettable day on the links. Whether you’re a seasoned pro,a PGA enthusiast,or a golf gear connoisseur,these courses are worth knowing about for planning a dream round.
Shadow Creek – Las Vegas,Nevada,USA
Why it’s among the most expensive
Shadow Creek is widely regarded as one of the most luxurious and exclusive golf experiences in the united States. Nestled just outside Las Vegas, the course was developed by Steve Wynn and designed by Tom Fazio, with meticulous landscaping that blends desert scenery with lush, park-like fairways. The experience is built around privacy, impeccable service, and top-tier hospitality, making it a magnet for high rollers, celebrities, and serious golf travelers.
Typical green fee range and what you get
- Typical green fee: roughly $500-$1,000 USD for a round, depending on season, time of day, and packages. Peak periods can push prices toward the upper end of that range.
- Inclusions: dedicated caddies, pristine practise facilities, private clubhouse, and a level of service that mirrors a luxury resort experience.
- Access: Not publicly bookable like other public layouts.Most players access Shadow Creek thru a MGM Resorts package, private invitation, or exclusive hotel-casino arrangements.
What makes Shadow Creek special
- Privacy and security: a controlled-access property with an atmosphere of exclusivity.
- Luxury touches: meticulous course conditioning, first-class dining options, and premium transport between facilities.
- Signature holes: dramatic views, strategic risk-reward plays, and a desert-meets-oasis aesthetic.
Booking tips
- Plan well in advance-availability is limited and tied to packages or sponsorships.
- Consider staying at MGM-linked properties to simplify access and often secure a better combined rate.
- Be flexible with dates and times; weekdays may offer slightly lower rates than peak weekend slots.
Pebble Beach Golf Links – Pebble Beach, California, USA
Why it’s among the most expensive
Pebble Beach is iconic in the golf world for its sweeping coastline, the memorable 7th and 18th holes, and its pedigree within major championships. While there are affordable rounds in some contexts, a round here-especially when bundled with a stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach or other pebble Beach Resorts packages-can be costly. Demand is extremely high,and the overall experience is built around luxury accommodations,dining,and world-class service.
Typical green fee range and what you get
- Typical green fee: around $575-$625 (varies by season and package). Steve King-style peak pricing can push higher with packages.
- Inclusions: access to one of the most photographed courses in the world, caddies or forecaddies available, resort dining credits, and proximity to other famed courses in the area.
- Access: Public but requires a stay package or a tee time in the resort system; golfers frequently enough book as part of Stay-and-Play packages.
What makes Pebble Beach special
- Coastal drama: cliffside greens, ocean winds, and the famous third and “the little 5th” moments.
- Legacy: hosted multiple U.S. Open championships and major events that have shaped modern golf history.
- Course conditioning and pace of play: consistently excellent,with a layout that rewards thoughtful shot-making.
Booking tips
- Book early, especially for peak seasons; consider fall or spring windows when rates may be more favorable.
- Pair Pebble Beach with nearby courses for a multi-day luxury golf pilgrimage (e.g., Spyglass Hill, Del Monte Golf Course).
- Take advantage of Stay-and-Play deals that bundle access to multiple courses.
The Ocean course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort – Kiawah Island, South Carolina, USA
Why it’s among the most expensive
The Ocean Course is renowned for its dramatic seaside setting, gullies carved into dunes, and winds that can dominate a round. It has hosted major championships (notably the 1991 Ryder Cup and the 2012 PGA Championship), making it a bucket-list pick for many golfers.The combination of prime seaside terroir, staff excellence, and the scale of the course contributes to its premium pricing.
Typical green fee range and what you get
- Typical green fee: roughly $525-$600 depending on season and time; some packages may adjust pricing.
- Inclusions: complete resort amenities, practice facilities, and well-regarded caddie programs; access to practice greens and the driving range ahead of your round.
- Access: Public; tee times are open to guests and visitors, though availability can be competitive during peak periods.
What makes The Ocean Course special
- wind factor and terrain: large, shifting dunes, multiple sea-facing holes, and some of the highest tee shots in the region.
- Design pedigree: Doak-era design with a bold, modern approach that rewards strategic play and distance control.
- Resort integration: staying on-site unlocks a full luxury experience with spa, dining, and other activities).
Booking tips
- Plan for the wind: early morning rounds often experience calmer winds, but conditions can change quickly.
- Book well in advance, especially for holiday seasons and PGA-related events.
- Combine with other Kiawah courses (Turtle Point,Oak Point) for a multi-course golf weekend.
Cape Kidnappers Golf Course – Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand
Why it’s among the most expensive
Cape Kidnappers sits on dramatic cliffs with sweeping Pacific views and has become a magnet for serious golfers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime coastal course experience. Its remote location adds to the exclusive feel and premium pricing, as travel logistics and lodging options factor into the overall cost. The course’s wow-factor comes from its cliff-top holes and the sense of remoteness paired with top-tier service.
Typical green fee range and what you get
- Typical green fee: NZD 800-1,100 (about USD 520-710, depending on exchange and season). Seasonal surcharges and package deals can alter the final price.
- inclusions: guided transport to the course, on-site concierge services, and access to a luxurious lodge experience on the property or nearby accommodations.
- Access: Primarily via lodging packages or private arrangements; public access is limited compared to traditional resort courses.
What makes Cape Kidnappers special
- Cliff-top drama: holes carved into dramatic coastal bluffs with dramatic wind and ocean views.
- Of-the-moment design: tom Doak’s signature style, focused on strategy and shot-making under windy, variable conditions.
- New Zealand hospitality: renowned regional food and wine experiences that complement a premium golf itinerary.
Booking tips
- Coordinate a multi-day stay to maximize value from lodging and dining packages.
- Visit in New Zealand’s summer (December-February) for the most cozy weather and best course conditions.
- Plan for transfer times from regional airports; Cape Kidnappers is a premium, destination-driven experience.
Kapalua Plantation Course – Kapalua, Maui, USA
Why it’s among the most expensive
The Plantation Course is world-famous in golf circles for hosting the season-opening PGA Tour event, the Sentry Tournament of Champions. While not always the most expensive in every season, its status, island setting, and high demand for tee times around tournament periods push its pricing into the upper tier for public access layouts. The overall experience-views of maui, fresh island air, and resort convenience-adds to the perceived value.
Typical green fee range and what you get
- Typical green fee: roughly $450-$700, depending on season, time of day, and whether you’re combining with an island resort package.
- Inclusions: northern Maui scenery, well-kept fairways, and the option to pair the round with other Plantation Course or nearby courses on the same trip.
- Access: Public; widely accessible with advance booking, though peak weeks during holidays can be in high demand.
What makes Kapalua Plantation course special
- Ocean breezes and expansive views: the course feels cinematic with multiple holes perched above lava fields and the sea.
- Reliable conditioning: Maui’s climate supports year-round turf quality and user-amiable course play.
- Tour-ready vibe: a classic PGA TOUR venue experience that attracts players from around the world.
Booking tips
- Book early in the year to secure preferred tee times, especially around tournament windows.
- Combine with other Maui courses like the Wailea courses for a complete island golf itinerary.
- Look for stay-and-play packages that include a round at Kapalua along with resort amenities.
Table: Quick data snapshot of the Top5 expensive golf courses
| Course | Location | Typical green fee (USD) | Access notes | Signature aspect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Creek | Las Vegas, USA | $500-$1,000 | Invitation/Package-based access | Desert-meets-urban luxury with private facilities |
| Pebble Beach Golf Links | Pebble Beach, USA | $575-$625 | Stay-and-Play packages available | iconic coastline, 7th and 18th holes |
| The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island | Kiawah Island, USA | $525-$600 | Public access; resort packages | Wind-driven seaside dunes and long carries |
| Cape Kidnappers | Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand | NZD 800-1,100 (~USD 520-710) | Lodge packages; private access | Clifftop holes with dramatic ocean views |
| Kapalua Plantation Course | Maui, USA | $450-$700 | Public access; stay-and-play available | Island breezes, resort setting, year-round play |
Benefits and practical tips for planning a luxury golf day
- Plan far in advance: These courses are deeply sought after; early bookings help secure preferred tee times and packages.
- Factor total trip costs: beyond the green fee, expect to budget for caddies, cart fees, tips, luxury dining, and lodging. Luxury golf trips are best planned as all-in packages when possible.
- Seasonality matters: Prices and conditions vary with season. Shoulder seasons can offer a good balance between weather and lower rates.
- Dress code and etiquette: High-end courses enforce dress codes and on-course etiquette; bringing quality golf gear and an appropriate wardrobe is meaningful for a seamless experience.
- Access considerations: Private or invitation-only courses may require sponsorship, hotel packages, or reciprocal arrangements. Public-access layouts still demand advance planning,especially on the weekends.
Benefits of playing at expensive, world-class courses
- Unparalleled conditioning: Expect superb turf, precise greens, and excellent pace of play when management is focused on premium experiences.
- Iconic settings: Ocean views, cliff-top holes, desert backdrops, and dramatic landscapes provide unforgettable photo opportunities for your golf social media and podcasts.
- Professional atmosphere: The blend of PGA-level maintenance, hospitality, and service makes these rounds feel like a private club experience even when you’re not a member.
- Learning and inspiration: These layouts often challenge pro-level shot-making, offering a chance to study design philosophy and course management from a masterful perspective.
Case studies and first-hand experiences
Case Study 1: planning a Shadow Creek day as a luxury golf package
Imagine arriving in Las Vegas with a plan to play Shadow Creek as the centerpiece of a week-long casino-resort golf itinerary. A typical approach would be to book a package through a MGM Resorts property that includes a round at Shadow Creek,preferred tee times,and a private transfer. On the day, you’d experience a private clubhouse, curated dining options, and a dedicated cart with premium amenities. The cost will reflect not just the green fee but the complete luxury experience, including valet parking, spa time, and perhaps a celebrity-spotting dinner afterward. This case study emphasizes the value of bundling experiences when the goal is a high-end golf vacation rather than a single round.
Case Study 2: Stay-and-Play at Pebble Beach for a classic coast-to-coast golf journey
A stay-and-play plan at Pebble Beach could include rounds on Pebble Beach Golf Links,Spyglass Hill,and The Links at Spanish Bay,paired with a stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach or a nearby resort. For many travelers, this multi-course approach delivers the signature Pebble Beach experience, including the coastal panoramas, the famous 7th hole, and the ability to walk or ride between courses with a seamless resort flow. the total cost covers green fees, lodging, parking, dining, and potential upgrades to caddies or private lessons. This kind of package is ideal for golfers who want immersion in a single, storied location while still enjoying the flexibility of a broader itinerary.
First-hand tips from seasoned travelers: getting the most from expensive golf courses
- Time your trip around favorable weather and shoulder seasons to balance comfort with lower rates.
- Leverage club memberships or credit card perks that include golf benefits (some premium cards offer preferred tee times or discounts at luxury courses).
- Bring high-quality golf gear appropriate for the conditions (e.g., weather-ready clothing for wind at the Ocean Course, or a versatile bag for a long day in Cape Kidnappers).
- Expect to allocate the day carefully: a premium round often includes a longer check-in, detailed course orientation, and a thoughtful pace of play created by skilled caddies or staff.
- Respect the course’s etiquette and the environment; these layouts emphasize responsible playing and preservation of pristine turf and scenery.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
- Are these courses private or public? Both. shadow Creek is invitation/private package-based, Pebble Beach and Kapalua Plantation are public with high-demand packages, Kiawah’s Ocean Course is public with resort access, and Cape Kidnappers relies on lodge packages. Always verify access options for your dates.
- Do green fees include caddies? In many top-tier courses, caddies or forecaddies are available and may be included in some packages or added as an option with an extra fee. Check the booking details.
- Is it worth the extra cost? For golf purists, the combination of design pedigree, scenery, pristine conditioning, and service can justify the premium. If the goal is a memorable, story-worthy round with top-tier hospitality, these experiences deliver.
- How should I prepare my golf gear? Pack weather-appropriate attire, comfortable golf shoes, and a reliable GPS or rangefinder. Consider carrying multiple balls and tees for varying wind conditions, particularly for coastal or cliff-top courses.
