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Welcome to Sankaty Head Golf Club, an enchanting golf haven nestled on the pristine island of Nantucket, Massachusetts. Steeped in history and surrounded by the natural beauty of the island, Sankaty Head Golf Club offers an unparalleled golfing experience. With its meticulously manicured fairways, breathtaking ocean views, and a course that seamlessly blends with the island’s coastal landscape, this private golf club is a haven for golf enthusiasts seeking both challenge and serenity.

Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a casual player, Sankaty Head Golf Club promises an unforgettable journey through its world-class course, where every swing is accompanied by the soothing sounds of the Atlantic Ocean and the whispers of Nantucket’s rich maritime heritage. Welcome to a golfing paradise at Sankaty Head, where tradition meets tranquility on the shores of Nantucket.

Sankaty Head Golf Club History and Founding

Sankaty Head Golf Club, located on the picturesque island of Nantucket, Massachusetts, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1922. The club’s inception can be attributed to the vision and passion of a group of summer residents and golf enthusiasts who sought to create a distinguished golfing destination on the island.

The renowned golf course architect Emerson Armstrong, in collaboration with the esteemed golf professional Willie Park Jr., was tasked with designing the layout of Sankaty Head Golf Club. The duo crafted a challenging yet harmonious 18-hole course that seamlessly blended with the island’s natural terrain, offering golfers a unique and memorable experience.

Emerson Armstrong, known for his innovative course designs, incorporated elements of the island’s coastal landscape into the layout, featuring undulating fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and breathtaking ocean views. The result was a championship-caliber course that not only tested the skills of golfers but also showcased the beauty of Nantucket’s surroundings.

Over the decades, Sankaty Head Golf Club has stood as a testament to its founders’ vision, evolving into a premier golfing destination that attracts enthusiasts from far and wide. The club’s commitment to preserving its rich history while adapting to the modern era has solidified its status as a cherished landmark on Nantucket, where golf tradition and island beauty converge.

Famous Golf Tournament held at Sankaty Head Golf Club

The most famous golf tournament held at Sankaty Head Golf Club in Nantucket, Massachusetts, is the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. It was first held at the club in 2021 and was a huge success, with many praising the challenging course and the beautiful setting.

The U.S. Mid-Amateur is a national championship for amateur golfers aged 25 and over with a handicap index not exceeding 3.4. It is one of the most prestigious amateur golf tournaments in the world, and winning it is a major accomplishment.

The 2021 U.S. Mid-Amateur was won by Hayes Brown, a 32-year-old from Charlotte, North Carolina. Brown defeated Nathan Kimsey of San Antonio, Texas, 2 and 1, in the final match.

The U.S. Mid-Amateur is likely to return to Sankaty Head Golf Club in the future. The club is a perfect venue for the championship, with its challenging course, beautiful setting, and rich history.

In addition to the U.S. Mid-Amateur, Sankaty Head Golf Club also hosts a number of other golf tournaments throughout the year, including the Nantucket Invitational and the Sankaty Head Pro-Am. These tournaments attract some of the best amateur and professional golfers in the world.

Sankaty Head Golf Club is a private club, but it is possible to play the course if you are a member of another private club or if you are invited by a member. The club is also open to the public for special events, such as the U.S. Mid-Amateur.

Sankaty Head Golf Club Membership Costs and Dues

Sankaty Head Golf Club is known for its exclusivity and high price tag, but due to its private nature, the exact membership costs and dues are not publicly available. However, here’s what we can gather from various sources:

Estimated Initiation Fee:

Original price in 1998: $250,000
Reportedly increased to $300,000 shortly after opening
Current estimated range: Based on inflation and exclusivity, rumors suggest the initiation fee could be twice or even thrice the original amount, potentially reaching $600,000 to $900,000.

Estimated Annual Dues:

Reported figure: $5,200 per year
Possible range: Considering the high initiation fee, annual dues could be proportionately higher than the reported figure.

Additional Costs:

Caddies: Sankaty Head requires caddies for all rounds, adding to the overall expense.
Food and beverage: The club offers various dining options, and additional spending can be expected.
Cart fees: Carts are available for rent, incurring additional costs.

Important Points to Remember:

Membership is by invitation only: Gaining membership is highly selective and requires existing member sponsorship.
Limited availability: The club has a strict member cap, making waitlists potentially long.

Overall, Sankaty Head Golf Club caters to a very high-end clientele, and membership costs are likely to be among the most expensive in the world.

Sankaty Head Golf Club Amenities

Private golf clubs like Sankaty Head typically offer a range of amenities to enhance the overall experience for their members. These amenities often go beyond the golf course itself and may include:

Championship Golf Course: Sankaty Head Golf Club is primarily known for its challenging and well-maintained golf course.
Clubhouse: Many private country clubs have a clubhouse that serves as a central gathering place for members. Clubhouses often include dining facilities, locker rooms, and social areas.
Practice Facilities: Golf clubs typically provide practice facilities such as a driving range, putting greens, and practice bunkers to help members refine their skills.
Pro Shop: A pro shop is a common amenity, offering golf apparel, equipment, and accessories.
Dining Options: Private clubs often have dining facilities ranging from casual to fine dining, providing a social space for members to enjoy meals together.
Events and Social Activities: Many clubs organize social events, tournaments, and other activities to foster a sense of community among the members.
Fitness and Wellness Facilities: Some private clubs offer fitness centers, spa services, or wellness programs to cater to the overall well-being of their members.
Tennis and Other Recreational Facilities: Depending on available space and member interests, clubs may have additional recreational facilities such as tennis courts, swimming pools, or other sports amenities.

Sankaty Head Golf Club Event Information and Dining Options

The events and celebrations that can be hosted at Sankaty Head Golf Club are likely to include a variety of social, recreational, and golf-related activities. Private golf clubs often organize events to foster a sense of community among their members. While specific events can vary, here are some common types of celebrations and activities that golf clubs may host:

Tournaments and Competitions: Golf clubs regularly organize golf tournaments and competitions for their members. These events can range from friendly matches to more formal, competitive tournaments.
Member-Guest Events: Member-guest events provide an opportunity for members to invite guests to enjoy a day of golf and socializing at the club.
Social Mixers: Clubs may host social mixers or themed events, bringing members together in a relaxed and social setting.
Holiday Celebrations: Special events or themed parties around holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, or Independence Day are common at golf clubs.
Club Championships: An annual club championship is often a highlight for members, showcasing the best golfers within the club in a competitive setting.
Junior Golf Events: Golf clubs may organize events specifically for junior members, encouraging the development of young golfers.
Charity Events: Many golf clubs host charity tournaments or events to raise funds for local causes or organizations.
Dining Experiences: Fine dining events, wine tastings, or chef’s dinners can be part of the culinary experiences offered by the club.
Educational Workshops: Some clubs organize educational workshops or clinics, covering topics such as golf techniques, course management, or golf etiquette.

Private golf clubs like Sankaty Head often offer a range of dining experiences to cater to their members’ preferences. Dining options typically include:

Main Dining Room: Many golf clubs have a formal dining room that offers a refined atmosphere for members to enjoy meals. This may include both casual and fine dining options.
Grill or Pub: Clubs often have a more casual setting, such as a grill or pub, where members can enjoy a relaxed meal or drinks after a round of golf.
Outdoor Dining: Given the picturesque setting of many golf clubs, outdoor dining areas are common, providing members with the opportunity to enjoy meals while taking in the scenic views.
Special Events: The club may host special dining events, such as themed dinners, wine tastings, or chef’s tables, offering unique culinary experiences for members.
Private Dining Rooms: For members hosting private events or gatherings, some clubs have private dining rooms that can be reserved for more intimate occasions.

Sankaty Head Golf Club Dress Code and Guest Policy

Dress codes and guest policies are common at private golf clubs, including Sankaty Head Golf Club. These rules are typically in place to maintain a certain level of decorum, uphold the club’s standards, and ensure an enjoyable experience for all members and guests.

Here’s a general outline of what you might expect:

Dress Code: Golf clubs often have specific dress codes for different areas of the facility, including the golf course, clubhouse, and dining areas. The dress code for the golf course typically includes:

Golf Attire: Collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and golf shoes with soft spikes are commonly required on the course.
No Denim: Many clubs do not permit denim on the golf course.
Proper Footwear: Golf shoes with soft spikes are usually required on the course, while athletic shoes may be acceptable in some instances.

For the clubhouse and dining areas:

Smart Casual or Formal Attire: Collared shirts, tailored shorts or pants, and appropriate footwear may be required in these areas. Some clubs may have more formal dress requirements for certain dining events.
No Beachwear: Beachwear, flip-flops, and athletic attire may not be permitted in clubhouse areas.

Guest Policy: Private golf clubs typically have guest policies in place to regulate non-member access to the facilities. Common guest policies include:

Accompanied by a Member: Guests are often required to be accompanied by a member of the club.
Limited Visits: There may be restrictions on how frequently the same guest can visit the club within a specific time frame.
Advance Reservations: Guests may need to be registered in advance, and tee times or dining reservations may need to be arranged through the hosting member.

Sankaty Head Golf Club stands as a distinguished haven for golf enthusiasts on the captivating island of Nantucket. With its rich history dating back to 1922 and a course designed by the renowned architect Emerson Armstrong, the club seamlessly blends championship-caliber golf with the island’s breathtaking coastal landscape. Beyond the meticulously manicured fairways, Sankaty Head offers a range of amenities, from a welcoming clubhouse to social events that foster a sense of community among its members.

While specific details about membership costs, events, and dining options may evolve, the club’s commitment to tradition, excellence, and the serene beauty of Nantucket remains unwavering. Sankaty Head Golf Club invites members and guests to experience not just a round of golf, but a timeless connection to the island’s unique charm and the camaraderie that defines this exclusive golfing destination.

Sankaty Head Golf Club Nantucket MA | Membership Cost, Amenities, History, What To Know When Visiting