Country Clubs Merrimack Valley - Southern NH

Northside Matt · April 4, 2017

Hi all - I recently moved from Chicago to the far north Boston burbs. Looking to join a club close to home, probably not more than 30 minutes to and from the club. Financially, it would be nice to join somewhere with initiation less than $20k.

Other than financials and logistics, it would be nice to join a club that has some younger members in the mix. I'm on the border of qualifying for an Intermediate/Junior Executive membership. Being so new to the area, it would be nice to meet a few people and get some regular games going.

So far, I've looked into Vesper and Andover. Can anyone tell me more about these clubs? What other clubs should I consider?

WhosYourCaddy · April 4, 2017

Vesper is doing a great deal for "Young Professionals" with no initiation; costs rise substantially when you turn 36 though. Indian Ridge is not bad, no initiation, however I believe their member base is rather large and I know they require carts on weekends before 11:30 AM, year-long. Monthly minimums apply in the formal dining room at Vesper, IRCC, and ACC. Another club that appears very nice is Renaissance - $15K initiation deferred until 40 and dues are reasonable up to then. All is included (range, locker, GHIN) and there are no minimums. Further north is Atkinson - don't know much about it but I've heard wonderful facilities and just over the border. That's about all I know for full 18 hole private clubs in the general area you seem to be targeting. Hope this helps - best of luck!!

OrangeCrush · April 4, 2017

I used to live in Chelmsford (wish I was still there), CADDY brought up some good ones. Not that far of a drive but think about The International as well, I was just talking to BrianL99 who is running the memberships there and they have a pretty good program for the young execs. Shoot him a PM.

MyShortGameSucks · April 4, 2017

Hi all - I recently moved from Chicago to the far north Boston burbs. Looking to join a club close to home, probably not more than 30 minutes to and from the club. Financially, it would be nice to join somewhere with initiation less than $20k.

Other than financials and logistics, it would be nice to join a club that has some younger members in the mix. I'm on the border of qualifying for an Intermediate/Junior Executive membership. Being so new to the area, it would be nice to meet a few people and get some regular games going.

So far, I've looked into Vesper and Andover. Can anyone tell me more about these clubs? What other clubs should I consider?

Not sure where you are living but I am in North Andover. I am a member at Renaissance. My son is also a member at Atkinson and I am there a lot and I know the staff pretty well. If you have any questions on those course or other potential courses like Haverhill CC shoot me an IM - would be happy to discuss.

jut111 · April 5, 2017

Isn't Atkinson public?

MyShortGameSucks · April 5, 2017

Atkinson is public-access but I guess technically it's semi-private? They have a large active membership that get advanced access to the tee-times.

I was a member at Atkinson for several years and really enjoyed it. Some people think the course (especially the back 9) is a bit quirky but I really like it and find it very challenging. If I was not a member at Renaissance I would be a full member at Atkinson!