Joined full private 8 years ago and have not looked back.
1. Believe it or not cost is a benefit, monthly cost is the equivalent to around 4 rounds at the quality courses around me and between me my wife and kid we play way more than that. Initiation cost are minimal $1000-$5000 depending on membership categories.
2. Reciprocals, we can play 12 other regional private courses for $35 a round. Also can play almost any other private course at their guest rate.
3. Place of play, because they don’t cram the tee sheet full the pace is 3.5 hours. My record is 1 hour and 48 min for 18 holes.
4. The environment, lots of competition/events. Every day a hour of time is blocked off for a Skins or team dot game. Monthly tournaments with dinner after, etc…