Pictures and course descriptions in Forbes link:
http://www.forbestraveler.com/golf/expensive-golf-clubs-story.html25. Red Sky Ranch: $175,000
24. Preston Trail: $175,000
23. Monterey Peninsula Country Club: $175,000
22. Dallas National: $200,000
21. Whisper Rock: $220,000
20. The Golf Club Scottsdale: $250,000
19. Mayacama: $250,000
18. The Yellowstone Club: $250,000
17. Calusa Pines: $250,000
16. Desert Mountain: $270,000
15. Hillcrest Country Club: $275,000
14. The Vintage: $300,000
13. Sherwood Country Club: $300,000
12. Shady Canyon: $300,000
11. The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe: $325,000
10. Due Process: $350,000
9. The Madison Club: $350,000; $237,500 for property owners
8. Trump National Golf Club New Jersey: $250,000-$350,000
7. Trump International Golf Club: $350,000
6. The Quarry: $400,000
5. Nanea Golf Club: $450,000
4. Liberty National: $450,000
3. The Bear's Club: $500,000
2. The Bridge: $850,000
1. Sebonack: $1 million (rumored)
A few highlights from the article:
"Our list varies by region. In the Northeast and Florida, clubs like #1 Sebonack generally adhere to the traditional model of a standalone golf club. But in Arizona and Southern California, it's unusual to find a newer golf club that isn't the centerpiece of a real estate development. One difference between the two is that the clubhouse at a real-estate centerpiece is more likely to boast additional facilities and activities. There are plenty of choices for everyone: You won't find a pool at Liberty National, in Jersey City, N.J., across New York Harbor from Manhattan's financial district, but the dining experience created by consulting chef Tom Colicchio is sure to attract the city's elite."
"But don't join one of these clubs if you’re looking for a bargain. In addition to initiation, members pay annual dues plus a monthly dining minimum ranging from $100 to $1000. Dues are usually a fixed amount that can range from around $10,000 to… well, a lot more. Reportedly, members in at least one club in Connecticut's Fairfield County pay $50,000 in annual dues, while Trump Bedminster costs $18,500. But at some equity clubs, like Dallas' Preston Trails (#24), for example, operational expenses are tallied at year-end and divided by the number of members. That can run into quite a sum for a small club devoted to pristine conditioning (nearly $2 million one year at Preston Trails)."
"How authoritative is our list? It doesn’t take in some of the ultra-private clubs, such as the nine-hole Dunes Club in New Buffalo, Mich., built by Bandon Dunes developer Mike Keiser for a membership number in the dozens. And, a number of reported fees had only one source (such as the Vineyard Golf Club on Martha’s Vineyard, reportedly at $300,000); but since they lacked secondary confirmation, we omitted these. But as far as something that might be in your backyard, it’s close to a pretty good accounting of the priciest clubs in the country."