HELP: looking to join a private track in Bay Area

alittlethinboss · February 25, 2012

Gents,

I am a 27 year old software sales rep who just got a new sales gig making some more cassssh. I am looking to step away from my muni roots and join a private/semi-private club. I was hoping someone on here could help me find the best bang for the buck (since I am a cheap bastxxx).

CRITERIA

1) must be located in the bay area. I am not married and have a remote position so I am actually looking to move as well. I hit balls everyday, and want to be close to the course.

2) Course must be 7,000+, have a grass range, and a solid short game practicing area.

3) I don't care one bit about the clubhouse, swimming pool, tennis courts, or any of that other stuff. I am a tournament player, who just wants a the essentials.

4) I don't care if the course is semi-private either. I am aware of the great deals at Bayonet/Blackhorse and San Juan Oaks down in Monterey, but would like to stay closer to the city.

5) I don't want to cough up more than 5K for a down stroke. Given that, I am thinking the semi-private option will probably be the best fit.

let me know what you think!

littleprov1x · February 26, 2012

I don't really know at that price range with all of those criteria. Not a lot in the 7000+ range close to the city with a grass range. Maybe somewhere down in South Bay, but I don't know that area as well as the city and North Bay. Most of the clubs in or near the city are pretty expensive to join.

Quick Edit to keep in mind: If you are in the city, courses that are 6700-6800 are going to play 7000+ with the cold and the fog.

bjackson · February 26, 2012

I've played just about every private course on the peninsula (save San Francisco Golf Club) and I can't think of one that fits all those criteria. Maybe Coyote Creek as a semi-private? I know they have (had at least) memberships of some sort. As mentioned, not many in the 7000+ yards range. Only ones I can think of are Cal Club and CordeValle farther south, but those will run much more than $5000 down. I'm a fan of Lake Merced as a golf club rather than the typical country club, but I'm not sure about the financials.

CPN · February 26, 2012

Dude, not to be a jerk but you are dreaming. Minimum on the peninsula is going to be around $100K initiation fee plus $500-$1100 monthly dues not to mention your quarterly minimums.

scotchblade · February 26, 2012

[quote name='littleprov1x' timestamp='1330287220' post='4381061']
Quick Edit to keep in mind: If you are in the city, courses that are 6700-6800 are going to play 7000+ with the cold and the fog.
[/quote]
You're darn tootin! Don't need 7000+ with temps in the 50s, fog and wind, typical summer weather at the cluster of clubs off Lake Merced. No 220 yard seven irons like we saw at the match play this week.

alittlethinboss · February 26, 2012

[quote name='CPN' timestamp='1330306985' post='4383725']
Dude, not to be a jerk but you are dreaming. Minimum on the peninsula is going to be around $100K initiation fee plus $500-$1100 monthly dues not to mention your quarterly minimums.

[/quote]

I hear ya. I was referring more to memberships that are like the ones at San Juan Oaks and Bayonet/Blackhorse, that happen to be closer closer to the city or somewhere in the north/east bay.

I have heard that TPC at Stonebrae has a killer junior member program for people under 32 I think, but I haven't got the details yet since someone just told me about it.

If you think of anything that resembles the memberships at either bayonet or San Juan Oaks within an hour of the city, i'd appreciate the heads up.

dmac

CPN · February 27, 2012

[quote name='alittlethinboss' timestamp='1330314722' post='4384953']
[quote name='CPN' timestamp='1330306985' post='4383725']
Dude, not to be a jerk but you are dreaming. Minimum on the peninsula is going to be around $100K initiation fee plus $500-$1100 monthly dues not to mention your quarterly minimums.

[/quote]

I hear ya. I was referring more to memberships that are like the ones at San Juan Oaks and Bayonet/Blackhorse, that happen to be closer closer to the city or somewhere in the north/east bay.

I have heard that TPC at Stonebrae has a killer junior member program for people under 32 I think, but I haven't got the details yet since someone just told me about it.

If you think of anything that resembles the memberships at either bayonet or San Juan Oaks within an hour of the city, i'd appreciate the heads up.

dmac

[/quote]

dmac,

Stonebrea might be your ticket other than it being a bit of a hike, pun intended because it is not really walkable and it is a bit of a drive. However, the course is a good test (I would call it very difficult as the wind can howl up on top of the hill) and last I heard, and this was early last year that, trial memberships were available for dues only. The catch is that after a year if you want to stay you need to pony up the initiation fee. I can't quote you that price but I think it is in your ballpark. BTW the practice facilities are outstanding. One of the best ranges I been to in the bay area and I've seen most of them. Stonebrea comes as close to what your looking for than really anything else I can think of.

C

ryancjordan · February 27, 2012

http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/topic/558981-private-course-recommendations-in-the-east-baysf-bay/

I started a similar thread in the california forum a few months back. Should be some useful info in there. I am still trying to decide if I want to join a course, let me know if you find a great deal somewhere.

littleprov1x · February 27, 2012

LMGC was 25-35K last time I heard. They were struggling for members and had dropped it way down. Might be cheaper for under 35, but it's not going to be $5K. You will not hit a 7 iron more than 155 there ever.