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SouthamptonShinnecock Hills Golf Club
America's oldest incorporated golf club and a founding member of the USGA. Shinnecock's windswept, heathland-meets-links course has hosted the U.S. Open in three centuries, most recently in 2026, and will host both the men's and women's U.S. Opens in 2036.
| Type | Private |
|---|---|
| Location | 200 Tuckahoe Road, Southampton, NY 11968 |
| Area | Southampton & Shinnecock Hills |
| Holes | 18 |
| Par | 70 |
| Founded | 1891 |
| Architect | William Flynn (1931 routing); restoration by Coore & Crenshaw |
| Cost level | $$$$$ |
| Getting in | Nearly impossible (10/10) |
What it costs
| Initiation (reported) | Not published. Older-line clubs like Shinnecock have historically charged far less than the new trophy clubs; the barrier is the invitation, not the price. |
|---|---|
| Annual dues (reported) | Not published |
| Daily play | Members and their guests only |
Private clubs don't publish fees. These figures come from press reports and can be years old; see our membership cost guide for sources and context.
How hard is it to get in?
10/10 · Nearly impossible. Membership is by invitation only and is among the hardest in golf to obtain. There is no application, no waiting list you can ask to join, and no public tee time. Prospective members are typically known to the club for years and proposed by members.
How to play it as a guest
The only realistic routes are playing as the guest of a member, or attending a USGA championship as a spectator. Charity outings are extremely rare and should be treated with suspicion if offered online.
Worth knowing
- Hosted U.S. Opens in 1896, 1986, 1995, 2004, 2018 and 2026
- First U.S. club to admit women as members
- 2036: U.S. Open and U.S. Women's Open in back-to-back weeks
Public courses nearby
Can't get an invitation? These are open to everyone:
- Montauk Downs State Park Golf Course (Montauk)
- Sag Harbor State Golf Course (Sag Harbor)
- Poxabogue Golf Center (Sagaponack / Bridgehampton)
FAQ
Can I play Shinnecock Hills Golf Club without being a member?
Generally only as a member's guest. The only realistic routes are playing as the guest of a member, or attending a USGA championship as a spectator. Charity outings are extremely rare and should be treated with suspicion if offered online.
How much does it cost to join Shinnecock Hills Golf Club?
Not published. Older-line clubs like Shinnecock have historically charged far less than the new trophy clubs; the barrier is the invitation, not the price. Annual dues: Not published.
How hard is it to get into Shinnecock Hills Golf Club?
We rate it 10/10 (nearly impossible). Membership is by invitation only and is among the hardest in golf to obtain. There is no application, no waiting list you can ask to join, and no public tee time. Prospective members are typically known to the club for years and proposed by members.
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