How to play a round of golf at an exclusive, private course (Aldarra in Sammaish, WA)

BoomerGolfAnon · January 11, 2020

I live in an eastside suburb of Seattle near Issaquah, Washington, and there is a very exclusive, private golf course less than 10 minutes from my home. I drive by this course each time I'm heading out to the local PUBLIC range to hit my daily bucket of balls.

This summer, I mustered the courage to drive through the front gate (properly attired) to check things out in person, and I was suitably impressed. Here's a link to the Aldarra Golf Course website:http://www.aldarragolfclub.com/

What are some methods that other folks have used to secure a round of golf at a private course if: A) you're not a member at the private club; and B) you don't know anyone who is a member who could invite you for a round?

Who knows: if the stars align properly, I would join in a heartbeat if I had enough disposable cash to do so, but that's not an option for me right now. I wonder whether the folks at Aldarra would laugh at me if I asked for a permission to play a round to set the stage for a longer-term goal of saving up enough money to join at some point down the road.

Any tips, tricks or suggestions (other than the obvious one of sneaking on to the course armed with a pitching wedge) would be appreciated.

MtlJeff · January 11, 2020

If you do actually want to join there one day you can meet with them and tell them you're a prospective member. It's a bit of a lie but not a huge one....you DO want to join there one day right?

I've played a few courses around here that i never joined, but i was considering them at least a little bit at the time

Myherobobhope · January 11, 2020

Do you have any kids in private school? If so, make sure to go to school auctions... People usually donate rounds to the school. It won't be cheap, but shouldn't be horrible. Looking at the website, it's by invitation only for joining, but you can apply to join on the website... that's a decent sign, as the super exclusive clubs don't bother to even talk about membership.

If you live close to the course, you probably have a friend of a friend who's a member... That's always going to be the easiest way to get on, just don't be pushy about it. Honestly, it might be worth poking around the regional golf forums and see if anyone is a member.

I've invited WRXers to join me at my club (not particularly exclusive, though)... though honestly, the clubs that are hard to get on in Louisville aren't worth playing.

dan360 · January 11, 2020

Aldarra is membership by invitation only. You can fill out an application but they'll only call you to offer a membership if they feel you'll fit in with their club narrative and mission/vision/et al. That said, most who are members don't really talk about it outside of their inner circle.

They aren't snooty or uppity per say, it's just more like Augusta National than other private clubs in this area. Golf first and foremost, the personal relationships second, and leave the real world outside the gates. If you fill out the online portal application and they reach out for an in-person interview, you never know. Just understand getting on to try it out will probably never happen.

CMCSGolf · January 12, 2020

Not to quibble too much, but Aldarra is not that exclusive (compared to many other courses). That being said they are obviously not letting people walk up for a tee time. The Washington state golf association hosts "Play Days" at local privates all summer. I believe they've played Aldarra in some years. I would check the schedule and see. I know they annually have Sahalee on the list, so there are a lot of good courses to play through the WSGA

BoomerGolfAnon · January 12, 2020

Yes, I'd like to be in a position to join Aldarra some day. That day is not today and is very likely not even in 2020, but as a longer-term goal, I would like to be a member. The course is only 5-6 minutes from my home, and I'm not planning on moving anytime soon. But to do this, I'll need to have a medium- and possibly a longer-term plan. I would do the same thing if I were saving up money to buy an expensive German sports car: take the thing out for a test drive, decide if I like the ride, and then make a plan that may unfold over a year or more.

BoomerGolfAnon · January 12, 2020

That's a great idea to look for non-profit auctions where a round of golf may have been donated. Thanks for the suggestion.

BoomerGolfAnon · January 12, 2020

Thanks. I'll keep my eyes open.

mallrat · January 12, 2020

Outside shot but keep an eye on Rounds 4 research auction items. Most courses haven’t donated yet. It goes to fund Turfgrass research around the country, so a decent cause.

enter rounds 4 research auction items in the googles

Muffy · January 14, 2020

Eventually you’ll meet someone in your neighborhood who belongs, or at work or some other network. Being a guest and playing with someone who knows the course and club is best.

Another idea would be if you’re taking lessons at an independent instruction facility (eg Golftec, Greg Rogers, PNW golf centers, etc) they’ll likely have students that are members and can make connections.

Then if you later decide to join you have a member reference.

tjblue · January 14, 2020

Boxgroove----This club is not directly affiliated with boxgroove, but has members that use our network. If you are a staff member of Aldarra Golf Club, please contact us about claiming your club's profile.

BoomerGolfAnon · January 14, 2020

Thanks for all the feedback. I think my best bet is to simply start playing more rounds at the local public and municipal courses. Truth be told, I am a committed range rat and I spend way too much time practicing golf instead of playing golf.

I guess I'm the Boomer Golf Anon version of the 20-year-old NEET who lives in his parents' basement, playing dank video games all day long instead of interacting with actual humans IRL. If I play as a single to round out a 4some, there's at least the opportunity to meet 3 new people...one of whom may know someone who knows someone...