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The 2026 Golf Membership Guide: Costs & Value

Is your golf membership an asset or a liability?

For sellers in Dove Mountain, this is a critical question. We often see homeowners assume that their $50,000 initiation fee translates dollar-for-dollar into home value. The reality is more complex.

A transferable membership to The Gallery or The Golf Club at Dove Mountain can be a massive selling point for the "Remote Executive" buyer. However, failing to disclose the exact transfer fees or dues can kill a deal in escrow. Below is the current 2026 fee structure for our major clubs.

2026 Membership Fee Schedule

Note: These fees are subject to change by the clubs. Contact us for the most up-to-the-minute verification.

Club Name Initiation Fee (Est.) Monthly Dues (Est.) The Vibe
The Golf Club at Dove Mountain Ritz-Carlton / Private $50,000 - $75,000 $1,250+ / mo PGA Tour Prestige. White Glove Service. 27 Holes (Nicklaus).
The Gallery Golf Club Private (Troon) $25,000 - $50,000 $850 - $1,250 / mo Desert Links Style. 36 Holes. Active Social Scene.
Stone Canyon Club Private (Phil Mickelson) $75,000+ $1,440+ / mo Exclusive. Dramatic Rock Formations. Top 100 Ranked.
The Highlands Semi-Private / 55+ $0 (No Equity) $399 / mo Arthur Hills Design. Relaxed. Value-Focused.
Michael's Insider Note: "Stone Canyon has historically tied membership to property ownership in certain phases, though this has evolved. It is critical to check the specific deed restriction on your lot before listing, as a mandatory membership can limit your buyer pool to golfers only."

Does a Membership Increase Resale Value?

The answer is: It depends on the Transferability.

  • The "Lifestyle" Asset: If you own a home in The Gallery, marketing the option to transfer a membership without the buyer sitting on a waitlist is a tangible asset. We value this at roughly 50% of the initiation fee in the home's list price.
  • The "Mandatory" Liability: If your property requires the buyer to join the club (common in parts of Stone Canyon), this restricts your buyer pool. We must market aggressively to the "Golf-Specific" buyer and use our niche marketing channels.

FAQ: Selling a Golf Property

1. "Do I get my initiation fee back when I sell?"
Generally, no. Most modern memberships (especially at The Gallery and Ritz) are non-equity, meaning the initiation fee is a sunk cost for usage. However, some older equity memberships at Stone Canyon may have a partial refund clause. We audit your membership documents to confirm.
2. "Can I transfer my membership to the buyer?"
Usually, yes. This is a powerful negotiation tool. If the club has a waitlist (which happens during peak seasons), your transferable membership allows the buyer to "skip the line." We highlight this prominently in the MLS listing.
3. "What if the buyer doesn't play golf?"
For The Gallery and Ritz-Carlton, we pivot to selling the Sports/Social Membership. These include access to the fitness centers, pools, and dining—often for a fraction of the golf dues ($375-$500/mo). This appeals to the "Active Lifestyle" buyer who wants the community without the tee times.
4. "Are HOA fees separate from Club Dues?"
Yes. This confuses many out-of-state buyers. Your HOA fee (covering gates, roads, and common areas) is separate from your Golf Club dues. We prepare a "Total Monthly Cost" sheet for buyers so there are no surprises.

What is Your Membership Worth?

Don't guess. We can review your specific membership agreement and tell you how to leverage it for a higher sales price.

520-800-8922 Contact Oliver Realty

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