National Club Membership

[Townes]

I have a buddy who just did a national membership at Country Club of North Carolina - really competitive rates right now(they are replacing Dogwood's greens) and they do a junior national plan(<40).

 

Any suggestions on National Membership's in the Atlanta metro market? Bonus points for suggestions that do Junior(<40) National plans.

 

Looking forward to playing Old Chatham, Shoal, Dunes and Chechessee later this year.

 

C.C.N.C has an very nice piece of land and two good courses although Dogwood is by a fair bit the better of the two. I'm not sure it is really the fly in fly out choice for me though, if you are thinking of buying property.... now I'm interested.

[Townes]

I'm looking into this as well. Right now, the ones on my list are:

The Honors Course

Secession

CC of Sapphire Valley

Shoal Creek

 

 

Going to look into Chechessee. I'm trying to keep it within 250 miles of Atlanta. I'd like somewhere that I could finish up work and drive to without getting in way late.

 

Good friend of mine is one of the pros at Secession. I've played there and while it's a great course there are ALOT of better courses. The history and membership is the real kicker there.

 

History? Secession isn't even 25 years old and has never hosted an event of any significance. Sure, nice place to play a round, but what history?

 

Not sure about course history at 25 years old but the area has a tone and the place certainly has an old school feel. The course itself is very good but perhaps not great... that said, it might be the coolest place on earth. Spend a night enjoying beverages on the porch and you will never want to leave.

[cacophony82]

C.C.N.C has an very nice piece of land and two good courses although Dogwood is by a fair bit the better of the two. I'm not sure it is really the fly in fly out choice for me though, if you are thinking of buying property.... now I'm interested.

 

I played Cardinal monday afternoon - I had no idea to the extent of the Renovation Dogwood is getting right now - waiting for one of my sponsors to come home from overseas before submitting my application

 

http://www.thepilot....9085f88d9f.html

[Townes]

C.C.N.C has an very nice piece of land and two good courses although Dogwood is by a fair bit the better of the two. I'm not sure it is really the fly in fly out choice for me though, if you are thinking of buying property.... now I'm interested.

 

I played Cardinal monday afternoon - I had no idea to the extent of the Renovation Dogwood is getting right now - waiting for one of my sponsors to come home from overseas before submitting my application

 

http://www.thepilot....9085f88d9f.html

 

Thanks for posting. Very interesting.

[Sixcat]

It may not be far enough South for you, but, Ballyhack sounds like what you are describing. On course cottages are really nice. I can only describe the course as spectacular. In an area that is private and queit, yet, only a few minutes from Roanoke. Anyone that you send here will be impressed for sure. I played it for the first time about a month ago. The condition was way above average and an abundance of staff working on the course. Pro shop, dining and locker rooms are in an upscale building. There is also a really good practice facility.

 

If you look at their website it's hard to imagine that the pictures don't do it justice.

 

I know this is an old thread that has been revived a few times but I thought this may be pertinent information.

 

I used to live across the street from the entrance to Ballyhack. A recent article in the local newspaper stated the club had made significant cutbacks, let the head professional go and would be sold. When the concept was first pitched to the community for a "national type golf community", I thought it would struggle to be successful. There just simply isn't enough money and/or attractions in the surrounding area to compete with other regional destinations such as Pinehurst or Kingsmill, which are both only a coupe of hours away.

[kevy_boy]

Winter is unfortunately approaching so I thought I would revive this thread.

 

I've been looking at the following national/winter-type clubs:

• Champion's Retreat
  
• Mountain Lake
  
• Berkeley Hall
  

Anyone have any other good suggestions?

[Fbgstaff]

Berkeley Hall has best deal I have seen. It's posted on there website

[cacophony82]

Planing on playing Berkeley for the first time in Oct/Nov(we have a club event at their club) - looking forward to checking it out for myself.

 

I moved forward with CCNC; somewhat weather friendly(if your from the north) and Dogwood reopens next week.

[sg1]

The favorite two national clubs I have played are Ballyneal and Pikewood National. Opposite season though. Both have great on site lodging

[greyman09]

I am located in SouthCarolina. Any suggestions on national club with a different temperature or climate. It is brutal hot here during the summer.

[cacophony82]

The favorite two national clubs I have played are Ballyneal and Pikewood National. Opposite season though. Both have great on site lodging

-- got the invite to go back to Ballyneal next week --- LOVE that club - anyone know if the Bocce and expanded putting green is operational yet?

[greyman09]

Any thoughts on Forest Creek in Pinehurst?

 

Sorry just saw it mentioned on page 1.

[carrera]

The favorite two national clubs I have played are Ballyneal and Pikewood National. Opposite season though. Both have great on site lodging

-- got the invite to go back to Ballyneal next week --- LOVE that club - anyone know if the Bocce and expanded putting green is operational yet?

 

Should be close according to Doak's post in this thread:

 

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,63023.msg1500830.html#msg1500830

[jkd9977]

If one is considering a national club, one of the very first calls should be to Prairie Dunes.

[Bml4399]

Anyone know the initiation fee and dues for an individual national membership at champions retreat?

[Corsair]

For those looking for a summer season type "national club" try looking in Northern MI - Kingsley club comes to mind.

[UncleJohn’sBand]

It may not be far enough South for you, but, Ballyhack sounds like what you are describing. On course cottages are really nice. I can only describe the course as spectacular. In an area that is private and queit, yet, only a few minutes from Roanoke. Anyone that you send here will be impressed for sure. I played it for the first time about a month ago. The condition was way above average and an abundance of staff working on the course. Pro shop, dining and locker rooms are in an upscale building. There is also a really good practice facility.

 

If you look at their website it's hard to imagine that the pictures don't do it justice.

 

I'd probably not go this route. Golf course is very scenic, however from a playability standpoint it will drive you nuts unless you play it a ton. Not really the most fun course and damn near impossible to walk.

[The Pearl]

The favorite two national clubs I have played are Ballyneal and Pikewood National. Opposite season though. Both have great on site lodging

 

Pikewood looks like heaven.

[BEND OF THE RIVER GC]

Interested in this as well but my location is Louisville Ky and I would like to see something in kind of a metro area within 3-4 hours. Wolf Creek in Indy is all I am aware of.

 

And, they are closing Wolf Run in a year so don't join there!

[Scott@84]

The favorite two national clubs I have played are Ballyneal and Pikewood National. Opposite season though. Both have great on site lodging

 

Pikewood looks like heaven.

 

It is. Amazing golf course.

[Browns71213]

I'm guessing that you want a National membership because you do not want to buy property and deal with all that comes with that. There are many resorts in the south where all you need to do is own dirt in the community and you can get an "at large" membership. You may explore this option as then you would actually get something for your investment with the initial membership fee.

[az2au]

We decided to go the international route instead but there's a few that I would absolutely consider:

1. Prairie Dunes-has to be considered a top option. Wonderful place to play golf

2. Kingsley

3. Sand Hills-if that is still an option. I know 3 people that are members there and they all love it. I have not made it up there yet though

4. Ballyneal-Not sure it will survive unfortunately

5. Dismal River-another one I haven't made it to but know people who are members and love it

6. Desert Forest-strong international and national member program at a truly walkable desert course. I couldn't love it more than I do.

7. Scottsdale National-the antithesis of Desert Forest in so many ways but if you want that, it is there. Just don't make Parsons wait even 1 second to hit a shot :)

 

Finally, you can do something like Outpost Club for variety. I know at least 10 guys that were or are members there. Heard lots of positive things early, less now and a few have dropped it.

[Bml4399]

Anyone know if chechesse creek is still accepting national members?

 

Also heard that forest creek is amazing but I thought you had to be a property owner there to become a member, anyone know?

[cacophony82]

National Members can join Forest Creek w/out property ownership

[Browns71213]

I met someone yesterday that has a National membership at Hawks Ridge in Ball Ground,GA. $$$$$$$$