Status of private clubs in your area?

[cristphoto]

I see this thread as having two questions. First is how strong financially are the private clubs in a given area. Second what are the possibilities for fresh members to join those clubs.  I'm in a large metropolitan area with many young professionals so clubs are doing fine and have waiting lists.  We run the gamut for clubs ranging from well over $100,000 initiation to several under $30,000 initiation.  Pay your money and take your pick as the saying goes.  

[Bigbruce]

My course in Washington state went private to public last year. I think it had a lot to do with an older membership group and a greedy management company. I guess charging non members $80 a round makes a good bit of profit.

[RGlaze978]

Staring down the barrel of a multi-year waitlist and $75K at almost every club in my area worth joining, in addition to the one I want to actually join being $150K and a 5 year waitlist. 

 

For perspective, I am 32 and am in the western suburbs of Chicago. 

Edited April 12, 2022 by RGlaze978

[ND2005]

23 hours ago, Golferpaul said:

I was a member at Rivermont 20 years ago. I really enjoyed the club.

 

It's only gotten better since then. It is a real steal, even though Chris has increased the initiation fee and rates some. They've also got a great group of newer/younger members and some excellent golfers among them.

 

[david.c.w]

9 minutes ago, ND2005 said:

 

It's only gotten better since then. It is a real steal, even though Chris has increased the initiation fee and rates some. They've also got a great group of newer/younger members and some excellent golfers among them.

 

Agree.  I think Rivermont is known as a place for college golfers who are just out of school can join for low $$$ and get a great course in great condition.  Sometimes rough around the edges of the course and the overall facility, but great course in great shape.

 

 

[ND2005]

12 minutes ago, david.c.w said:

Agree.  I think Rivermont is known as a place for college golfers who are just out of school can join for low $$$ and get a great course in great condition.  Sometimes rough around the edges of the course and the overall facility, but great course in great shape.

 

 

 

I think they are finally going to build a new clubhouse? Or maybe I misheard. I've been playing it since I was 13 years old (before the big renovation in the 00's), every time I go home to visit it seems like it is in better and better shape.