Massachusetts’ 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 Bay State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
25. Tedesco Country Club
Tedesco Country Club in Marblehead is a historic private golf club dating back to 1900. It has a reputation for exclusivity – membership is invitation only and requires a sponsorship by an existing member. The club offers a classic New England golf experience on a beautifully maintained 18-hole course that is routinely ranked among the top in the state.
With its long tradition and tight-knit membership, Tedesco provides a luxury lifestyle for those fortunate enough to belong. Even though it’s less talked about than some larger clubs, its waiting list and high fees reflect its status as one of Massachusetts’ most expensive clubs.
24. Hyannisport Club
Located on picturesque Cape Cod, Hyannisport Club is a seaside sanctuary known for its stunning views of Nantucket Sound. This private club keeps a small, invitation-only membership, making it extremely exclusive. Hyannisport is steeped in history – it’s famously associated with the Kennedy family and often regarded as their home course.
The golf course, a classic Donald Ross design, isn’t long but is challenging due to coastal winds and lightning-fast greens, adding to its allure. Very few people get the honor of playing here, as Hyannisport intentionally limits access, reinforcing its elite reputation (and lofty membership cost) among Massachusetts clubs.
23. Thorny Lea Golf Club
Thorny Lea Golf Club is a hidden gem of exclusivity tucked in Brockton, Massachusetts. Founded in 1900, it’s an old-line, member-owned club that prides itself on tradition and a close community. The club’s membership process requires personal connections – would-be members must have multiple sponsors from within the club.
Thorny Lea’s course is a well-regarded 18-hole layout known for its smooth greens and challenging play. While it may not appear in the headlines often, it’s truly expensive and exclusive, with a quiet prestige that comes from decades of low-profile service to its members. Being part of Thorny Lea means joining a select circle that values privacy, excellent golf, and time-honored traditions.
22. Belmont Country Club
Belmont Country Club, in the upscale suburb of Belmont just outside Boston, has been a standard for luxury for over a century. Established in 1918, this club has “set the bar for private country clubs in the Metro Boston area,” offering a top-notch golf course and lavish amenities. The rolling Donald Ross-designed course is meticulously maintained, and the club’s facilities cater to families and business elites alike.
Belmont is invitation-only and highly exclusive, often requiring substantial fees and social connections to join. It’s a place where old Boston wealth and new affluent members mingle, enjoying fine dining, tennis, swimming, and of course championship-caliber golf. With years-long waitlists and high membership dues, Belmont Country Club firmly earns its spot among the most expensive clubs in Massachusetts.
21. Walpole Country Club
Walpole Country Club is a private 18-hole club in Walpole known for its championship golf course and active membership. Founded in 1927, it has a long history and has hosted many state golf tournaments. Membership here isn’t just about golf – it’s a full lifestyle club with a busy calendar of men’s, women’s, and junior events.
Though it may appear unassuming, Walpole CC is quite exclusive. The club is member-run and prides itself on excellent conditions and a welcoming but elite environment for members. Recent demand for private clubs has soared, and Walpole’s initiation fees and dues have climbed accordingly. While perhaps less famous than some Boston-area clubs, Walpole Country Club’s steep cost of entry and limited membership slots reflect its place among the priciest clubs in the state.
20. Nashawtuc Country Club
Situated in historic Concord, Nashawtuc Country Club offers a quietly luxurious retreat for its members. The club sits on a scenic property by the Sudbury River and features a well-regarded 18-hole golf course that for years hosted a PGA Tour Champions event, showcasing its high quality. Nashawtuc is a family-oriented private club with all the amenities – golf, tennis, swimming, and elegant event spaces.
Membership is limited and selective, requiring a significant initiation fee and member sponsorship. Despite its friendly community vibe, Nashawtuc remains exclusive and expensive, drawing from the affluent towns of Concord and Lincoln. Its combination of a championship golf pedigree and refined social atmosphere secures Nashawtuc’s ranking among Massachusetts’ top-tier (and costliest) clubs.
19. Oak Hill Country Club
Oak Hill Country Club is a prestigious member-owned club located in Fitchburg, Central Massachusetts. Celebrating over 100 years since its founding in 1921, Oak Hill has a proud tradition and a beautifully designed course. The golf course is known for being impeccably maintained, and the club also offers multiple dining venues, tennis courts, a pool, and event facilities.
Membership at Oak Hill is by invitation and comes at a premium, as the club is highly regarded in the region. Despite being outside the Boston metro, it attracts business leaders and professionals who appreciate its mix of privacy and community. Oak Hill’s prestige and exclusivity are reflected in its costs – a significant initiation fee and annual dues – placing it among the most expensive clubs in the state while maintaining a welcoming, family-friendly spirit.
18. Black Rock Country Club
Black Rock Country Club in Hingham is synonymous with modern luxury. Set within an upscale gated community on the South Shore, Black Rock offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury living, as its marketing boasts. The club’s 18-hole golf course, a Brian Silva design, is visually stunning – weaving through rock outcroppings and wetlands – and is considered one of the premier private courses in the region.
Black Rock is a family-oriented club, with pools, tennis, and a grand clubhouse, but membership is tightly controlled and costly. As a newer club (opened in the early 2000s), it quickly earned a reputation for top-tier amenities and service. Prospective members face a hefty initiation fee and need the right connections, as Black Rock’s exclusive membership is often limited to residents of the luxury community and select invitees. This combination of resort-like facilities and exclusivity justifies its place on any list of expensive Massachusetts clubs.
17. Renaissance Golf Club
Renaissance Golf Club, located in Haverhill on the North Shore, is a younger private club that offers a fresh take on exclusivity. Opened in 2005, it features an 18-hole “golfer’s paradise” course designed by Brian Silva, meant to evoke classic architecture and provide a pure golf experience. Renaissance markets itself as a forward-thinking club – blending the best of traditional private club qualities with a modern, family-friendly sensibility.
The course is often described as a “hidden gem” and the club has state-of-the-art amenities, from tennis courts to year-round social events. Membership at Renaissance is limited and exclusive; the club is private to members and their guests only, and joining requires a substantial fee and approval. While it may not have decades of history, Renaissance has quickly become one of the most expensive memberships due to its high-end facilities and a desire to create a top-tier community on par with the older elite clubs.
16. Pine Brook Country Club
Pine Brook Country Club in Weston (one of Massachusetts’ wealthiest towns) is an elite private club known for its refined atmosphere. Just 11 miles from downtown Boston, Pine Brook enjoys a reputation as “one of the finest private clubs in New England”. Founded in 1924, it features a beautifully maintained Wayne Stiles golf course along with indoor/outdoor tennis, a pool, and a stately clubhouse.
The club is for members and their guests only, underscoring its exclusivity. Pine Brook’s membership is drawn from the area’s affluent families and professionals, and the club has a friendly yet exclusive culture that has been cultivated for generations. Gaining membership typically requires sponsorship, a significant initiation fee, and patience, as openings are few. With its combination of a top-quality course, upscale amenities, and an address in Weston, Pine Brook commands some of the highest membership costs in the state – truly a luxury lifestyle club.
15. Blue Hill Country Club
Blue Hill Country Club, located in the affluent suburb of Canton, offers both rich history and high-end facilities. Founded in 1925 originally as a club for those excluded elsewhere, Blue Hill has grown into a premier 27-hole country club set on 210 wooded acres. It’s known for an excellent championship course (which once hosted the 1956 PGA Championship and LPGA Tour events). The club’s heritage includes being a welcoming home for members of all backgrounds – it was one of the first top clubs open to Jewish members in an era when others were not.
Today, Blue Hill is family-oriented and upscale, with a resort-style pool and a grand clubhouse. The club did face financial challenges and even partnered with a private club investment firm to secure its future, but it remains exclusive and pricey. Membership comes with high dues and fees, though the club has worked to balance costs with value. With its storied course and amenities, Blue Hill continues to rank among Massachusetts’ expensive country clubs, serving a community that values tradition and top-notch service.
14. Winchester Country Club
Winchester Country Club is a distinguished private club located in the wealthy town of Winchester, just north of Boston. Established in the early 1900s, it has long been a bastion of Boston Brahmin society and has a gorgeous Donald Ross-designed course. In recent years, demand to join Winchester CC has surged – what was once a club seeking members turned into one with full rolls and waitlists, especially after golf’s post-2020 boom.
The club offers an elegant clubhouse, multiple dining options, and family recreational facilities, but golf is the centerpiece. Winchester’s course is tree-lined and impeccably kept, having hosted numerous state championships. To join, one typically needs personal connections and deep pockets, as the initiation fee is very high (comparable to other big-name clubs). Despite its understated profile (it doesn’t seek publicity), Winchester CC’s combination of an exclusive membership, historic prestige, and high costs firmly places it among the most expensive clubs in Massachusetts.
13. Wellesley Country Club
Wellesley Country Club epitomizes affluent suburban luxury. Located in Wellesley – one of Boston’s most upscale suburbs – this club offers exceptional golf, tennis, swimming, and dining facilities in a picturesque setting. Wellesley CC is known to be extremely exclusive: it reportedly isn’t even accepting new members currently because it’s at capacity. The cost to join is astonishingly high – around $150,000 initiation by some accounts – with hefty annual dues.
The club’s history dates back to 1910, and it has a classic New England course that has hosted Mass Amateur championships. Members of Wellesley enjoy a vibrant social scene and family-oriented programs, all behind the secure gates of the club. The combination of Wellesley’s town prestige and the club’s own reputation for excellence ensures that membership remains by invitation and very costly, squarely ranking it among the most expensive country clubs in the state.
12. Brae Burn Country Club
Brae Burn Country Club, in West Newton, is one of Massachusetts’ most storied private clubs. Founded in 1897, Brae Burn has over a century of history and was a pioneering club in American golf – it hosted the U.S. Open in 1919 and other national championships. The club features 27 holes of golf (an 18-hole Donald Ross course and an additional 9-hole course), making it a paradise for serious golfers.
Brae Burn’s membership is exclusive and traditionally has included many of Boston’s prominent families. The club has a grand clubhouse atop a hill and offers full family amenities (pool, tennis, dining). To join Brae Burn, one typically needs to be recommended and go through a rigorous selection process – it’s not just about paying the fee, but also about being a good social fit. That said, the fees are substantial: initiation and dues are among the higher end in the region. Brae Burn prides itself on a “quality experience” for members, and that comes with a price, solidifying its place among the most expensive and esteemed country clubs in Massachusetts.
11. Oakley Country Club
Oakley Country Club in Watertown is a club with a unique place in golf history and a highly exclusive present. In 1900, Oakley gave legendary architect Donald Ross his very first job in America as a golf professional, and he redesigned its course – effectively launching his career. Today, Oakley’s 18-hole course (with later Ross touches) is a delightful test of golf with panoramic views toward Boston.
Historically known as one of the clubs founded by those who faced exclusion elsewhere (Belmont and Oakley were formed in part by Jewish members in mid-20th century), Oakley has always valued a welcoming community – yet it remains very exclusive. The club’s membership is limited and often passes through families. Oakley is mentioned among the “big money” town clubs with high costs, so expect a significant initiation fee and annual dues. The club may fly a bit under the radar, but those in the know recognize Oakley for its heritage, tightly-knit membership, and steep price of entry that ranks it among Massachusetts’ most expensive clubs.
10. Sankaty Head Golf Club
Sankaty Head Golf Club offers a truly unique exclusive experience – it’s perched on the far eastern edge of Nantucket Island, surrounded by ocean views and anchored by the iconic Sankaty Head Lighthouse. This club is one of the easternmost golf courses in the U.S., sitting out by Siasconset with windswept fairways and a vintage charm. Sankaty Head is private; it includes not just golf but also tennis and beach facilities for its members, making it a full summer retreat.
Membership is extremely limited – Nantucket’s island community is small, and Sankaty is one of only two golf clubs on the island (the other being the ultra-high-end Nantucket Golf Club). As such, demand is high and membership fees are exorbitant. Despite its exclusivity, Sankaty has a quaint tradition: it operates a famous caddie camp for youth each summer, underscoring its old-school vibe. Non-members can only get a peek by playing in the offseason, when the club briefly opens to the public. In season, Sankaty Head is the playground of a select few who don’t mind paying top dollar for the privilege of golf by the lighthouse in perfect seclusion.
9. The International (Bolton)
The International, located in Bolton, is unique for being the only 36-hole private club in Greater Boston – and it has a reputation for pushing the limits of exclusivity and price. The club features two renowned courses (one of which, “The Pines,” was once the longest course in the world) and a resort-style campus. In recent years, The International made headlines for its eye-popping membership costs: under new ownership, the initiation fee reportedly jumped to $100,000 with annual dues around $12,000.
These figures are significantly higher than its previous fees and signaled a move to position The International among the most elite clubs not just in Massachusetts but anywhere. The club had actually closed for a period and was acquired by Escalante Golf, which reimagined it as an uber-high-end “golf-first” experience. Membership is now limited and by invitation to former members and select newcomers, with financing options for those willing to commit to the hefty price. With its expansive property, luxury amenities, and sky-high cost, The International has firmly entered the conversation as one of the priciest and most exclusive clubs in the region.
8. Worcester Country Club
Worcester Country Club may be outside the Boston spotlight, but it holds a legendary status and a suitably exclusive membership. This club in Worcester was the site of the inaugural Ryder Cup in 1927 – the first ever USA vs. Great Britain golf match – as well as the 1925 U.S. Open, making it one of only three clubs in the country to have hosted the men’s Open, women’s Open, and the Ryder Cup. Such a storied history contributes to its prestige.
Worcester CC is a traditional club with a classic Donald Ross course that is lovingly maintained. Membership here is comprised of central Massachusetts business leaders and families that have been involved for generations. While the costs are slightly lower than Boston’s most elite clubs, Worcester CC is still very expensive to join, with initiation fees and dues reflecting its championship pedigree and top-notch facilities. The club culture emphasizes tradition, and there are still hints of old-school rules and customs. All of this ensures Worcester Country Club remains a sought-after, exclusive club where being a member is a point of pride – and one that comes at a high price.
7. Charles River Country Club
Charles River Country Club in Newton is a byword for old New England exclusivity. Founded in 1921, its Donald Ross-designed course and elegant clubhouse have been a haven for the well-heeled for a century. Charles River prides itself on its distinguished membership and golf history – it has hosted prestigious amateur tournaments and consistently ranks among the top courses in the state. The membership roster historically reads like a who’s who of Boston’s professional class.
Gaining entry to Charles River CC is quite difficult; prospective members need multiple sponsors and face a lengthy wait. The club also attracted attention for preserving some traditional practices (for instance, it was noted for a male-only grill room in the past), reflecting its rooted, if evolving, culture. In terms of cost, Charles River is in the upper echelon – initiations can be in the tens of thousands (exact figures are closely held), and yearly dues are substantial. The combination of an exclusive invite-only process, steep costs, and a top-tier golf course ensures Charles River Country Club’s standing as one of Massachusetts’ most expensive and elite clubs.
6. Boston Golf Club
Despite its name, Boston Golf Club is actually located in the woods of Hingham – and it offers perhaps the purest golf-centric luxury experience on this list. Opened in 2005, BGC was created for passionate golfers and quickly became a Top 100-ranked course nationally. The Gil Hanse-designed course is walking-only and unfolds over 300 acres of rugged terrain, giving a sense of total escape. The club’s philosophy is relaxed but exclusive: it prides itself on being more approachable in atmosphere (no stuffy dress code requirements) while still maintaining traditions and competitive spirit.
That said, Boston Golf Club is highly exclusive in terms of membership – it’s limited to around 100-150 members, and the cost to join is rumored to be very high (six figures). The club does not advertise its fees publicly; prospective members are often quietly vetted and invited. Those who join enjoy a camaraderie of true golf aficionados, an unpretentious clubhouse, and world-class golf without crowds. Boston Golf Club’s combination of minimal publicity, maximal quality, and significant expense solidifies its reputation as one of the most expensive private clubs in Massachusetts.
5. The Kittansett Club
The Kittansett Club in Marion is a seaside treasure and one of New England’s most revered golf clubs. Situated at the end of Butler Point jutting into Buzzards Bay, Kittansett offers sweeping water views on many holes and a mix of links-style and woodland golf. Founded in 1922, the club is consistently ranked in the Top 100 courses in the U.S. for its unique and challenging layout. It also hosted the prestigious 1953 Walker Cup, solidifying its place in American golf history.
Kittansett is as exclusive as it is scenic. Membership is limited to around 500 and often passes down through generations. The initiation fee is steep—reportedly around $50,000 in recent years—and gaining access typically requires a personal invitation. Non-members can only play as guests, and public exposure is rare. With its blend of world-class coastal golf, an understated but closed social circle, and considerable cost of entry, Kittansett ranks firmly among the most expensive and prestigious clubs in Massachusetts.
4. Essex County Club
Essex County Club, located in Manchester-by-the-Sea, is steeped in history and exclusivity. Founded in 1893, it’s one of the earliest clubs in America and is famous for being Donald Ross’s first great design in the U.S.—a course he lived on and refined extensively. Golf Digest consistently ranks it among the top five courses in Massachusetts. The layout is both quirky and brilliant, demanding precision and strategy on every shot.
Membership is ultra-selective and leans heavily on personal ties and longstanding family associations. Even if you have the money, you’ll need the right social connections to get in. Fees are significant but not often discussed publicly—because at Essex, money alone won’t get you through the door. The quiet elegance of the club, combined with its exceptional golf pedigree, makes it one of the state’s most elite and costly places to belong.
3. Old Sandwich Golf Club
Old Sandwich Golf Club in Plymouth is a modern classic of exclusivity. Designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw and opened in 2004, the course was immediately recognized as one of the best in the country. The club sits on over 300 acres of secluded pine barrens, and the course is crafted to feel timeless. It has no tennis courts, pools, or wedding venues—it’s purely about the golf.
Membership is intensely private and limited to a small group, many of whom are national or global members who fly in to play. The initiation fee is reportedly over $100,000, and annual dues are also substantial. Gaining access typically requires being invited by an existing member and vetted carefully. If you’re accepted, you’ll join a low-key but affluent group dedicated to golf at the highest level, with service and amenities that match the price tag.
2. Myopia Hunt Club
Myopia Hunt Club is one of the most storied and secretive clubs in the country, let alone Massachusetts. Founded in 1882 in Winchester, it began as a fox-hunting club and later added one of America’s oldest golf courses. The course hosted four U.S. Opens in the early 1900s and remains largely untouched from that era. There are also polo fields and riding rings still in active use, maintaining the club’s traditional equestrian culture.
Membership is nearly impossible to attain without lineage or deep social ties. The club is famously insular—so much so that it’s earned the nickname “Mysterious Myopia.” Even if you’re wealthy, don’t expect to join without a legacy or personal recommendation from a member. The initiation fee and dues are significant, but the real barrier is access. For those who do get in, Myopia offers a rare world of privacy, heritage, and elite standing that few clubs in the U.S. can match.
1. The Country Club (Brookline)
The Country Club in Brookline is not only Massachusetts’ most expensive and exclusive—it’s one of the most prestigious clubs in the world. Founded in 1882, it was a founding member of the USGA and has hosted multiple U.S. Opens, most recently in 2022. The course is a masterclass in traditional New England golf, and the clubhouse exudes old-money charm. This is the pinnacle of American private club prestige.
Membership is extremely rare and extremely guarded. Even notable figures like Tom Brady and Governor Deval Patrick were reportedly made to wait—and in some cases, denied. There’s no public initiation fee, but estimates suggest it’s well into six figures, and the selection process is more social than financial. TCC, as it’s known locally, is where Boston’s most powerful quietly gather. No club in Massachusetts—and few in the country—match its combination of history, price, prestige, and exclusivity.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in Massachusetts’ 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.