La Quinta: Golf Membership Included
What "golf membership included" really means in La Quinta — transferable vs. deeded, equity vs. non-equity, and the questions to ask before you count on it.
"Golf membership included" is one of the most searched phrases in La Quinta real estate and one of the most misunderstood. In the seven private communities here, the home and the golf membership are almost always two separate things, governed by two separate documents. When a listing says the membership is included, it can mean several different things, and the differences are worth real money. The most common arrangement is a transferable membership: the seller holds a membership and the club permits it to transfer to the buyer of the home, usually subject to club approval and a transfer fee. The buyer skips the waiting list but does not necessarily skip the deposit — in some clubs the seller's deposit is refunded and the buyer posts a new one; in others the value is negotiated into the purchase price. Less common in La Quinta is a deeded membership, where the right to membership runs with the property itself. This is closer to what most buyers imagine when they read "included," and it is the arrangement least likely to be undone by a change in club policy. Confirm it in the club documents, not the listing remarks. The third variable is equity versus non-equity. In an equity club — which describes most of La Quinta's private clubs — members hold an ownership interest, initiation is typically structured as a refundable or partly refundable deposit, and transfer terms are set in the bylaws. In a non-equity structure the club is owned by an operator, initiation is generally lower and non-refundable, and the operator sets the rules. Our guide, Buying Into an Equity Club, walks through the mechanics in detail. Whichever structure applies, ask for four documents before you rely on an included membership: the club's current membership plan, the transfer policy, the current dues and assessment schedule, and written confirmation from the club that the specific membership attached to the home is transferable to you. Listing agents work from the seller's understanding; the club's membership office is the source of truth. We do not publish initiation fees, transfer fees or dues on this site because those figures change and we have not independently verified them. Your licensed real-estate partner and the club's membership director can give you current numbers. Our licensed California real-estate partner can identify homes whose membership is transferable or deeded — ask and we'll connect you. The community pages explain each club's membership structure and the Community Quiz will help you narrow the field.
Frequently asked
- What does "golf membership included" mean on a La Quinta listing?
- Most often it means the seller’s membership is transferable to the buyer subject to club approval and a transfer fee. Less often it means a deeded membership that runs with the property. Always confirm the arrangement with the club’s membership office, not just the listing.
- Is an included membership free?
- Rarely. Transferable memberships typically carry a transfer fee and may require the buyer to post a new deposit. The membership’s value is frequently negotiated into the home price.
- Which La Quinta clubs are equity clubs?
- Most of La Quinta’s private clubs — including The Madison Club, The Hideaway, Andalusia, The Tradition, The Quarry and La Quinta Country Club — are described as equity clubs. PGA West has historically operated multiple membership tiers. Verify the current structure directly with each club.
- Can I buy a home in a La Quinta golf community without joining the club?
- In most communities, yes — the HOA and the club are separate. Some communities have waiting lists or membership requirements for certain neighborhoods. Check the specific community’s rules before assuming either way.
- Where can I find the current initiation fee for a club?
- From the club’s membership office or your licensed real-estate partner. We deliberately do not publish figures we have not verified.
Current La Quinta listings, private showings, and buyer representation are provided by a licensed California real-estate professional. Tell us what you’re looking for and we’ll connect you. Estimate only — verify with a licensed California real-estate professional before transacting.