Memberships in Vancouver

[doctorgolf]

Moving to Vancouver this fall. Can anyone give me some recommendations on where to go for the best Intermediate membership in the city? By best I mean doesn't require a massive initiation fee (e.g. point grey, marine drive), but still has great facilities and conditions. I play 70+ rounds per year right now in a 7-ish month season, so I imagine I will play close to 100 in Vancouver - that means green fee golf is out of the question. In my own research I can't find many courses that post cost and such online, and have had some awkward phone calls with private clubs about their "intermediate membership" which is over as soon as they say 35k initiation fee. So I'm looking for some local knowledge. 

 

So far it seems Richmond CC has a great Intermediate option but caps you at 2 years. Also Pitt Meadows but it seems a little far out from where I plan to live (Mt Pleasant area or west of there). Any comments on these courses would be appreciated too.

[KFMiller]

Take a look at Kings Links in Delta BC

[KFMiller]

Take a look at Kings Links in Delta BC

[Golfnuck]

doctorgolf -

 

Unfortunately you have picked the worst time to join a private club.

 

All of them are oversubscribed with long waitlists, increasing initiation fees and difficult access to the tee for existing members.

 

Given we are moving out of COVID restrictions thing may change over the next few years.

 

If you are going to keep it under $35k that rules out Marine, Point Grey, Vancouver Golf Club, Capilano and likely Shaughnessy.

 

I say likely Shaughnessy because they are on leased lands that expires in 2032.  They had a good deal going whereby your initiation fee was $1,000 per year left in the lease but that is no longer available I believe.

 

Out of the remaining clubs near town your have already looked at Richmond GC and there is also The Quichena in Richmond - https://www.qgolfclub.ca/

 

A bit further away but still manageable is Beach Grove in Tsawassen (Delta).  It is a pretty nice short layout but practice area is lacking - https://www.beachgrovegolf.com/

 

The big factor for Richmond over Beach Grove is that you do not have to go thru the tunnel which can be a pain.

 

If you intend to play over the winter both Richmond and Beach Grove will then to be a bit dryer.

 

The other course to consider is Seymour Golf and Country Club.  I do not know if the initiation fee with fit below $35k - https://seymourgolf.com/

 

Richmond and Beach Grove are flat courses while Seymour is a hilly course. 

 

I don't know where you are moving from but Vancouver is crazy expensive for everything including golf memberships.

 

You should reach out to every golf club regardless if you think the initiation fee is too high.  There is no embarrassment to saying to the membership directors that the fee is too high as maybe they will have some deals or a payment plan.  Membership director's job is to talk to every prospective member and is not there to judge.  The only club that is difficult to get into if you do not currently know anyone who is a long term member is Capilano.  

 

Like I said earlier the biggest problem for you is the timing.  Almost every club is completely full with full wait list.  At my club (Vancouver GC) we have frozen any new applications period.  This will likely extent for several years.

Edited June 15, 2021 by Golfnuck

[doctorgolf]

Thanks Golfnuck this is incredibly helpful. This golf/membership culture is so different from what I'm used to in the Okanagan. We essentially don't have private courses here but instead annual memberships. Quite the sticker shock looking at most clubs in Vancouver, especially since I am looking for the course and practice facility quality that seemingly only the private courses in Van provide. 

 

I'll take a look at Beach Grove, Quilchena, and Seymour. 

 

PS wow Vancouver Golf Club! I've heard great things!

[Golfnuck]

doctorgolf

 

If your forum name is indicative of your profession and you are residing in the Mt Pleasant area to be close to VGH I would strongly suggest that you consider either Point Grey or Marine Golf Clubs.

 

Traffic in Vancouver is a nightmare that goes from sun up to sun down.  Having a club close by will ensure that you can just pop over to practice or play a few holes.  

 

Thank you for the kudos for VGC the greens crew have been working extremely hard to improve the course. 

 

I have also heard very good things about the new Superintendent at Point Grey and they now have a new driving range and practice area.

Edited June 24, 2021 by Golfnuck

[frequentlurker]

I went through this process a few years ago.

 

Based on what you've described, I think Richmond CC is your best bet. One massive caveat: traffic to that part of Richmond from Vancouver can be a nightmare. 

 

There aren't any other private courses that won't ring you up for $35k+ in initiation. I love Kings Links and their annual membership is silly inexpensive ($3K I believe), but conditioning there can be hit or miss outside of the Summer months. It's also even more difficult to access than Richmond CC. They also haven't had memberships available for a while as they give priority to returning members who snag them all up.

 

It would be worth looking into whether Morgan Creek has an offer for annual play. Once again, it's a long trek from Vancouver to there, though.