Only about six percent of golfers in the U.S. belong to a private club.
That means that sometimes we 94 percenters must suffer through interminable rounds that are overcrowded and, frankly, not fun.
For many of us, the allure of a private golf club is tantalizing but seems so far out of reach that settling for less-than-ideal conditions has become the norm. What’s stopping you from joining a private club? It’s likely the same reason you and I are reading this article in humble homes rather than a penthouse: Money.
Private club initiation fees and monthly dues are more expensive than the typical everyday golfer can muster. How else, then, are the 94 percent of golfers who don’t currently have access to a private club supposed to experience some of the best that golf has to offer?
About Links Golf Club
Founded in 2021 as a Web3 project, Links Golf Club (LinksDAO) has transformed into a worldwide network of golfers (and courses) that grants the everyday golfer access to private golf courses via membership.
“We wanted to found a club that is made for the 94 percent and that allows the 94 percent to get access to private golf courses across the world, ” said LGC co-founder Jim Daily. “ It allows them to be members at a very historical golf course for an extremely low amount of money.”
The idea is fairly simple. You pay Links Golf Club a monthly subscription fee (more on that in a minute). In return, you receive exclusive gear discounts and gain access to private courses around the world.
“We created this thing to basically democratize the game and make it more egalitarian and accessible for everybody.”
Membership Perks
Links Country Club offers three distinct membership levels to serve a wide range of golfers.
Starter – $99/year
The Starter-level membership gives you access to hundreds of discounts on golf gear. It also allows you to connect with other Links Country Club Members. This membership is marketed more towards the budding golfer, someone just joining the game.
Player – $499/year
The next tier is the Player-level membership In addition to the benefits of the Starter membership, Player-level members gain access to more than 800 courses (many of which are private). They also receive up to 50 percent off green fees at select courses.
Pro – $1,499/year
The most expensive (and exclusive) level of membership is the Pro level. In addition to the benefits of the lower tiers, this membership grants the golfer access to more than 1,300 worldwide courses.
Pro members also receive a full membership to Spey Bay, a Scottish links. This membership at Spey Bay includes its own benefits and gratuities.
Speaking of Spey Bay …
Where Online Becomes Reality: Purchasing Spey Bay
Links Golf Club’s goal isn’t just to bring the best of golf to the masses through access to private golf courses. Links is making an active effort to purchase golf courses in order to further their mission, starting with their acquisition of Spey Bay last May.
“It is the most stunning piece of land you could possibly imagine and really one of the top emerging golf travel destinations in the world,” said Daily. “It has the potential to be a Top 100 golf course.”
As a part of the purchase of Spey Bay, Links is committed to redesigning the course with help of renowned architect Mike Devries, one of the best “shapers” in the world of golf course architecture.
“We want to build a fully reversible 18-hole links golf course,” said Daily.
On top of the redesign, Links has plans to add on-site lodging and (hopefully) a distillery.
You’re probably wondering what happens to the existing membership. Thankfully, Links is honoring their memberships. When asked about the possibility of restricting Spey Bay to Links Golf Club members, Daily was emphatic. “Absolute zero possibility for us because we’re about opening doors.”
Looking Forward
As for what’s in store for the future, Links has some lofty goals. Besides looking to add 10,000, 20,000 and even 100,000 members, the ultimate goal is to purchase another golf course, this time in the United States.
“I wouldn’t be surprised that in the next 60 days you’ll see in the news that we got another golf course,” Daily says.
“There’s no reason anymore to play a six-hour round on a Saturday at a local community course. We basically have a solution where you can replace that round with the private round and build an entire golf community that you thrive with.”
Bill
2 years ago
I took the quiz and it appears all the clubs in my area are part of the Invited Clubs network, formerly ClubCorp. As a member of one of the Invited Clubs with right to play other clubs it is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT to get a decent tee time. I can only guess how difficult it would be with this program.