5 most expensive tee times in the world

Be it an amateur or a professional, in golf more than any other sport, it is the surroundings that play a vital role in making it an unforgettable experience. However, those incredible moments on the greens do come with a price tag that may not be your pocket change to say the least.

Let’s take a look at some of the most expensive tee times in the world:

TPC Sawgrass ($390 per person, per round)

If you’re old school when it comes to golf, then this beauty at Jacksonville may just be the one for you. Often labeled as the fifth major of the year on tour, this 36-hole patch near Ponte Vedra beach is one of the toughest courses in the U.S.

The mesmerizing island greens, carefully designed by Pete and Alice Dye, add a fascinating element to the game that is bound to spring a fair share of surprises on the way to the 18th.

Spyglass Hill Golf Course ($395 per person, per round)

It is long. It is straight. And it is quite a walk! The Pebble Beach Golf Link’s less renowned sibling is still a hot favourite among the players who prefer powerful driving over finesse on the greens.

Rated among the toughest golfing rounds by fellow tour professionals, the course gives you a glimpse of the several difficult phases on has to endure to earn a respectable score. It is also one of the signature courses that you would find on the Tiger Woods PGA Tour gaming series.

Old Head Golf Links ($400 per person, per round)

It is hard to digest the fact that this piece of land was just a product of differential erosion. A rather more naturally developed golf setting in County Cork, Ireland has a look of a fancy picnic spot that people instead preferred to play some golf on Sundays.

What adds value to this fascinating piece of real estate is the famous Lusitania Bar and the clubhouse hospitality that is a class apart. A $400 fee for the view and a visit to the lighthouse still stands as a bargain in itself – a round of golf is just a welcome distraction.

Pebble Beach Golf Links ($475 per person, per round)

Talk about ‘expensive’, this green turf is right up there with the very best. Probably, the only reason why American actor Gene Hackman, fetched a whopping $78 million in 2012 for his house located near the 10th hole at the Pebble Beach.

Talking about the greens itself, not surprisingly enough the course stretched across the Pacific coastline has witnessed some of the biggest tournaments in recent times, including the prestigious US Open and Ryder Cup. Play a round of golf at this venue and you will feel closer to the game’s history, more than ever before.

The fee starts at $495 but could go on to be more than $600 if you opt for a personal caddie and a cart to roam around the greens.

Shadow Creek Golf Course ($500+ per person, per round)

This North Las Vegas park is more than just a golf course. It is status quo for several top athletes and even top Hollywood celebrities. Hence, the one factor that separates this Tom Fazio built course from others on the list is its exclusivity. Not only it is the most expensive tee booking in the world, you can only visit the course if you’re one of the elite few staying at the MGM Mirage hotel.

Over 21,000 trees make sure this 350-acre site is far hidden from the public eye. It sure is a visual treat that a select few can savour during their lifetime. The $500 fee includes a personal caddie, a range guide and a limo to this one of kind 18-hole paradise.

Special Mention

ITC Classic Golf Course, Delhi (NCR) (Starting at Rs 2670 per person, per round)

A 27-hole, 300-acre, Jack Nicklaus designed structure has been host to several premier golf tournaments over the years. The course is broken down into 3 sets of 9 holes phases – Ridge, Valley and Canyon – all tailored to test every aspect of your game. The splendid greens combined with a luxury hotel make a perfect holiday destination if you’re travelling to the capital.

Starting at $42, the overall package doesn’t get any better for a golf enthusiast in India.