What is ICN?

ICN provides members of private clubs with the opportunity to visit other private clubs of all types around the world when they travel.  ICN is the largest alliance of independent private and daily fee clubs in the world with more than 225 facilities in 17 countries.  Whether you’re looking for a round of championship golf, a relaxing beachside retreat, or to host a business meeting in luxurious surroundings, ICN’s partner clubs have something for everyone. 

In addition, even if there are no affiliated private clubs in the city you plan to visit, ICN will call other private clubs on our members’ behalf – we have a high success rate in obtaining access.  In this respect, ICN can open doors to an unlimited number of private clubs around the world.

ICN was created at the invitation of the Club Managers Association of America to support private clubs and their members.  It is the only club amenity that allows a private club to preserve its unique environment and still support its members when they travel away from home.

Why do I need ICN? I can already visit my club’s reciprocal partners or ask the General Manger/Golf Pro to call a club for me.

ICN gives you a much broader range of opportunities than traditional practices. Even if your club has formal reciprocal arrangements with other clubs, both those arrangements and the ability of club staff to contact other clubs for you are limited in scope. Both are generally focused on clubs that are similar to your own; and club staff usually doesn’t have the time to search out clubs wherever you go. For both practical and legal reasons it may be difficult for your club to expand these practices beyond their current level.

Your lifestyle demands a wider range of options. You may belong to a golf club but need to host a dinner at a downtown club, or you may prefer the extra security of staying in a city club rather than a hotel when traveling on a business trip. Or, you may belong to a city club but still enjoy a game of golf or tennis while traveling.  ICN meets your private club needs, whatever they are, wherever you travel.


How successful is ICN in arranging visits to private clubs?

Very successful.  Keep in mind, however, that every club ICN might contact on your behalf will agree to the visit on a space-available basis.  Their members’ usage comes first, just as it does at your club.  All of ICN’s affiliated clubs and almost every other club ICN might contact will try in good faith to accommodate a request.  However sometimes they are unable to because of previously scheduled member events or a full schedule for that particular time.  In these cases ICN will always try to find an alternative for its members.  As a practical matter, however, last minute requests or requests for very high demand times (e.g. Saturday morning tee times or a Mother’s Day Brunch) are less likely to be successful.

May I use ICN to gain access to local private clubs?

ICN opens the door for you at private clubs wherever you travel. Most private clubs, however, do not permit local guests who are not accompanied by members, and have restrictive rules to that effect. Accordingly, ICN does not encourage requests to visit local private clubs. Generally, such requests will be rejected by the club. While ICN is happy to make special one-off requests for access to local clubs on behalf of our members, it is entirely at the discretion of the club as to whether or not access is granted. (A “local” club would be one that is located within a 120 mile or 200 km radius of your home or club).

Will ICN affect my use of my own club?

No. Even if your club is affiliated with ICN, the club always retains control of guest policies. The club sets the terms and conditions of any guest visit. Furthermore, the club approves each request in advance. This means that your ability to use your club will not be inconvenienced by ICN.

How can I obtain a list of all the clubs and other opportunities available through ICN?

The most up to date listing of clubs affiliated with ICN can be obtained from this website from the Private Club List section. If you have a specific location in mind and don't see it on the site, you may call ICN directly at: 1-800-903-4268 (in the United States or Canada) or click on Contact us to send us an email.

Any requests for a reservation at a private club must be made through ICN. In addition, any ICN member granted guest privileges at another private club is required to comply with the policies and customs of that club; just as you would expect any guest at your club to honor its policies.  Please read on for more information on Member Eligibility.

What does it cost to visit other private clubs?

The cost to visit clubs varies with the property and season. ICN has not requested discounted rates from the private clubs, only access for its members to these exclusive clubs. Generally, ICN members are charged the members' guest rate at a club.

May I bill my charges at ICN affiliated clubs to my home club, as I do with reciprocal clubs?

No. Since ICN has the ability to open doors to clubs all over the world, your club cannot be responsible for your charges at other locations. When you make a reservation through ICN, the club you wish to visit will be given your credit card number by ICN, with your permission. They will bill your charges to that card. Some clubs do not accept credit cards. In those cases, arrangements are generally made in advance to pay with check or cash.

How can I join ICN?

You may submit an application for ICN membership by completing the electronic Membership Application available on the website.  You can also download a membership applicaiton and mail it in to ICN. Our mailing address is:

International Club Network
885 Don Mills Road, Suite 110
Toronto, ON M3C 1V9
Canada

If your club is affiliated with ICN, you may also join through your club. If you have any questions regarding membership, please call us at 1-800-903-4268 and we would be happy to assist you.

Can my family benefit from my membership in ICN? Can my son visit a club or hotel without me?

Your ICN membership covers not only you, but also your spouse. Both you and your spouse can enjoy the same privileged access that you do with ICN. Each private club, of course, has its own rules on family use of the facilities and those practices vary widely. Thus the degree of access to clubs must be determined on a case by case basis. Please note that your membership benefits cannot be transferred beyond your spouse. However, since you are encouraged to take guests with you to the clubs you visit, just as you do at your own club, they may include other family members.

How does ICN affect any reciprocal agreements my club might have?

ICN is not designed to compete with any existing reciprocal agreements. If one is in place in a city to which you are traveling, you should use it. What ICN does, however, is broaden your range of alternatives.

If I am an ICN member, can I contact the clubs directly?

No. Clubs that have agreed to participate in ICN have done so on the understanding that all requests for reservations will be made through ICN. You may submit a request for a private club reservation through our website, by email at ICN@icnclub.com or by contacting our concierge directly at 1-800-903-4268.

How will I know that my reservation request to visit a club is approved?

In all cases, ICN will send you confirmation of your reservation.

What if I am unhappy with my visit to a club that ICN has arranged for me? What can I do?

When a private club agrees to grant you guest privileges through ICN, it will receive a copy of the confirmation letter or email that ICN sends you. In addition, whenever possible, ICN will call the club you are visiting before you arrive to confirm the arrangements made on your behalf. The clubs affiliated with ICN are prestigious organizations that take great pride in the level of personalized service they provide their members and guests. Our members are generally very happy with their experiences at a club.

Nevertheless, ICN always contacts a member after each visit to a club to ask about his or her experience. Any concerns or comments are then passed back to the club in question.

How do I contact ICN?

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact ICN by phone at 1-800-903-4268, by email at ICN@icnclub.com, or by completing the form on the Contact Us section of this website.