Bill Gates Paid $250,000 to Join the Golf Club Where He’s Hunkering Down Amidst Divorce Proceedings

Bill Gates is in a bit of a rough patch, and it has nothing to do with the golf course he stays at. The recently divorced Microsoft founder made headlines when his wife, Melinda, filed for divorce after nearly three decades of marriage. Now held up at Indian Wells, Gates is allegedly staying away from press and media as he calls the golf course his home.

Bill and Melinda Gates’ divorce

According to Page Six, Indian Wells is one of the most exclusive golf clubs in the country. Casual golfers will likely have to hear about how wonderful it is from afar; Indian Wells costs a quarter of a million dollars just to join. Once they’re inside, however, there’s plenty to keep them occupied no matter how long they stay there. 

With private homes ranging in price from $2 million to $20 million, an 85.000-square-foot clubhouse, several restaurants, a spa, two 18-hole courses designed by renowned course architect Tom Fazio, and plenty of other features for the rich and famous, it’s safe to see why the resort is a favorite among the wealthiest people in the world. 

When you’re caught up in a costly divorce, as Microsoft founder Bill Gates is, it could also be the perfect place to lay low.

First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes golf

Bill and Melinda Gates have been in the public spotlight for 30 years. Melinda stood by her husband’s side not only as a wife but as a significant part of his business and philanthropy. However, despite a seemingly happy marriage, they released a statement in May 2021 announcing that they were parting ways, according to a BBC News.

Over the last 27 years, we have raised three incredible children and built a foundation that works all over the world to enable all people to lead healthy, productive lives. We continue to share a belief in that mission and will continue our work together at the foundation, but we no longer believe we can grow together as a couple in the next phase of our lives. We ask for space and privacy for our family as we begin to navigate this new life.

The details of the divorce are sketchy at best. Some reports tie the billionaires to the late Jeffrey Epstein as a harbinger, although neither side has confirmed anything. What we do know is that Gates has been coping with his divorce at Indian Wells. He was seen with his daughter around the course, where he can live without the constant threat of the press. 

According to Page Six, sources claim Gates is held up at the course for three months, waiting for the media circus to calm down.

The unlikely marriage of golf and divorce

Ask any pro golfer about the link between golf and a crumbling marriage. After all, many of the biggest divorces had golfers in the middle of them. From Tiger Woods’ infamous affairs to John Daly’s roster of ex-wives, golf and divorce have a toxic kinship that dates back many decades. The main difference here: Gates is not a pro golfer, and the golf course is where the cameras are not. 

Where the divorce goes from here is anybody’s guess. After all, billionaires also have a track record of costly divorces too. However, when the dust settles, Gates can finally leave the golf course and resume his life in retirement. However, while he’ll still have plenty of money to spare, he’ll do so with a lighter wallet.