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How to join a Hamptons golf club
Joining a private club on the East End is less like applying and more like being discovered. Here's how the process generally works, from the approachable clubs to the ones that almost nobody gets into.
The usual steps
- Get to know members. Play as a guest, take part in charity events, and be known in the community.
- Find a proposer. A member (often of long standing) formally proposes you.
- Seconding letters. Several other members write in support.
- Interviews and committee review. Expect meetings with the membership committee, sometimes over several seasons.
- Waiting list. Even once approved, you may wait for an opening.
- Initiation and dues. Only then do fees come into play. See membership costs.
Difficulty ranking
| Club | Type | Getting in |
|---|---|---|
| Shinnecock Hills Golf Club | Private | Nearly impossible (10/10) |
| National Golf Links of America | Private | Nearly impossible (10/10) |
| Maidstone Club | Private | Nearly impossible (10/10) |
| Friar's Head | Private | Nearly impossible (10/10) |
| Sebonack Golf Club | Private | Extremely hard (9/10) |
| Southampton Golf Club | Private | Extremely hard (9/10) |
| The Bridge | Private | Extremely hard (9/10) |
| Atlantic Golf Club | Private | Extremely hard (9/10) |
| East Hampton Golf Club | Private | Extremely hard (9/10) |
| South Fork Country Club | Private | Hard (sponsor needed) (8/10) |
| Westhampton Country Club | Private | Hard (sponsor needed) (8/10) |
| Noyac Golf Club | Private | Hard (sponsor needed) (7/10) |
| Quogue Field Club | Private | Hard (sponsor needed) (7/10) |
| Gardiner's Bay Country Club | Private | Hard (sponsor needed) (7/10) |
| North Fork Country Club | Private | Moderate (5/10) |
| Hampton Hills Golf & Country Club | Private (non-equity) | Moderate (4/10) |
| Laurel Links Country Club | Private | Moderate (4/10) |
Realistic options for newcomers
Start with Hampton Hills (non-equity), the North Fork clubs, or a semi-private course like Island's End. Meanwhile, the public courses are excellent and Montauk Downs is a genuine championship test.
FAQ
Do Hamptons golf clubs accept applications?
Almost none accept cold applications. Membership starts with a proposal from a current member; a few non-equity and North Fork clubs will talk to you directly.
How long does it take to join?
Anywhere from weeks at a non-equity club to many years, or never, at the most exclusive clubs. Some clubs have been reported to have waiting lists measured in decades.
Can I rent a house that includes club access?
No reputable Hamptons club sells access with a rental. Be wary of listings that promise tee times at private clubs.