I have belonged to a private club for years. True it is expensive. Over the years it has gone from mostly doctors and lawyers to mostly finance and Tech people. I enjoy having a quiet private place for lunch or dinner with the wife though quality of the food varies. I guess the big thing that I enjoy the most is playing a few holes after work in the late spring and summer. I can just walk on the course and play 4-5 holes before dark. It is quiet and very peaceful. In many way I enjoy this more than playing 18 with 3 friends. This is something you can't do at a public course unless you want to pay.