New York 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 30 most exclusive and expensive country clubs in the New York State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
30. Old Westbury Golf & Country Club
The Old Westbury Golf & Country Club, located in Old Westbury, New York, is a prestigious private club known for its extensive recreational and social amenities. Established as a premier destination for its members, the club boasts a championship 27-hole golf course that offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels, meticulously maintained to professional standards. Beyond golf, members can indulge in a wide array of activities including tennis, swimming, and fitness facilities, all designed to cater to diverse interests and promote a healthy, active lifestyle. The club’s elegant clubhouse serves as the central hub for social gatherings, featuring fine dining options, banquet halls for private events, and various lounges where members can relax and socialize in a sophisticated atmosphere.
With a strong emphasis on family and community, Old Westbury Golf & Country Club provides a vibrant calendar of social events and programs throughout the year, fostering a welcoming environment for members of all ages. From holiday celebrations and themed parties to junior sports clinics and educational workshops, the club strives to create memorable experiences and strengthen the bonds among its members. The attentive staff and personalized services ensure a high level of comfort and convenience, making every visit a truly exceptional one. Ultimately, Old Westbury Golf & Country Club stands as a testament to luxury, leisure, and community, offering a comprehensive club experience that goes beyond typical.
29. Manhattan Woods Golf Club
Manhattan Woods Golf Club, a private 18-hole course in West Nyack, New York, offers a distinct golfing experience just 35 minutes from midtown Manhattan. Designed by golf legend Gary Player, the course is seamlessly integrated into a naturally beautiful, wooded setting, featuring rolling hills and wetlands that present a challenging yet rewarding round for all skill levels. The club prides itself on its “pure golf” philosophy, blending the traditions of the game with a modern, championship design. This commitment extends to the comprehensive practice facilities, including a double-sided driving range with natural grass tees, a state-of-the-art short-game area, and a large putting green, all designed to offer a “Tour pro-like” learning environment.
Beyond the greens, Manhattan Woods Golf Club provides a full-service, concierge-level experience for its members. The elegant clubhouse overlooks the New York City skyline, providing a sophisticated backdrop for dining, social events, and business gatherings. Members can enjoy exquisite cuisine at the Oak Bar and banquet facilities, further enhancing the club’s appeal as a retreat from city life. With a strong emphasis on service, from valet parking and locker room attendants to a dedicated caddie program, Manhattan Woods ensures that every aspect of the member experience is exceptional, making it a highly regarded private golf club in the New York area.
28. The Meadow Brook Club
The Meadow Brook Club, located in Jericho, New York, has a rich and storied history that dates back to its origins as the Meadow Brook Hunt Club in 1881. Initially a hub for hunting and eventually a prominent polo club, it later transitioned to primarily a golf club. The current championship 18-hole golf course, designed by architect Dick Wilson in 1955, is renowned for its natural integration into the landscape, with many considering it a classic design. The club has undergone various renovations and updates over the years, maintaining its esteemed reputation for a challenging and aesthetically pleasing golfing experience, often hosting regional tournaments.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, The Meadow Brook Club provides a comprehensive private club experience. Members can enjoy a range of amenities and social opportunities within an elegant setting. The clubhouse offers fine dining and facilities for private events, while the club also provides a vibrant social calendar for its members. With a focus on tradition and a commitment to providing exceptional service, The Meadow Brook Club continues to be a distinguished destination for those seeking a premier golf and social club experience on Long Island.
27. Deepdale Golf Club
Tucked away in Manhasset on Long Island’s North Shore, Deepdale Golf Club is one of New York’s most discreet and exclusive private clubs. Founded in 1924 by William K. Vanderbilt II, the original course was designed by Charles B. Macdonald and Seth Raynor—two of the most influential figures in American golf architecture. Though the club later relocated from its original site near the Vanderbilt estate, its commitment to elite, invitation-only membership and timeless course design has never wavered. Today’s layout was reimagined by noted architect Dick Wilson and has quietly remained a favorite among high-society golfers seeking privacy without compromise.
What sets Deepdale apart is its low profile despite extraordinary pedigree. There are no tee times, no public tournaments, and virtually no media coverage—by design. This is a club where membership is not just about access, but about legacy and discretion. While many elite clubs in the region lean into tradition or trophy-course status, Deepdale stays purposefully in the shadows, appealing to those who value understatement and exclusivity above all else.
26. GlenArbor Golf Club
GlenArbor Golf Club, nestled in the rolling hills of Bedford Hills, New York, is a private 18-hole championship course renowned for its exceptional design by golf legend Gary Player. Opened in 2001, the course is often described as Player’s “masterpiece,” carefully integrated into the natural landscape featuring unspoiled wetlands, varied terrain, and abundant wildlife. Its design emphasizes strategic play, with demanding greens and fairways that call for precision and finesse from golfers of all levels. Beyond the challenging course, GlenArbor is also distinguished by its world-class practice facilities, including a state-of-the-art short game area and a comprehensive teaching center, allowing members to hone their skills under the guidance of top PGA professionals.
The GlenArbor experience extends beyond the golf course itself, embodying a philosophy built on the traditions of golf, stewardship of the land, and a commitment to giving back. The elegant clubhouse, built on the site of a historic estate, provides a sophisticated setting for dining and social gatherings, complete with a display of historic golf memorabilia. The club is recognized for its dedication to conservation, having received awards for its environmental practices. GlenArbor Golf Club is not just a place to play golf; it’s a private sanctuary that offers a comprehensive and luxurious club experience, combining challenging play with a deep appreciation for the game’s heritage and natural beauty.
25. Wykagyl Country Club
Wykagyl Country Club, located in New Rochelle, New York, boasts a rich and storied history dating back to its founding in 1898 as Pelham Country Club before moving to its current site in 1905 and adopting the unique name “Wykagyl.” The club’s championship 18-hole golf course has seen the touch of numerous legendary architects over the decades, including Donald Ross, A.W. Tillinghast, and most recently, a significant renovation by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw in 2006. This lineage of renowned designers has shaped a course that is both challenging and beautiful, known for its hilly and rocky terrain that provides a stern test for even the most accomplished golfers. It has hosted various prestigious tournaments, including multiple LPGA Tour events, and is often praised for its strategic layout and the natural beauty of its landscape.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, Wykagyl Country Club offers a comprehensive array of amenities that cater to a well-rounded private club experience. The elegant clubhouse serves as a central hub for members, providing fine dining options, spaces for social gatherings, and a welcoming atmosphere. In addition to golf, members can enjoy facilities such as tennis courts, paddle courts, an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and bowling lanes, ensuring a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The club’s commitment to tradition, coupled with its top-tier facilities and a vibrant social calendar, makes Wykagyl Country Club a distinguished and sought-after destination in the Westchester County area.
24. Noyac Golf Club
Noyac Golf Club, located in Sag Harbor, New York, was founded in 1963 and boasts a distinctive history among the Hamptons’ prestigious golf courses. Designed by William Mitchell, the course is draped across 144 acres of undulating, forested terrain near Noyac Bay. Interestingly, Noyac predates some of its more recently renowned neighbors, offering a “parkland course” style in an area known for its links-style layouts. The club was also notable in its early days for being more inclusive than other Hamptons clubs, a point of pride for its founders. Through renovations, including sand hazard improvements by Stephen Kay and Ross Forbes in 2007, the club has continuously refined its playing experience while maintaining its original character.
Today, Noyac Golf Club provides a comprehensive and high-quality golf-focused private club experience. The 18-hole, par-72 course, measuring nearly 7,000 yards from the championship tees, demands precision with its tight fairways and well-defended greens. Beyond the course, members have access to a state-of-the-art practice putting green, short game area, driving range, and an indoor teaching facility. The club also features a beautiful clubhouse with both casual and elegant dining options, a fully stocked pro shop, and a staff dedicated to ensuring a welcoming and friendly atmosphere for its members and their guests.
23. Country Club of Rochester
The Country Club of Rochester, established in 1895, stands as a venerable institution in the Rochester, New York area, recognized for its rich history and championship golf course. Originally designed by the legendary Donald Ross in 1912, the 18-hole course has undergone refinements by other notable architects, including Robert Trent Jones, who was inspired by Ross as a boy while caddying at the club. This prestigious course has also been the professional home of golfing icon Walter Hagen, who started there as a caddie, became the assistant club professional, and later won the U.S. Open in 1914 while representing the club. The course is celebrated for its classic design, challenging play, and the way it strategically incorporates the natural terrain.
Beyond its world-class golf, the Country Club of Rochester offers a comprehensive private club experience for its members. The clubhouse provides elegant dining options and spaces for a variety of social events, fostering a strong sense of community. In 2016, the club further enhanced its offerings with the opening of the Thistle Hall and Pool Complex, which includes a state-of-the-art fitness facility, casual dining, a golf simulator, and an expansive aquatic center. These amenities, combined with a commitment to personalized service and a vibrant social calendar, uphold the club’s tradition of excellence and cater to a diverse range of member interests.
22. Monroe Golf Club
Monroe Golf Club, located in Pittsford, New York, is a highly esteemed private club with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1924. Its championship 18-hole golf course is a classic Donald Ross design, celebrated for its strategic layout and enduring quality, often ranked among the top classic courses in the nation. The course has a notable connection to golf history, including a semi-final match in the 1993 Monroe Invitational Championship where a young Tiger Woods faced off against Tom Creavy. This challenging design, characterized by its rolling terrain and well-placed bunkers, provides a rigorous yet rewarding experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Beyond its renowned golf course, Monroe Golf Club offers a comprehensive private club experience with a focus on both leisure and social engagement. The club is well-known for hosting the annual Monroe Invitational Championship, a prestigious amateur event that draws top talent from around the world. In addition to golf, members enjoy access to a range of amenities, including elegant dining options and facilities for private events, all designed to foster a strong sense of community and provide a welcoming atmosphere. Monroe Golf Club continues to uphold its legacy as a premier destination for golf and social life in the Western New York region.
21. The Country Club of Buffalo
The Country Club of Buffalo, founded in 1889, holds a distinguished place in American golf history, having hosted the 1912 U.S. Open. While the club has occupied a few locations over its long existence, its current championship 18-hole golf course in Amherst, New York, is a classic Donald Ross design, completed in 1926. Ross masterfully incorporated the natural landscape, including a dramatic limestone quarry, into the course’s layout. Six of its holes ingeniously weave through or around these quarry excavations, creating a unique and challenging experience. The course is consistently praised for its strategic demands, well-contoured greens, and its enduring testament to Ross’s architectural genius, which has also seen enhancements by other notable architects over the years.
Beyond its highly regarded golf course, The Country Club of Buffalo provides an expansive array of amenities for its members. The stately clubhouse, designed by Duane Lyman, offers a sophisticated setting for diverse social and dining experiences. The club’s commitment to recreation extends to tennis, platform tennis, and pickleball courts, a swimming pool, and even a unique world-class sporting clays facility with five different shooting disciplines. During the winter months, members can enjoy snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and an ice-skating rink on the picturesque property. These diverse offerings, combined with a robust social calendar and a focus on personalized service, uphold The Country Club of Buffalo’s long-standing tradition of excellence and provide a comprehensive lifestyle for its members.
20. Fenway Golf Club
Fenway Golf Club, located in Scarsdale, New York, is a highly regarded private club with a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1924. Designed by the illustrious A.W. Tillinghast, the course is often referred to as “Little Winged Foot” due to its challenging nature and exceptional green complexes, which are considered among the finest and most varied in America. Tillinghast was given 240 acres of varied, rolling terrain, allowing him to craft a layout featuring wickedly sloping greens, cavernous bunkers, and tricky landing areas. The course has continually maintained its classical design and strategic demands, making it a true test of golf for players of all abilities. Since 1997, Gil Hanse has been advising on course restoration, ensuring the preservation of Tillinghast’s original vision.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, Fenway Golf Club offers a comprehensive private club experience for its members. The club provides a relaxed, resort-like atmosphere that is both family-friendly and fosters strong social interaction. Members can enjoy full-service golf and tennis facilities, along with a curated dining experience. Fenway also plays an active role in the golfing community, hosting events such as the U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship. With a commitment to preserving its historical legacy while offering modern amenities and a vibrant social calendar, Fenway Golf Club remains a pre-eminent golf club in the Metropolitan area.
19. Old Oaks Country Club
Old Oaks Country Club, located in Purchase, New York, is a prestigious private club with a rich history rooted in the early 20th century. Its championship 18-hole golf course is a testament to timeless design, originally crafted by the legendary A.W. Tillinghast in 1925 and completed by Charles Alison in 1927. This rare collaboration between two of golf’s “Golden Age” architects resulted in a course known for its strategic complexity and classic features. Over the years, the course has seen significant enhancements, including a major renovation by renowned “Open Doctor” Rees Jones starting in 2016, which reconstructed bunkers, added length, and improved practice facilities. Old Oaks has consistently been recognized as one of New York’s top courses and frequently hosts prestigious events, such as US Open sectional qualifiers and the Metropolitan Amateur Championship.
Beyond its celebrated golf course, Old Oaks Country Club offers a comprehensive luxury experience for its members. The elegant clubhouse, an English-style manor house built in 1890, provides a sophisticated setting for diverse social and dining occasions. The club boasts an impressive array of amenities, including multiple Har-Tru tennis courts (some with winter bubbles), paddle courts, pickleball courts, and a resort-style swimming pool area. For golf enthusiasts, there are two full-length grass driving ranges, a three-acre short game area, and a state-of-the-art indoor practice facility equipped with launch monitors for year-round improvement. With a focus on providing an unparalleled member experience, Old Oaks Country Club blends its historic legacy with modern facilities and a vibrant social calendar.
18. Westchester Country Club
Westchester Country Club, located in Harrison, New York, is a storied private club with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1922. Conceived as a grand “sportsman’s paradise” by hotelier John McEntee Bowman, the club was designed to offer an extensive array of recreational pursuits within easy commuting distance of Manhattan. At its heart are two championship 18-hole golf courses, the West and South Courses, both originally designed by the legendary Walter Travis. The West Course, specifically built for championship play, has a long and distinguished history of hosting professional tournaments, including more than four decades as the home of the PGA Tour’s Westchester Classic (later the Buick Classic and The Northern Trust), as well as the Senior Players Championship and the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Beyond its celebrated golf facilities, Westchester Country Club provides an unparalleled range of amenities for its members. The majestic clubhouse, an English-style manor, serves as a central hub for dining, social events, and even offers member apartments and guest rooms. The club’s comprehensive sports facilities include extensive tennis courts, squash courts, an indoor swimming pool, and a stand-alone beach club on Manursing Island featuring an outdoor pool and restaurant with breathtaking views of the Long Island Sound. With a commitment to exceptional service and a vibrant social calendar, Westchester Country Club truly embodies a luxurious and active lifestyle for its diverse membership.
17. Ardsley Country Club
Nestled in Irvington-on-Hudson, Ardsley Country Club was founded in 1895 by the same Gilded Age magnates—Rockefeller, Morgan, Vanderbilt—who shaped America’s industrial age. With a grand clubhouse originally part of Cyrus Field’s estate, the property exudes architectural splendor and exclusivity, embodying the era when “robber barons and old New York” mingled. Its historic pedigree and social cachet parallel the prestige of Deepdale, but with even deeper roots in New York’s high society.
Today, Ardsley remains as discreet as it is elite, offering a full suite of amenities—championship golf, tennis, swimming, and stately event spaces—on a sprawling campus that serves the descendants of its founding families . Membership remains invitation-only and fiercely selective, preserving its Gilded Age mystique.
16. Atlantic Golf Club
Atlantic Golf Club, situated in Bridgehampton, New York, is a premier private golf club in the Hamptons, renowned for its distinctive and challenging 18-hole championship course. Opened in 1992, the course was designed by celebrated architect Rees Jones, who meticulously crafted a “links-like” layout on what was once a potato farm. The design features rolling hills, tall fescue grasses, and strategically placed bunkers that demand precise shot-making and adaptability to the area’s ever-present coastal breezes. Atlantic was an instant success, earning Golf Digest’s “Best New Private Course” award in 1992 and establishing itself as a top-tier golf destination in an area already rich with storied courses.
Beyond its acclaimed course, Atlantic Golf Club offers an exclusive and understated luxury experience. The club prides itself on a “pure golf” philosophy, focusing on the game itself and providing top-notch facilities, including a practice area designed for serious golfers. The clubhouse provides a sophisticated yet comfortable setting for members to dine and socialize, embracing the traditional feel of its East End neighbors while offering modern amenities. Atlantic has consistently hosted prestigious amateur championships, further solidifying its reputation for quality and its commitment to the game’s traditions.
15. Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill Country Club, located in Pittsford, New York, is a world-renowned private club with a rich history of hosting major championships. Founded in 1901, its iconic East Course, a masterpiece designed by Donald Ross, is consistently ranked among the top golf courses globally. This challenging layout, characterized by its rolling terrain, strategic bunkering, and the meandering Allen Creek which comes into play on many holes, has tested the skills of golf’s greatest legends. Oak Hill’s East Course holds the unique distinction of being the only course in America to have hosted all six rotating men’s major championships: the U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, U.S. Amateur, U.S. Senior Open, and the Senior PGA Championship, cementing its place in golf history.
Beyond its legendary East Course, Oak Hill offers a comprehensive private club experience. While the East Course is the more famous of its two Donald Ross-designed 18-hole courses (the other being the West Course), both provide exceptional golfing opportunities. The club also boasts impressive amenities beyond golf, including a well-appointed clubhouse that serves as a vibrant social hub, offering fine dining and event spaces. With a strong emphasis on tradition, a dedication to maintaining its championship-caliber courses, and a commitment to providing a welcoming environment, Oak Hill Country Club continues to be a premier destination for golf enthusiasts and those seeking a distinguished private club experience.
14. Garden City Golf Club
Garden City Golf Club, nestled in Garden City, New York, is a private and highly exclusive club with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1899. Initially opened in 1897 as the Island Golf Links, a nine-hole course for hotel guests, it was soon expanded to 18 holes. While Devereux Emmet is credited with the original routing, the course’s most significant design influence came from amateur golfing legend Walter Travis, a founding member and a two-time U.S. Amateur champion. Travis, known for his critical eye for golf course architecture, extensively redesigned the layout after the 1902 U.S. Open hosted at the club, adding numerous strategic bunkers and modifying greens to create a true test of golf. The course maintains a links-like feel with its sandy loam soil, often firm and fast conditions, and distinctive pot bunkers that demand precision. It is one of the few remaining men-only golf clubs in the United States, adding to its unique and traditional character.
Throughout its history, Garden City Golf Club has been a prominent venue for significant golf championships, hosting the U.S. Open in 1902 and the U.S. Amateur four times (1900, 1908, 1913, and 1936), as well as the Walker Cup in 1924. These events underscore its reputation as a championship-caliber course, recognized for its demanding yet fair layout. The club prides itself on preserving the timeless design principles of its architects and offers a pure golfing experience with minimal distractions. The clubhouse serves as a historical repository, displaying memorabilia that reflects the club’s storied past and connection to golf’s golden age, further enhancing its appeal as a revered institution in American golf.
13. Hudson National Golf Club
Hudson National Golf Club, located in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, is a highly acclaimed private club renowned for its spectacular golf course designed by Tom Fazio. Opened in 1996, the course is ingeniously carved into a dramatic, rocky landscape offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Hudson River from many of its holes. Fazio’s design is characterized by significant elevation changes, strategic bunkering, and a masterful integration of the natural terrain, including rock outcroppings and wetlands. The construction involved extensive earthmoving and blasting to create a layout that feels both challenging and seamlessly integrated into the natural environment, ensuring a memorable and often visually stunning golfing experience. The ruins of an old clubhouse from a previous golf course on the site are even incorporated into the design, adding a unique historical touch.
Beyond its striking golf course, Hudson National Golf Club is committed to a “pure golf” philosophy, focusing primarily on the game itself. The club emphasizes a high-touch, concierge-level service for its members, providing a private sanctuary away from the bustle of city life. Amenities include world-class practice facilities, a stately clubhouse offering fine dining and social spaces, and club cottages for overnight stays, creating a resort-like experience. Hudson National has consistently been recognized among the top golf courses in the United States and continues to undergo renovations to maintain its championship-caliber status and ensure an exceptional experience for its discerning membership.
12. The Creek
The Creek, located in Locust Valley, New York, is a highly exclusive private club with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1922. Dubbed “The Million Dollar Club” by the New York Times in 1923 due to its affluent membership, the club’s championship 18-hole golf course was a collaboration between the legendary Charles Blair Macdonald and Seth Raynor. The course is celebrated for its classic design, which seamlessly integrates into the dramatic landscape featuring high bluffs overlooking the Long Island Sound and unique “template” holes like the “Leven” and the “Island Biarritz,” which can be even more challenging depending on the tide. Renowned architect Gil Hanse has also overseen significant restoration efforts to preserve Macdonald’s original vision.
Beyond its acclaimed golf course, The Creek offers a refined and understated luxury experience for its discerning members. The club is known for its “pure golf” philosophy, providing a focus on the game itself within a serene and private setting. The elegant Beach House, a vital centerpiece of the summer season, provides a sophisticated backdrop for dining and social gatherings. With a commitment to maintaining its historic legacy and offering an unparalleled level of service, The Creek continues to be a revered institution in the world of private golf clubs.
11. Piping Rock Club
Piping Rock Club, located in Matinecock (within the ZIP Code boundaries of Locust Valley), New York, is a highly exclusive and historically significant country club on Long Island, founded in 1911. Its 18-hole links-style golf course was designed by the legendary Charles B. Macdonald, with construction overseen by Seth Raynor, and later modified by notable architects like Pete Dye, Tom Doak, and Bruce Hepner. The course is renowned for its classic design, featuring strategic bunkering, and distinct template holes that challenge even the most skilled golfers. Beyond golf, the club boasts extensive racquet facilities, including numerous indoor, clay, and grass tennis courts, along with paddle and squash courts, making it a comprehensive destination for sporting enthusiasts.
The club’s allure extends beyond its athletic facilities, offering a luxurious and traditional environment for its elite membership, which historically included prominent families like the Morgans, Vanderbilts, and Astors. The elegant clubhouse, designed by Guy Lowell in 1911 in an American colonial style, serves as a central hub for fine dining, social gatherings, and even offers overnight guest suites and quaint cottages. Additionally, Piping Rock Club maintains a separate waterfront facility on Long Island Sound, providing members with beach, pool, and summer dining experiences. This commitment to world-class amenities, exceptional service, and a vibrant social calendar firmly establishes Piping Rock Club as one of the most prestigious and exclusive private clubs in the United States.
10. Sleepy Hollow Country Club
Sleepy Hollow Country Club, nestled along the banks of the Hudson River in Briarcliff Manor, New York, is a historic and highly revered private club with a legacy dating back to its founding in 1911. Its iconic 18-hole golf course is a masterpiece that combines the brilliant work of two legendary architects: A.W. Tillinghast and C.B. Macdonald, with Seth Raynor contributing to some of the original design. Tillinghast was responsible for the majority of the current layout, and the course underwent a significant restoration by Gil Hanse in the 2010s, bringing it back to its original grandeur and strategic intent. Known for its dramatic elevation changes, challenging green complexes, and breathtaking views of the Hudson River, Sleepy Hollow consistently ranks among the top courses in the United States and has hosted numerous prestigious events, including the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the LPGA’s KPMG Women’s PGA Championship.
Beyond its world-class golf course, Sleepy Hollow Country Club offers a comprehensive array of luxurious amenities and a vibrant social scene for its members. The stately clubhouse, originally a turn-of-the-century mansion, provides elegant dining options, private event spaces, and comfortable lounges, all overlooking the stunning river landscape. The club also boasts extensive recreational facilities, including a state-of-the-art racquets facility with indoor and outdoor tennis courts, paddle tennis courts, a resort-style swimming pool, and a robust fitness center. With its commitment to preserving its rich heritage while offering modern comforts and exceptional service, Sleepy Hollow Country Club provides a truly distinguished and active lifestyle for its discerning membership.
9. Quaker Ridge Golf Club
Quaker Ridge Golf Club, located in Scarsdale, New York, is a highly esteemed private club with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1916. The club’s championship 18-hole golf course is a classic A.W. Tillinghast design, widely considered one of his finest works and consistently ranked among the top golf courses in the United States. Tillinghast masterfully integrated the natural rolling terrain, strategic wetlands, and a meandering stream (the Quaker Ridge Brook) into the layout, creating a course that demands precision and thoughtful shot-making. Its challenging yet fair design, characterized by intricate green complexes and well-placed bunkers, has made it a favorite among golf purists. Quaker Ridge has a distinguished history of hosting significant tournaments, including the 1997 Walker Cup and multiple U.S. Open Sectional Qualifiers, solidifying its reputation as a true test of golf.
Beyond its world-class golf course, Quaker Ridge Golf Club maintains a strong focus on the game itself, offering a refined and understated experience for its members. The club provides excellent practice facilities, including a comprehensive short game area and a driving range, allowing members to hone their skills. The clubhouse, while not overly ostentatious, offers a comfortable and elegant setting for dining and social gatherings, reflecting the club’s traditional and member-centric philosophy. With a commitment to preserving its architectural integrity and providing a pure golfing experience, Quaker Ridge Golf Club remains a highly sought-after destination for golf enthusiasts in the Metropolitan area.
8. Maidstone Club
The Maidstone Club, located on the Atlantic Ocean in East Hampton, New York, is an incredibly exclusive and historic private country club established in 1891. While initially focused on tennis and a bath club, golf became a central feature, with its challenging 18-hole course being a product of several legendary designers including Willie Dunn, Seth Raynor, and prominently, Willie Park, Jr. The course is a celebrated example of a true links-style layout, integrating the natural coastal landscape with rolling dunes, fescue grasses, and the ever-present wind. Its unique design, which includes holes playing directly along the ocean and around Hook Pond, demands strategic play and offers stunning views, solidifying its reputation as one of the top courses in the country and even the world.
Beyond its world-class golf, Maidstone Club offers a comprehensive suite of amenities that cater to a luxurious Hamptons lifestyle. Members have access to extensive racquet facilities, including numerous grass, Har-Tru, and all-weather tennis courts, as well as paddle tennis and croquet courts. The club boasts a private beach, a heated swimming pool, and a range of food and beverage outlets, from casual to fine dining, all within an elegant clubhouse and separate beach house facilities. Maidstone is known for its understated elegance and strict privacy, attracting a discreet membership that enjoys a wide array of recreational activities and a vibrant social calendar in one of America’s most prestigious settings.
7. Winged Foot Golf Club
Winged Foot Golf Club, located in Mamaroneck, New York, stands as one of the most iconic and challenging private golf clubs in the United States. Established in 1923, its two renowned 18-hole courses, the West and East, were both designed by the esteemed architect A.W. Tillinghast. The West Course, in particular, is celebrated for its demanding nature, characterized by narrow fairways, deep, penal bunkers, and large, severely undulating greens that are notoriously fast and difficult to read. This layout has been the crucible for numerous major championships, including six U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, and a U.S. Amateur, consistently testing the world’s best golfers and contributing to its fearsome reputation.
Beyond the formidable West Course, the East Course offers a slightly less brutal yet equally strategic test of golf, also designed by Tillinghast and sharing many of the architectural hallmarks of its more famous sibling. It too has hosted significant events, such as the U.S. Women’s Open and the U.S. Amateur. The club itself embodies a deep respect for the traditions of the game, providing a pure golfing experience for its discerning members. The stately clubhouse offers a classic, sophisticated ambiance for dining and social gatherings, reinforcing Winged Foot’s status as a premier institution in American golf, revered for its challenging courses and rich championship history.
6. Friar’s Head
Friar’s Head, located in Baiting Hollow, a hamlet of Riverhead on Long Island’s North Shore in New York, is an exceptionally private and highly acclaimed golf club that opened in 2003. Co-designed by the renowned architectural team of Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw, the course is a masterful blend of rugged, tree-covered dunes and former potato farmland. The architects painstakingly crafted a routing that seamlessly transitions between these dramatically different environments, creating a links-style experience characterized by expansive, artfully shaped greens, naturalistic bunkers, and a philosophy that encourages creativity and options for golfers. The course is consistently ranked among the top in the world, celebrated for its natural beauty and challenging, strategic design that demands thoughtful shot-making.
The experience at Friar’s Head is designed to be pure and immersive, with a strong emphasis on walking the course with a caddie and maintaining an expeditious pace of play. The club eschews overt opulence, opting instead for a discreet and understated atmosphere that focuses on the essence of golf. While offering a sophisticated clubhouse for dining and social gatherings, the primary allure lies in the exceptional quality of the golf course itself and the serene, natural setting it inhabits, including stunning views overlooking the Long Island Sound from elevated bluffs. Friar’s Head is a testament to natural golf course design, providing a unique and unforgettable private club experience for its discerning members.
5. Fishers Island Club
Fishers Island Club, nestled on the secluded Fishers Island, New York, is an extraordinarily exclusive private club known for its breathtaking setting and a golf course that consistently ranks among the very best in the world. Established in 1927, the 18-hole championship course was designed by the legendary Seth Raynor, incorporating his signature “template” holes (like the Biarritz, Redan, and Alps) into a stunning coastal landscape. What truly sets Fishers Island apart is its unique geographical position: nearly every hole offers panoramic views of the Long Island Sound and Block Island Sound, a rare characteristic for an American golf course. The layout is a masterpiece of strategic design, utilizing the island’s natural contours, sandy soil, and ever-present winds to create a challenging yet profoundly natural links-style experience.
Beyond its world-renowned golf course, Fishers Island Club provides a comprehensive array of amenities that cater to a discerning membership seeking privacy and luxury. Accessible only by ferry or private aircraft, the club offers a truly secluded escape. In addition to golf, members enjoy access to meticulously maintained tennis courts, a private beach club with oceanfront access, and a stately main clubhouse featuring elegant dining rooms. The club is characterized by an understated elegance and a focus on preserving its unique environment and traditions, making it a highly coveted destination for those who appreciate top-tier recreational facilities within an exclusive and tranquil island sanctuary.
4. Shinnecock Hills Golf Club
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, located in Southampton, New York, is one of the most historically significant and revered golf clubs in the United States. Founded in 1891, it holds the distinction of being the oldest incorporated golf club in the country and was one of the five founding members of the United States Golf Association (USGA). The club’s iconic 18-hole championship course, largely shaped by William Flynn’s 1931 redesign, is a true links-style layout, meticulously integrated into the rolling, windswept sand dunes of the Hamptons. Characterized by its open, treeless expanses, strategic bunkering, and firm, fast-playing conditions, Shinnecock Hills demands precise shot-making and adaptability to the prevailing coastal winds. It has a storied history of hosting major championships, including five U.S. Opens, with another scheduled for 2026 and both the U.S. Open and U.S. Women’s Open in 2036, cementing its status as one of golf’s ultimate tests.
Beyond its world-class golf course, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club offers a timeless and exclusive experience for its discerning members. The clubhouse, designed by Stanford White and opened in 1892, is considered the oldest purpose-built golf clubhouse in the U.S. and stands majestically overlooking the links, offering panoramic views of the course and the distant Peconic Bay. The club maintains a deep respect for the traditions of the game, providing a pure golfing environment where walking with a caddie is encouraged. With a strong emphasis on preserving its historical integrity and offering a challenging yet authentic links experience, Shinnecock Hills remains a hallowed ground for golf purists and a premier destination in American golf.
3. National Golf Links of America
The National Golf Links of America, located in Southampton, New York, is widely regarded as one of the most historically significant and influential golf clubs in the world. Founded in 1908 by Charles Blair Macdonald, often considered the “father of American golf architecture,” the club’s 18-hole championship course was his magnum opus. Macdonald’s vision was to create a course featuring the best characteristics of famous holes from British and European links, reinterpreted for American soil. This led to the groundbreaking “template hole” concept, with iconic examples like “Sahara,” “Redan,” “Road,” and “Eden” meticulously replicated and adapted, setting a new standard for golf course design in the United States and profoundly shaping its future. Its natural, windswept setting overlooking Peconic Bay further enhances its authentic links feel.
Beyond its revolutionary design, the National Golf Links of America is known for its extreme exclusivity and its unwavering commitment to a pure golf experience. The club emphasizes walking the course with a caddie and maintains a traditional, unpretentious atmosphere focused solely on the game. Its understated clubhouse provides a comfortable, historic setting for members. Revered by golf purists and architects alike, “The National” has rarely hosted major championships, instead prioritizing the private enjoyment of its membership. Its timeless design and foundational role in American golf architecture ensure its continued status as a hallowed ground for the game.
2. The Bridge
The Bridge, located in Bridgehampton, New York, is a modern and highly exclusive private golf club that opened in 2002 on the site of the former Bridgehampton Race Circuit. Designed by renowned architect Rees Jones, the 18-hole championship course skillfully incorporates elements of the historic racetrack, including banking turns and the iconic grandstands, into a contemporary links-style layout. The design features wide, undulating fairways, deep fescue grasses, and challenging green complexes that demand strategic play, all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Hamptons landscape and often subject to coastal winds. The club is known for its bold architecture and its embrace of a vibrant, forward-thinking approach to the golf club experience, attracting a membership that often includes figures from the arts, finance, and technology sectors.
Beyond its distinctive golf course, The Bridge offers a unique blend of high-end amenities and a focus on contemporary luxury. The striking, minimalist clubhouse, designed by architect Roger Ferris, provides a sophisticated setting for dining and social events, boasting panoramic views of the course and the surrounding area. The club is also famous for its annual “The Bridge” classic car show, which brings together rare and exquisite automobiles, further cementing its identity as a hub for both golf and a passion for speed and design. With its commitment to exceptional service, a modern aesthetic, and a lively social calendar, The Bridge cultivates a dynamic and exclusive atmosphere that stands out even among the Hamptons’ prestigious club scene.
1. Sebonack Golf Club
Sebonack Golf Club, located in Southampton, New York, is an exceptionally exclusive and highly acclaimed private golf club that opened in 2006. Unique among the Hamptons’ pantheon of great courses, Sebonack was a collaborative design effort between two modern giants of golf architecture: Tom Doak and Jack Nicklaus. The result is a links-inspired masterpiece seamlessly integrated into the natural, sandy terrain along Peconic Bay, with many holes offering stunning water views. The course is characterized by its wide fairways, sprawling natural bunkers, and complex, undulating greens that demand strategic thinking and precise execution. Its design allows for varying approaches to holes, making it both challenging and endlessly interesting, quickly earning it a place among the top courses in the world.
Beyond its world-class golf course, Sebonack Golf Club offers an unparalleled level of privacy and understated luxury. The club maintains a pure golf focus, emphasizing walking with a caddie and a relaxed, unpretentious atmosphere. Its sophisticated clubhouse provides a comfortable setting for dining and social gatherings, designed to complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. Sebonack is also notable for its unique proximity to two other iconic clubs, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club and National Golf Links of America, allowing for a truly extraordinary golfing experience in one of the most hallowed stretches of land in golf. It is a testament to natural design and a premier destination for the most discerning golf enthusiasts.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in New York 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.