Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have reportedly not yet gained membership to the exclusive Indian Creek Country Club in Florida, a situation attributed to the club's stance against overwhelming wealth and fame. The Wall Street Journal reported that the "old guard" at the club is resisting what they perceive as "billionaire interlopers," with significant wealth or notoriety becoming a deterrent for new applicants.
A source close to the situation told Page Six that Bezos and Sanchez will likely be accepted eventually, but they must be patient and actively engage with club members. The couple owns three properties on the island, known as the "Billionaire Bunker," with Bezos's first purchase in 2023. Despite their real estate holdings, owning property on the island does not guarantee club access.
Membership at Indian Creek Country Club is described as a "slow process," requiring applicants to attend social events and build relationships with existing members. The club, which has a private police force and emphasizes security and privacy, has limited residences and a high demand for membership due to the scarcity of golf clubs in the Miami area. "No one is going to make it easy because he is Jeff Bezos," a source told Page Six. "You have to go to mixers. You don’t just move there and think you can get in. For anyone."
Other high-profile individuals have also faced challenges gaining membership. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, who purchased land on the island in 2020, have reportedly encountered difficulties. While the couple has been working towards membership, with Kushner joining the island's governing board and attending events, sources previously suggested that objections related to the January 6th Capitol events played a role in their initial struggles. However, recent reports suggest they are nearing membership acceptance.
Mark Zuckerberg and members of the Qatari royal family, who also reside on the island, have reportedly not been granted access. This contrasts with figures like Tom Brady, who was reportedly accepted quickly after purchasing a home on the island with his then-wife Gisele Bündchen in 2020.
Indian Creek Island is home to a number of prominent residents, including billionaire Carl Icahn, former Philadelphia Eagles owner Norman Braman, and hedge funder Eddie Lampert. Jay-Z and Beyoncé previously owned property on the island between 2006 and 2010.