California’s country club scene is a magnet for the ultra-wealthy, offering an unparalleled blend of luxury, exclusivity, and world-class amenities. From historic institutions with storied pasts to modern enclaves catering to the elite, these clubs represent the pinnacle of opulence. Below, we dive into the top 25 most exclusive and expensive country clubs in the Golden State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
25. Pauma Valley Country Club
Tucked away in a secluded valley near the foothills of Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley Country Club is one of Southern California’s best-kept secrets. Known for its privacy and low-profile membership, the club attracts those who want an exclusive escape far from the spotlight. Access is tightly controlled — it’s invitation-only, and the surrounding community is gated, adding to its sense of seclusion. The atmosphere is quiet, refined, and rooted in tradition, attracting long-time members and second-generation families who value its old-school charm.
The club centers around a classic Robert Trent Jones Sr. golf course, recognized for its strategic layout and picturesque mountain views. On-site cottages make overnight stays easy, and the presence of a private airstrip only underscores how private this place really is. Beyond golf, amenities include a newly renovated fitness center, pool, tennis, and dining options that cater to members who want comfort without flash. This is not a flashy club — it’s a retreat for people who value privacy, legacy, and exceptional golf.
24. El Caballero Country Club
Located in Tarzana, El Caballero Country Club is one of the most exclusive private clubs in the San Fernando Valley. Despite being in Los Angeles, the club maintains a remarkably discreet reputation — you won’t find influencers or Hollywood-style flash here. Membership is invitation-only and tightly held, with a multi-year waiting list and rigorous vetting process. El Cab is known for attracting low-key power players and generational members who appreciate its private, understated setting.
The Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed course is a major draw — wide, tree-lined fairways with a championship pedigree. The facilities are modern but not over-the-top: a sleek clubhouse, high-end dining, fitness center, tennis courts, and an inviting pool area. The club strikes a balance between serious golf and social warmth. El Caballero’s brand of exclusivity isn’t loud — it’s the quiet kind that comes from legacy, respect, and community continuity.
23. Crystalaire Country Club
Crystalaire Country Club is truly off the grid — located in the high desert near Llano, it’s one of the most remote and exclusive clubs in California. Its physical isolation is part of the allure; only a small circle of members even know it exists. Unlike country clubs that court attention, Crystalaire deliberately avoids it. There’s no buzz, no influencer culture — just a gated community and a tight-knit membership that values total privacy.
What it lacks in flash, Crystalaire makes up for in character. The course is surrounded by raw desert beauty and features a classic layout that rewards thoughtful play. Members enjoy tennis and pickleball, a pool, and a stocked private lake for fishing. Lodging is available on site for weekend escapes. This is a place where exclusivity is defined not by glitz but by the rare feeling of being completely removed from the outside world.
22. Glendora Country Club
Founded in 1955, Glendora Country Club is nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and has built a reputation as one of the most private clubs east of Los Angeles. The club maintains a members-only culture with a long-standing emphasis on community and discretion. It’s not a place for show — it’s a retreat for people who want to avoid the spotlight and enjoy their club in peace. Access is by invitation, and turnover is low, giving it a loyal and legacy-driven membership.
The golf course is a hidden gem — renovated in recent years, it’s now one of the best-maintained tracks in the region. Facilities include a full driving range, tennis, a pool complex, and an elegant but laid-back clubhouse. Family-friendly events and a full social calendar give it a neighborhood feel, but make no mistake — this is a serious club with serious pedigree, and gaining access means being part of a select and committed community.
21. Red Hill Country Club
Red Hill Country Club in Rancho Cucamonga combines vintage prestige with Inland Empire exclusivity. Established in 1921, it’s one of the oldest private clubs in the region and maintains a traditional, member-driven culture. It’s not widely publicized, and that’s intentional — members appreciate the fact that Red Hill flies under the radar. Invitations are extended quietly, and new members are often second- or third-generation locals who value the club’s legacy.
The golf course is a championship layout that’s hosted major events, and it’s supported by robust facilities including tennis courts, a swimming pool, and a well-regarded dining program. The club atmosphere is family-focused but undeniably refined, offering formal and casual spaces depending on the occasion. Red Hill is exclusive not because it boasts extreme wealth, but because it’s consistent, respected, and hard to get into unless you’re already part of the inner circle.
20. Redlands Country Club
Established in 1896, Redlands Country Club is the oldest member-owned country club in Southern California, and its deep history gives it a prestige few Inland clubs can match. Located in the hills of Redlands, it remains one of the most private and traditional clubs in the region. Membership is highly selective and generational — many current members are descendants of founding families, and new applicants are vetted through a quiet but thorough process. It’s not a place that advertises, and it doesn’t need to.
The course is a mature, tree-lined layout with a classic California feel, offering challenging yet walkable rounds in a serene setting. Beyond golf, Redlands offers tennis, a junior Olympic-size pool, fitness facilities, and an elegant clubhouse with sweeping valley views. Events are tasteful and community-driven, with a strong calendar of family and member-only traditions. It’s a club where legacy and loyalty matter — and where exclusivity is enforced by time, not marketing.
19. Ladera Golf Club
Ladera Golf Club, located in Thermal in the Coachella Valley, is arguably the most exclusive new club in California — and maybe the country. With a cap of around 50 members, this club runs more like a private society than a country club. There is no open application process, no website, and almost no public information. Members are invited by the founding team, and the only way to join is to be known — and wanted. It’s built for the ultra-wealthy who value privacy above all.
Designed by Gil Hanse, the golf course is a minimalist, pure-walking layout that strips away distractions and puts the focus entirely on the game. There’s no real rough, no artificial water features, and no noise — just expansive fairways framed by desert and mountains. Amenities are intentionally spare: a clubhouse, practice facilities, and a concierge team that handles everything discreetly. Ladera doesn’t just limit who joins — it limits what even members can post or share. It’s a true whisper-network club, with a price tag and exclusivity level to match.
18. The Lakes Country Club
The Lakes Country Club in Palm Desert is a high-end private community known for combining exclusivity with an active, resort-style lifestyle. Though it has a larger footprint than many on this list, access is still restricted to property owners, and even then, membership approval isn’t automatic. The community is gated and guarded, and the club itself maintains a refined, members-first culture that emphasizes quality over quantity. It’s not flashy — just flawlessly run.
Featuring 27 holes of Ted Robinson-designed golf, The Lakes is built around a stunning landscape of water features, palm trees, and desert views. Members also enjoy a full racquet complex (tennis, pickleball, bocce), a fitness and wellness center, and one of the best clubhouse experiences in the valley — especially after a 2020 renovation that elevated the entire property. Dining, events, and recreation are all top-tier, but what makes The Lakes exclusive is how seamlessly it blends into the lifestyle of its members: secure, scenic, and complete.
17. Monterey Country Club
Monterey Country Club is a private golf club community also located in Palm Desert, and it’s often compared directly with The Lakes. The club is part of a gated residential development, but the golf membership itself is exclusive and not automatically tied to home ownership. Its appeal is strongest among members looking for a more casual but still well-maintained experience.
The course consists of three nine-hole layouts, giving variety for regular players. Views of the mountains and palm trees add to the appeal, and there are over 30 pools scattered throughout the property. Tennis, fitness, and clubhouse dining round out the offering. Monterey’s exclusivity comes more from community culture and member retention than from any public-facing prestige. Those who are part of it tend to stay for years.
16. Fairbanks Ranch Country Club
Located in Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club is part of one of San Diego’s most elite zip codes. Once a standalone private club, it’s now part of the Bay Club portfolio, but don’t let that fool you — membership here is still exclusive and tailored to high-income households in this gated, horse-friendly enclave. Access is limited, and most members live within the ultra-wealthy Fairbanks Ranch neighborhood or nearby in Rancho Santa Fe, where home prices start in the millions.
The club features 27 holes of golf split across three distinct nines, all with lake views and lush landscaping. Beyond golf, Fairbanks Ranch offers a luxury pool area, upgraded fitness facilities, and a newly built sports campus that includes tennis, pickleball, and multi-use fields. Dining is elevated, and the club calendar includes curated events that reflect the tastes of its high-net-worth members. With its prime location, family-friendly prestige, and guarded entry, Fairbanks Ranch remains one of the most refined private clubs in Southern California.
15. Thunderbird Country Club
Thunderbird Country Club in Rancho Mirage is a desert original — the first 18-hole golf course built in the Coachella Valley. Founded in 1951, it quickly became a playground for the Hollywood elite, with original members including Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, and even former President Gerald Ford. Despite its storied history, Thunderbird remains intensely private. Membership is invite-only, and it’s the kind of place where family names matter. Long-time members tend to stay for life, and turnover is rare.
The course is a lush parkland layout nestled in the mountains, offering walkability and immaculate conditioning. The mid-century clubhouse has been updated over the years, but the club retains its retro charm — the kind you can’t manufacture. Amenities include tennis courts, a full-service fitness center, pool, and highly rated dining. Thunderbird doesn’t need to scream luxury — it radiates it quietly through tradition, legacy, and the kind of exclusivity that money alone can’t buy.
14. Spanish Hills Country Club
Perched above Camarillo, Spanish Hills Country Club is one of the most visually striking private clubs in Southern California. Its elevated setting gives members panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, the Channel Islands, and surrounding farmland. While less known than some coastal clubs, that’s part of its appeal. It maintains a selective membership and a strong reputation in Ventura County for being one of the most exclusive addresses in the region.
The Spanish-style clubhouse is a centerpiece, offering elegant dining, event space, and warm hospitality. The 18-hole championship course is known for elevation changes, fast greens, and wide-open views — a scenic, challenging experience for all skill levels. Members enjoy tennis, a pool, fitness facilities, and a packed social calendar. Spanish Hills blends luxury and location in a way that keeps it just under the radar — and members like it that way.
13. The Bridges Golf Course
The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is one of California’s most luxurious gated golf communities, and the club is just as exclusive as the homes that surround it. Membership is by invitation and often requires ownership of property within the community. Tucked into the hills of North County San Diego, the club has attracted a high-end roster that includes executives, athletes, and longtime Rancho Santa Fe residents who appreciate its tight security and refined setting.
The centerpiece is the dramatic course, built into a rugged canyon with multiple bridge crossings and spectacular views. The clubhouse is over 36,000 square feet and includes a top-tier restaurant, wine room, fitness center, and spa. There’s also a full tennis and recreation center, resort-style pool, and youth programming. The entire experience is built around quality and privacy — The Bridges isn’t just a golf club, it’s a curated lifestyle for those who already have everything.
12. La Quinta Country Club
La Quinta Country Club has long been one of the most prestigious private clubs in the Coachella Valley. Opened in 1959, the club has hosted the PGA Tour’s Desert Classic for over half a century, giving it national recognition. But behind the TV cameras, it’s a highly exclusive, invitation-only community where many members have had ties for decades. Legacy plays a major role here — new members often come by way of long-standing personal or business connections.
The course is traditional and tree-lined, offering a different style than many of the newer desert layouts. The clubhouse is understated but functional, with a focus on golf and casual dining. There are also tennis courts and a pool, but the amenities stay secondary to the golf. It’s a club where members are there to play, socialize quietly, and return year after year. Its history, not hype, is what carries the exclusivity.
11. The Madison Club
The Madison Club is one of the most high-profile ultra-private clubs in the country, located in La Quinta and developed by Discovery Land Company. Access is tightly controlled: membership requires property ownership and personal invitation, with very few exceptions. The club caters to a very specific demographic — wealthy, high-profile individuals who want high service levels and no public exposure.
The Tom Fazio-designed course is meticulously maintained, and “comfort stations” throughout the round offer over-the-top food and drink options. The clubhouse includes a full-service spa, gym, pool, and restaurants, all built to luxury resort standards. Despite the opulence, the club culture is quiet and inward-facing. Members don’t post about it, and staff are trained to protect anonymity. It’s high-end, yes, but built to feel private first and foremost.
10. California Golf Club of San Francisco
Often called “Cal Club,” this private club just south of San Francisco in South San Francisco is one of the most respected names in West Coast golf. It’s deliberately low-profile — there’s no marketing, no public play, and very little turnover. Membership is tightly controlled and typically offered only by internal referral. Even within the Bay Area’s elite, the Cal Club maintains a level of insulation that makes it stand out.
The course was originally built in the 1920s and was recently restored by Kyle Phillips to reflect its golden-era roots. It’s considered one of the top golf experiences in the state, with wide fairways, natural bunkering, and no distractions. Facilities are classic and understated, with a tasteful clubhouse and practice grounds. There’s no tennis or pool — this is a pure golf club, and that’s exactly how the members like it.
9. Monterey Peninsula Country Club
Monterey Peninsula Country Club is located on the famed 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach, and its two courses — the Shore and Dunes — offer ocean views that rival any in the country. Despite its proximity to more commercial golf destinations like Pebble Beach Golf Links, MPCC is entirely private. Getting in requires connections, patience, and often, a deep local or family tie to the club.
The Shore Course is the more famous of the two, hosting the PGA Tour’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Members also enjoy a large clubhouse perched above the Pacific, tennis courts, and fine dining. The club doesn’t rely on resort traffic or outside events. Instead, it leans into its reputation as one of the most visually stunning and tightly held golf memberships on the West Coast.
8. Palos Verdes Golf Club
Palos Verdes Golf Club sits high on the cliffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, with sweeping views of the coastline and Catalina Island. It was founded in the 1920s and is deeply embedded in the surrounding residential community, with many members living in the area. The club has long been known for its exclusivity — you won’t find advertising, outside play, or much turnover.
The course is a classic coastal design that plays through elevation changes and tree-lined fairways. The facilities are compact but elegant, including a Mediterranean-style clubhouse with views across the Pacific. There’s no sprawling resort feel here — instead, the club keeps things focused and personal, with a strong emphasis on golf, understated social events, and long-term member relationships.
7. Olympic Club
The Olympic Club is one of the most historically significant private clubs in the country. Located in San Francisco, it has hosted multiple U.S. Opens and has been home to elite amateur competition for over a century. It’s a true athletic club with a deep member base, yet getting in still requires referrals, vetting, and approval. The membership list includes top executives, political figures, and lifelong Bay Area residents.
The Lake Course is the crown jewel, famous for its tight fairways and championship pedigree. But Olympic also offers a full city athletic facility downtown, complete with swimming, fitness, and basketball — a rare dual-campus model. On the golf side, there are three courses, a massive practice facility, and a large clubhouse. While the club is known in the golf world, it still maintains a private, members-first atmosphere that isn’t easily accessed.
6. San Diego Country Club
San Diego Country Club is one of the oldest private clubs in Southern California, established in 1897. It’s located in Chula Vista, away from the high-traffic areas of central San Diego, and has maintained a quiet, traditional approach for over a century. The membership is deeply rooted, with multiple generations often belonging to the same families. It’s not flashy, but it’s respected — and extremely hard to join without knowing the right people.
The golf course is walkable and classic, featuring wide fairways, old trees, and a steady breeze off the nearby coast. The facilities are simple but high quality — a clubhouse with dining and events, along with tennis courts and a modest fitness space. This is a golf-first club with a loyal following. Members value its stability, privacy, and the fact that it doesn’t try to be something it’s not.
5. Indian Wells Country Club
Indian Wells Country Club is one of the original private clubs in the Coachella Valley, with roots going back to the 1950s. It was a favorite among early celebrities and remains a fixture in the desert’s private golf scene. While its name is well known, the club itself remains protective of its membership. Many homeowners in the surrounding gated community are not full club members, and access is controlled carefully.
The club features two courses, with the Classic Course being the better-known of the two — a parkland-style layout framed by palm trees and rugged mountain backdrops. The facilities include a spacious clubhouse with dining, a fitness center, and pool. There’s also an active social calendar, though it stays mostly within the club’s established circles. Indian Wells keeps its focus on quiet tradition and desert charm, not modern flash.
4. Riviera Country Club
Riviera Country Club in Pacific Palisades is one of the most iconic clubs in the United States. It has hosted multiple major championships and is a regular stop on the PGA Tour, but behind the scenes, it operates as a highly selective private club. Membership is extremely limited and known for its rigorous vetting process. Even in a city full of celebrities and high-net-worth individuals, getting into Riviera is no guarantee.
The George Thomas-designed course is carved into a canyon, known for its tight fairways, barranca hazards, and the famous par-3 sixth with a bunker in the middle of the green. The clubhouse is elegant, traditional, and designed for discretion. There are tennis courts, a full-service locker room, and limited dining areas — all reserved for members and guests only. Riviera projects an old-money tone that’s carefully maintained across every detail.
3. The Vintage Club
The Vintage Club in Indian Wells is among the most secure and private residential clubs in the country. Set behind multiple guarded gates, it’s nearly impossible to access unless you own a home within the community and are invited into membership. The member list includes some of the wealthiest individuals in California and beyond, many of whom value the near-total privacy it offers.
The club has two Tom Fazio-designed courses, both manicured to near perfection. The clubhouse is expansive and built like a luxury resort, with multiple dining options, a spa, full-service fitness center, and concierge-level service. Everything is curated for comfort and discretion. There’s no effort to promote the club publicly — its reputation travels by word of mouth, and that’s exactly how members prefer it.
2. Los Angeles Country Club
LACC is one of the most exclusive and storied clubs in America, located right in the heart of Los Angeles but surrounded by privacy hedges, security, and silence. Despite hosting the 2023 U.S. Open, the club is known for limiting access to outsiders. Membership is capped and invitation-only, with a detailed approval process that includes financial reviews, sponsor letters, and board evaluation. Very few new members are accepted each year.
There are two full courses — North and South — with the North Course being the championship layout. The grounds are vast and park-like, offering total separation from the surrounding city. The clubhouse is traditional, understated, and reserved strictly for members and their guests. No phones, no cameras, and no outside noise. Even in the middle of Los Angeles, LACC manages to feel completely removed.
1. Cypress Point Club
Cypress Point, located on the Monterey Peninsula, is often cited as one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the world. It’s not listed on public directories, doesn’t host tournaments, and does not accept unsolicited applications. The member list is private, and even gaining guest access requires sponsorship and advance approval. Its mystique comes not only from its difficulty to access, but from how little is known or shared about it publicly.
The course itself is legendary — a blend of coastal cliffs, forest, and dunes, with several holes running directly along the Pacific Ocean. Designed by Alister MacKenzie, it’s widely considered one of the most beautiful courses ever built. Facilities are modest by design: a small clubhouse, locker rooms, and limited staff. There’s no spa or tennis. The luxury here is the land, the setting, and the silence. That’s what makes it the pinnacle.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in California’s country club scene. Each offers a unique blend of world-class golf, opulent amenities, and a commitment to privacy, catering to the elite who seek the finest in leisure and lifestyle.