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What It Costs to Join a Hamptons Golf Club

November 8, 2026 · 3 min read

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Few places in golf are as talked about, and as misunderstood, as the private clubs of the Hamptons. People ask the same questions: How much does it cost? Can I just apply? Which clubs are actually possible? Here's a plain-English answer, built from published press reports. (Private clubs don't publish their fees, so treat every number as a ballpark.)

Price and difficulty don't line up

The single most important thing to understand: the most expensive clubs are not the hardest to join, and the hardest clubs are not the most expensive.

The old-line clubs, Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links, Maidstone and Southampton Golf Club, were founded between 1891 and 1925. They own their land outright and have historically kept fees well below the newer clubs. National, for example, was reported at about $150,000 to join in 2019. Their barrier is the invitation: you need to be known to members, often for years, and some memberships pass down through families.

The seven-figure clubs

From 1990 on, a wave of new clubs arrived. Atlantic opened in 1992 at a then-shocking $100,000; by 2019 it was reported at around $1 million. The Bridge and Sebonack have been reported in a similar range, roughly $650,000 to $1 million or more, plus five-figure annual dues.

All of these are still invitation-only. Money opens the conversation; it doesn't guarantee a yes.

How the process usually works

1. Get to know members, usually by playing as a guest and being part of the community.
2. A member formally proposes you.
3. Other members write seconding letters.
4. You meet the membership committee, sometimes several times.
5. You wait, sometimes for years, for an opening.
6. Only then do initiation and dues come up.

Our full walkthrough is in how to join a Hamptons golf club.

Clubs that are realistic for newcomers

If you're new to the area, look at Hampton Hills in Westhampton, a non-equity club where memberships have generally been available, and the North Fork clubs such as Laurel Links and North Fork Country Club. Noyac is a strong golf-first club that is more attainable than the trophy clubs if you know members. Semi-private Island's End offers memberships too.

Being a good guest

The most common way into these clubs is an invitation to play. Show up early, wear a collared shirt, bring new balls (a personalized sleeve from Golfballs.com makes a nice thank-you), keep pace, and follow your host's lead on caddies and tipping. Classic clubhouse apparel from Peter Millar never looks out of place.

FAQ

What is the hardest golf club to join in the Hamptons?

Shinnecock Hills, National Golf Links and Maidstone are generally considered the hardest; all are invitation-only with very small turnover.

Are Hamptons club fees tax-deductible?

Generally no; club dues are typically not deductible. Ask your tax adviser about your situation.

Can women join Hamptons golf clubs?

Yes. Shinnecock Hills admitted women from its founding in 1891, the first U.S. club to do so.

See every club's reported fees on our membership costs page.

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