Club Memberships

[SpinMill75]

What should I look for in a club?

Hi Everyone,

I have the chance to join a club this year and have narrowed it down to a few different ones in my area. They are both really nice courses. One tends to get the lionshare of tourists throughtout the summer months but is probably the nicer of the two. The other course is more laid back and closer to my house.
As far as condtioning and all -around playability I would consider them pretty equal.
I've never joined a club before and wanted your thoughts on what would make me choose one club over another........Any ideas?

Thanks.

[ssp]

Here is my evaluation info.

1. Financial .... initiation, equity, monthly dues, monthly minimums, locker/range fees, overall financial health of the club, what happens if I resign/ can I resign??
2. Golf ..... is this private or semi-private, practice facilities, tee-time schedules, course itself, regular tee-time groups to play with?, tourney/outing schedule
3. Members .... what is the culture of the club, some can be clicky, some heavy gambling, some serious game, I get leary if there is a clicky group that things they run the place
4. Pro .... how does he manage the culture of the club


A few thoughts. In this economy .... look at #1 closely ... what happens if you want to get out.

[SpinMill75]

[quote name='ssp' timestamp='1292342126' post='2840329']
Here is my evaluation info.

1. Financial .... initiation, equity, monthly dues, monthly minimums, locker/range fees, overall financial health of the club, what happens if I resign/ can I resign??
2. Golf ..... is this private or semi-private, practice facilities, tee-time schedules, course itself, regular tee-time groups to play with?, tourney/outing schedule
3. Members .... what is the culture of the club, some can be clicky, some heavy gambling, some serious game, I get leary if there is a clicky group that things they run the place
4. Pro .... how does he manage the culture of the club


A few thoughts. In this economy .... look at #1 closely ... what happens if you want to get out.
[/quote]


Thanks for the info....

What are the etiquette norms for asking to "preview" the course and facilities?

Thanks.

[ssp]

[quote name='SpinMill75' timestamp='1292349296' post='2840604']
[quote name='ssp' timestamp='1292342126' post='2840329']
Here is my evaluation info.

1. Financial .... initiation, equity, monthly dues, monthly minimums, locker/range fees, overall financial health of the club, what happens if I resign/ can I resign??
2. Golf ..... is this private or semi-private, practice facilities, tee-time schedules, course itself, regular tee-time groups to play with?, tourney/outing schedule
3. Members .... what is the culture of the club, some can be clicky, some heavy gambling, some serious game, I get leary if there is a clicky group that things they run the place
4. Pro .... how does he manage the culture of the club


A few thoughts. In this economy .... look at #1 closely ... what happens if you want to get out.
[/quote]


Thanks for the info....

What are the etiquette norms for asking to "preview" the course and facilities?

Thanks.
[/quote]

To answer directly - No bad etiquette on this topic. Go directly to membership chairman, club manager (whoever is in charge). Tell them of your interest and would like the opportunity to play the course, see the facilities, and talk with someone about all your questions. They should not object at all. Some clubs have requirements that you must be 'sponsored' by a current member - don't let this stand in your way - they will potentially wave that or the membership chair will sponsor you. Don't be shy or intimidated by the 'private' nature of the club. It is a business (may be for profit or likely non-profit) - but regardless it is a business and needs a steady stream of membership candidates.

Note: Not sure of your age ... but many clubs have very attractive Jr. membership plans. Junior in some clubs goes to mid 30's.
Do a search on this topic ... there was a recent thread with similar info.

[jastac]

[quote name='SpinMill75' timestamp='1292308924' post='2840012']
Hi Everyone,

I have the chance to join a club this year and have narrowed it down to a few different ones in my area. They are both really nice courses. One tends to get the lionshare of tourists throughtout the summer months but is probably the nicer of the two. The other course is more laid back and closer to my house.
As far as condtioning and all -around playability I would consider them pretty equal.
I've never joined a club before and wanted your thoughts on what would make me choose one club over another........Any ideas?

Thanks.
[/quote]

Your question is kind of funny, because only you know what your looking for in a club. Let us know what your requirements are (private or semi, pool, dining, social, etc) and I'm sure the members here will be able to give you questions to ask during your interview. It would also help to know your approximate age and if your married w/ kids.

As for the course preview, if you never played the course before just tell you wont even consider joining until you had a chance to play the course, thats what I did. More than likely they will be more than happy to make you a tee time and pair you up with some of their more social members, the pro, or maybe let you and a friend go it alone, but be prepared to play during their less busy times.

Don't be intimidated, just keep in the back of your mind they need you (and your money) WAY more than you need them.......best of luck.

[3eagles18]

You need to know if it is an equity club. If so, you cannot mail in your membership and get off the monthly fees. Your membership will need to be resold. If that's the case, you need to find out if there is a waiting list to join and a waiting list to sell. Usually, a club gets to sell 2 or 3 new memberships for each resale. It is unlikely that you will sell your membership at a profit unless it is a premier club.

You need to know if you can be assessed for improvements and/or repairs. If the greens need to be redone or the clubhouse needs a new roof, you can get popped for 1000s and you are personally liable for your share.

You need to know if there is a mandatory food charge each month irrespective of whether you eat at the club. There are other charges such as trail or cart fees, employee benefits fees, etc.

I'd suggest that you Google your inquiry. There have been many articles written about membership ups and downs especially since the club business is very weak nowadays.

[Man In The Miura]

I think it's important to have the course nearby. I live 2 miles, or 6 minutes, from my course, and don't have to plan to play golf. I just go. Other guys who live 30 minutes away or further have to plan their golf and practice. Close proximity is really nice.

[farmer]

I agree with yonex-closer is better. To be able to just go fool around with no big plan is valuable, ie go play a couple of holes late or putt for a little while. I would ask about minimums, assessments, equity, and a financial overview. I would hate to join a club and discover that it's crowded all the time, and that you have to be in a "group" to get a game.

[highergr0und]

I would definitely play both, mainly to see if the one that's further from your house is worth the extra time and hassle.

I love having a club close to the house (and office). Mine has two courses, one of which is a 6 minute drive from the office and about 12 from my house. I play that one a lot more than the second course, which is actually nicer, that is 30 minutes from my house and 20 from the office. You want to make sure to get your money's worth, so being closer to home tends to make it easier to escape to hit the range, play a quick 9, or just roll a few putts. It's pretty common for me to go hit balls for 30 minutes at lunch. Laid back is a big plus as well. The pros at both courses are quite nice and the membership is very nice. It's not the highest end club in town, so the pretentious jerks aren't too abundant. I got in as a junior member since my wife is a few years younger than me, so I don't have voting privileges or anything, but that doesn't matter to me.

Honestly, having to deal with outsiders would really turn me off to the club and I wouldn't think about joining unless it was a fantastic deal or facility. For the touristy one, I would ask a lot of questions to both the pro and some members about how the club deals with member/tourist tee times, etc. Part of the allure of the club life is being able to play whenever you want and not deal with the general public. I love short rounds, the longest I've had at my club was 3:45. Another plus of a true private is the ability the course has to manage the members and discipline those who don't follow the rules. Good luck with that and a tourist.

[oregongolf]

What club are you looking at? I know a couple people who live in your area that are members at a couple clubs...

[Funderpants]

Good info in the thread, I'm currently looking at clubs too.

I know proximity and quality practice facilities will be important for me, who wants to practice out of a concrete bunker. When my uncle was playing lights out the club was just a few minutes away. He'd go hit the practice even if for 20-30 minutes instead of watching TV.

[Tommy Canuck]

Can't speak for the US, but in my area of Canada, many private clubs have instituted a "test drive" period of 1 year. Many private clubs have serious financial issues and the biggest solution is membership dues. They need people at the club, spending money, bringing guests etc. Very few will drop $15k to $30K on a private membership without some sort of assurance they will like the experience. I joined a private club (non -equity, must be sponsored by 3 members, go through interview process). Initiation was $30K but economy has dropped that down to $15K. I played from Sept 30th 2010 to Sept 30th 2011 on a "test drive" basis. I pay NO INITIATION ,just the regular monthly dues and dining room minimum that every other member pays. On September 30th 2011, they add up all monies I have spent at the club from the previous year (dues, pro shop merchandise, dining room expenses) and they take 50% of that off the $15k initiation fee should I decide to join. I also have the option of simply walking away.

I get 1 year of trial and club obviously hoped I like it so much I can't leave. Smart concept in my mind.
Tommy