Every serious golfer has experienced that moment – watching the Masters on Sunday afternoon, seeing the pristine fairways of Augusta National, and wondering: "What would it take to actually play there?" The answer might surprise you. While the world's most exclusive golf courses seem impossibly out of reach, there are proven strategies and insider secrets that can open doors to these hallowed grounds.
Picture yourself standing on the first tee at Winged Foot, the same spot where golf legends have battled for major championships. Imagine the thrill of playing Riviera Country Club in Los Angeles, or experiencing the windswept links of Muirfield in Scotland. These aren't just dreams – they're achievable goals for the determined travelling golfer.
The world's top 100 golf courses represent the pinnacle of the sport, from the perfectly manicured parklands of Georgia to the rugged coastal links of Ireland and Scotland. Each venue tells a story of rich golf history, architectural brilliance, and pure excellence. But here's the challenge: most of these courses are private clubs with membership lists that read like a who's who of business and entertainment.
The conventional wisdom suggests that accessing these exclusive venues requires either vast wealth or important connections. While those certainly help, the reality is far more nuanced. Savvy golfers have discovered numerous pathways to these prestigious courses, and many of these strategies are surprisingly accessible.
The key lies in understanding that golf, at its core, remains a sport built on relationships, tradition, and mutual respect. Private clubs value members who appreciate the game's heritage and contribute to the club's community. This creates opportunities for passionate golfers who know how to navigate the system properly.
The dream of playing the world's most exclusive golf courses has inspired several remarkable authors to share their insights and experiences, from those who have done it themselves. These three essential books provide different perspectives on conquering golf's most prestigious venues.
"How to Play the World's Most Exclusive Golf Clubs" by John Sabino has become the definitive guide for golfers serious about gaining access to golf's most prestigious venues. This comprehensive resource reveals the insider strategies, networking techniques, and practical approaches that have worked for countless golfers seeking access to these hallowed grounds.
The book doesn't just tell you what these courses are like – it shows you exactly how to get there. From identifying the right contacts to understanding proper etiquette, it provides a roadmap for turning your bucket list dreams into reality.
Greg Ohlendorf's "Global Golf Travels" tells the inspiring story of one man's pursuit to play the world's greatest golf courses while making it a family adventure. His original goal was ambitious: to play both the Golfweek Top 100 Classic and Top 100 Modern courses from 2010. As he approached completion of that journey, his goals expanded to include the Golf Magazine World Top 100 (2005-2013), the Golf Magazine Top 100 U.S. courses (2011), playing over 1,000 different courses, and achieving rounds in all 50 states.
Only one other person has accomplished these remarkable feats. But Ohlendorf's book transcends mere scorekeeping – it's about travelling with family, meeting amazing people, and discovering incredible places along the journey. Over 400 pages with 40 full-colour photos, readers can relive Greg's adventures while planning their own golf odysseys.
Perhaps the most extraordinary golf achievement ever documented belongs to Bob McCoy, whose "A Golf Odyssey with The Real McCoy" (contact directly for book sales outside of the USA) recounts something that has been accomplished only once: playing the World Top 100 Courses in 100 consecutive days. This isn't just a travel story – it's a masterclass in logistics, determination, and golf course access.
McCoy's book details exactly how he secured tee times at some of the world's most private courses while managing the complex logistics of flying commercial around the world and driving throughout the U.S. As a member of five Top 100 courses – Pine Valley, Oakmont, Baltusrol, Royal St. George's, and the Royal & Ancient at St. Andrews – McCoy provides unique insider perspectives on these legendary venues.
One reader perfectly captured the book's appeal: "Reading along with your journey made me feel like I was right there with you. The book was funny, entertaining, and quite informative!" The book is packed with short stories about the people and places encountered during this epic journey, making it both inspirational and practical for serious golfers.
One of the most innovative approaches highlighted in Sabino's book is joining "clubs without courses" – exclusive travel clubs that provide access to prestigious golf venues worldwide. These organisations leverage collective membership to negotiate playing privileges at courses that would otherwise be impossible to access.
Lockhart Travel Club represents the gold standard in this category. As a member, you gain access to a network of premium golf courses through an extensive global itinerary, including many that consistently rank in the world's top 100. This membership model eliminates the need for individual club memberships while providing legitimate access to exclusive venues.
What makes this approach particularly appealing is its practicality. Instead of trying to develop relationships at dozens of individual clubs, you join one organisation that has already established those connections. It's like having a master key to golf's most exclusive doors.
These three authors, through their different approaches and experiences, have identified several time-tested methods for gaining access to exclusive courses:
Strategic Membership Leverage: As McCoy demonstrates through his memberships at five Top 100 courses, being a member of prestigious clubs opens doors to others. His insider perspective from Pine Valley, Oakmont, Baltusrol, Royal St. George's, and the R&A provides credibility and networking opportunities that money can't buy.
Long-term Goal Setting: Ohlendorf's systematic approach to conquering multiple "Top 100" lists shows the power of setting ambitious but achievable goals. His journey from targeting specific course lists to expanding into broader geographical and numerical goals demonstrates how success builds momentum.
Family Integration: One of Ohlendorf's key insights is making golf travel a family experience rather than a solo pursuit. This approach not only enriches the journey but also provides practical benefits when seeking access to family-friendly exclusive clubs.
The Reciprocal Club Network: Many top-tier clubs have reciprocal agreements with other prestigious clubs. By joining the right home club, you can gain access to an entire network of exclusive venues. The key is choosing a club with strong reciprocal relationships.
Logistical Mastery: McCoy's 100-day odyssey required unprecedented planning and execution. His book reveals the intricate logistics of scheduling, travel coordination, and maintaining physical and mental stamina while playing the world's most demanding courses consecutively.
Corporate Golf Partnerships: Many companies maintain memberships or relationships with exclusive golf clubs for entertaining clients. Building relationships within these organisations can create opportunities for access.
Systematic Documentation: All three authors emphasise the importance of documenting your journey. This serves multiple purposes: preserving memories, building credibility for future access requests, and providing content that can open doors through shared experiences with club members.
Charity Tournament Participation: Exclusive clubs often host charity events that welcome outside participants. These tournaments provide legitimate access while supporting worthy causes.
Building Authentic Relationships: Each author emphasises that genuine relationships, not transactional interactions, are the key to long-term access. McCoy's experiences as a member of multiple prestigious clubs demonstrate how authentic engagement with club communities creates lasting opportunities.
Member Guest Opportunities: Perhaps the most traditional approach – developing genuine relationships with members of target clubs. These books provide specific guidance on how to meet and connect with members in authentic ways.
Golf Travel Partnerships: Working with specialised golf travel companies that have established relationships with exclusive clubs can provide access as part of comprehensive travel packages.
Understanding proper golf etiquette goes beyond basic course courtesy. It includes knowing dress codes, tipping protocols, dining customs, and social expectations. A single visit where you demonstrate proper etiquette can lead to future invitations and recommendations.
The investment in learning these nuances pays dividends throughout your golfing life. Exclusive clubs are small communities where word travels fast – both positive and negative impressions.
What makes these clubs so special isn't just their pristine conditions or championship pedigree – it's the experience of being part of something rare and meaningful. The book explores how to appreciate and contribute to this culture rather than simply consuming it.
Many golfers make the mistake of viewing exclusive clubs as mere venues to conquer. The most successful access strategies recognise that these clubs are communities with their own values, traditions, and expectations. Approaching them with respect and genuine interest creates far better results than treating them as items on a checklist.
The most successful golfers in accessing exclusive venues treat it as a long-term project rather than a quick fix. They build portfolios of relationships, memberships, and opportunities that compound over time. A successful round at one exclusive club can lead to introductions and invitations to others.
This network effect is particularly powerful among the world's top golf destinations. Members of exclusive clubs often belong to multiple prestigious venues, creating opportunities for cross-introductions and recommendations.
While accessing exclusive golf courses requires investment – whether in travel club memberships, reciprocal club dues, or charitable contributions – the book helps golfers understand the value proposition. When you consider the cost of attempting to access these venues individually, organised approaches often prove more economical.
Moreover, many of these strategies provide ongoing benefits beyond golf course access. Travel clubs offer additional amenities, reciprocal club memberships provide social and business networking opportunities, and charity tournament participation supports meaningful causes.
The strategies outlined in the book aren't limited to American courses. The principles apply equally well to accessing exclusive venues in Scotland, England, Ireland, Australia, and other international golf destinations. Understanding local customs and building appropriate relationships can open doors to legendary courses worldwide.
International golf travel often presents unique opportunities, as many exclusive clubs welcome visiting golfers from abroad as part of their cultural exchange traditions. The book provides specific guidance for navigating these international opportunities.
The difference between golfers who dream about playing exclusive courses and those who actually do it comes down to action. The book provides not just strategies but also the motivation and confidence needed to pursue these opportunities.
Starting with smaller, more accessible, exclusive venues can build experience and confidence for approaching the most prestigious clubs. Each successful experience builds credibility and expands your network of golf contacts.
For golfers serious about accessing the world's most exclusive courses, these three books provide complementary perspectives and strategies:
"How to Play the World's Most Exclusive Golf Clubs" by John Sabino offers the strategic foundation and practical techniques. Available through Amazon, it provides the essential roadmap for gaining access to prestigious venues.
"Global Golf Travels" by Greg Ohlendorf demonstrates how to turn course conquest into a family adventure while achieving remarkable goals. His systematic approach to playing multiple Top 100 lists offers inspiration and practical guidance for long-term golf travel planning.
"A Golf Odyssey with The Real McCoy" by Bob McCoy provides the ultimate example of what's possible with proper planning, determination, and insider access. His 100-day achievement and membership perspectives offer unique insights available nowhere else. More information is available at The Golf Odyssey.
Additionally, exploring membership opportunities with Lockhart Travel Club can provide immediate access to exclusive venues while you develop longer-term strategies inspired by these authors' experiences.
The world's most exclusive golf courses aren't just for the ultra-wealthy or well-connected. With the right knowledge, approach, and persistence, these legendary venues can become part of your golfing journey. The question isn't whether you can access these courses – it's whether you're ready to take the first step.
Patrick Koenig traded his normal life for an RV and an impossible goal: play every corner of America, one golf course at a time, for an entire year. What started as a quest for a world record became something far more profound.
This isn't your typical golf memoir. Between rounds at pristine country clubs and humble municipal courses, Koenig confronts his demons with addiction and slowly rebuilds himself through the rhythm of fairways and greens. His companions along the way include tour professionals, celebrated writers, social media pioneers, and countless strangers who become lifelong friends over shared scorecards.
Mother Nature doesn't make it easy—imagine teeing off as tornado sirens wail, or putting through a blizzard. Add mechanical mayhem when your home-on-wheels betrays you at the worst moments, and you've got a journey that's equal parts inspiration and chaos.
Yet somewhere between the disasters and the birdies, between struggle and triumph, Koenig discovers that the real prize isn't breaking records—it's breaking open to life's possibilities.
