Burning Tree Club – Membership Cost and Fees

Burning Tree Club is an exceptionally private, invitation-only golf club with limited public information regarding current membership costs. Published 2026 estimates place the initiation fee near $75,000, although actual requirements may vary by membership circumstances. Estimated monthly dues are approximately $500, producing annual base dues of about $6,000. Consequently, estimated first-year initiation and basic dues could total approximately $81,000 before additional expenses. Membership expenses may also include caddie charges, dining expenses, guest fees, assessments, and other club-related costs. Prospective members should treat published figures as estimates because Burning Tree does not publicly advertise a comprehensive membership fee schedule.

Burning Tree operates privately, with qualifying members generally receiving golf access through their membership rather than paying daily green fees. Historical listings suggest guest green fees around $75 to $110, although current rates are not publicly confirmed. Estimated riding-cart charges could run approximately $30 to $40 per player for an 18-hole round. Caddie fees are not published, but approximately $60 to $100 plus gratuity represents a reasonable private-club estimate. Walking and caddie-supported golf remain important parts of Burning Tree’s traditional approach to playing the course. Members and guests should confirm green, cart, caddie, and additional golf charges directly before playing.

Burning Tree Club Facilities

Burning Tree Club emphasizes golf and traditional clubhouse amenities rather than the extensive recreational facilities found at larger country clubs. Golf amenities include a driving range, putting green, short-game practice area, professional instruction, and a golf shop. Members can use riding carts or walk the course, with caddie service maintaining Burning Tree’s traditional golf atmosphere. The clubhouse provides dining, social areas, locker facilities, and spaces supporting the club’s private membership activities. Golf remains the property’s defining recreational attraction, with comparatively limited emphasis on swimming, tennis, or resort-style amenities. This golf-focused environment complements Burning Tree’s longstanding reputation as one of the Washington area’s highly private clubs.

The club occupies a wooded property along Burdette Road in Bethesda, within Montgomery County near Washington, D.C. Bethesda provides restaurants, shopping, healthcare facilities, entertainment, businesses, and established residential communities surrounding the broader club area. Nearby neighborhoods feature mature landscaping, substantial homes, parks, schools, and convenient connections with other Montgomery County communities. Downtown Bethesda lies southeast of the club and serves as one of Maryland’s prominent commercial and dining districts. Major nearby transportation routes provide convenient connections toward Potomac, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Washington, D.C. Despite its metropolitan surroundings, Burning Tree’s wooded course creates a secluded environment emphasizing privacy and traditional golf.

Burning Tree Club Golf Course

Burning Tree is a private 18-hole parkland golf course whose original design is generally credited to architects Colt and Alison. Later architectural work has modified portions of the course while maintaining its traditional strategic character. Published scorecards commonly show member tees around 6,388 yards, while championship configurations can extend beyond 7,000 yards. Other directories list 6,400-yard tees carrying approximately a 70.8 rating and 122 slope, playing to par 71. Bermuda grass is reported on greens and fairways, with carefully maintained surfaces supporting the traditional layout. Course directories generally report approximately 41 to 50 bunkers, while reliable published counts for water holes remain unavailable.

Burning Tree’s strategic layout features mature trees, elevation movement, bunkering, demanding approaches, and greens requiring careful positioning. The par-three twelfth is frequently recognized among the course’s memorable holes because of its demanding green complex and strategic challenge. Several holes emphasize accuracy rather than extreme length, reflecting the course’s traditional early twentieth-century architectural character. Burning Tree has primarily hosted private club competitions rather than regularly serving as a venue for major professional championships. Its history is closely associated with presidents, government officials, diplomats, military leaders, and other prominent Washington-area golfers. Course renovations over generations have preserved its traditional character while adapting playing conditions for contemporary golf.

Burning Tree Club Address

8600 Burdette Road, Bethesda, Maryland 20817
(301) 365-1200