Melanie MoralesAre public golf courses getting a little bit too overcrowded or expensive for you? If so, then you’re going to want to read this article here.
We’ve scouted the entire city for the best private golf courses and have come up with this definitive list. We based our criteria on their membership dues, facilities offered, course quality, and customer feedback.
To better understand what your membership here entails, we’ll discuss expenses first. Afterward, we’ll dive into our list of the best private golf courses in Edmonton.
How Much Do Private Golf Courses Cost in Edmonton?
Before we discuss how much a membership is to a private golf club, let’s take a look at how much a public course is first.
Teeing off on a public golf course employs what’s called “green fees” – which is essentially money you pay to be able to step on the green to play. On average, this can range from as little as $40 up to $200.
Several factors can affect the variations in price, but most notable would be the seasons and the time of day. We’ve compiled a sample of some rates that a public golf course might charge.
| Season | Weekdays | Weekends/Holidays (before 12:00pm) | Weekends/Holidays (after 12:00pm) |
| Spring (Open – May) | $115 | $125 | $125 |
| Peak Season (May-Oct) | $145 | $160 | $145 |
| Fall (Oct – End) | $100 | $125 | $100 |
These fees may or may not include the use of a golf cart and other expenses that you may incur during your stay at the course.
Now, if you’re a member at a private golf club, you no longer have to pay a green fee – you can tee off at any time as per the club’s rules. Some memberships have different levels that give priority booking to higher-tiered members.
Membership dues on average cost around $3,000 – $4,000 per year for a medium-class private golf club. This equates to roughly $300 per month that you pay regardless of how many times you teed off and gives you full access to all the club’s facilities.
Moreover, there’s often an “initiation cost” or an “entrance fee” that new members must pay just to gain entry. This can also be offered as a “true equity share” in the club, amounting anywhere from $10,000 – $20,000.
Some clubs offer their membership fees and “shareholder” fees to be paid yearly or monthly with no interest. Others may offer discounts if you pay a five-year membership fee in one lump sum payment.
The Derrick Golf & Winter Country Club for, example, charges approximately $4,744 for its premium membership, but excludes other fees such as “monthly improvement fees”. So you end up paying over $5,000 if you include any meals or drinks that you consume.
What may seem like an exorbitant amount to most is actually cost-effective in the long run for those who golf frequently. Moreover, it gives them access to a higher-quality course, equipment and a less crowded atmosphere.
The Best Private Golf Courses in Edmonton
Now that you know what to expect when buying a membership to an exclusive golf club, we can now take a look at our picks for the top private golf courses in Edmonton.
1. The Derrick Golf & Winter Club
| MEMBERSHIP PERKS | Dining, Golf Course, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool, Winter Sports, Virtual Golf, Unpain Clinic, Yearly Programs, Lessons & Workshops, Affiliate Clubs |
| WEBSITE | https://www.derrickclub.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 3500 119 ST NW, Edmonton, AB, T6J 5P5 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Reception Phone: (780) 437-1833 Fax: (780) 434-3100 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Reception Monday to Friday: 6:00am – 9:00pm Saturday & Sunday: 7:00am – 9:00pm Administration Monday to Friday: 8:00am – 3:00pm |
The Derrick Golf & Winter Club features an 18-hole golf course spread out over 6,500 square yards of championship grounds. It also has a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces, banquet rooms, and meeting rooms for celebrating special occasions.
Anybody can apply for a membership here, whether you’re looking for an excellent course, community, or a place to stay active and fit. They offer no-interest payment plans in a variety of tiers and pricing options.
Their most basic membership is to be a Social member, which limits you to dining at their Sun Café and Founders Room & Spike Bar Kitchen. You can also attend any event held by the club either as a single member, a couple, or a family at no extra cost for your spouse.
On the other hand, applying for an Athletic membership gives you access to the gym, exercise equipment, tennis, badminton, the swimming pool, and winter sports. However, despite the greater access to facilities, the golf course is not included in this category.
The highest-tier membership is the Golf and Athletic category, which gives you access to everything all the other memberships have. You can also benefit from one-on-one private lessons, workshops, and access to the Fath Virtual Golf Centre to practice during winter.
Golf and Athletic memberships are offered at three or five-year plans and you can choose to pay for the entire fee upfront for up to a $2,000 discount. However, you can also opt for a no-interest monthly plan that equates to around $300-$400 depending on how many dependents or extended members you have.
Do take note that The Derrick Golf & Winter Club charges a $50 “Monthly Improvement Fee” on top of your regular membership dues. These go towards improving the facilities, such as the indoor tennis court they’re currently building.
However, as a member, you can attend over 250 programs for adults and juniors held yearly, which include sports programs, summer camps, Halloween parties, and more. They even have preschool programs and a playroom for kids, which makes this club a great family-friendly place.
Moreover, you’ll also have access to over 50 exclusive affiliate clubs all over the world. All you need is to inform the club’s administration – they’ll give you a letter of introduction and inform the club you wish to visit of your arrival.
In short, The Derrick Golf & Winter Club is one of the best deals around if you’re looking for a private golf course. It features plenty of facilities and perks that justify its high membership fees, earning it a spot on our list of the best private golf courses in Edmonton.
Pros
- No-interest monthly payments for new member entrance fees
- Fath Virtual Golf Centre for practicing during winter
- Offers winter sports and activities for members
- Can participate in over 250 programs for adults and kids yearly
- Access to over 50 affiliate clubs worldwide
Cons
- Charges $50 monthly improvement fee regardless of membership tier
- Membership type limits access to services and facilities
- Golf-only membership doesn’t include access to athletic facilities
- Charges additional fee for children 6 and above for some memberships
Customer Reviews
The Derrick Golf & Winter Club has world-class facilities and offers members a lot of perks. Gord Stephenson, a longtime member, encourages others to join and shares:
“We have been Members for 38 years. We were full membership and were involved in all activities. Volunteered lots on various committees. Full meal deal for families. You won’t regret joining.”
Leslie S, another member, praises the club.
“Cannot say enough about The Derrick Club. This is one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family! The facility is wonderful and the staff attentive and caring. The members also are friendly and always acknowledging one another. We partake in many of the events and constantly use all the wonderful amenities offered. Our children love the programs and we’ve quickly made the Derrick Club a part of our routine, and see it being a part of our family for many years to come!”
2. Edmonton Country Club
| MEMBERSHIP PERKS | Dining, Clubhouse, Function Rooms, Scheduled Tee Times |
| WEBSITE | https://edmontoncountryclub.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 6201 Country Club Road, Edmonton, AB T6M 2J6 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Main Clubhouse Phone: (780) 487-1150 Email: [email protected] Desirae White Membership & Administrative Coordinator Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Administration Office Hours Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 4:30pm |
Edmonton Country Club has been around since 1910, making it the oldest private golf club in Alberta. Its picturesque 7,000-yard golf course has become a local landmark for the residents.
Memberships are offered as shares in Edmonton Country Club, so you’ll need to become a shareholder to have access to this club. You can either pay the entrance fee, join as a trial member for a maximum of two years, or become an Intermediate member.
If it sounds easy, it can be if you’ve got $20,000 laying around for the non-refundable entrance fee. However, it is payable over five years at 0% interest, so you’re looking at around $4,000 per year.
Now if you sign up to become a regular or Intermediate member, you’ll need to be between 19-40 years old. The maximum age, in our opinion, is a little too low and excludes healthier senior citizens who actually might enjoy the club.
The shares at Edmonton Country Club start at $5,000, but as a true equity share, you own it and its value. You may purchase this as an individual or you can register your share under a corporation as well if you want to give your employees or management team access to a private course.
There are also different tiers of memberships as a shareholder, namely gold, bronze, or copper membership. The different levels essentially give specific privileges the more that you pay.
For example, gold members pay $5,615 in shareholder annual dues but can play on the course any day of the week as early as 7:30 am. Provided of course that they give at least two days advance notice!
Copper members, in contrast, pay a lower fee and are limited to tee times before noon and after 5:00 pm. They also can’t use the golf course on weekends or holidays.
However, no matter your membership level, Edmonton Country Club has guest restrictions – only one guest is allowed on Wednesday, Friday, weekends, and holidays before 3:00 pm. Up to three guests are allowed on the other days of the week, and after 3:00 pm on weekends and holidays.
The Edmonton Country Club also features two function areas that can accommodate special events. The Ramsey Room has a seating capacity of 150 people, while the 1896 Dining Room is more intimate with 50 seats.
Pros
- Can pay initiation fee over a five-year period at zero interest
- Membership is sold as a true equity share
- Can choose higher-tiered membership for freer access to course
Cons
- Expensive initiation fee
- Confusing system of varied memberships
- Minimum spending amount at club per year
Customer Reviews
Stephen Wolver, played at the Edmonton Country Club and enjoyed his experience. He writes:
“Had a golf tournament here. Wonderful facility, and supper was very good.”
Sharon Lee, a member at Edmonton Country Club, sums up her thoughts:
“Beautifully maintained golfing grounds and great food”
3. Glendale Golf & Country Club
| MEMBERSHIP PERKS | Golf Course, Swimming Pool, Clubhouse, Ladies Tee, Golf Pro Shop |
| WEBSITE | https://www.theglendale.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 12410 – 199 Street, Edmonton, AB T5V 1T8 |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: (780) 447-3529 Fax: 780.447.4887 Email: [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Sunday: 8:00am – 8:00pm |
Glendale Golf & Country Club, commonly known as The Glendale, is a popular course among golfers. It has hosted various golf tournaments over the years, and is known for being a challenging and scenic par 72 course.
The Glendale’s course has undergone several enhancements through the five decades of its existence, including the addition of three tee options for ladies and four for men. It covers a total 7,247 yards for black tees, while the green tee only extends out to 5,294 yards.
The Clubhouse at this Club is known for its fantastic panoramic view of the sunset overlooking the 1st fairway and lake. This family-friendly venue is also ideal for weddings and corporate events.
To be a member, you’ll need to purchase a share and pay the Entrance Fee. We like The Glendale because they offer a Share Purchase Program and financing is available to assist interested applicants.
For shareholders who opt not to use their membership for a season, they are required and responsible to designate an Associate. This membership is only granted for a year, doesn’t give any voting rights, but doesn’t have any limits as to how many times they can apply.
The Associate Membership receives the same privileges, has unrestricted use of facilities, and can schedule their tee times just like a regular Shareholder. Their families are automatically given Social passes as well, granting access to the Clubhouse.
A Restricted Associate Membership, on the other hand, has limitations, such as afternoon access only to the course on weekends and holidays. This membership also has a two-year limit and cannot be renewed under any other shareholder.
They also have a Corporate Membership program that’s ideal for companies that want to provide up to three of their employees (and their families) access to the facilities. The Glendale also offers sponsored Junior, Intermediate, and Senior Intermediate memberships that require the backing of a Shareholder that’s in good standing.
Family is integral to The Glendale experience, whether it’s making the grounds walkable grounds or granting access to the seasonal outdoor pool. Moreover, children between ages 5-9 can enter and play for free, as long as they sign up for a junior membership.
Pros
- Offers financing options to pay for entrance fee
- Excellent Associate Membership perks
- Kids between 5-9 years old can play for free
Cons
- Shareholders required to appoint Associate if not playing
- Expensive intermediate memberships
- No affiliate or reciprocal clubs
Customer Reviews
Katie Marner, was not an experienced golfer but was able to try out the course. She shares:
“Went here for an event recently. This golf course is great for all levels of golfers, even beginners like me. Staff are all very attentive and the service is excellent. The food was absolutely delicious…Great place for any event.”
Felicia Johnson, another customer, adds her thoughts:
“Had an amazing time at your course! The staff and service was so good, the course spectacular! Thank you for hosting a members guest. What a great community at the Glendale Golf & Country Club!”
FAQs about Private Golf Courses
This concludes our list of the best private golf courses in Edmonton. We hope you were able to find a club from this list in which to practice your swings!
If you have any suggestions or recommendations of other courses or clubs, drop us a line, and we’ll make sure to check it out.
Now if you need to pick up some new clubs or other accessories before you hit the course, you might want to check out our list of the best sporting goods stores in Edmonton.
