Missouri’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 Show-Me State, each epitomizing the lavish lifestyle sought by the affluent.
25. Lakewood Oaks Country Club
Set in the quiet suburb of Lee’s Summit, Lakewood Oaks Country Club is known for its peaceful surroundings and the charm of its lakeside community. The golf course weaves through wooded terrain and offers challenging elevation changes, making it a favorite among serious amateurs and recreational golfers alike. While it doesn’t carry the historic weight of older clubs, its combination of natural beauty and modern convenience appeals to professionals and families in the southeastern Kansas City metro area.
The club’s exclusivity comes more from its location within the gated Lakewood community than from traditional prestige, but that doesn’t make it any less desirable. Members enjoy a private, neighborhood feel with access to upscale amenities including a stately clubhouse, tennis facilities, and special member events. It’s a refined, more laid-back alternative for those who want country club living without the formality or intensity of more traditional institutions.
24. Bogey Hills Country Club
Located in the rapidly growing city of St. Charles, Bogey Hills has quietly evolved into one of Missouri’s more polished private clubs. It gained attention after undergoing a major renovation that revitalized the clubhouse, dining spaces, and golf course layout. The updated design brought a modern, resort-style energy to a club that already had a solid reputation among St. Louis area golfers.
Bogey Hills is especially popular with younger families and business professionals who want a strong country club experience without the layers of formality. The member base is diverse and tight-knit, and the club maintains high standards without leaning on old-school pretensions. With its fresh aesthetic, competitive programming, and community-first vibe, Bogey Hills offers an elevated experience that stands out in the western St. Louis suburbs.
23. Columbia Country Club
In Missouri’s heartland, Columbia Country Club has maintained a classic and low-key exclusivity for generations. Surrounded by tall oaks and peaceful fairways, the club exudes an old-school Midwestern charm. The course itself is known for strategic design and excellent conditioning, offering a test that’s equal parts mental and physical for players at any level.
Its member base includes many of Columbia’s academic, legal, and business leaders, giving it a cerebral and established character. While it may not have the glitz of clubs in larger cities, it thrives on relationships, legacy memberships, and a shared sense of tradition. The club’s refined atmosphere, well-maintained amenities, and central location make it a cornerstone of private club life in mid-Missouri.
22. Glen Echo Country Club
Just minutes from downtown St. Louis, Glen Echo Country Club holds the distinction of being the oldest 18-hole golf course west of the Mississippi River. Steeped in history, it hosted the 1904 Olympic golf tournament — a legacy few clubs in the country can claim. The course itself is a classic parkland layout with mature trees, subtle elevation changes, and fast greens that reward strategic play. Members appreciate its walkability and the sense of tradition that permeates the grounds.
The club maintains a refined but unpretentious atmosphere, drawing members from a mix of business, legal, and professional backgrounds across the St. Louis region. Amenities include a stately clubhouse with formal and casual dining, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, but golf remains the central focus. With a strong junior program and an active tournament calendar, Glen Echo is a well-rounded private club that balances accessibility with deep-rooted prestige — a fitting replacement for any list of Missouri’s most exclusive institutions.
21. Kansas City Country Club
Steeped in history and located in the exclusive enclave of Mission Hills, Kansas City Country Club (KCCC) is one of the most storied clubs in the region. Though technically in Kansas, its prominence in the Missouri-Kansas golf scene is unquestionable. The classic A.W. Tillinghast-designed course has hosted legends and continues to draw seasoned golfers who appreciate its understated challenge. KCCC is known not only for its beautifully preserved grounds but also for the deep-rooted connections among its membership.
This is a club where legacy means something. Many families have belonged for generations, and new members are often sponsored by multiple insiders. The social fabric is tightly woven, and the atmosphere leans traditional and proper. It’s a place where business gets done over lunch, and where names carry weight. In terms of exclusivity, few clubs in the region can rival its social capital or sense of heritage.
20. Indian Hills Country Club
Located in the heart of suburban Kansas City, Indian Hills Country Club blends tradition with timeless appeal. The course is one of the older layouts in the area, with tree-lined fairways and a walkable, classic design that rewards precision over power. The club is known for its understated elegance, attracting members who prefer quiet sophistication over flash.
Its clubhouse, perched above the course, exudes mid-century charm and is a gathering place for social events, formal dinners, and community celebrations. Indian Hills has long been a preferred choice for professionals and civic leaders in Johnson County. While it’s not the most outwardly exclusive club, its consistency, history, and tightly-knit member culture make it a mainstay among the top-tier clubs in the Kansas City metro.
19. Milburn Country Club
Milburn sits just outside Kansas City and has earned respect as one of the area’s best-kept secrets. With a recent multimillion-dollar clubhouse renovation and a beautifully maintained course, the club has quietly upgraded its profile over the past decade. The course combines challenge with walkability, and the layout encourages frequent play among both seasoned golfers and younger members.
Membership at Milburn is highly stable, with many families maintaining ties to the club over multiple generations. Its location in Overland Park gives it a suburban advantage, and its atmosphere is one of relaxed luxury. While it may not always be mentioned in the same breath as more historic clubs, Milburn’s steady investment in quality and strong member engagement place it firmly on Missouri’s most exclusive list.
18. Mission Hills Country Club
Mission Hills Country Club is one of the crown jewels of the Kansas City region, even though it lies just across the Missouri border. Its stately clubhouse and pristine golf course reflect a club that has maintained an elite standard for over a century. From its broad fairways to its manicured gardens, everything about Mission Hills feels polished and purposeful.
The social culture here is well established, with prominent families, executives, and civic leaders comprising the membership. The club’s events calendar is filled with black-tie galas, wine dinners, and long-standing traditions that reinforce its old-guard reputation. If you’re looking for pedigree, Mission Hills delivers — with a side of quiet power and generational influence.
17. Branson Hills Golf Club
Tucked into the Ozark Mountains, Branson Hills Golf Club offers a completely different version of luxury. Built on dramatic terrain and surrounded by sweeping vistas, the course is one of the most visually stunning in Missouri. It’s a championship-level experience that feels more like a destination resort than a typical private club.
While Branson is better known for tourism than old money, this club draws in affluent second-home owners and regional elites looking for a retreat-style membership. The facilities are top-tier, and the course routinely ranks as one of the best in the state. Branson Hills may lack the heritage of St. Louis or Kansas City clubs, but its natural setting and exclusivity-by-distance make it a standout.
16. Norwood Hills Country Club
Norwood Hills has long held its place among the premier private clubs in St. Louis. Known for its storied past — including hosting major tournaments — the club offers not one but two championship courses. This scale, combined with its traditional architecture and strong ties to the golf community, gives it an aura of prestige that few can match.
The member base here tends to be deeply rooted in St. Louis business and civic life. While the club doesn’t flaunt its exclusivity, it also doesn’t need to — Norwood’s reputation in the golf world speaks for itself. Members enjoy a full-service experience with a strong emphasis on history, sportsmanship, and tradition.
15. Buffalo Ridge Springs
Buffalo Ridge Springs is part of the larger Big Cedar Golf family in the Branson area and has become a flagship for high-end, destination golf in the Midwest. Designed with input from Tom Fazio and Johnny Morris, the course is carved into natural Ozark topography, with dramatic elevation changes and sweeping views that attract serious golfers from across the country.
Unlike traditional country clubs that focus on social functions, Buffalo Ridge is golf-first. The property features a fully stocked pro shop, a high-end practice facility, and access to nearby luxury accommodations and restaurants through Big Cedar Lodge. Members benefit from priority access to other nearby courses like Payne’s Valley and Ozarks National. The amenities are geared toward golf lifestyle rather than formal dining or tennis.
14. Boone Valley Golf Club
Located in Augusta, about an hour west of St. Louis, Boone Valley Golf Club is one of the most private and secure clubs in Missouri. It was developed by the family behind Enterprise Rent-A-Car and operates on an invitation-only basis. The course is pristine, with a secluded, wooded setting and championship-level conditioning. Boone Valley has hosted several major amateur events and is widely respected in golf circles for its course quality and exclusivity.
Boone Valley does not operate as a social club in the traditional sense. There is no pool, no tennis, and no banquet schedule. The focus is golf, period. The clubhouse offers fine dining, locker rooms, and a discreet atmosphere for high-net-worth individuals looking for privacy. Membership is highly selective and intentionally low-profile.
13. Ozarks National Golf Club
Ozarks National, part of the Big Cedar Lodge portfolio, is a modern course designed by Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw. It was built to be a national-caliber golf destination, and it lives up to that with dramatic views, tour-level conditions, and a pure golf experience. It’s one of the highest-rated courses in Missouri and among the best public-private hybrids in the country.
Members and frequent players enjoy access to a state-of-the-art clubhouse, a well-stocked pro shop, and full practice facilities, including short game areas and a driving range. While the focus is heavily on golf, the tie-in with Big Cedar means players also have access to high-end lodging, spa services, and restaurants just minutes away. It’s a modern club tailored for serious golf travelers.
12. The Club at Porto Cima
Situated on the Lake of the Ozarks, The Club at Porto Cima (pronounced “chee-ma”) is one of the most upscale private clubs in central Missouri. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Course winds through lakefront terrain and offers expansive views, especially on the back nine. The setting is anchored by Mediterranean-style architecture, giving it a very different feel from more traditional inland clubs.
Amenities include a full-service marina, a 17,000-square-foot clubhouse, multiple dining venues, tennis courts, a fitness center, and a lakeside pool. The club offers both golf and social memberships, attracting second-home owners and full-time residents alike. Porto Cima blends lifestyle and golf in a resort-style setup that’s rare for the Midwest.
11. Dalhousie Golf Club
Dalhousie, located in Cape Girardeau, is a high-end golf club with a national reputation. The course was designed by Gary Nicklaus and built on land with deep historical roots. It consistently ranks among the top courses in the state and is known for elite playing conditions, a thoughtful layout, and attention to detail. It attracts members not just from southeast Missouri, but from across the region.
The club features a large, elegant clubhouse, full locker rooms, a high-end restaurant and bar, and several on-site lodging options for members and guests. Practice facilities include a range, putting greens, and short-game areas. Dalhousie offers both permanent and national memberships, appealing to those who want a serious golf experience without a crowded social scene.
10. Loch Lloyd Country Club
Located in a gated, master-planned community just south of Kansas City, The Loch Lloyd Country Club offers a blend of private golf and luxury residential living. The Tom Watson-designed course is the centerpiece of the community and includes significant elevation changes, water features, and a strategic layout that challenges all levels of players. It’s maintained at a level typically seen in private resort settings.
The club features a full suite of amenities: a large fitness center, resort-style swimming pool, fine and casual dining, and multiple tennis courts. The residential tie-in adds another layer of exclusivity, with many homes priced in the upper tiers of the local market. Members value the all-inclusive lifestyle — golf, gym, dining, and community events — all within the gates of a private enclave.
9. Oakwood Country Club
One of Kansas City’s oldest private clubs, Oakwood has a heritage that dates back to the 1880s. The course was renovated to modern standards but retains a classic feel, with tree-lined fairways and walkable routing. It’s a club rooted in tradition, known for discretion and a conservative membership base that includes many long-established families in the area.
Amenities include a stately clubhouse with multiple dining rooms, a junior Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis and pickleball courts, and a full youth program that supports multi-generational involvement. The club hosts regular social events, but the tone is restrained and professional. Membership is selective and typically referral-based.
8. Meadowbrook Country Club
Located in Ballwin, a western suburb of St. Louis, Meadowbrook recently underwent a complete transformation, including a new clubhouse, updated golf course, and significant amenity upgrades. The course itself is now among the most well-conditioned in the region, featuring wide fairways, well-placed hazards, and a peaceful setting.
The new clubhouse includes a fitness center, spa services, multiple dining outlets, private event space, and a high-end pool complex. The club also offers a robust junior golf program, full calendar of social events, and upgraded racquet sports facilities. This reinvestment has pushed Meadowbrook into the upper echelon of private clubs in Missouri.
7. Forest Hills Country Club
Forest Hills is a private club located in Chesterfield, serving West County St. Louis families and executives. The club offers a well-maintained 18-hole championship golf course along with a strong tennis and aquatics program. The layout is playable yet challenging, and the tree-lined fairways offer a secluded atmosphere just minutes from urban amenities.
The full-service clubhouse includes formal and casual dining, a well-equipped fitness center, locker rooms, and space for weddings and events. Forest Hills also features a large pool with seasonal events, six tennis courts, and a kids’ club. The club is particularly popular with young families looking for a balance of golf and family lifestyle amenities in an upscale environment.
6. Algonquin Golf Club
Algonquin is one of the most exclusive and traditional clubs in the greater St. Louis area. Located in the affluent suburb of Glendale, it’s a club with a low public profile and a deeply loyal membership. The golf course is relatively short by modern standards but impeccably maintained, with fast greens and tight fairways that reward control over distance.
The amenities are understated but high-end: a formal clubhouse with no-frills, high-quality dining; a swimming pool; and a few racquet courts. Algonquin does not cater to a large event crowd or outside functions — it focuses entirely on serving its members. Admission is highly selective, typically based on social connections and family legacy, not public promotion.
5. Sunset Country Club
Sunset Country Club, located in the St. Louis suburb of Sunset Hills, is one of the oldest private clubs in the region, founded in 1910. The golf course, a classic parkland layout with rolling terrain and mature trees, is known for excellent conditioning and a tight, strategic design that prioritizes shot placement. It’s a favorite among low-handicap players and club tournament regulars.
The clubhouse offers both formal and casual dining, full locker room facilities, and dedicated spaces for member events. Sunset also features an Olympic-size swimming pool, clay tennis courts, and paddle tennis in the winter months. The social calendar is active but intentionally exclusive, and membership is mostly referral-based, with limited turnover year to year.
4. Westwood Country Club
Westwood, in the Town and Country area of St. Louis County, is widely considered one of the most desirable family-oriented private clubs in the state. The golf course was designed by the legendary Robert Foulis and later updated, preserving the classic feel while improving drainage and playability. The course is walkable, fast, and tailored to members who play often.
Westwood country club features a large, updated clubhouse with multiple dining spaces, an expansive pool complex, eight tennis courts, a fitness center, and a robust junior sports program. Westwood’s real draw is its multi-generational appeal — many members grew up in the club and now raise their own families there. It maintains high standards for membership, and availability is often limited to legacy or waitlist applicants.
3. Old Warson Country Club
Old Warson is a championship-level club with deep prestige, known for hosting the 1971 Ryder Cup and several national-level amateur events. Located in Ladue, one of Missouri’s wealthiest suburbs, the club has long been associated with business leaders, legacy families, and top-tier golfers. The course is long, tree-lined, and demanding — a traditional test that’s consistently rated among the best in the state.
The clubhouse features elegant dining rooms, a formal bar, private meeting rooms, and a full-service men’s and women’s locker room. Other amenities include a swimming pool, tennis courts, and guest suites. Old Warson’s exclusivity is tightly held, with a selective admissions process and a membership profile that leans toward established wealth and influence.
2. Bellerive Country Club
Bellerive is Missouri’s most nationally recognized golf club, having hosted multiple PGA Championships, the BMW Championship, and the 2018 PGA Championship. The course is a long, demanding layout designed by Robert Trent Jones and later updated by his son. It is the only Missouri club in the current PGA Tour rotation and serves as the flagship course in the state.
Amenities at Bellerive include a sprawling 100,000+ square foot clubhouse, multiple dining rooms, a championship-caliber driving range, expansive short game area, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. The pool and tennis complex match the club’s top-tier image. Membership is limited, vetted, and built around St. Louis’s top corporate, financial, and civic leadership. Everything here is built to tour-level specifications.
1. St. Louis Country Club
St. Louis Country Club stands at the top of Missouri’s private club hierarchy. Located in Ladue, it is one of only a handful of clubs in the U.S. designed by Charles Blair Macdonald, often referred to as the father of American golf architecture. The course is short by modern standards but steeped in tradition and revered by architecture purists. It has hosted a U.S. Amateur and a U.S. Women’s Amateur, but intentionally limits exposure and media attention.
The clubhouse is historic and formal, with men’s and women’s locker rooms, fine dining, and a low-key but exclusive social culture. There’s no pool or racquet complex, and the club intentionally avoids the all-amenity model — it’s for traditionalists who value heritage, privacy, and prestige. Membership is by invitation only, typically passed down through family or social lineage. It’s the most exclusive private club in Missouri, both in reputation and in access.
These clubs represent the epitome of luxury and exclusivity in Missouri’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.