Dreaming of golf course views in MacDonald Highlands but not sure how DragonRidge memberships really work? You are not alone. Many buyers love the idea of club living, then discover membership is separate from the home itself. In this guide, you will learn how membership categories, costs, contracts, and day‑to‑day life actually fit together, plus the due diligence and negotiation steps that protect your purchase. Let’s dive in.
DragonRidge and MacDonald Highlands
DragonRidge Country Club sits at the heart of guard‑gated MacDonald Highlands in Henderson. It is a private, member‑based club that anchors the community’s lifestyle. The golf course, clubhouse, and programming are a major draw for many buyers.
Membership is controlled by the club. Living in MacDonald Highlands does not automatically grant full club membership. Homes near or along the course are separate from the club’s ownership and rules, so you should not assume a membership transfers with the property.
Amenities commonly highlighted include the 18‑hole championship course, practice facilities, clubhouse dining and event spaces, fitness and locker rooms, racquet courts, a pro shop, and a full social calendar. Exact offerings can change by season and program, so confirm current details with the club.
Membership types at a glance
Golf membership
A full golf membership typically includes broad access to golf facilities, tournament play, and tee time priority. You can expect clubhouse privileges, driving range use, and certain guest allowances. This fits buyers who play frequently or who value networking and competitive events.
Social or dining membership
Social tiers focus on clubhouse dining, events, and select amenities. Golf access is usually limited or offered pay‑per‑round, if at all. This can be ideal if you want the club’s social life without full golf costs.
Sports and racquets
Sports or fitness memberships center on pools, fitness centers, classes, and tennis or pickleball access. These may be bundled with social tiers. If you prefer wellness and racquets over golf, this can be a cost‑effective route.
Non‑resident and corporate
Some clubs offer memberships for those who live outside the immediate area or for companies. Privileges and pricing often differ from resident tiers. If you split time between homes or want client hosting options, ask about these programs.
Junior and trial options
Clubs may offer young adult pricing or limited‑term trials. These options help families and new residents test the lifestyle before committing long term.
Confirm with the club
Before you choose a membership, confirm the following details directly with the club:
- Family coverage and age rules for dependents
- Guest privileges, fees, and hosting requirements
- Any reciprocal play at other clubs
- Tee time booking windows and priority policies
- Blackout dates, tournament closures, and usage restrictions
Costs and contracts to expect
Initiation fees
Private clubs often charge a one‑time initiation fee. Amounts vary by category and can be refundable, partially refundable, or non‑refundable. Always check the exact terms in writing.
Dues and minimums
Plan for monthly or annual dues. Many clubs also have food and beverage minimums, and some charge cart or range fees. Build these line items into your monthly budget.
Assessments and reserves
Clubs may levy special assessments for capital projects such as course or clubhouse renovations. Review the club’s recent assessment history and reserve funding approach to understand potential future costs.
Transferability and equity
Memberships can be equity or non‑equity. Equity can include voting rights or resale mechanics, while non‑equity is typically access‑based. Ask if a membership is transferable with the sale of a home, and what approvals or fees apply.
Waitlists and availability
High‑demand categories may have waitlists. Ask where your category stands today and whether temporary privileges are available while you wait.
Agreements and bylaws
Request the membership agreement, club bylaws, financial statements, operating budget, and recent board or membership meeting minutes. These documents reveal rights, obligations, and upcoming projects.
Taxes and financing impacts
Most personal club expenses are not tax‑deductible. Membership costs do not affect your mortgage underwriting, but they do affect your monthly cash flow. Speak with your tax advisor for your specific situation.
HOA and club rules
MacDonald Highlands HOA fees and rules are separate from DragonRidge. Confirm whether any neighborhood has required club assessments or HOA rules tied to the club. Do not assume the HOA and club operate as one.
Lifestyle and daily life
If you are a member, you get on‑site recreation, a curated social calendar, and dining and event options for everyday life and special occasions. Families often enjoy junior programming, lessons, and camps.
If you are not a member, you still enjoy the community setting and views, but you do not have full access to club amenities unless hosted as a guest. Some clubs offer limited resident discounts or trials. Ask about current options.
MacDonald Highlands is guard‑gated. Club events can increase community traffic at times. Security for the community and club are typically managed separately. Confirm guest access and vendor policies so you can plan ahead for busy dates.
Members usually get priority for private events at the clubhouse. Non‑member residents typically cannot book the club for private functions.
Buyer scenarios and advice
- Frequent golfer: Focus on full golf membership. Confirm tee time priority, tournament access, and practice facility rules.
- Social first: Consider social or dining tiers. Weigh pay‑per‑round golf options, if offered.
- Budget aware: Model dues, minimums, and guest fees into monthly affordability. Ask about trial or non‑resident options if you travel often.
- Short holding period: Understand transfer rules and any exit or resale mechanics for your membership type.
Due diligence checklist
Request these items from the seller and the club when membership is part of your decision:
- Membership agreement for the category you plan to join
- Club bylaws, house rules, and current pricing sheet for initiation and dues
- Recent financial statements and operating budget
- Capital reserve study and history of special assessments over 5 to 10 years
- Minutes from recent board or membership meetings
- Current member counts by category and details on waitlists
- Any purchase contract language about membership transfers or credits
Ask these questions to avoid surprises:
- Is any MacDonald Highlands subdivision membership‑required? Do any homes include a membership with sale?
- What categories are currently offered and what is included in each?
- What are the exact initiation fees, refund rules, and available payment plans?
- What are current dues, food and beverage minimums, and other recurring charges?
- Are there pending or planned special assessments? How are reserves funded?
- How do transfers work with a property sale and what fees apply?
- What are the age and usage rules for family members?
- What are guest policies and any reciprocal play benefits?
- How do you sell or exit a membership if it is an equity structure?
- What are tee time rules, blackout dates, and tournament closures?
- Are there any rules that affect renting your property or hosting events?
Listings and negotiation tips
You will often see phrases like “access to DragonRidge Country Club” or “membership available” in listings. Confirm whether “included” means a transferable membership, a seller credit, or a short‑term trial.
Common negotiation levers include a credit toward initiation or first‑year dues, a limited trial membership after closing, and clarity on whether a seller’s membership can be transferred or must be terminated. Get every commitment in writing.
Resale and timing
MacDonald Highlands positions itself as a luxury, amenity‑rich community. Proximity to the course and the clubhouse can command a premium. That premium may appeal to a smaller buyer pool who also value club life and can budget for dues, so plan your resale strategy accordingly.
Clubs sometimes adjust pricing or run promotions. If timing is flexible, ask about upcoming changes in fee structures or seasonal offerings. Strategic timing can reduce your upfront cost.
Next steps
The smartest move is to separate the home decision from the membership decision, then align both to your lifestyle and budget. Get the documents, ask the questions, tour the facilities, and if possible, test the club before you commit. If you want a clear path through the fine print and a negotiator at your side, reach out to Joey Andron to discuss your plan and next steps.
FAQs
Is membership required to live in MacDonald Highlands?
- Membership is not automatically required; HOA obligations are separate from the club, and you should confirm if any specific subdivision has unique rules.
Does a home purchase include a DragonRidge membership?
- Not by default; memberships are controlled by the club and only transfer or apply if specifically arranged and documented.
What ongoing costs should I expect as a member?
- Plan for dues, possible food and beverage minimums, and fees like carts or range use, plus occasional special assessments for capital projects.
Can non‑member residents use club amenities?
- Non‑members do not have full access; limited guest or trial options may be offered, so check current club policies.
How does membership affect resale of my home?
- Club proximity can support value for buyers who want the lifestyle, though the pool is narrower since not all buyers seek ongoing dues.
Are there waitlists for DragonRidge memberships?
- Some categories may have waitlists; ask about current availability and whether temporary privileges are offered while you wait.
