How do you justify your private club membership ? Do you even need to?

[caniac6]

I justify it by enjoying it.

[mizuno player]

I just recently joined a club again. I was a member at a different club for 20 years. Left because of family obligations. It's still a stretch for us but our reasoning is. 

 

Can play whenever I want. ( Public courses in my area are slammed and most get $70-100 weekdays. ) I'm off weekdays Soni get up and go to the course. 

 

I can hit balls anytime it want 

 

I can play in 3.5- 4 insteadof 5-6 hours. 

 

Pool. We take grandkids or my wife goes while I play. 

 

Social.

 

Also, we don't take vacations. So, our club is our vacation. It's a 5 minute drive so it's very convenient. 

[Private_Pins_Golf]

I think to reiterate some of the sentiments in here, if you're viewing your membership as pre-paid greens fees (ie. counting rounds and dividing costs of your membership), a private country club probably isnt for you. A country club is much more than just golf, it is way to build comradery. I joined a club at first because it was where my friends were playing, I stayed there after a few left because of the people I had met, and the environment I was surrounded in. 

[golfortennis]

On 9/18/2021 at 2:18 PM, BNGL said:

To be around other like minded individuals. Not so much socially or politically (although unsurprisingly some clubs tend to lean one way or another, and shun perspective members from the wrong side of the aisle), but competitively. Its nice to have a game of players, that take it seriously wager the same amounts and can play to same level. That can be hard to find at public clubs depending on where you are, not saying it isnt possible but it is difficult I think on a regular basis. 

 

The other thing is exceptional customer service and general decorum of the club. Call me old fashioned (narcissistic?) but I enjoy the yes sir/yes ma'am, no sir/no ma'am, Mr./Mrs, etc. That is next level right there, and if I am paying a premium to be a member I do expect a higher level of service from professionals. Generally clubs are decorated for the holidays, and everything I have seen is tastefully done with special evenings corresponding to certain events (New Years Party, Fireworks for 4th of July, Fall Festivals, Breakfast with Santa, we dont have kids but its a popular event). Those things going above and beyond are a big reason for me. 

 

Funny, I'm the exact opposite. Whenever there are new kids in our backshop, I tell them to call me by first name.  Mr.  golfortennis is my dad.  There was a push a few years ago to have everyone called Mr/Mrs, and if other members wish to be called that, fine by me, but I've told the kids if a member complains about them calling by my first name, send them to me. In my mind, they show me respect by taking care of my clubs.  I also can be a pain in the kiester with the pro shop at times, so I certainly don't want them to feel like they need to be formal with me.  But different strokes.  Maybe if I was paying triple the dues I am now I would feel differently, but I don't think so.  

 

Which I suppose is ironic, because if I can influence my young nephew on anything, it will be to address adults as Mr/Mrs unless directed otherwise.  I just feel uncomfortable being on the receiving end at a place I spend so much time.  

 

[BNGL]

7 minutes ago, golfortennis said:

 

Funny, I'm the exact opposite. Whenever there are new kids in our backshop, I tell them to call me by first name.  Mr.  golfortennis is my dad.  There was a push a few years ago to have everyone called Mr/Mrs, and if other members wish to be called that, fine by me, but I've told the kids if a member complains about them calling by my first name, send them to me. In my mind, they show me respect by taking care of my clubs.  I also can be a pain in the kiester with the pro shop at times, so I certainly don't want them to feel like they need to be formal with me.  But different strokes.  Maybe if I was paying triple the dues I am now I would feel differently, but I don't think so.  

 

Which I suppose is ironic, because if I can influence my young nephew on anything, it will be to address adults as Mr/Mrs unless directed otherwise.  I just feel uncomfortable being on the receiving end at a place I spend so much time.  

 

Exactly it’s different strokes for different folks. One of my best friends is a GM at a top 150 private club, he was the F&B manager at Oakmont for years before he landed a GM gig. The owners that hired him asked after 4/5 months that he not wear a suit every day to work because “you look like you work for the FBI” he was incredulous because this is a top club and striving to be the best, you wear a suit and tie to work it’s just what you do. Hell I was a sup and I wore slacks and a dress shirt every day, and had a jacket ready to go every single day. Only when we were closed would I “dress down” in golf polo and shorts/pants. 
 

 

[CDM]

On 8/3/2021 at 11:02 AM, landolakes said:

My club makes me happy-- that is why I am a member. 

 

On 9/18/2021 at 1:14 PM, caniac6 said:

I justify it by enjoying it.

 

Exactly.... !!!