Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos were invited as special guests to an event at one of America’s most exclusive country clubs. Six months later, however, the Amazon founder still has not been given membership. Jeff Bezos attended Indian Creek Country Club’s annual dock party in February this year, meeting members and making the case for joining the club. But at this private club in Miami’s Indian Creek island, being one of the world’s richest people—or even owning multiple homes on the island—is not enough to secure a place on its membership list.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez attended club event as ‘special guests’
‘The couple attended the Indian Creek Country Club’s annual dock party in February as special guests, where members gathered for a social event. According to people who attended, Jeff Bezos spent time speaking with club members and introducing himself to guests.The visit was significant because Bezos was not simply attending as another island resident. He was hoping to win over members who would ultimately decide whether he could join the club. Yet the invitation to attend the event came with no promise of membership. Six months later, Bezos had still not received an invitation to join, according to people familiar with the matter.
Jeff Bezos owns three properties on the island, but that doesn’t guarantee membership
Jeff Bezos has acquired three properties on Indian Creek island for a combined price of about $234 million, according to public records. The island is home to billionaires and business leaders and is often referred to as the “Billionaire Bunker.”But Indian Creek Country Club operates differently from many residential communities. Buying a home on the island does not automatically make someone a club member. At the same time, people who do not live on the island can also apply to join. That means Bezos can own multiple properties on Indian Creek and still need approval from the club’s existing members before he can play on its golf course as a member.
Why joining the country club is not just about money
Founded in 1929, Indian Creek Country Club has around 350 members, and joining requires more than paying the fees. The club reportedly charges an initiation fee close to $1 million, along with annual dues of about $44,000.Applicants usually need sponsorship from two current members and recommendation letters from five others. They are also expected to attend events and get to know existing members. A six-member membership committee considers nominees before the club’s 15-member board makes the final decision.
Other famous residents are also outside the club
Notably, Jeff Bezos is not the only high-profile person living on Indian Creek who is not a member. The report says other wealthy residents, including Mark Zuckerberg, Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, are also not members. Some applicants have faced years of waiting. Kushner and Trump, for example, have worked to build relationships within the community after reportedly facing an initial setback in their efforts to join.Other well-known applicants have had different experiences. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon ultimately became a member after facing opposition, according to people connected to the club.
