NASHUA, New Hampshire – Joining a private golf club is a commitment and one that you want to feel good about. If you’re thinking about a private club membership, there are many things to consider. Take the time to do your research to make sure you understand what services and benefits are included and consider the value of those aspects as part of your decision.
Over the years I’ve met with thousands of golfers exploring membership at a private country club and I’ve arrived at two conclusions. First, they have all played public courses with various subtle complaints ranging from lack of good tee times to no one replaces divots and ball marks. Second, it seems the biggest obstacle to joining a private country club seems to be based on finances, and whether the player will get their money’s worth after pre-paying thousands of dollars.
In my role as Director of Membership at Sky Meadow Country Club, I serve as an advisor and educator on the private vs. public club decision-making process. For most families it can be an interesting evaluation process so it’s important to review all the facts and promises of the benefits of joining a private club.
Most prospective members begin with a “per round played” cost comparison. My standard response is, “It is not that simple.”
The overarching difference between public and private golf is that a private country club is a lifestyle and not just golf. The golf component importance varies significantly among families and new members.
Before making a cost per round calculation, I suggest that prospective applicants try to attach a monetary value to each of these items:
GOLF
1. Value of playing a round in four hours (or less) vs. six hours. What is your “hourly rate”? If you earn $75,000 annually, over 2000 hours that is a professional rate of $37.50. To many folks, their leisure time is even more valuable, perhaps $50 an hour. So multiply by $100 the number of rounds played, and use that value for personal time not wasted playing long frustrating rounds.
2. Value of a simple tee time process – minimal planning and coordination. 20 minutes saved per round = $17 times annual rounds played.
3. Full practice facility with free range balls 7 days a week, dawn to dusk, for you and your guests. Allow $20 per range visit in saved costs times once/twice a week for 24 weeks?
4. Being able to play 5, 7, 9, 13, 16 holes vs. full round of 18 – (fit golf into your schedule rather than the opposite.) How many additional times will you come to play now? What value will you allow for that added enjoyment of the game, at NO ADDITIONAL COST?
I think you are now understanding the thought process, so consider and attach a value to:
5. Playing a very scenic and well-conditioned private championship course
6. A golfing community of friends, folks that understand golf etiquette, pace of play, and caring for the course and the experience of others out on the course.
7. Unlimited golf guest privileges – bring family, friends, & business associates to share the private club experience your family enjoys. Especially business prospects and clients.
8. Always being able to find a match – other members happy to play with you vs. walking on with strangers of unknown golf backgrounds. Remember that guy……
9. Full tournament schedule for member and member-guest golf events – a mix of fun co-ed and more competitive men’s and ladies flight events
10. Weekly men’s and ladies 9 hole round robin league play – great social mixer and finding new playing partners you will enjoy playing with
11. A highly experienced PGA pro on staff available for advice and formal instruction
SOCIAL NETWORK
12. Meet a welcoming and friendly group of like-minded folks that enjoy the country club lifestyle
13. Make professional connections, and your kids will have a social network as well
PRIVATE DINING
Value of a private dining club membership?
14. A private fine dining restaurant – specialty “pairing events” with craft beer, whisky, wines and other social events to share with other members and guests.
15. A private pub/bar venue for casual dining and watching the game with friends
16. Holiday celebrations – Mother’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas, etc.
SWIMMING
Value of a pool membership?
17. Heated outdoor pool open 7 days per week with lifeguards on duty
18. Food and Beverage service poolside by designated staff, 6 days a week
19. Pavilion building with covered bar and dining area, rest areas with private showers and changing areas
20. Swimming lessons available from certified lifeguards
TENNIS
Value of a tennis club membership?
21. Well maintained tennis courts for individual and possibly league play and tournaments
22. Tennis pro available for instruction
ACCESS TO CLUBHOUSE
23. Modern Clubhouse with complete banquet and event hosting capabilities – host your smaller private events as well as professional conferences and parties right at your club!
24. Men’s and Ladies Locker Rooms with showers, lockers, steam rooms – convenient when spending the day at the club for multiple activities
25. Professional staff operating the facility – a seasoned leadership team skilled in catering to the needs of members looking for a fun, casual relaxing place to unwind and socialize
Are you getting a clearer picture?
By attaching a value to each of the 25 items above, and deducting it from your golf membership dues, you should have an accurate assessment and value to attach to the golf components of your club membership.
Many families and prospective new members use this method to reach a value of several thousand dollars to deduct from their annual golf budget. Comparing this “net cost” on a cost per round basis is much more “Apples to Apples” comparison to a public golf service.
There are many things to consider when joining a private club and the best thing you can do is try it out: request as tour, play the course, network with existing members, attend functions at the club, and play in a few guest days. The more familiar you are with the club, the more comfortable you’ll be when the time comes to join.
Finally, joining a private club is a lifestyle choice. A private club membership is a wonderful place to raise a family and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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