To pick up on Dan's train of thought, I find it very uncomfortable to tell other people what to do with - or how to spend their money. But, I've felt uncomfortable many times before, and got through it, so here goes again
Golf needs big money people. Guys like Keiser, Bakst, Kohler, and you all know many other suspects in this league that fit the description. In the case of Bakst, and Youngscapp, we might be able to say that they are the visonaries who have given the same great golf architects the job of designing something very meaningful and influential in the modern arena, and they are promoting golf club culture (in so far as the golf course is concerned) in what many of us would agree are the higher ideals of the game.
But, they have chosen to go the exclusive private route. Not only their prerogative, but probably a good organizational decision for the type of course and club they envisioned (I'm not sure if they are 501(c) "not for profits" or not. But, assuming they are, even if they wanted to open it up to more general public, they can't seem to get around the tightening noose of the IRS rules. Sand Hills used to take requests and judge if they thought the requesting party was sincere to enjoy the game at that unique venue. But, not anymore. Probably due to the IRS thing. So, first I blame that IRS rule. There are (as a number of us GCAers know) certain members of those clubs that have been very generous to invite whom they have judged to be true golf design afficianados, I think because they really want to see the culture of the game and course they love spread around. But again, understandably by that system, a very few will ever get to experience what are those unique experiences.
If the IRS rule thing could be revised, I think we would see some of these important golf clubs (in an architectural and pure golf culture sense) open their doors in off peak times. And, if they could do so, I think it would help them in augmenting the maintenance and club dues assesments when they have bad operating years due to dwindling memberships in bad economies or unusual weather damage costs, etc. It could be a win-win if that rule was relaxed.
Perhaps ANGC would never offer these off-peak season deals to a select public, but Crystal Downs did so, and Sand Hills was doing so. I don't think that just because the memberships at those places like CD and SH are generally very wealthy entered into the decisions not to share the joys of their course at some of those clubs. I think they were forced to abide by the IRS laws. Yet, the wealth and exclusivity thing seems obvious and inbred cultural at ANGC. So, like anything else, it is case by case dependent.
As for the Keiser and Kohler models of upscale and open to the public, they both do run off-season specials. And again, that allows not only the very wealthy or corporate perk player to experience them, but the less affluent folk that will put up with a little harsh off-season weather. (Kohler isn't all that cheap even off-peak by most peoples standards, however)
Here is the part about being so audacious as to suggest what other folks do with their money or invested membership interests. Realise that if they want to have a real impact on the golf culture, and if your particular club is doing it the "right" way, lobby to change the IRS laws, and also encourage the managment/membership to participate in programs that will have a future impact, like first tee, or just getting some high school teams out there or whatever can be done to share with the future golfers who will be most likely to change the culture back to the way you would like to see it, by letting them share in your example.