[captainidiot]

Anyone here a member at any private clubs, here is a list I made of what I would look for when joining a private club.

* Course - Obviously, you must like the course! I prefer courses which aren't as populated by houses and development. It must also be walking-friendly, with not too many long transitions between greens to teeboxes.
* Location - I want a club to me convenient to both home and work.
* Driving range - Full facilities with balls, short game area, putting green, etc. etc. are 100% required, IMO. Inquire of any time restrictions, as some ranges close early. Check if the range is lighted.
* Clubhouse - I want a clean, presentable clubhouse, but it doesn't have to be extravagant. A pool and jacuzzi are a plus, but not required. Shower/locker facilities should be present.
* Variables - I try to investigate the "tempo" of the club - is it families, serious golfers, league players, etc. etc.
* Tee Times - As a single player, getting on the course is very important to me. The ability to play often and walk-on easily is critical.
* Costs - Be careful of fees like cart fees, food & drink minimums, and other nuisance fees that can add up the costs. Also - ask for any specials or promotions for the membership initiation fee. Like car dealers, this is (somewhat) negotiable, depending on the club.
* Invitation Only - Are you required to be invited by a member? IF you don't know a member, sometimes they will assign a "sponsor" for you.
* Equity Clubs - Some clubs are "member owned", which means the members pay up for any improvements or repairs to the club. Other clubs are owned by corporations, where the members don't pay for upgrades.

[Bill W]

This is a good list.
A debate me and some of my friends have is do you want to be tied to a single course like that. One friend compares it to being married to that course. I always tell him that he could have a one night stand with another course.
But his point is you would become really good on your home course and not be as good when you go play on another course.

[who00knows]

I will be joing the club that I grew up on here in the next few months. I am 21 now so I cant be considered part of the family anymore especially since I havent lived at home for 3 years. The course is about 15 minutes from my house and 15 minutes from work. They are actually rebuilding the entire golf course and it should be done in another 4-5 months. The course is going to be alot tougher than it was before. It runs 5k dollar for the initiation fee and 175 a month. There is a 25 dollar food minimum per month and a 35 dollar grounds fee charge. So basically 235 a month. I know everyone out there, the pros have been the same since I was 5 years old. Its home to me. Too bad I cant afford a house on the course yet.....Maybe my parents will build a retirement home and give me a REALLY good deal on their house. :wink: