Private memberships can bundle golf with dining, events, practice facilities, and club access. Public passes usually cover a defined golf season with fewer obligations.
The Ohio State University Golf Club requires a qualifying university or Buckeye Club affiliation. Its 2026 membership information says alumni, faculty and staff, and Buckeye Club categories are waitlisted. The approved 2026 fees include a $25,000 standard initiation fee for a newly accepted full member, then annual dues based on category. Individual dues are $3,492 for faculty and staff or $4,363 for alumni and Buckeye Club members. Student membership is $1,225 per year for people who meet the student eligibility rule.
Rattlesnake Ridge’s 2026 Individual Golf package is $8,000 initiation plus 7% tax, $400 per month, a $200 quarterly food-and-beverage minimum, and required annual fees. The club says to confirm golf-category availability.
Cumberland Trail lists a 2026 Unlimited Golf Pass at $4,000. It includes a cart seven days a week, access to Cumberland Trail and Delaware Golf Club, and runs through December 31, 2026. Limited versions are $3,450 for Monday through Friday and $2,950 for Monday through Thursday. The official page says applications are being accepted.
Denison Golf Club also lists a 2026 Unlimited Season Pass at $4,000 with cart. Its 5-Day pass is $3,300 and 4-Day pass is $2,800, both with cart. The annual passes include advance tee-time reservations, a 10% golf-shop discount, Granville Inn discounts and a guest play rate.
Compare the days, courses, cart terms, and household coverage with a private club’s first-year total, renewal-year total, eligibility rules, and other obligations. A public pass keeps the purchase to golf access. The private examples add initiation, eligibility rules, and other club obligations.