[nitivearchit]

I'm contemplating joining a club here in the city.
They currently have a deal on where you pay $25/bi-weekly and you get the chance to play unlimited rounds of golf (for the reduced rate of $25/18 holes on the weekend), have a free powered cart with each round, and a few other good amenities. So I could be playing 18 holes of golf whenever I want for roughly $37.50 which is stellar here. However, to break even I was told that I'd need to play 9 rounds, and then anything after that is basically money.
With that, it would be roughly $825 this summer/year to break even and then start gaining back.

If I play only municipal courses like I did last year, I've guesstimated that I would probably play 24 rounds of 9 holes (~$30), and maybe 4 rounds of 18 holes (~$50). So this brings that to $920.

This means that the membership is much more expensive in the end, and also more out of the way as far as driving goes. Also, if it rains/snows, I'd be losing out, whereas if I just go the municipal route, I never really do. The only thing is that with the municipal courses, the only times you can get tee times fairly easily is if you aim for the last few tee times in the evening. If you want to play on the weekends, there is a slim-to-no chance of getting a tee time because of the sheer volume of people wanting a tee time.

What do you guys think? Are there more factors I should be considering?

[bppstorr]

Seems to me that joining the club would actually give you opportunity to play more rounds, so it would be a no brainer for me to get to play more I expect to pay more.

[HQTheodore]

I fall into the side of not getting a membership, because

1. It guilts you into playing to "get your money worth"
2. Limits variability of courses you can play (my biggest factor)
3. It's not much cheaper and may be more expensive

Are your muni's in good shape? Do they have interesting layouts and routing?
If you have quality muni's in your area I would lean toward the variety and money side of things... if the muni's are crappy and tough to play (esp as a single) you may be better off with the membership.

Hows that for a wishy-washy answer?

[EmpokemyMok]

You will find yourself playing way more golf than you ever could imagine. Even in questionable weather you'll give it a shot because technically it wouldn't be costing you anything.

Comparing the golf you'd play with or without a membership is almost pointless because the membership allows you to play golf in timespans you never ever thought would be possible.


THPing on the fly. Sorry for lack of forum etiquette.

[Drugmachine]

It ends up cheaper for me. My monthly fee includes a practice facility (range, bunker complex, wedge range, short course, practice greens, gym, and unlimited greens fees). Pay for play would cost me a lot more.

[Cricequorie]

It ends up cheaper for me. My monthly fee includes a practice facility (range, bunker complex, wedge range, short course, practice greens, gym, and unlimited greens fees). Pay for play would cost me a lot more.

Pretty much the same for me other than the gym portion. And I do end up playing alot more since it's all inclusive I don't mind going out to play in a mist and if it gets to uncomfortable just bag it after 4 or 6 holes. If I were paying $25-$50 for muni's instead of a flat monthly fee I'd probably only be playing 1-2 times a week instead of 3-5 times.

[leangarance]

I fall into the side of not getting a membership, because

1. It guilts you into playing to "get your money worth"
2. Limits variability of courses you can play (my biggest factor)
3. It's not much cheaper and may be more expensive

1. Maybe for some. But most join a club for other factors outside of just green fees.
2. Absolutely NOT the case in many areas. Reciprocal clubs can be very abundant and give a rather large variety at some exceptional courses.

[HQTheodore]

1. Maybe for some. But most join a club for other factors outside of just green fees.
2. Absolutely NOT the case in many areas. Reciprocal clubs can be very abundant and give a rather large variety at some exceptional courses.

I completely understand your point 1. in many cases you are paying for a lifestyle that some find very enjoyable. He didn't mention social functions, tennis courts, pools, etc. In the same way he did not mention it having any reciprocal courses. I was providing my thoughts on his particular situation and not course membership in general.

[leangarance]

I completely understand your point 1. in many cases you are paying for a lifestyle that some find very enjoyable. He didn't mention social functions, tennis courts, pools, etc. In the same way he did not mention it having any reciprocal courses. I was providing my thoughts on his particular situation and not course membership in general.

I was mistaken then. You said "Limits variability of courses you can play (my biggest factor)", so I was assuming that you meant in general.

[HQTheodore]

I was mistaken then. You said "Limits variability of courses you can play (my biggest factor)", so I was assuming that you meant in general.

I can see that interpretation now. Of the 3 points, that would be the one that carried the most weight for me, because I enjoy getting to play a variety of courses. Though perhaps for someone else money, or as mentioned above the the amount you get to play, would weight more heavily than course selection.

[leangarance]

I can see that interpretation now. Of the 3 points, that would be the one that carried the most weight for me, because I enjoy getting to play a variety of courses. Though perhaps for someone else money, or as mentioned above the the amount you get to play, would weight more heavily than course selection.

Let me use an example of someone that really gets the variety built into their membership. THP member biggsy is a member at a course and it seems as though every course in the area (public or private) is a partner. So he can play absolutely anywhere and the discounts are extreme. He took GG and myself to another local course that would have cost $90 a round, but with him because of his membership and the reciprocal rights only $24. It also gives the ability to play at many of the other private courses that are not options for most.

The reciprocal clubs have changed the way most can look at private courses now. You will many times get a network of courses to play rather than just a single course. For instance Club Corp courses give you a network across the nation in some memberships.

[HQTheodore]

Let me use an example of someone that really gets the variety built into their membership. THP member biggsy is a member at a course and it seems as though every course in the area (public or private) is a partner. So he can play absolutely anywhere and the discounts are extreme. He took GG and myself to another local course that would have cost $90 a round, but with him because of his membership and the reciprocal rights only $24. It also gives the ability to play at many of the other private courses that are not options for most.

The reciprocal clubs have changed the way most can look at private courses now. You will many times get a network of courses to play rather than just a single course. For instance Club Corp courses give you a network across the nation in some memberships.

Yep, though few courses in this part of Ohio really offer full reciprocation a couple do. The cleveland muni's (9 of them) all share a membership which is nice. I don't think there is any argument against the type of set up that biggsy has. If I had something like that near where I live I would jump on it. In the OP it seemed as though there were no reciprocation rights included in the membership (if there are, they were not mentioned) which would vastly change my thoughts on his particular/individual situation. If there were, it would likely flip my answer to yes.

OP asked for our thoughts- and based on the information he provided I personally would not do that particular membership. If the circumstances were different I think my answer may be different as well.

Edit: Ratfink- you can have your thread back now

[AnIInWon]

I tend to play the same course most of the time anyway, so that issue has never really bothered me. I think I'm going to wait until the kid is a bit older before we join a club. I want the family to enjoy the benefits.

[leangarance]

I tend to play the same course most of the time anyway, so that issue has never really bothered me. I think I'm going to wait until the kid is a bit older before we join a club. I want the family to enjoy the benefits.

Plus, who knows where you will be living...

I have always said that if someone is looking at a membership at a nicer course for cost savings, they probably should not do it. However if they are looking at a membership at a private club for what else goes with it, a lifestyle if you will, then it can be the best money you ever spend.

[toopyimport]

What do you guys mean when you refer to social memberships and social benefits when joining a club?

[AnIInWon]

What do you guys mean when you refer to social memberships and social benefits when joining a club?

Pool, tennis, dinners, social events, special tournaments for father/son etc. The ability to network with other business people in the area is a big plus as well.

[myspauyijbv]

For me joining a club has always been a no brainer because I play almost everyday so I more than get my money's worth. I played at least 200 18 hole rounds at my home course which if I would have paid a pay to play fee of $24 each round would have been $4800 versus the $1196 I paid for membership.
Membership also comes with perks. like free lessons with our PGA pro, member only events, clubhouse discounts on equipment etc. Well worth the money up front if you play as much as I do. I do play once in awhile at other courses and just pay the daily fee in those cases.
I think the bottom line is how often you play and what kind of perks are attached to the membership.

[nitivearchit]

Thanks for the answers! You all make very good points.
As to the variety that comes with membership, this course/club has a sister course/club outside of town that I can play at. As for reciprocal memberships, it says there are 161 other courses across the US I can play, if i opt for some additional charges to the membership. Since I'm just a lowly student, i won't be travelling to play golf (save for hopefully the outing next year). My friend who would go into the membership with me brought up the point about being stuck to that one course for most of our games sine we play in the evenings after work. I may try to ask the course for a complimentary tour/round so we can test it out, since neither of us have even played it. This is a public(?) course in that anyone can book a tee time, but obviously memberships have its perks.
As to the amount I would play, realistically, I'd max out at 2 rounds of 9 each week, with maybe an 18 on the weekend just due to stealing the family's car and other commitments.

[johnlohanmclee]

Pretty much the same for me other than the gym portion. And I do end up playing alot more since it's all inclusive I don't mind going out to play in a mist and if it gets to uncomfortable just bag it after 4 or 6 holes. If I were paying $25-$50 for muni's instead of a flat monthly fee I'd probably only be playing 1-2 times a week instead of 3-5 times.

Ron are you a member at Thorncreek? I've been trying to get some info regarding their men's league and or club... but I haven't heard back, can you PM me any info from last years? I drive by Thorncreek everday and joining this club would be ideal.

Thanks!

[Cricequorie]

Ron are you a member at Thorncreek? I've been trying to get some info regarding their men's league and or club... but I haven't heard back, can you PM me any info from last years? I drive by Thorncreek everday and joining this club would be ideal.

Thanks!

Yes, I drive by it everyday as well on my way home. Their Player Development program is what got me to start playing there, the great course and excellent staff is what keeps me there. About the only thing I don't like about it is that they seem to have issues keeping their website updated. I'll get you the info this afternoon, I was planning on stopping by and shooting a bucket of balls.
I'm planning on playing in the Mens league this year as well. They have 2, one is a full 18 holes that they played on Mondays last year and then they have one that is 9 holes that they play on Wed. usually starts around 3pm for guys like me that have to work LOL