A look at the world’s most exclusive golf clubs

Professional golf is one of the most exclusive sports in the world. Compared to other global favourites, like football or cricket, golf requires a high degree of technical skill and attention to detail. For example, bettors who use offers from bet365 and other sportsbooks will try to forecast the outcome based on their knowledge of players and their statistics.

It’s a rewarding challenge. That’s because golfers have to make each movement count to its maximum—and they also have to take into consideration the terrain. Augusta National Golf Course is considered one of the toughest courses—and one of the most exclusive. Players that manage to compete for the Masters are considered some of the top players in the world, and this contest’s champions won’t be forgotten anytime soon.

Those who understand the course and the competitors will put their knowledge to the test to forecast the tournament’s outcomes. It takes a balance of skill, experience, and statistical knowledge. But what about non-PGA courses? Augusta National Golf Club is the gold standard in exclusivity—but what about beyond Georgia?

Pine Valley Golf Club, New Jersey

There’s little hope of getting into this club unless someone recommends you. Members are head-hunted by staff, who don’t accept applications. If you’re one of the few lucky members to be called upon, keep in mind you can’t bring any female friends around. The club only allows female guests on Sundays.

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Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, New York

While the PGA has stopped over at Shinnecock Hills a few times, the club doesn’t often make an appearance in the Tour or in any publications. That’s because this storied club is off-limits for most people—even those who live nearby in Southampton. In fact, even members may struggle to book a tee time, which can be backed up for months. And be sure to bring along a caddy, because there are no motor vehicles allowed on the greens.

The Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews, Scotland

Anyone who thinks about golf and exclusivity probably imagines St Andrews first. Established back in 1754 and considered the birthplace of golf, this incredibly austere location has only around 2,400 members worldwide. Though originally closed off to female members like Pine Valley, and still running on an invitation-only membership setup, St Andrews graciously welcomed female members like Princess Anne back in 2015. Oddly enough, the Golf Club doesn’t actually own its own course. Instead, St Andrews Links Trust oversees the courses, which are technically public.