How to Join Royal Birkdale (Without Winning the Claret Jug)

Who Is Already a Member?

• Jordan Spieth is a member of Royal Birkdale, a famous golf club in England.
• But he didn’t just sign up like anyone else — he had to win the 2017 Open Championship to earn that special honor.

Why Does This Matter Now?

The Open (a huge golf tournament) is back at Royal Birkdale. That made people wonder:

If most of us will never lift the Claret Jug (the trophy given to the Open winner), what does it actually take to join the club?

How Much Does It Cost to Join?

You might think a fancy "Royal" club would charge a ton of money. But this is England, not the U.S., where big club fees can be over $100,000.

Instead, Royal Birkdale keeps things fairly affordable:

• The club makes a lot of money from visitors playing the course.
• Green fees (what guests pay to play) are:
  • £450 to £495 (about $610 to $670) depending on the season.
  • The club’s website says visitor times are basically sold out — people are happy to pay!

Compared to that, joining is a deal:

• Initiation fee: £6,600 (around $9,000)
• Annual dues: £2,200 (around $3,000)

Important Point: By the standards of championship golf clubs, that price is a bargain!

The Catch: It’s Not Just About Money

Here’s the tricky part:

• Membership is currently full.
• Spots rarely open up.
• There is no waiting list.

So how do you get in?

Steps to Become a Member

1. Find a current member to propose you.
2. Find another current member to second (support) your nomination.
3. Get as many other member supporters as you can.
4. Go through the vetting process:
   • Play several rounds with current members.
   • They watch your golf — but also your behavior.
   • They ask: Are you fun to be with? Do you play at a good pace? Would they enjoy 18 holes and bar time with you?

The Easy (but Hard) Way In

• The fastest way to join is to win the Claret Jug like Jordan Spieth did.
• For everyone else, you need patience and the right member friends.

Summary

Royal Birkdale is a famous English golf club where Jordan Spieth earned membership by winning the 2017 Open. Joining as a regular person is cheap compared to U.S. clubs (about $9,000 to start, $3,000 a year), but spots are full, there’s no waiting list, and you must be proposed and supported by current members who like you as a person and golfer. Winning the Claret Jug is the quickest ticket in!

FAQ

1. Can I just pay to join Royal Birkdale?
Not exactly. You can pay the fees, but you must be proposed by a member, and spots are currently full.

2. How much does it cost to be a member?
About £6,600 to join and £2,200 per year (around $9,000 and $3,000).

3. Is there a waiting list?
No. You need current members to nominate and support you.

4. Why is membership so cheap for such a famous club?
The club earns big money from visitors’ green fees, so it keeps member costs lower.

5. What’s the easiest way to become a member?
Win the Open Championship and the Claret Jug — like Jordan Spieth!