Yes, he's craved and still craves to be part of the "Old Money Elite" and he thought he could buy his way into the "Club".
But Maidstone in East Hampton turned him down in the early 80s, told him not to even bother filling out an application. Tuxedo Park Club wouldn't have him and/or his family. He has no chance to become a member of the Shinnecock Golf Club or the National Golf Club in Southampton.
While one can make an argument that the more that his presence is rebuffed, the more he wants it, look at the other side of the equation. These establishments don't want members who flaunt their position and affluence. They are "quietly" rich. Plus, it is predictable that even if one of them accepted Donald Trump and/or family into their ranks, he'd go around insulting them. He wouldn't be grateful for the opportunity to be one of "them". Not to mention, he has no family history to make him palatable. Nouveau riche don't fare well in associations like the ones Trump desperately wants to be a part of.
Not to mention, these golf clubs don't want players like Trump who cheats at golf, a game held in high reverence. It is a Gentleman's sport where rules are are honored. Trump can't do that. He just can't. https://golf.com/lifestyle/celebrities/how-why-president-trump-cheats-golf-playing-tiger-woods/?fbclid=IwAR1Wz6icqAsxB1IuJGItG1NrpI-OIpFO9TlJFwZ5LwTcHrvTMMA7p4FDmMA To allow him to do this would be incredibly disruptive.
And IMO, that's why he's obsessed with buying and operating his own golf courses and clubs: for the illusion of being elite. The classic: I can't be part of your club, I'll start my own club.
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