Old Chatham Golf Club – Membership Cost and Fees
Old Chatham Golf Club is an exclusive private club with membership generally requiring sponsorship and club approval. Current initiation fees are estimated around $70,000, although actual pricing can vary by membership category. Monthly dues are estimated near $1,300, equaling approximately $15,600 annually. Members generally receive golf privileges without paying a standard daily green fee for regular member play. Guest green fees are not published but are reasonably estimated around $125 to $200 per round. Additional spending may include carts, caddies, guest charges, dining, merchandise, lodging, and other club services.
Estimated cart fees are approximately $25 to $40 per rider when carts are used or separately charged. Walking is encouraged, and Old Chatham maintains an established caddie program complementing its traditional golf experience. Estimated caddie fees are approximately $80 to $120 per bag, depending on caddie type and assignment. A forecaddie could reasonably cost approximately $100 to $160 per group, before any customary gratuity considerations. Old Chatham states caddies are required in certain situations and recommends requesting caddie service before arriving. All guest golf and service charges are billed through the sponsoring member, so current rates should be confirmed directly.
Old Chatham Golf Club Facilities
Old Chatham centers its facilities around providing an upscale, traditional golf experience within a secluded natural setting. The elegant clubhouse opened in 2008 and overlooks the 10th and 18th holes. Inside are dining spaces, locker facilities, comfortable gathering areas, and services designed primarily for golfers. The Turn Room provides sandwiches, drinks, and refreshments conveniently between the ninth green and tenth tee. A 16-acre practice facility provides extensive areas for warming up and improving different parts of the game. Professional golf services and a respected caddie program further support the club’s golf-focused atmosphere.
Birch Cottage provides convenient overnight accommodations for members and their invited guests staying at Old Chatham. The property occupies approximately 400 wooded acres near Jordan Lake southwest of central Durham. Pine forests and protected natural surroundings create considerable separation from nearby suburban development. Durham, Chapel Hill, Cary, and Research Triangle Park are all accessible from the club’s location. Unlike many private communities, Old Chatham’s identity focuses primarily on golf rather than surrounding residential development. Members enjoy a peaceful retreat combining privacy, camaraderie, attentive service, practice facilities, dining, accommodations, and championship golf.
Old Chatham Golf Club Golf Course
Old Chatham features a private 18-hole parkland course originally designed by renowned architect Rees Jones. The course opened in 2001, with Jones later completing significant renovations and strategic improvements during 2022. Championship tees measure approximately 7,200 yards, with published scorecards varying slightly by configuration. The championship layout plays to par 72, with ratings around 75 and slopes approximately 135 to 141. Bentgrass greens complement Bermuda fairways, creating playing surfaces designed for firm, fast championship conditions. Daily green speeds can reach 12 or higher, demanding precise approaches and confident putting.
Approximately 78 bunkers and four mapped water features provide strategic hazards throughout Old Chatham’s challenging layout. Pine forests, waste areas, firm greens, and demanding approach angles create additional challenges beyond traditional bunkers and water. The redesigned par-three 16th ranks among the course’s memorable holes, requiring a demanding shot over a hazard. Old Chatham hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Amateur and multiple U.S. Open Final Qualifying competitions. The club also hosted the 2026 U.S. Girls’ Junior Championship, reinforcing its national championship credentials. Excellent conditioning, strong caddie traditions, walkability, and Rees Jones architecture distinguish Old Chatham among North Carolina’s private courses.
Old Chatham Golf Club Address
1480 O’Kelly Chapel Road, Durham, NC 27713
919-361-1400