A country club is a private club which offers a variety of recreational sports facilities, usually located in city outskirts or rural areas. Two of the most common types of facilities are tennis and golf clubs, although other sports such as polo exist as well. An athletic club is a similar club in an urban setting where golfing facilities would be impractical. Country clubs usually provide dining and accommodation facilities to their members and guests, and frequently host catered events like weddings. Recreational options such as swimming pools are also common.

Country club membership

Membership requirements vary greatly among different clubs, but generally a new member must be accepted or invited by current members, and pay a membership fee and monthly or yearly dues.

The primary benefits of membership are the following:Fact: date=September 2008

• Access to private facilities (such as a golf course).
• Inclusion in a social network of fellow members.

Golf club

A golf club is a private club organized to play golf. A golf club usually has its own golf course. Membership is usually by annual subscription.

Tennis club

A tennis club is a private club organized to play tennis. Tennis instruction is normally included, along with tournaments, and the club always has its own tennis courts.

The United States

Country clubs can be exclusive organizations. In small towns, membership in the country club is often not as exclusive or expensive as in larger cities where there is competition for a limited number of memberships. In addition to the fees, some clubs have additional requirements to join. For example, membership can be limited to those who reside in a particular housing community. Prior to the late 20th century, some country clubs refused to admit members of minority racial groups, such as African Americans, Asian Americans, and non-white Hispanic Americans, as well as members with specific faiths, such as Jewish or Catholic individuals. Later court challenges forced clubs to drop these policies, though clubs still exist that refuse membership to women. In addition, club membership is self-selective and people often choose to join clubs where they associate with people from similar socio-economic and cultural backgrounds.

In one example, in 1990 professional golfer Tom Watson resigned from the Kansas City Country Club in Mission Hills, Kansas, in protest after local businessman and civic leader Henry Bloch was denied membership. Watson believed the club denied Bloch because he was Jewish. Although Watson is not Jewish, his then-wife and children are. After Watson's nationally-publicized protest, Bloch was offered a membership, which he accepted. Watson rejoined the club in 1995. Since that time The Kansas City Country Club has accepted several minority and Jewish members.