Michigan Country Club Help

[James997]

Hello all,

 

This forum has gave me a ton of insight since I have returned to golf so I wanted to reach out with a question. 
 

Now that my whole family is into it (with two juniors) I started looking at country clubs. 

I’m in the Birmingham and Rochester areas mostly.

 

If you have any clubs you recommend to check out please let me know!

 

Names I keep hearing are Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Birmingham CC and Bloomfield CC. Any insight on these or others?

 

I am assuming there is a wait period for some of the nicer clubs? Does it make sense to get on a list or two then find a club as home base in meantime?

 

Anyway, any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

[ten8suited]

Pine Lake is in a very different financial stratosphere vs the other 3 which are all VERY expensive. It sounds like you might be further north than is optimal, but you should consider Red Run. I was a member there for 6 years before moving to Ann Arbor and it's among the best values in the metro Detroit private club scene. Esp if quality of the golf course and the golfing experience is high on your list of your priorities. Feel free to PM for more info. Only reason we quit was bc of our move.

[James997]

Thank you for the quick reply!! I will check out Red Run. 

 

Oddly, people have talked up Pine Lake like it was the right below Oakland Hills, but I guess that’s why I am here lol. 
 

I’m not opposed to higher priced clubs but I am worried about what the atmosphere is like especially when accepting new members.  
 

 

 

[N8dogg2669]

If you are in Rochester Hills and Birmingham area you could always check out the Oakland University course. They have the Sharf and Katke Cousins. Practice facility is solid and it's not crazy priced to be honest. No clue what Great Oaks is charging these days and I haven't played there in years, but they are right in Rochester also. Knollwood is in Birmingham. My buddy's dad is the pro there, so I get to play there quite a bit. I have a soft spot for that place, but I believe it's kind of expensive. Course is great though. 

[So_Cal]

10 hours ago, N8dogg2669 said:

If you are in Rochester Hills and Birmingham area you could always check out the Oakland University course. They have the Sharf and Katke Cousins. Practice facility is solid and it's not crazy priced to be honest. No clue what Great Oaks is charging these days and I haven't played there in years, but they are right in Rochester also. Knollwood is in Birmingham. My buddy's dad is the pro there, so I get to play there quite a bit. I have a soft spot for that place, but I believe it's kind of expensive. Course is great though. 

Not sure what the affiliation rules are for the Oakland U courses but those are two very good courses IMO.  

[James997]

Thank you! 

[knickerbocker]

Make sure to ask questions on tee time policy.  Since the COVID surge in membership and golf demand, many clubs in the SW Michigan area have tee sheets filled and is hard to find days/time to play. 

[Sparty4202]

On 8/1/2022 at 9:10 AM, James997 said:

Hello all,

 

This forum has gave me a ton of insight since I have returned to golf so I wanted to reach out with a question. 
 

Now that my whole family is into it (with two juniors) I started looking at country clubs. 

I’m in the Birmingham and Rochester areas mostly.

 

If you have any clubs you recommend to check out please let me know!

 

Names I keep hearing are Pine Lake, Orchard Lake, Birmingham CC and Bloomfield CC. Any insight on these or others?

 

I am assuming there is a wait period for some of the nicer clubs? Does it make sense to get on a list or two then find a club as home base in meantime?

 

Anyway, any insights would be greatly appreciated!

 

Most of the clubs in area that you are looking at have a steep initiation fee plus the monthly dues are high and you will probably need a sponsorship to join any of the clubs you’ve listed. 
The biggest thing is to find a club that fits you and your family…be it the golf, the social or the extras. There are a lot of options in the area you’re looking at, try to meet some people that are members(other than the membership committee) and get their insight. 
I’ve been a member at club in the area for over 35 years and I’ve seen a lot of people come and go at our club because it wasn’t what they expected.