New to SF, how do I join a club to play golf?

[changericj]

Hey guys, long time lurker here.  Finally decided to make an account + post.

 

I'm 32 and I grew up in the south bay but moved away for college and just moved back for good last year.  Now, I live in SF with my wife.  

 

Like many folks, the pandemic really invigorated my interest in golf and now I'm thinking about joining Olympic Club or Lake Merced Golf Club.

 

What's the process for joining these clubs like?  There's not much info on the websites. 

 

[mpliang]

If youre interested, just request membership info. Most clubs have an initiation fee + monthly dues. You can ask to see if there are any young professional discounts like lower initiation fee/etc.

[jholz]

I saw this topic yesterday and just for fun decided to have a look. Having lived in SF for a brief time in the 90's, knowing the way he city has developed since then, and having a sense of the place that Olympic and Merced have in the region, I was forced to say that you probably don't have a chance of getting into either of them if you don't have a ton of money and know the right people. This is coming from a blue-collar muni golfer whose only experience with private clubs came as a busboy. So, take it with a grain of salt. 

Edited November 19, 2020 by jholz

[James the Hogan Fan]

This guy: @carrera 

 

 I think is the resident expert on Bay Area private golf. He'll either chime in or you could try a PM

[changericj]

Thanks for the responses, guys. 

 

I've requested membership info before but the response I get is always vague.  I think @jholz's point is kind of what I was interested in learning more about: is there some sort of unspoken rule about getting into these clubs beyond just having the money for initiation+dues?  

 

Thanks, @James the Hogan Fan  Hopefully, we (I) can get @carrera to chime in. 

[Hjscm]

If i were you i would look into Greenhills cc in millbrae.  I belong there and they have some good deals going right now.  I belong to OC downtown membership and play some times out there.  I used to belong to lake Merced. I play all of them around here a lot.  From lake Merced to cal club to Pennisula club.  I am kinda partial to greenhills because you can always just show up and get a game.

[Schley]

On 11/24/2020 at 5:10 AM, changericj said:

Thanks for the responses, guys. 

 

I've requested membership info before but the response I get is always vague.  I think @jholz's point is kind of what I was interested in learning more about: is there some sort of unspoken rule about getting into these clubs beyond just having the money for initiation+dues?  

 

Thanks, @James the Hogan Fan  Hopefully, we (I) can get @carrera to chime in. 

In general for elite clubs which Olympic Club certainly is, you need to network to get in. Patience and joining a private club that is more amenable to cold emails for membership info will help and as you network via work, neighbors, kids parents etc. opportunities will arise.

 

[changericj]

@Hjscm Hey thanks.  I took a quick look at Green Hills -- looks great, amazing facilities and I think my wife would like the club too. I think it might be a little far from us unfortunately.  We live about 9-10 minutes from both LMGC and Olympic club.  24 minutes from Green Hills.  Will have to think about this a little more.

 

@Schley  Thanks, for the comment.  I'm still evaluating my options so time is something that I do have.

[ezmac]

Many private courses will let you have a preview round if you're interested in joining.  Played Green Hills earlier this year for the first time. I hope you like uphill par 3s!  But seriously, as a MacKenzie design, it's hard to go wrong.  Great course.

[rcurley55]

On 12/6/2020 at 1:31 PM, ezmac said:

Many private courses will let you have a preview round if you're interested in joining.  Played Green Hills earlier this year for the first time. I hope you like uphill par 3s!  But seriously, as a MacKenzie design, it's hard to go wrong.  Great course.

 

If you are looking at private Peninsula clubs, your short list is going to be:

• Olympic Club
• SFGC
• Lake Merced
• Cal Club
• GHCC
• Burlingame
• Peninsula

Otherwise, you need to cross a bridge.

 

Of all of those, GHCC is the most affordable and (likely) the easiest to join. As a member I'm biased, but I think it's a great course and provides a very family friendly atmosphere. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

[Hjscm]

If you wanna play a preview round at Greenhills  just let me know.  We are redoing the driving range and should be open around mid to end January depending on weather.

[Jack Pearsall]

You’re not getting into sfgc. There may not be a more exclusive club in NorCal. Big bucks. Olympic usually has a waitlist for an equity membership, numerous years. If you know someone, may be different. They also have various types of lesser memberships that might appeal. You are young enough it seems for the young executive programs tho. Lake Merced may be your best bet. It’s a great track...