How much is membership at Shinnecock Hills and can anyone play at US Open venue?

One of the most exclusive courses in the United States, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club, is playing host to the US Open this year.

The course in Southampton, New York, is a spectacle and will provide an incredibly tough challenge for the star-studded field.

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It is famous for its rolling green fairways, brown fescue hills and beautiful clubhouse, which is the oldest in the US.

Fans will be watching on in awe as Scottie Scheffler, Rory McIlroy and co look to claim major glory from June 18-21.

Some are likely to be dreaming of playing at Shinnecock one day too, but that’s very much easier said than done…

How much is membership at Shinnecock?

You can only play at Shinnecock Hills as a member or if a member is accompanying you at the time.

And it’s reported to cost around $250,000 to become one.

The initiation fees are a quarter of a million and you can only become a member if you are invited by the club.

It is also said that there are just 300 exclusive members in 2026.

Shinnecock ranks fourth in Forbes’ list of the most exclusive golf courses in the United States.

Only Oakmont, Baltusrol and the Masters venue, Augusta, are more prestigious than this year’s US Open host.

So, the only chance ever of playing at Shinnecock relies on you knowing an existing member, unless you are invited to become one.

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US Open: talkSPORT coverage

The 126th edition of the US Open will take place from Thursday, June 18 to Sunday, June 21.

Play will begin at 11:30am UK time over the opening two days and at 1pm over the weekend.

J.J Spaun is the defending champion and he will be competing for the major trophy alongside Scheffler and McIlroy.

Jon Rahm, Cam Young, Tommy Fleetwood, Justin Rose, Matt Fitzpatrick, Bryson DeChambeau and Xander Schauffele will also be teeing it up at the incredible Shinnecock.

talkSPORT will have regular updates from New York throughout the week with Rupert Bell, Gabbie Partington and Sean O’Brien.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream. 

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