Country Club debate

[bigchucksr]

I'll give you my best advice, having been a member of a private country club for the last 25 years, a club with a fine 18 hole course, a pool, and fully enclosed tennis facility. All within a 5 minute drive.

Much depends on your age and the ages of your family. None of my children were interested in golf and did not, due to a divorce live with me so much of the "amenities" of my club were of no advantage to my membership. However if you have younger children who are interested in tennis and golf a club that allows children to play free as a members child is a real advantage. This is also the case with the availability of tennis and the pool.

The kind of course and the condition of the course is also important--a quality you did not discuss in your review of the options available in the courses you are considering. Over the long haul, the layout and condition of the course should be an important consideration. Which course fits your game and your eye should be part of the decision.

Also, try to get a feel about how many outside tournaments the club allows during the playing season. In my case, our club does allow outside tournaments of various types--social and/or corporate tournaments sometimes get a little tiresome at our course even tho the pros are good about letting members play around these various tournaments, if they are numerous they can be a problem.

Try to get a feel about how much freedom you have, as a member, to enjoy the course freely. Our course is really good about allowing a member to play during "off" hours, later in the evening, early, during slack play. "Come on out and we'll get you off the back or front" is a real advantage if you have a busy schedule and just want to play a few holes by yourself. The attitude of the professional staff is a real consideration in a private club setting. Friendly, accommodating, casual are what you are looking for and believe me, those qualities really count when it comes to paying for a private club.

Cart fees and cart usage is also important, know how each club makes those carts available to you and your family--that can be a real deal breaker if there aren't enough carts or if they are expensive.

In any case, a private course is, in my opinion, always a better choice than a muni, especially if you plan to play a lot of rounds and/or are looking for pure convenience in enjoying your game. In my opinion the cost is less of a consideration of choice than the convenience factor of the clubs you have available.

[eagle1997]

just say the names of the clubs. you'll get better informed answers.

 

current club being 7 mins away is the key point imho.

[LeftDaddy]

- As for my current club, it is fine for what it is. It just lacks some of those nice touches. And we barely use the dining and tennis, and never use the pool. And I don't love the "gang" so much...not too many "jerks" or anything, but just not the best fit with my personality. And finally, I just want something nicer and am willing to pay for it.

 

Hopefully that helps with the responses. Thanks again!

 

It sounds like you just want to golf...almost sounds like you are throwing money out the window. Why join a club if you don`t take advantage of the place, just go play public courses, maybe you`ll meet some less stuffy people there.

 

Who wants to deal with the peasants on a public course?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*edit* that's a joke. Be merciful, mods.

 

Actually, you might be joking, but in reality that`s what Country Clubs are for. Places for wealthy people to mingle with other wealthy people.

 

I was worried my post might come off this way. And it probably does. I don't mean it that way, though. The value I find in a private club is that it "forces" me to play more golf, and makes the marginal cost of golf very low. And frankly, you never have to deal with 5.5 hour rounds. I've played a handful of public courses in the last couple of years and I basically have just decided that I don't want to deal with that anymore. Too crowded. Rounds too long. Behavior of golfers leaves a lot to be desired. I could go on, but public courses as a regular pursuit are off the list for me... and it really has nothing to do with hanging around "wealthy" people for me. I come from very humble beginnings but worked hard to improve my situation somewhat, but I've never forgotten where I came from.

 

I do enjoy some of the finer things on occasion (although I am very value-conscious), and that is essentially what this is all about for me. What can I buy into that allows me to play as much golf as possible, but that also affords me a few niceties along the way.

[ebrasmus21]

- As for my current club, it is fine for what it is. It just lacks some of those nice touches. And we barely use the dining and tennis, and never use the pool. And I don't love the "gang" so much...not too many "jerks" or anything, but just not the best fit with my personality. And finally, I just want something nicer and am willing to pay for it.

 

Hopefully that helps with the responses. Thanks again!

 

It sounds like you just want to golf...almost sounds like you are throwing money out the window. Why join a club if you don`t take advantage of the place, just go play public courses, maybe you`ll meet some less stuffy people there.

 

Who wants to deal with the peasants on a public course?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*edit* that's a joke. Be merciful, mods.

 

Actually, you might be joking, but in reality that`s what Country Clubs are for. Places for wealthy people to mingle with other wealthy people.

 

I was worried my post might come off this way. And it probably does. I don't mean it that way, though. The value I find in a private club is that it "forces" me to play more golf, and makes the marginal cost of golf very low. And frankly, you never have to deal with 5.5 hour rounds. I've played a handful of public courses in the last couple of years and I basically have just decided that I don't want to deal with that anymore. Too crowded. Rounds too long. Behavior of golfers leaves a lot to be desired. I could go on, but public courses as a regular pursuit are off the list for me... and it really has nothing to do with hanging around "wealthy" people for me. I come from very humble beginnings but worked hard to improve my situation somewhat, but I've never forgotten where I came from.

 

I do enjoy some of the finer things on occasion (although I am very value-conscious), and that is essentially what this is all about for me. What can I buy into that allows me to play as much golf as possible, but that also affords me a few niceties along the way.

 

OP - I was mostly joking but I was also being kind of serious. Not having to deal with public play is a huge draw so I can 100% appreciate where you are coming from.

[LeftDaddy]

"Why would I be OK with us spending all that money on something that I get no benefit from?"

 

Do you use the racquet 'club' she has to keep?

 

Pot. Kettle?

 

I do use the swim/racquet club occasionally. And so do my kids.

 

Like I said, she has many, many great qualities. Seeing things from a different person's perspective isn't always her best quality :-) I made it sound worse than it is...she is helping me with a choice that affects all of us both financially and with our time. She wants me to find something I'm happy with. But she also wants to be able to benefit from it too :-) And her club would be significantly cheaper than my club.

[MtlJeff]

- As for my current club, it is fine for what it is. It just lacks some of those nice touches. And we barely use the dining and tennis, and never use the pool. And I don't love the "gang" so much...not too many "jerks" or anything, but just not the best fit with my personality. And finally, I just want something nicer and am willing to pay for it.

 

Hopefully that helps with the responses. Thanks again!

 

It sounds like you just want to golf...almost sounds like you are throwing money out the window. Why join a club if you don`t take advantage of the place, just go play public courses, maybe you`ll meet some less stuffy people there.

 

Who wants to deal with the peasants on a public course?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*edit* that's a joke. Be merciful, mods.

 

Actually, you might be joking, but in reality that`s what Country Clubs are for. Places for wealthy people to mingle with other wealthy people.

 

It depends on the region and costs. Some areas only real ballers can afford memberships, in others even the peasants can.

 

In Montreal for example you can join a top 100 course in Canada for 5k a year with maybe 4-5k initiation if that

 

My home course has no initiation and costs less per year, and is a highly regarded course

 

Really depends where you live.

[uitar9]

I'm a muni player (one of the unwashed, often)...but...the local private outfits will allow you a round and tour before you sign off.

 

Do you have that option with A. B and C?

[GolfChannel]

Maybe it’s generational, but all of this just seems exhausting. I never understood the country club culture, they don’t really exist where I live and even the private clubs aren’t as nice as what’s publicly available.

 

Good luck, but I don’t envy you.

[farmer]

As an old guy, married 45 years, never, ever say to your wife "I work and you hang around the house and do whatever.". If it ever becomes a temptation, find a brick and hit yourself in the head util the impulse goes away. Back to your club choice, someone posted that the drive is no big deal ... but it is. My wife worked about a half hour away for 25 years. By the end (retirement), she would have rather chewed tacks than make the drive. Our little club had some out of town members, but they all gradually went away-because of the drive. Living in a small, rural place, I understand that my view about the drive is skewed, but 7 min vs 30 min in an urban area is not even a choice.

[Railroading13]

C

[CheckJV]

Golfing for me is all about playing golf with my friends at my club. And I’m fortunate to be a member of a small club with lots of friendly people, many of which have become life long friends. I say pick the club that will give you the maximum opportunity for friendship.

[Truman]

A 23 minute drive differential I consider insignificant. If you’re looking for the best quality experience I would go with A. Even though it is a caddy only course, I suspect you could walk on your own in off periods.

[Loki]

I'm curious as to why you have to use a caddie so much at the club (?)?

[LeftDaddy]

Responses to a few posts:

 

I’ve done the tours and preview rounds at A and B. Toured C but haven’t played it yet. A is a top 100 course. B is a great course also. Planning to play C soon.

 

I haven’t said anything to my wife along the lines of “I work, so it is my choice...”. We do a good job of making choices that work for both of us. I’m pretty financially savvy, and she’s no slouch in that department either. Most importantly, our financial “values” are mostly well aligned.

 

This isn’t the slightest bit exhausting. It is a 1st world problem for sure. I just had an idea about what I wanted to do, and researched what was available nearby but have been mostly disappointed with the pros/cons/potential tradeoffs. There is potentially an option D. Golf course with a partial clubhouse. 5 minutes from my house. Course is highly regarded, and “membership” is pretty inexpensive. But it has two huge negatives: it is only semi-private, and it gets a lot of play. Also, I just don’t love the course.

 

Anyway, it seems like driving time is a big factor to everyone (and I agree with that too). I would say that I probably wouldn’t mind driving to A ever. B and C might start to get old.

 

You guys have given me a lot to think about. I appreciate it. Thanks!

[swizbeatz]

D is out, the biggest negative being that you don’t love the course.

 

 

I’d stay where you are at for a few years longer, kids will be driving, you’ll hopefully be working less. Makes adding an hour+ onto your round not a big deal. At that point I’d join option A. You mentioned afternoon quick rounds and I’m assuming you probably make it home for dinner, will that really be an option with A as often as it is where your currently at? Won’t be as big a deal when the kids are off doing their own thing.

[hahanice]

I honestly don't love any of your options. A gives you no options. Can't just go play 6 holes. What happens if you need to stop and run in and send an Email? Hard to do with a caddie. What if you and your friends want to play a 2v2 worst ball scramble for 3$ a man. With caddies?

I also would need pool and tennis. I don't have kids yet but to pay a big initiation fee knowing one day I may want a family atmosphere and need to leave won't work for me.

I would like option C but don't love that it sounds crowded.

 

 

I joined my club for golfing reasons only. I wanted to play alone because I was terrible. I liked being able to go out after work and get a quick 6, 9, 13 holes in. I liked being able to go out and hit 7 balls per shot per hole practicing...

 

Now that I am better at golf I have gotten to know the other members. I love having an amazing group of guys to play with every day.

 

For me it's members, then commute. One day maybe facilities when I have kids.

 

I could care less about clubhouse and food at the moment. I love golf, not burgers or architecture.

 

That's me though. You have to do what's best for you. If you don't love the members at your club I would get out. In this situation I would choose the club with the best members. I would also try to work out a 1 year trial. Would hate to join a place and find out you can't stand most of the people there

[carrera]

Not really about your situation specifically, but the half hour drive will get to be a chore. Evening nine holes, easy, quick access to a range will all go away because of the drive. Club A requiring a caddie, that's going to get old when you just want a quick, casual round. Club B sounds OK, but still have the drive. Club C, I hate being nickle and dimed. Just tell me what something costs, if the club needs more money, raise dues, but don't pull it out of me in little tacky ways. For me, particularly living in a rural area, the hassle of driving a half hour each way to play a few holes or hit some balls would be a deal breaker.

 

Agree with all of this. A 30-minute drive would be a deal breaker, especially if you are used to <10 minutes. Mandatory caddies isn't great, either.

[larrybud]

I'm all about the golf and the drive time to the course from work and home. I don't want a pool or any of the other junk, including the food.

 

Just depends on what you prioritize.

[AC168]

Is moving a house or job location possible?

[postfold]

- Drive time is an issue

- A lot of my rounds currently are of the get around quickly on a late afternoon variety, which makes clubs A and C tough (for a variety of reasons, club B won't really have that same issue)

 

I'm always impressed by how many people are fazed by a 30 minute drive. It does depend, I suppose, on how much you're used to it and what your usage plans are. When I lived in a major metro area I happily drove up to 50 minutes every Saturday and Sunday morning to play better courses instead of the mediocre ones that were nearby. Of course now that I live in a smaller town 10 minutes from my course the idea of 30 seems a bit more ... unnecessary.

 

To me, club B seems like the ideal option if you make a change. Of course you may decide not to or allow the spouse to veto, but if you like B, the people are likely to be a better fit, you can get on when you are able to play and it's not some outrageous distance, that sounds like a winner.

 

Good luck with the decision.

[az2au]

I too am amazed at a 30 min drive being significant. I have a very good, top 20 course in the state in my community and I drive 20 min to play at a club I strongly prefer (and is top 5 in the state). I wouldn't even consider joining the other one. At all. 10 min added wouldn't do anything. The other local club I belong to is 35 min away and, again, I have zero hesitation about playing there.

 

Edit: Forgot to answer. I'd likely go A but then again I don't care about playing partial rounds and I don't have the caddie hate that people seem to here (which is even more surprising than the drive). I take one every now and again at my club just to support the program even though I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own clubs and do all of the time.

[golfortennis]

I too am amazed at a 30 min drive being significant. I have a very good, top 20 course in the state in my community and I drive 20 min to play at a club I strongly prefer (and is top 5 in the state). I wouldn't even consider joining the other one. At all. 10 min added wouldn't do anything. The other local club I belong to is 35 min away and, again, I have zero hesitation about playing there.

 

Edit: Forgot to answer. I'd likely go A but then again I don't care about playing partial rounds and I don't have the caddie hate that people seem to here (which is even more surprising than the drive). I take one every now and again at my club just to support the program even though I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own clubs and do all of the time.

 

I don't think it's so much caddie hate as the fact it's an extra cost forced upon you. That would add up fast in a very significant way. You need to have Bobby Axelrod F-you money for that not to be a consideration.

[az2au]

I too am amazed at a 30 min drive being significant. I have a very good, top 20 course in the state in my community and I drive 20 min to play at a club I strongly prefer (and is top 5 in the state). I wouldn't even consider joining the other one. At all. 10 min added wouldn't do anything. The other local club I belong to is 35 min away and, again, I have zero hesitation about playing there.

 

Edit: Forgot to answer. I'd likely go A but then again I don't care about playing partial rounds and I don't have the caddie hate that people seem to here (which is even more surprising than the drive). I take one every now and again at my club just to support the program even though I'm perfectly capable of carrying my own clubs and do all of the time.

 

I don't think it's so much caddie hate as the fact it's an extra cost forced upon you. That would add up fast in a very significant way. You need to have Bobby Axelrod F-you money for that not to be a consideration.

I figured if he was considering joining that type of club then it isn’t a big consideration. Clubs like this don’t have people that play 200 rounds/year or at least they are very rare and thus it is not quite the same level of extra cost one might assume. To me it is a lot better than Scottsdale National which charges members a $100+ usage fee every time they play. That doesn’t get you a caddie. Just a cart and a snack or at least that is what it used to get you.

[ceejay81]

Join Kinloch and let us know how it goes.

[carrera]

To me a 30-minute drive eliminates the "drop in for a quick few holes"; "stop by and roll some putts/practice bunker shots/hit a few balls" etc. Or "drop in and have a beer in the grill". Each of which is easy when the club is 10 minutes away.

[kiddoc]

How old are your “school aged kids”?

 

Is the club on the way home from work? It matters.

[kiddoc]

Do you lease your car? 30 min drive...adds lots of miles to your budget bottom line

[duffer987]

Join Kinloch and let us know how it goes.

LOL! So...

A- Kinloch

B - The Foundry

C - ?

How many letters were there again?

[cristphoto]

 

 

Our club had 15 outings (all on Monday’s) this year and you can always tell the next day. Divots not sanded, ball marks, tire tracks on par 3’s, etc. The members respect the course much more than the visitors. I’ve always said we should get a large deposit up front and deduct from it any abnormal damage. I hate to say this as a good percentage of the outings are decent charity organizations but even still free booze and poor golfers is a bad combination.

[Elbow Hurts]

Join Kinloch and let us know how it goes.

LOL! So...

A- Kinloch

B - The Foundry

C - ?

How many letters were there again?

 

My guess is Hermitage for C. Many possibilities for current club: Salisbury, Meadowbrook, Willow Oaks, Richmond Country Club, Meadowbrook, Brandermill, etc.