Former President Barack Obama has accepted an invitation to join Columbia Country Club in Chevy Chase, according to a letter sent this week to golf club members.
The letter, which was obtained by Bethesda Beat, said the club’s Board of Governors voted to extend an “Honorary Membership” to Obama.
The memberships are provided to presidents, vice presidents “and such other distinguished persons as it may deem proper in recognition and out of respect for their service to our country,” the letter says.
Washingtonian first reported about the letter.
“We have received official word from Mr. Obama of his acceptance to our invitation,” the letter says. “Since we opened our doors in 1898, we have welcomed as members, sitting Vice Presidents, former Presidents of the United States, leaders of Congress, and members of the executive branch, the military and Washington’s diplomatic corps. The addition of President Obama will continue that tradition.”
The club’s general manager, William Duthe, did not immediately respond to a voice-mail message Friday seeking comment. The letter dated Oct. 4 was signed by club President John Williams.
Obama previously golfed at the club in 2015, when he was president.
The golf club is at 7900 Connecticut Ave. in Chevy Chase. The private club charges a golfer initiation fee of $80,000 and annual dues of $6,300, according to a post searching for a general manager.
After leaving office, Obama and his family settled into a home in the Kalorama neighborhood in Washington, D.C.
The entrance to Columbia Country Club from Connecticut Avenue, via Google Maps
Obama is an avid golfer who played at Air Force Andrews Base and at Woodmont Country Club in Rockville, among other courses, during his presidency.
A spat erupted between members at Woodmont over whether to admit Obama to join the club in January, but ultimately the club’s president said it would welcome the former president if he wanted to join. It’s not clear if Obama joined the club and the club's general manager did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Abby Wallisch contributed to this story.
