9 Surprisingly Great Golf Clubs the Middle Class Can Actually Afford

Summer is in full swing. That means lush flowers, sandy beaches, and long days on the golf course.

Some folks spend a lot of money for the privilege of hitting the links. For example, the Baltusrol Golf Club in New Jersey has a one-time registration fee of $150,000 and annual fees of $18,500.

But you can still enjoy the sport at a price that will allow you to keep more cash in your wallet. Here are 10 surprisingly great golf clubs that middle-class people can afford.

The Wild Horse Golf Club highlights beautiful minimalist design. Situated in the prairie lands of Nebraska, the course has been called the “poor man's Sand Hills.”

Don’t let the budget price tag fool you: Wild Horse has been rated as one of the country’s best golf courses, earning high rankings from Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golfweek Magazine.

Membership fees: This course offers prices that are reasonable enough to let you both enjoy golf and still get ahead financially. A single membership is $580 annually, while an annual family membership costs $700. There is also a yearly cart rental option starting at $410. Member perks include free range balls.

Dancing Rabbit offers two breathtaking golf courses: The Azaleas and The Oaks. Together, they offer more than 700 acres of greens rolling through hills, valleys, pines, streams, and creeks.

The Azaleas course has been recognized by Golf Magazine and Golf Digest as one of the country’s 100 best public courses.

Inside the resort, golfers can enjoy the casino.

Membership fees: A summer membership includes a $400 upfront membership fee, with an additional $10 shared cart fee for unlimited play. Membership perks include 20% off retail items in the golf shop, 10% off food purchases, and 50% off green fees for accompanied guests.

Gold Mountain is a gorgeous conifer-lined fairway with stunning mountain views. Masterfully designed, this course is where 17-year-old Jordan Spieth won his second U.S. Junior Amateur title in 2011.

Membership fees: Individual memberships start at $195 a month, with upgrades available for unlimited daily access to both the Cascade and Olympic courses. Family and junior memberships are also offered. Perks include access to footgolf.

A glimpse of Four Mile Ranch Golf Club makes it easy to see why the course designer Jim Engh is known as the “King of Quirky.” A short drive from Colorado Springs, it boasts challenging greens amid beautiful vistas overlooking the Royal Gorge.

The golf course has won numerous awards from Golf Digest, Travel + Leisure Golf, and Golf.com.

Membership fees: Single unlimited memberships are $1,100 annually, and couple memberships are $1,650. Additional cart fees apply per round.

When ‌course designer Arthur Hills says the greens are among the most beautiful properties he’s ever worked with, you know it’s something special.

Located near Columbus, The Virtues Golf Club is the state’s only top golf course to rank nationally among the top 100 public greens. It has won accolades from Golf Digest and The Golf Magazine.

Membership fees: The Virtues Golf Pass is $2,000 annually, with an option to add range access for $2,400. Membership includes unlimited golf Monday through Thursday and weekends after 3 p.m.

Although many people think of Dallas as a big-money town, Bear Creek Golf Club is amazingly affordable. The club offers a Ted Robinson-designed course that’s won recognition from the Wall Street Journal and Golf Digest.

Membership fees: Arcis Players’ memberships start at $75.95 a month. You get preferred rates, advance tee-time booking, daily range privileges, and access to weekly golf clinics.

Cypress Lakes is a beautifully designed golf course with greens that are lush and well-maintained. Gentle slopes cut through oak, magnolia, and cypress trees.

Membership fees: Standard rates start at $100 a month. The all-inclusive membership option for $280 includes unlimited range balls and cart access. For $60 more, you can upgrade to a family all-inclusive membership.

Although this is the most expensive option on the list, Tullymore is one of the most affordable luxury options you will find anywhere. The resort has two world-class golf resorts, spa-like amenities, full fitness facilities, and three restaurants.

Membership fees: Full golf membership is $3,597 a year with a $10,000 initiation fee. Membership perks include unlimited golf at two courses, golf shop discounts, unlimited access to the outdoor pool and tennis courts, unlimited use of practice golf facilities, and invitations to exclusive member-only events.

One of Southwest’s most beautiful courses, Sand Hollow is an idyllic blend of nature and recreation. The resort is less than an hour from Zion National Park. It features two golf courses that combine red rock towers, rolling green fairways, and desert sand.

Membership fees: While base member fees are just $55 a month, the tiered pricing quickly climbs, with the steepest price at $3,200 a month. The mid-level option is the championship membership. It costs $1,750 a month and includes VIP access to both golf courses, complimentary club fittings, merchandise and dining discounts, and a $100 monthly resort credit.

You can hit the greens without breaking the bank — and many of these award-winning golf clubs prove you don’t need to sacrifice quality for cost.

These hidden gems may be the perfect reason to go on a golf-cation road trip. And to save even more, make sure to use one of the best cash back credit cards when you book your trip.

Who knows? You might even earn enough back to pay for a new set of clubs or a hefty initiation fee.