Golf fans could think of nothing better than playing a round at one of the US Open venues.
However, at Oakmont Country Club in Pennsylvania, that is highly unlikely due to the cost and membership rules.
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Oakmont is a picturesque place for a round of golf
Oakmont is hosting the 2025 edition of the US Open this week, nine years after it last hosted this event, and is one of the most prestigious and historic clubs in the world.
But unfortunately, it’s unlikely that us mere-mortals will ever get to play there…
How much is a membership at Oakmont?
Oakmont was established in 1903, making it one of the oldest in the United States, and according to Forbes, it is the third-most expensive.
Memberships for the course start at a cool $200,000 (£147k) and are obtained through an invitation-only.
From there, an annual fee of $10,000 (£7,366) must be paid as well.
The course itself is widely considered to be one of the toughest in America while it has no water, it does boasts over 150 bunkers and some of the most difficult greens ever designed.
If you are lucky enough to be invited, you receive a 12-page brochure with all of the information you could need.
The brochure states there are a small number of memberships, but it doesn’t reveal how many.
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Heavy rain in 2016 caused flooding at Oakmont on a course that has no water featuresCredit: GettyCan anyone play at Oakmont?
Given that it is strictly invite-only, members of the public are not allowed at Okamont.
However, there is a way for participants to not pay the initiation fee for the first 12 months they are part of the Oakmont community.
This is known as a preview membership, and the only fees required are the due fees and charges.
The cost of initiation is split into two parts, with half paid within 60 days and the rest on the first anniversary of your time at Oakmont starting.
To be invited, you must get four sponsors, and then to become a full-time participant, you must play at least two full rounds at Oakmont.
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With over two hundred bunkers, it is renowned for being one of the most difficultCredit: Getty
There are then separate rules for spouses, with partners able to become social members if they have at least one meal.
There are also prices for different ages, with those 40 and over paying more than anyone aged from 23 to 39.
For partners and spouses who don’t want to play golf, there is a $5,000 (£3,684) entrance fee for the social elements, which grant access to the club’s dining and fitness facilities.
People who live more than 100 miles away are limited to 48 rounds of golf per year and pay a $12,000 (£8,842) entrance fee.
As a result, Oakmont rakes in a good amount of revenue every year.
At the moment, that figure stands at around $42 million (£31m).
Therefore, it is one of the most lucrative golf clubs in the world, but not many people will experience the pleasure of playing on it.
The Open getaway
Enjoy a 3-night weekend getaway with grounds admission tickets for both Saturday and Sunday of The Open 2025.
Stay in comfort at the Hilton Templepatrick, with transfers included and exclusive access to the Your Golf Travel Clubhouse.
All this from just £1,270 per person – don’t miss your chance to be part of golf’s biggest event in ultimate style.
Plan your dream golf trip HERE.
