Michael Jordan, now 62, is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes in history, thanks to his legendary career with the Chicago Bulls.
Known for his six NBA Championships and iconic performances on the court, Jordan is a name that continues to be synonymous with greatness.
However, his talents didn’t just stop at basketball – he’s also an avid golfer. Yet, his passion for the sport once got him into a bit of trouble at one of Miami’s most exclusive spots.
The Incident at La Gorce Country Club
In 2012, Jordan decided to take his skills to the famed La Gorce Country Club in Miami, a course known for its elite clientele and strict rules. But things didn’t go as smoothly as he might have hoped.
After playing 11 out of 18 holes, the NBA legend was asked to return to the clubhouse. The reason? His attire.
Jordan, who was sporting cargo shorts, was informed that the dress code required more formal wear, specifically long trousers.
Jordan, not keen on interrupting his game to change, refused and was consequently asked to leave the course.
His representatives later issued a statement defending the basketball icon, saying that Jordan had worn cargo shorts at the club many times before without issue.
They also expressed that he was unaware that this particular visit violated the dress code, especially since he hadn’t been informed of this rule until the 12th hole.
“I guess it’s their loss,” the statement concluded, adding that Jordan was a “great golfer” and a “great guest.”
The High Demand for La Gorce Country Club Membership
La Gorce Country Club isn’t just any ordinary golf course.
It’s a place where the rich and famous gather, and it’s so exclusive that even DJ Khaled has reportedly been trying to get a spot on the membership list.
According to the Financial Times, the pandemic has caused luxury golf clubs in South Florida to raise their initiation fees significantly, with some clubs tripling their membership prices to keep up with demand.
In fact, many private golf clubs in the region have become extremely difficult to join.
A finance industry professional was quoted saying, “The old clubs are impossible to get into.
It’s crazy the initiation fees that people are paying just to have a place to go to dinner or play golf.”
The ‘Luxury Golf Arms Race’ in South Florida
This rush to join exclusive golf clubs has even been described as a “luxury golf arms race” by a hedge fund investor.
The competition to secure membership at prestigious clubs is fierce, especially for those moving to high-profile areas like Palm Beach.
The investor shared that newcomers to the area are used to getting their way and expect access to the best, but they quickly face the harsh reality that the waitlists for many of these legendary clubs can be a decade long.
Rising Membership Fees and Increased Demand
One of the most famous private clubs in the area, Indian Creek, has recently been making headlines for its steep membership fees.
Located in a prestigious part of Florida, home to celebrities like Jeff Bezos, Ivanka Trump, and Tom Brady, the club reportedly charges a $500,000 initiation fee for new members.
This is a significant increase from the pre-pandemic fees, and as demand continues to grow, the club may raise its prices even further.
As the demand for high-end memberships skyrockets, some clubs are seriously considering hiking their fees even more.
It’s clear that the rush to secure a spot at these elite clubs is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
For Michael Jordan, though, the incident at La Gorce Country Club remains a reminder that even the greatest athletes aren’t immune to the sometimes absurd rules of exclusive spaces.