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12 of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world, from Georgia to Japan
Augusta National Golf Club "Members Only" sign. Andrew Redington/Staff/Getty Images Updated 2026-04-08T13:45:59.037Z The 2026 Masters Tournament tees off in Georgia on Thursday. The tournament is held at Augusta National, one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. These 12 clubs are known for yearslong waitlists, expensive fees, and high-profile clientele. Take a look at almost any billionaire's social calendar this weekend, and you'll likely see one thing: The Masters.The prestigious golf tournament, which tees off Thursday and concludes Sunday, is held each year in Augusta, Georgia, at the Augusta National Golf Club."There's a huge amount of very exclusive clubs all over the world — I would say that Augusta National is the most famous one," Barnabas Carrega, CEO of luxury travel and planning firm GR8 Experience, told Business Insider.At Augusta, the best golfers in the world compete to win the coveted green jacket bestowed only to tournament winners and club members and to etch their name into a rich sports history.In 2025, the honor went to Rory McIlroy from Northern Ireland, who is eyeing a back-to-back win this year.With past Masters attendees ranging from Nike cofounder Phil Knight to Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates, the event is an annual reminder of the wealth ingrained in golf's history and the culture of exclusivity it breeds in the most elite clubs."I think that there's two different ways to look at why a club is exclusive and one of them is the quality of the golf course," Carrega said. "Sometimes, the golf course has so much history behind it that the club becomes extremely exclusive by default because of the importance of the golf course.""And then other times it's just the place, the service, the level of facilities, and what they've built around the golf experience," he added.Regardless of how they achieved their exclusivity, such clubs are almost impossible to join. They require special connections, patience, and plenty of money for a chance at acceptance.Here's a peek at 12 of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. Augusta National Golf Club is the home of the Masters. Tiger Woods headed towards the clubhouse at Augusta National after practicing a few holes ahead of the 2024 Masters. Andrew Redington/Getty Images The esteemed club, founded and co-designed by legendary golfer and Grand Slam winner Bobby Jones, opened for play in 1932, though women were not allowed to join until August 2012.One of the highlights of the ...
Best Golf Clubs for the Money 2026 - Golf Influence
Finding the right clubs without overspending can feel overwhelming, especially with so many new releases hitting the market each year. The truth is, you don’t need the most expensive gear to play your best golf. You just need the right combination of performance, forgiveness, and value. That’s exactly what this guide to the best golf clubs for the money is all about. In 2026, golf technology has reached new heights, with brands delivering better distance, improved forgiveness, and enhanced feel across a wide range of price points. From complete sets designed for beginners to high-performing irons and drivers suited for mid to low handicappers, there are more value-packed options than ever before. We’ve tested and analyzed the best golf clubs for the money, focusing on real performance rather than brand names or price tags. Whether you’re upgrading your current set or buying your first clubs, this guide will help you make a smart investment. If you want maximum performance without breaking the bank, you’re in the right place. 25Sources researched11,378Customer reviews39Hours spent testing18Products tested Featured Recommendations Product Name Best Golf Club Set Best Driver for the Money Best Irons for the Money Our Rating Ranked #1 Ranked #2 Ranked #3 Thumbnail Our Grade Rating 98 / 100 Rating 97 / 100 Rating 96 / 100 Feature 1 Loft: 10.5°-44° Loft: 9°, 10.5°, 12° Loft: 18.5°- 42° Feature 2 Length: 35”-45” Lie: 58° Lie: 62°-65° 3 Lie: 56°-64° Shaft Length: 45.75″ Shaft Length: 36”-39.25” 4 Swing Weight: D1, D2 Swing Weight: D2 Swing Weight: D1, D1.5 Buy Now Review Best Golf Club Set Product Name Our Rating Ranked #1 Thumbnail Our Grade Rating 98 / 100 Feature 1 Loft: 10.5°-44° Feature 2 Length: 35”-45” 3 Lie: 56°-64° 4 Swing Weight: D1, D2 Buy Now Review Best Driver for the Money Product Name Our Rating Ranked #2 Thumbnail Our Grade Rating 97 / 100 Feature 1 Loft: 9°, 10.5°, 12° Feature 2 Lie: 58° 3 Shaft Length: 45.75″ 4 Swing Weight: D2 Buy Now Review Best Irons for the Money Product Name Our Rating Ranked #3 Thumbnail Our Grade Rating 96 / 100 Feature 1 Loft: 18.5°- 42° Feature 2 Lie: 62°-65° 3 Shaft Length: 36”-39.25” 4 Swing Weight: D1, D1.5 Buy Now Review Last updated on 2026-03-18. The links are affiliate links. Product images are served from Amazon Product Advertising API. Table of ContentsFeatured RecommendationsBest Golf Clubs for the Money 2026Golf Club Set...
How to play Augusta National: Inside the exclusive golf club's ...
From its unique hole locations, green conditions that vary depending on the weather, it's part of an exclusive club that gets to play the course.
Aiken Golf Club Aims to Emulate UK-Style Exclusivity
Why it matters The Aiken Golf Club represents an effort to bring a distinctly British-style private golf club experience to the United States, catering to a niche of elite golfers and members who desire an ultra-exclusive, members-only environment similar to the most prestigious clubs in the UK.
