Dubai’s golf scene has long been a symbol of prestige, community, and sporting excellence. But in 2025, a troubling trend has emerged: a wave of membership price hikes across the city’s most iconic clubs, leaving long-standing members disillusioned and, in many cases, walking away.
A Luxury Sport Losing Its Loyalty
Across most of the course in Dubai, annual membership fees have surged—some by as much as 15–40% compared to 2024. Clubs cite “enhanced amenities” and “premium experiences” as justification. But for many veteran members, these upgrades feel like a smokescreen for a deeper issue: the commodification of community.
“I’ve been a member for 22 years. Golf was my sanctuary. Now it feels like I’m being priced out of my own second home,” says one former member of Trump International Golf Club.
The Displacement of Legacy Members
These aren’t casual players. They’re the backbone of Dubai’s golf culture—retirees, business leaders, and families who helped shape the clubs’ identities. Many have mentored younger players, organized tournaments, and fostered a sense of belonging that money simply can’t buy.
Now, they’re being replaced by corporate packages and short-term prices designed for transient tourists. The result? A dilution of club culture and a growing sense of alienation.
Community vs. Commercialization
Golf clubs were once hubs of intergenerational connection. Today, they’re becoming gated playgrounds for the ultra-wealthy. The price hikes signal a shift from sport to spectacle—from loyalty to leverage.
This isn’t just about money. It’s about values. When clubs prioritize profit over people, they risk losing the very soul that made them special.
A Call for Reform
Veteran members are speaking out, and Sports & Gulf Magazine stands with them. We urge Dubai’s golf institutions to reconsider their pricing strategies and reinvest in the communities that built them.
Golf is more than a transaction. It’s tradition, camaraderie, and legacy. Let’s not let greed drive it into the rough.
