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Golf Courses: A look at the Most Exclusive in America

By Eric Sedransk

AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 09: Amateur Bryson DeChambeau hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the third round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images for Golfweek)
AUGUSTA, GA - APRIL 09: Amateur Bryson DeChambeau hits his tee shot on the 12th hole during the third round of the 2016 Masters Tournament at the Augusta National Golf Club on April 9, 2016 in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images for Golfweek) /
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4 Nov 1995: Roger Maltbie looks on during the Kapalua Invitational held at Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii. Mandatory Credit: J.D. Cuban /Allsport
4 Nov 1995: Roger Maltbie looks on during the Kapalua Invitational held at Kapalua Resort in Maui, Hawaii. Mandatory Credit: J.D. Cuban /Allsport /

The Institute, Morgan Hill, California

A course so secretive it has been referred to as the Area 51 of California golf.

The Institute Golf Course was created by John Fry, the founder of Frys.com (one of the early big box electronics retailers). Originally opened in 2002, The design is attributed to Neal Meagher. The course came under quite a bit of scrutiny as it was built without proper environmental, federal, and state permits.

After constructing the course, Fry instructed his staff to plant a mile long row of Italian cypress trees to block any view from the outside. The tree-lined fencing is only broken by an unmarked entrance and a small security hut.

Measuring at just shy of 8000 yards from the back tees, it is believed to be the longest golf course in the state. But don’t be fooled, this is a serious golf course.

Roger Maltbie (pictured above), the former touring pro turned TV golf analyst played the course a few years back.

“It’s in impeccable condition,” Maltbie said. “And you could put that in bold type and underline it. Impeccable. The golf course is also certainly capable of hosting something big. It’s ready for that kind of challenge.”

Fry built the course with the ultimate goal of hosting a major championship and or the Frys.com, however 2015 was the last year that Fry’s sponsored the fall series PGA Tour event played at the Silverado Resort.

Those that have been fortunate enough to play the course mention that if you see another group out there it’s considered a busy day.

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