When you’re able to fly wherever you wish, spending a weekend relaxing at a country club is well within your reach. If you’re looking for great places to fly, we think these country clubs around the U.S. are ideal destinations.
1) Edina Country Club
Location: Edina, MN
Nearest Airport: Flying Cloud Airport (FCM)
The lavish Edina Country Club, located in the affluent southwest suburb of the Twin Cities, was founded in 1923. The golf course, on which many golf legends including Arnold Palmer have played, was recently redesigned in 2010 by former Gophers golfer Tom Lehman and offers players a challenging yet fun round. With a 65,000 square-foot shake and brick clubhouse overlooking the fifth green and sixth tee, an Olympic-sized pool, four clay and two hard-surface tennis courts, and a winter clubhouse that offers two platform tennis courts and easy access to ice skating and hockey, members are sure to get their money’s worth by joining this country club.
2) Ocean Reef Club
Location: Key Largo, FL
Nearest Airport: Ocean Reef Club Airport (07FA)
If you’re lucky enough to be invited into the Ocean Reef Club, which requires sponsorship by two current members and a membership purchase for $200,000, you’ll get access to some of the best country clubs in the nation. With 2,500 tropical acres, bordered by water on three sides and its own private airport, marina, school, museum, security force and even fire department, the Ocean Reef Club community serves the top percentages of society with exclusive luxuries found almost nowhere else.
3) Fishers Island Club
Location: Fishers Island, NY
Nearest Airport: Elizabeth Field Airport (0B8)
This small, exclusive island is home to Fishers Island Club and includes a top-rated golf course, five tennis courts, members-only ocean beachfront area and a large clubhouse with two dining rooms. The country club is only accessible by private yacht or ferry, so members pack some serious coin.
4) Vintage Country Club
Location: Indian Wells, CA
Nearest Airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
The heavily secured and gated Vintage Country Club is one of the country’s most prestigious and ultra-exclusive private clubs, thanks to their prestigious golf courses and luxury residential community. With many famous members in its ranks, including Bill Gates who owns a sprawling estate on the golf course, the club knows a thing or two about crafting luxury experiences. Members can enjoy golfing on one of the two Tom Fazio-designed 18-hole championship golf courses, spend time relaxing in the 18,000 square-foot spa and wellness center or play a match on one of the 11 professional tennis courts within a 1,000-seat stadium.
5) Rattlesnake Island Club
Location: Rattlesnake Island, OH
Nearest Airport: Rattlesnake Island Airport (58OH)
Rattlesnake Island Club is one of the more exclusive on this list in terms of sheer membership availability, with its 65-member limit. But, those lucky enough to earn a spot will receive some of the best benefits a country club can offer. Billed as an oasis of privacy, relaxation and fun, in an otherwise chaotic world, members have their own private space to unwind, network with business professionals and enjoy outdoor recreation. Spanning 85 acres in the middle of Lake Erie, the country club also offers its own private airport and a marina that accommodates yachts of any size.
6) Cherokee Town and Country Club
Location: Atlanta, GA
Nearest Airport: Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (PDK)
With two world-class golf courses, 16 tennis courts, and three swimming pools, Cherokee Town and Country Club is one of the most prestigious in the South as well as throughout the country. In order to join Cherokee Town and Country Club, a recommendation must be made by at least four club members in good standing; prices are kept under wraps but are considered to be $200,000 with $7,500 dues.
7) Oakmont Country Club
Location: Oakmont, NJ
Nearest Airport: Teterboro Airport (TEB)
Opened in 1903 by Henry Fownes, Oakmont Country Club has been hose of more USGA and PGA championships than any other course in the country, including nine United States Opens, five U.S. Amateurs, three PGA Championships, and two U.S. Women’s Opens. It’s also home to “the greatest round of the 20th century,” Johnny Miller’s final round at the 1974 U.S. Open. Notorious for being perhaps the most difficult course in North America, golf die-hards will have a fun, challenging experience at this country club.
8) Minikahda Country Club
Location: Minikahda Country Club
Nearest Airport: Crystal Airport (MIC)
Founded well over a century ago in 1898, Minikahda is one of Minnesota’s most historic and prestigious country clubs. Situated just outside of Minneapolis, this private club was founded to serve old-money families throughout Minneapolis, such as the milling tycoons that lived along Lake of the Isles. The golf course, redesigned in 2001 by Ron Prichard, features long, challenging fareways, enlarged greens and, of course, its signature hole no. 10, which starts off very steep and narrows down through a passage of old-growth trees. Other amenities include a pool that overlooks Lake Calhoun, clay and hard-surface tennis courts and an antebellum-style clubhouse.
Ready to Reach Your Favorite Destinations?
With a newly minted pilot’s license, you can jet off to these country club destinations whenever you feel the need to get away – get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training to learn more about gaining the freedoms afforded by learning to fly. Inflight is a leading pilot training company serving Minneapolis/St. Paul and the surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, it’s our goal to help you reach your goals as a pilot.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.
