South Florida Welcomes Ultra-Exclusive Private Golf Course with a $1 Million Membership Fee

A highly exclusive private golf course has made its debut in South Florida, but gaining access to this luxurious enclave comes with a hefty price tag of $1 million for membership.

The Shell Bay Club, situated in Hallandale Beach, South Florida, officially opened its doors on Tuesday. This private leisure and residential development, meticulously crafted by the Witkoff Group and PPG Development, is tailored for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

Spanning an expansive 150 acres along the Intracoastal Waterway, the crown jewel of this enclave is an 18-hole private golf course, meticulously designed by Australian golf legend Greg Norman, a two-time major winner.

This prestigious course measures an impressive 7,254 yards in length, offers the luxury of no tee times, and features a world-class caddy program. It is complemented by a sprawling 20,000-square-foot clubhouse, a vast 12-acre practice facility, and an additional nine-hole par three course.

Norman himself expressed his excitement, stating, “The course at Shell Bay will be one of the most unique, pure golf experiences I have ever designed. Completely isolated from its surroundings, the walkable layout will capture the true essence of the game with immaculately conditioned fairways, sweeping sandbelt-style bunkers, and contoured greens that test every club in your bag. It will be a place where you can totally immerse yourself in the game.”

However, the privilege of this immersion comes at a steep cost, as membership initiation fees for The Shell Bay Club stand at a staggering $1 million. Residents residing in the 108 residences and penthouses within the 20-story condominium tower overlooking the course automatically receive social club membership but can opt to pay the additional fee for golf course access.

The starting cost for a unit at Shell Bay Club, set to open next year, is $3 million, with penthouses starting at a lofty $11 million. Notably, there is no option for a golf-only membership, according to a spokesperson for the C&R PR agency.

For comparison, initiation fees at Georgia’s Augusta National Golf Club, home to The Masters, ranged from $250,000 to $500,000 in 2021, as reported by Forbes.

Alex Witkoff, Co-CEO of the Witkoff Group, highlighted the unique opportunity Shell Bay Club represents, stating, “Golf is the most undersupplied asset in the Miami market, and consequently, Shell Bay is a generational opportunity to create the first new private course in the area in 25 years.”

Members of Shell Bay Club gain access to a host of lavish amenities, including admission to the Shell Bay Yacht Club, which offers a 48-slip private marina for residents with private vessels and charters, granting direct access to the Atlantic Ocean.

The site also boasts a racquet club with various playing surfaces, including hard, clay, and grass courts, as well as dedicated spaces for pickleball and padel. A member’s pavilion encompasses spa facilities, social rooms, and a pro shop.

Residences at Shell Bay Club come complete with butler service and are adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows that provide breathtaking panoramic views of the golf course. Additionally, Auberge Resorts Collection, a renowned hospitality group, is scheduled to open a boutique resort on-site in 2025 to cater to guests seeking the ultimate in luxury and leisure.