Jump to content

To join or not to join?


Recommended Posts

I’ve done my research, I’ve googled, I’ve emailed secretaries and membership chairs, and I’ve located a club in my area that fits my budget, has a decent course, and is very golf-focused with a large short game area and grass range. Do I go for it?

 

It’s going to be a decent financial hit, but they are having a special membership drive that’s knocking 20% off the initiation for the next few weeks.

 

But the drawbacks: the course has been snowed in since I got here. I haven’t played it yet or even seen it, I’m just going by local word of mouth and reviews, I’m not sure about going site unseen, especially when this club is a lot cheaper than others in the area. The discount is going to wnd before the snow melts...

 

So my questions to you guys: have you ever had buyer’s remorse on a membership? Ever gone into a club blind like I may be about to do? Is there anything I should do before commiting (1 year commitment)?

 

Also, since I’ve never been a member of anywhere before, are there any drawbacks I should consider regarding the whole enterprise? Reasons I won’t like club golf?

 

Thank you for your advice and any anecdotes would be greatly appreciated!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 8
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

I wouldn't put money down on a course I never played unless it's a very small amount. If you hate the course you'll despise going there, but still do it so you get your money's worth. If they're running a promo now, that implies they need people to join. So unless a lot of people are joining up, there's a chance they'll honor the promo in the future (although you might have to ask for it). You shouldn't have to pay rack rate initiation to join any club unless that club is doing well and a club that is doing well doesn't run initiation promotions.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If you're simply paying annual dues for 1 year with no initiation fee, and can get out of it with no issues it could be worth a try. Seems like a fair no strings attached deal.

SIM 9 Degree set to 10.5 - AD IZ 6TX w/ TP adaptor - plays 44.5"

SIM MAX Ventus Blue 6S - std length

SIM Max 19 Hybrid HZRDUS Smoke 6.0

Titleist U510 4I - HZRDUS Smoke 6.0

Titleist 620CB 5I-9I - Modus 120X pured/hard stepped, 1 flat

Titleist 620MB PW & Vokey SM8 Raw 50.08F bent 1 weak, 2 flat - X100

Vokey SM8 Raw 54.10S bent 1 weak, 2 flat - S400

Vokey SM8 WW Raw 60 Low K bent 2 flat - S400

Scotty Cameron Pro Platinum Laguna Two - 36" 

ProV1x - #41

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Some thoughts:

 

No rush to join until you've played the course and met some members. Stop by and see what the place is like on a spring Saturday morning. Don't let winter cabin fever influence you now.

 

Think hard about a membership that requires a big initiation fee. That money is gone forever once you write the check. A web search will find lots of lawsuits about "refundable" initiation fees not being honored. Golf is in trouble and clubs get sold or go out of business a lot. In either case your initiation money is gone. A club can also get in financial difficulty and levy assessments or higher dues on members. You have no recourse other than to resign and lose your initiation. If you move away or get transferred, again the initiation money is lost. If the course falls into poor condition or starts running a lot of outings, again, you're stuck.

 

If it's simply a season pass, as opposed to a private club membership, then the decision is simply a matter of calculating your cost per round. Tee time discounters like GolfNow offer rounds for far less than the rack rate and make pay-as-you-go an option that's hard to beat.

 

Ask to see the club's financials to see if it breaks even and see the amount of debt that it has. Debt load kills clubs. Refusal to share financials is a red flag.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll echo what others have mentioned: Continue to exercise patience and do more due diligence. I wouldn't buy a car without test driving it myself - why join a club with a 'decent financial hit on the budget' without taking it for a test drive?

 

A few years ago, I was itching to join a local club that had an amazing deal (1/2 off membership + $50 off dues for the first 2 years). After taking a step back, I realized by not joining in late October/November and reevaluating in March, I almost saved a good portion of my 1/2 off initiation fee by delaying the decision. Worked out - joined a different club and am very happy today (although we would have been happy at the first club as well).

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I wouldn't join until you have a chance to play the course, preferably under ideal mid-summer conditions. In my experience, 80% or more of my rounds are at my club, thus I need to like the course. Also, would be a good idea to get a feel for the membership (young, old, active, men's league etc).

 

My guess is that this club will be running a 20% off or similar deal next year, seems to be the norm in colder climates.

Callaway Mavrik driver

Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero 4-wood
Mizuno MP20 HMB 3-5 irons
Mizuno MP20 6-pw

Mizuno T20 50*, 55* and 60* wedges
Bettinardi BB25 putter
Titleist Pro V1x ball

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Play it first ... I've had buyer's remorse. Not worth the risk.

Driver #1: Callaway Epic Max LS, 9°

Driver #2: Adams Speedline F11, 9.5°

Fairway: Callaway Rogue ST Max LS, 18°

Utility Iron: Titleist 718 AP3, 19°

Irons: Titleist 718 AP1, 5-GW, 24°-48°
UW: Titleist Vokey SM8, 52°F

LW: Titleist Vokey SM8, 60°D
Putter: Cameron Studio Style Newport 2.5, 33"
Ball: Bridgestone Tour B RX
Bag: Sun Mountain Metro Sunday Bag

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the advice all!

So I called the place up and spoke to them about the situation, and apparently I had either misread their flyer or otherwise, but they said the discount would still be on the table until I had played the course and could see the place when it wasn’t covered in snow, and they apologized for the confusion. I guess the thread is moot now, but I was really waffling on it and you guys helped settle me down, so thanks!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

So my questions to you guys: have you ever had buyer's remorse on a membership?

 

No. I've been a member at four clubs over the years. No regrets.

 

Ever gone into a club blind like I may be about to do?

 

No. But you have to weigh the alternatives. Wait and see the course or save 20%. And what other courses are available to you at a similar price?

 

Is there anything I should do before commiting (1 year commitment)?

 

Maybe they would give you a shorter "back out" provision. Maybe let you back out after playing one round?

 

 

Also, since I've never been a member of anywhere before, are there any drawbacks I should consider regarding the whole enterprise? Reasons I won't like club golf?

 

Club golf is wonderful. It's a great way to meet new friends who are in similar circumstances as you.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Our picks

    • 2024 Valspar Championship WITB Photos (Thanks to bvmagic)- Discussion & Links to Photos
      This weeks WITB Pics are from member bvmagic (Brian). Brian's first event for WRX was in 2008 at Bayhill while in college. Thanks so much bv.
       
      Please put your comments or question on this thread. Links to all the threads are below...
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 31 replies
    • 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational - Monday #3
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Matt (LFG) Every - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Sahith Theegala - WITB - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Cameron putters (and new "LD" grip) - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Bettinardi MB & CB irons - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Bettinardi API putter cover - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      Custom Swag API covers - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
      New Golf Pride Reverse Taper grips - 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 15 replies
    • 2024 Cognizant Classic - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #1
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #2
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #3
      2024 Cognizant Classic - Monday #4
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Brandt Snedeker - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Max Greyserman - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Eric Cole - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Carl Yuan - WITb - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Russell Henley - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Justin Sun - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alex Noren - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Shane Lowry - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Taylor Montgomery - WITB - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jake Knapp (KnappTime_ltd) - WITB - - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Super Stoke Pistol Lock 1.0 & 2.0 grips - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      LA Golf new insert putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Garsen Quad Tour 15 grip - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      New Swag covers - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Jacob Bridgeman's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Bud Cauley's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Ryo Hisatsune's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Chris Kirk - new black Callaway Apex CB irons and a few Odyssey putters - 2024 Cognizant Classic
      Alejandro Tosti's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Cognizant Classic
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
       
        • Like
      • 2 replies
    • 2024 Genesis Invitational - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put any questions or comments here
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Monday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #1
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #2
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #3
      2024 Genesis Invitational - Tuesday #4
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Rory McIlroy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Sepp Straka - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Patrick Rodgers - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Brendon Todd - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Denny McCarthy - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Corey Conners - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Chase Johnson - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tommy Fleetwood - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Matt Fitzpatrick - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Si Woo Kim - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Viktor Hovland - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Wyndham Clark - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Cam Davis - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Nick Taylor - WITB - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Ben Baller WITB update (New putter, driver, hybrid and shafts) – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      New Vortex Golf rangefinder - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Fujikura Ventus shaft - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods & TaylorMade "Sun Day Red" apparel launch event, product photos – 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods Sun Day Red golf shoes - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Aretera shafts - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      New Toulon putters - 2024 Genesis Invitational
      Tiger Woods' new white "Sun Day Red" golf shoe prototypes – 2024 Genesis Invitational
       
       
       
       
       
      • 22 replies
    • 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Discussion and Links to Photos
      Please put and questions or comments here
       
       
       
       
      General Albums
       
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #1
      2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open - Monday #2
       
       
       
       
      WITB Albums
       
      Ben Taylor - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Garrick Higgo - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Billy Horschel - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Justin Lower - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Lanto Griffin - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bud Cauley - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Corbin Burnes (2021 NL Cy Young) - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Charley Hoffman - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Nico Echavarria - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Victor Perez - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sami Valimaki - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ryo Hisatsune - WITB - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       
      Pullout Albums
       
      Jake Knapp's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      New Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Tyler Duncan's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Greyson Sigg's custom Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Sunjae Im's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Ping's Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Vincent Whaley's custom Cameron - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Odyssey Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Super Stroke custom grips - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Cameron putters - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Zac Blair's custom Cameron putter - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
      Bettinardi Waste Management putter covers - 2024 Waste Management Phoenix Open
       
       
       
       
       
       

       
      • 12 replies

×
×
  • Create New...