What benefits do you find of joining a golf club?

[funkyjudge]

1 minute ago, chisag said:

 

... Wouldn't that be nice? Any CC I would join here has at least a $50,000 to 80,000 initiation fee. Some even higher. So reducing costs is most definately not in the equation. I pay around $8,000 a year now for an excellent muni and a semi private course that have no houses on either course. I just can't see spending at least 10 times as much for a CC. 

Bargain prices you have there in the Phoenix area! Philadelphia area initiation prices generally start between $100,000 - $150,000, with some at $300,000+.

[RwsGolf1]

Yes, I definitely understand that.  Our club raised rates twice this year alone.  Very difficult to find tee times here from Dec 1 through May 1.  Even public/semit-private rates double or triple during those months.

[funkyjudge]

22 hours ago, Rappers said:

It's obvious from the comments that golf in the US is different to the norm in the UK. Here in the UK you have either public courses or private courses and very little in between. Public courses are by and large not very well maintained, so if if you are a serious golfer most will join a local private members' course. 

I am a member of a good quality private course, my third such enterprise, been a member at my current club for 22 years. Most good private courses have a joining-on fee which can be anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. I am retired and play 3/4 times per week in summer, less in winter and my membership with all the bibs and bobs is £2,200 per annum. Based on a 100 rounds per year a round costs me about £20 - good value in my book.

Being a member of a private course brings many benefits. For starters, we don't book tee times except in competitions at the weekend. I play for the club against other clubs in the county with no green fee cost. Free use of practice facilities and clubhouse. Social functions to attend if you wish at a modest cost. Most of my friends are members and we do socialise with the WAGs outside of the club from time to time. Don't know what I would do without golf.    

 

22 hours ago, Rappers said:

It's obvious from the comments that golf in the US is different to the norm in the UK. Here in the UK you have either public courses or private courses and very little in between. Public courses are by and large not very well maintained, so if if you are a serious golfer most will join a local private members' course. 

I am a member of a good quality private course, my third such enterprise, been a member at my current club for 22 years. Most good private courses have a joining-on fee which can be anything from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds. I am retired and play 3/4 times per week in summer, less in winter and my membership with all the bibs and bobs is £2,200 per annum. Based on a 100 rounds per year a round costs me about £20 - good value in my book.

Being a member of a private course brings many benefits. For starters, we don't book tee times except in competitions at the weekend. I play for the club against other clubs in the county with no green fee cost. Free use of practice facilities and clubhouse. Social functions to attend if you wish at a modest cost. Most of my friends are members and we do socialise with the WAGs outside of the club from time to time. Don't know what I would do without golf.    

If we lived in the UK, I would almost certainly join a private golf club.

[RwsGolf1]

There is no doubt, playing golf is an expensive habit!  Worse than all the initiations is when you want to move.  I am contemplating moving 100 miles away.  Initiation fees all over again with no recourse is not something I am looking forward to again.  Also, I enjoy playing a variety of clubs, with friends who are not local.  Travel costs, fees and travel time?  Like I said, golf is an expensive habit!

[Tom the Golf Nut]

1 hour ago, chisag said:

 

... Wouldn't that be nice? Any CC I would join here has at least a $50,000 to 80,000 initiation fee. Some even higher. So reducing costs is most definately not in the equation. I pay around $8,000 a year now for an excellent muni and a semi private course that have no houses on either course. I just can't see spending at least 10 times as much for a CC. 

Holy smokes. Initiation is steep out in the real world. My club in TN was 3k and I started the thank you I’ll think about it. Then as I was getting up he came back and said if you agree to stay for at least 2 years I’ll waive the fee. Shook hands and done deal. A year later my wife was employed there so everything went away. 
Moving to NC I lucked out again. No initiation fees. 

[chisag]

22 minutes ago, Tom the Golf Nut said:

Holy smokes. Initiation is steep put in the real world. My club in TN was 3k and I started the thank you I’ll think about it. Then as I was getting up he came back and said if you agree to stay for at least 2 years I’ll waive the fee. Shook hands and done deal. A year later my wife was employed there so everything went away. 
Moving to NC I lucked out again. No initiation fees. 

 

... Yea, winter golf is just brutal here in Phoenix. Courses charge $200 and up that are not worth more than $50 imo. But so many snowbirds and tourists are willing to pay it, and who could blame them? So CC's are silly expensive because again, they have people willing to pay it. If I were rich and living in a northern climate and want to spend winter someplace warm or just drop in once a month or so, paying $50,000 to $80,000 for the privilege when I could easily afford it, I would do it too. 

... The flip side is there are 100's of courses and a lot to choose from. My standard muni is a course I don't mind playing daily with a several friends that usually join me so until I find $50,000 affordable I will just play public. But I am always jealous of folks like you that live somewhere that affords the opportunity to join a nice CC for a reasonable fee and dues. 

[CFreddie]

1 hour ago, chisag said:

 

... Wouldn't that be nice? Any CC I would join here has at least a $50,000 to 80,000 initiation fee. Some even higher. So reducing costs is most definately not in the equation. I pay around $8,000 a year now for an excellent muni and a semi private course that have no houses on either course. I just can't see spending at least 10 times as much for a CC. 

You are very lucky with the ample supply of good / great courses in PHX area.

We have some good public courses outside of Atlanta, but you are spending the entire day away including commute.  It’s one of the most negative aspects of Atlanta - there just isn’t a  great public scene here (although plenty of great private options if you can pony up). 

As an example, one of the cheaper options on the north side is 10K initiation  with ~400-500/month in dues. The kicker is that it’s just a golf club, and doesn’t even have tennis / pool / social amenities.  The “average” CC experience will run at least 2-3x that if you want tennis / pool privileges as well.  

[chisag]

9 minutes ago, CFreddie said:

You are very lucky with the ample supply of good / great courses in PHX area.

 

... Well, no and yes.  

No. Courses are silly expensive Nov-April and getting tee times can be very difficult. But I do have an excellent affordable muni costing about $35 to walk at twilite and I live 4 miles away by design. Driving 45 min to over an hour is pretty typical from where I live but I am not paying $150-$250 in winter to play courses I can play for under $50 in summer. Granted this record breaking summer with temps over 110* has meant little golf over the last 6 weeks but normally summer is a nice bargain here.

Yes. With well over 200 courses within 1.5 hours of my house I do have plenty of options. 

[CFreddie]

5 minutes ago, chisag said:

 

... Well, no and yes.  

No. Courses are silly expensive Nov-April and getting tee times can be very difficult. But I do have an excellent affordable muni costing about $35 to walk at twilite and I live 4 miles away by design. Driving 45 min to over an hour is pretty typical from where I live but I am not paying $150-$250 in winter to play courses I can play for under $50 in summer. Granted this record breaking summer with temps over 110* has meant little golf over the last 6 weeks but normally summer is a nice bargain here.

Yes. With well over 200 courses within 1.5 hours of my house I do have plenty of options. 

Totally fair - but given you can golf basically year round in GA, there hardly is peak / off-peak pricing.
 

As far as public options that I’d deem serviceable or higher, you are looking at 60-70/round, and it taking you at least 5+ hours (without the commute).  I’m a quick player, so the slow play is probably the most frustrating part of playing golf here.  
 

Im considering the club I mentioned prior a couple years down the road, mainly due to location (15-20 mins away), ability to hop on most times (not a huge member list), and having very strict pace of play rules (max time is 4-4.5 hours, average is far less).  With a young family, that time savings alone is HUGE.  

[jnagel]

19 hours ago, CFreddie said:

Totally fair - but given you can golf basically year round in GA, there hardly is peak / off-peak pricing.
 

As far as public options that I’d deem serviceable or higher, you are looking at 60-70/round, and it taking you at least 5+ hours (without the commute).  I’m a quick player, so the slow play is probably the most frustrating part of playing golf here.  
 

Im considering the club I mentioned prior a couple years down the road, mainly due to location (15-20 mins away), ability to hop on most times (not a huge member list), and having very strict pace of play rules (max time is 4-4.5 hours, average is far less).  With a young family, that time savings alone is HUGE.  

I've been a member of a private club since 2007 and what you're saying about time savings is the number one reason most of the members I talk to go this route.  The value proposition is one of convenience as opposed to maximizing cost per round.  Granted, when you start talking about massive initiation fees and monthly dues etc, this breaks down quickly, but right now my weekend play probably works out to $80-$90 a round (walking) - I have young kids so my annual rounds played dropped by almost half of what they were 5 years ago.  Seems like a lot, I know, but I also get plenty of range work in that would run at least $60 a week.  There are multiple club tournaments throughout the year (so much fun if you're a competitor), and I always have a great game on the weekends.  Additionally, if I have to be home by 12, it's never an issue.  Tee off at 7:20 and I'm good to go.  Sure I could probably afford a nicer car if I forewent the membership, but I'm a golfer.  The purpose of my car is to get me to the golf course 

 

Edited August 7, 2023 by jnagel

[Slight shank]

The club I’m looking at for some reason has a mens club that plays during the work week. That’s preventing any of my regular playing partners from joining with me. After 20 plus years I just don’t want to abandon them. Tough choice

[Bohnson]

Practice facility is big for me and course conditions! 

[Brooky03]

From the replies, I've gathered that I have lower standards for an acceptable golf course than most or I don't run into slow play/crowded issues as much as others, or both.  The municipal courses here in Rochester, NY are in good enough shape for me that I'm rarely cursing a bad lie or greens that are subpar.  I can get out and walk 9 holes at the muni near my house for $11-13.  It's a hard value to beat.  I tend to play in the mornings on weekdays, so I don't run into golfers slowing me down very often.  Weekends can be dicey, but I'm not usually worried about that extra half hour or hour on weekends like I would be on weekdays.

I also had the good fortune of growing up 2 miles from a course that I would describe as near immaculate that only costs $50 for 18 and a cart.  Rounds at similarly maintained courses near where I live now cost easily $20+ more than that, so it creates a value gap in my mind.  I generally feel like I'm overpaying for quality.  A membership to courses like this would end up costing me more per round than the cost to hop on as a non-member, dropping the value proposition even more.

All of this, of course, applies to semi-private courses (which I'd just call public).  Truly private courses just for members are in a different world and probably not something I'd even consider until I'm close to or in retirement, and only if life has gone well enough that I'm sitting on a hefty nest egg.  I don't really feel like I'm missing out, though.

Another point worth mentioning is that the muni course near my house and the muni I go to on lunch breaks have decent practice areas that are free to use.  If there is any requirement that you have to have a paid tee time or range tokens to use the practice areas, it's definitely not enforced and, to my recollection, not posted.  I don't know what kind of practice facilities these private courses have, but these muni's have greens you can hit into from maybe 40yds out, and multiple putting greens.  One has an area that I haven't tried out yet, but it's essentially a short par 3 that I could hit full shots under PW into.

[Aur0nX]

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…

[TG8]

Joining a League night.  Makes lots of fun memories and opens the door to new friends and golfing events/trips. 

[Edub]

Hi Jim, 

I play out of a private club in southern California.  This month marks my 10 year anniversary.  Back then, I joined because my then girlfriend was moving out of the country so I thought if I spent more time golfing, it would prevent me from doing stupid other things.  She felt it would provide more business opportunities for me as well.  However, when I'm on a golf course, I seldom discuss business as the course is my safe haven and time to get away from the fray.  

Fast forward to present and I think joining was one of the best decisions I've made.  Golf is expensive in LA and tee times are hard to come by now.  At the club (I should mention that I'm the current President of our Association's Board), I am able to get a tee time any time I need.  I'm not one who will gets bored with playing the same course because the game is always different.

I typically play at least 12 rounds a month at my club so I do get my money's worth.  I realize I've really only talked about the golf benefits.   I consider myself fortunate in that I've met some incredible people at the club.  Many of us travel together several times a year.  We've shared tears, grief and sorrow but mostly bundles of laughs.  

While I have met many people who I still keep in contact with from public courses, it's just more difficult to forge the types of relationships I have at the private club.  All the best Jim, great topic!

Best,

ew

 

[KCEE]

I joined a semi-private club 6 years ago when they offered a great 3-year deal.  I'm at full boat now, but memberships run $500-$3000.  I may just barely get my money's worth since I still have a full time job and a family, but if I lose a bit I think the benefits are worth it.  If the price goes too high I will have to re-evaluate it, but I hope to play more next year as my youngest is heading to college and my oldest has graduated, gotten a job and moved away.  

I can get morning tee times and I don't have to put up with the 5+ hour rounds that several nearby popular public courses have. 

My course is a bit more "blue collar" and you can find a game with anyone.  I have a friend that first joined a nearby fully private course and he hated how stuffy it was and didn't fit in any of the cliques.  It is nice that the staff knows you and takes care of you as well.

As a high 'capper I didn't think I would enjoy the tournaments, but I love them.  They do cost more money, but are reasonable and a lot of fun.  Some are geared more towards us higher indexes and I've even won a few.  We're lucky to have a pro that does a great job with these events.  I'm also not a gambler, but I do enjoy some friendly wagering here.  Not on the scale of Phil, but I do seem to play better when there is a match and generally all money goes on the table for lunch and/or drinks.

There are some downsides and maybe the biggest one is playing the same course.  I do play other places at times, but not like I used to.  I'm lucky my course is very challenging and I don't really get bored with it.  I have some retired friends that get golf passes that allow them to play various courses during the week and if and when I retire I might prefer that.  

[JScott]

Joined a club 6 years ago:

The Why:

• Live near it
• cost effective if you play/practice alot
• great conditions
• 36 holes

What I have learned since:

• Practice and playing does make a difference (lowered handicap since i have joined)
• I joined for the above, I stay due to the relationships I have made
• having tee times available and not playing 4+ hours rounds is priceless

 

[Blovion]

I’m with that Hobert response. They are spot on with their reasoning. I’m 2 years into a membership and it’s been an excellent decision for me, my game, my family and my expanding golf community. 

[GolfNut14]

We recently moved to a golf course community and our house is on the course. We did not join right away as we were still getting settled in our new house, but we have since joined. The advantages that I have seen so far in joining a club is that I can use the driving range and practice area at anytime. I can just walk onto the  course and start playing from the tee box we live on. I do make sure I am not cutting in front of groups especially on busy days. I will sometimes go out early in the morning or late in the evening to play 9 of even just a few holes. That has been the main advantage I have seen since joining the club. The others would be the club house for lunch, dinner and special events. The pool and tennis courts as well as pickle ball courts. I walk mostly so I am not paying a cart fee unless I would ride. However if I did not live on a golf course I  would not be joining a club, but since living on the course there are advantages to joining a club. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

Well, it seems my run of membership at our local course will be coming to an end after this year. From what I am hearing, rates are increasing almost 25% from last year which is absolutely absurd and unjustifiable if true. No major work is needed to the course and no additional benefits are being added. Not to mention there is no golf benefit for offseason months as there are no indoor hitting bays, etc.

Pretty disappointed to say the least, but I cannot justify spending that much more money. 

[sirchunksalot]

20 minutes ago, Jnoble89 said:

Well, it seems my run of membership at our local course will be coming to an end after this year. From what I am hearing, rates are increasing almost 25% from last year which is absolutely absurd and unjustifiable if true. No major work is needed to the course and no additional benefits are being added. Not to mention there is no golf benefit for offseason months as there are no indoor hitting bays, etc.

Pretty disappointed to say the least, but I cannot justify spending that much more money. 

I hate to hear that and I have to agree with you. If there's no major renovations coming to your course, 25% sound quite absurd. I hate it because I know it's convenient for you to get out and get some late evening rounds. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

10 minutes ago, sirchunksalot said:

I hate to hear that and I have to agree with you. If there's no major renovations coming to your course, 25% sound quite absurd. I hate it because I know it's convenient for you to get out and get some late evening rounds. 

We will still be able to play plenty non membership and not spend nearly that much. But I will miss doing the member/guest match play tournament with my uncle. Im hoping it’s somehow a typo but I am sure it’s not. Probably will still sneak out in the evenings to play a few holes regardless next year

[GolfSpy_APH]

Hoping it's decrease 25% but know that isn't the case.

I have had a few others try and talk me into other courses but they are so much more expensive or further away. No I didn't love this course to begin with, but now I do and it's close, ppl are great and they are doing major work to improve. 

@Jnoble89 are there any other courses closer to you?

[GolfSpy_KFT]

7 hours ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

Hoping it's decrease 25% but know that isn't the case.

I have had a few others try and talk me into other courses but they are so much more expensive or further away. No I didn't love this course to begin with, but now I do and it's close, ppl are great and they are doing major work to improve. 

@Jnoble89 are there any other courses closer to you?

Most of the other courses close by are “resort” courses in Wisconsin Dells, so no memberships and super high greens fees. What will probably happen if it’s not a miscommunication on the membership fee is we will create a golf budget each year and when it’s run out, it’s run out

[GolfSpy_APH]

9 minutes ago, Jnoble89 said:

Most of the other courses close by are “resort” courses in Wisconsin Dells, so no memberships and super high greens fees. What will probably happen if it’s not a miscommunication on the membership fee is we will create a golf budget each year and when it’s run out, it’s run out

This kinda had me thinking about a question which will likely be a new thread, but what area is the best part of the US for golfers? Quality, quantity and price.

[Preeway]

My biggest internal debate continues to be a combination of price and quality. But ultimately it’s more about convenience. Just the ability to go to my course and know I can just walk out and hit balls, or create a standing tee time just has an appeal to me. I’m willing to pay a little more than I might if I just paid green fees each round. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

36 minutes ago, GolfSpy_APH said:

This kinda had me thinking about a question which will likely be a new thread, but what area is the best part of the US for golfers? Quality, quantity and price.

It would be interesting to see this for sure. Living in a rural area access I wouldn’t say is limited, but if I exclude the courses in Wisconsin Dells, there’s only one other 18 hole course within 20 minutes of where I live. 

[aguybadatgolf]

I’ve looked into semi private memberships for my wife and I. Just doesn’t seem worth it unless you go to a private club which I can’t afford yet. Maybe sometime in my 30s if we don’t have kids . 
 

I also live in Colorado and you’re lucky to play 2-3 times from November-March. Tempted to spend the money on a simulator instead so I can at least play year round. 

[GolfSpy_KFT]

2 minutes ago, aguybadatgolf said:

I’ve looked into semi private memberships for my wife and I. Just doesn’t seem worth it unless you go to a private club which I can’t afford yet. Maybe sometime in my 30s if we don’t have kids . 
 

I also live in Colorado and you’re lucky to play 2-3 times from November-March. Tempted to spend the money on a simulator instead so I can at least play year round. 

I’ve thought about this route living in Wisconsin as well. Mat, net and MLM2 Pro would cost about as much as a single membership for next year, and I could use that all winter plus in the summer to practice