For families that play golf, finding a home course or golf club is a major decision. Golf is expensive, and a country club may not always be the first thought when it comes to saving money. However, country clubs can provide an opportunity for investment, great playing conditions and tournament opportunities for the entire family.
Tournament & League Options
Junior and high school golfers are always looking for tournaments to compete in during the golf season. A country club typically will provide junior leagues and even a series of events for various skill levels to compete in throughout the year. Many of the tournaments are flighted by handicap and skill level which makes it enjoyable for all. From the youngest member of the family to the oldest, anyone can keep a competitive edge with events run at the club.
Course Conditions
Public and municipal courses can struggle with the conditioning of their golf courses due to budget restraints. At a country club, one will typically find pristine and consistent conditions throughout the year. When you join a country club, members are prone to fill their divots and replace their ball marks because of a sense of ownership in the course.
Let’s say you play at a mid-tier public course and pay $80 for a round of golf and you play only 25 times in a year. That’s $2,000 on only golf for the year. Country clubs provide more of an inclusive feel where the use of the driving range, swimming pool or other social events are included in your dues.
Investment
Country clubs come in all shapes and sizes when it comes to cost. Family and junior membership options are more affordable and a better investment option if more than one family member will be playing. Important questions to ask when looking to join: Are there food minimums, initiation fees, cart fees, guest fees, or other assessment fees?
Junior golf camps and clinics are put on throughout the summer by PGA professionals at country clubs. These camps can act as great introductory courses for a youngster just getting in the game and even an opportunity for parents to have some much needed time away from the kids.
Caddie Programs
Country clubs are known for caddie programs that employ high school age golfers throughout the summer. Many clubs are part of the Evan’s Scholarship program which helps put deserving young men and women into college with a full scholarship. Caddying in the summertime can provide high school kids a flexible schedule, chance to form meaningful relationships with area business leaders and even free golf!
In short, your family joining a country club this year can prove to be a smart economical decision depending on the amount of use you will get out of it. Evaluate how much you typically spend on golf related costs per year as a comparison to the cost of membership. Clubs are typically looking for new members and inquiring on “member for the day” options can provide a test-run before purchasing your membership.