Golf Membership Information

Choosing a golf membership can be a daunting experience, especially if you are just starting to play Golf. There are literally thousands of private and semi-private golf clubs in the world, each offering something unique to the country of origin it is situated in. Most courses opt for a specific look, style or how it presents itself in general- a factor which any golfer should consider when choosing a golf membership.

Here are some typical questions you should ask yourself:

* Am I looking for a course that is more centered around the game, than offering specific amenities?

* Is the golf membership family orientated?

* What type of events does the club participate in?

* What kind of fees can I afford?

Below you will find a brief description of the memberships types you can find and the typical membership fees.

Private Clubs:

Private golf clubs can be exclusive organizations. In small towns, membership in a golf club is not always as exclusive or expensive as in larger cities where there is a competition for limited number of memberships. Besides the fees, there are usually additional requirements to join. Usually the private golf club offers a wide variety of amenities and the costs depend on how exclusive and unique the golf club is. They are great at offering a strong community, usually hosting multiple events like tournaments, weekly matches and competitions. Some clubs usually go the extra mile by hosting high-profile social events like dinners, buffets, holiday parties New Year’s Eve Gala dinner for their members to enjoy. Some golf memberships may include access to luxury changing rooms, spa, cafe, a creche for children, complimentary parking, and group exercise classes for all levels, ranging from yoga to circuit training.

Typical costs and fees associated with memberships are as follow:

Introductory Costs

This one-time fee can range anything from $1,500 upwards to $100,00 although there is several golf clubs that fall either below these figures or fall above that range. Generally golf clubs will offer payment plans over a two year period or less. You do have the option to join an equity golf membership which usually refund a large percentage of the introductory fee upon a member’s resignation from the golf club. Golf clubs typically found in the north and northeast, are often more than not, non-equity clubs and do not offer a refund of the introductory fee.

Annual Dues

Annual dues fall within the $3,000 - $10,000 range or it can cost $300.00- $1000.00 per month. That usually depends on the type of membership, example: Family, Individual, Corporate etc. ) The annual dues cover unlimited use of the golf course, the pool, member’s lounge, spa, cafe, gym etc… More often than not, cart fees would not be included in the price.

Food and Beverage

Food and Beverage costs are commonplace across all private golf clubs. You can expect to pay anywhere between $50.00 - $200.00 per month to maintain a high level of service within a private golf club. Most members can afford the fee during the high golf season, but you will find that some private golf clubs reduce the amount during the winter months.

Miscellaneous Membership Fees

Some private golf clubs require separate fees for their ancillary amenities while some clubs will include the amount in the membership fees. You can expect to pay $10.00- $20.00 per month for locker rentals, the use of the club storage and another $10.00 - $28.00 per month for range fees if it is applicable.

Common Golf Memberships Found

Typically private golf clubs will offer one of five memberships:

Individual

As an individual you have the option to join a club, and the membership will give you access to the golf course, the member’s lounge, practice facilities, etc… But you may find that some private golf clubs will charge an extra fee for the usage of the pool as an example. Some clubs will offer reduced monthly dues for members aged 36 or under. Once you reach 36 years of age, the club might gradually increase the fees until they reach a ’standard’ individual fee membership.

Family

Usually this type of membership will include access to the private golf club’s amenities for the whole family and depending on the structure, you may have to pay extra for each family member added to the membership.

Social

The social membership will usually include unlimited access to the Pro Shop, the restaurant and all social activities. Some private golf clubs may be inclined to offer limited golfing privileges for social members- typically the right to play a few times a month.

Non-Resident or Out-of-State

Some private golf clubs may offer memberships at reduced rates for individuals or families. They usually live out of the state or a certain distance from the club.

Corporate

Private golf clubs will offer corporate memberships that will be structured in a similar way to family memberships, except in this case it will be with a prospective company. Beyond the normal golf privileges and amenities offered, they may offer meeting rooms for corporate members.

Semi-Private Golf Clubs:

Unlike Private golf club memberships, Semi-Private memberships have a wide range of costs and amenities offered. Usually a semi-private golf club will offer access to the course on a daily basis to the public. Members generally have priority times to tee-times and can make them far in advance of when the public usually can. They also offer tournaments, weekly leagues, and social events.

Typical costs and fees associated with memberships are as follow:

Introductory Costs

This one-time fee can range anything from $1,000 upwards to $25,000. Some semi-private golf clubs will not charge an introductory price, but will instead charge you a lump sum or annual fee for full access to the course.

Annual Dues

Annual dues fall within the $1,000 - $5,000 range or it can cost $100.00- $400.00 per month. That usually depends on the type of membership, example: Family, Individual, Corporate etc. ) The annual dues cover unlimited use of the golf course, the pool, member’s lounge, spa, cafe, gym etc… More often than not, cart fees would not be included in the price. However, some might include the cart fees in the price.

Food and Beverage

Food and Beverage costs are usually non-existent in semi-private gold clubs. Members are usually treated the same as paying customers, although at times you will find that the golf club may offer privileges to members at discounted rates.

Miscellaneous Membership Fees

Semi-Private golf clubs usually do not offer locker rentals or club storage, however some might charge a small annual fee of $50.00 to $100.00 for the added service. Range fees will be assessed with the individual that want full access to the practice facilities.

Common Golf Memberships Found

Typically private golf clubs will offer one of five memberships:

Individual

As an individual you have the option to join a club, and the membership will give you access to the golf course, preferred tee-times, practice facilities, etc…

Family

Usually this type of membership will include access to the private golf club’s amenities for the whole family and depending on the structure, you may have to pay extra for each family member added to the membership.

Social

Usually this type of membership will not be available at Semi-Private golf clubs.

Non-Resident or Out-of-State

Some semi-private golf clubs may offer memberships at reduced rates for individuals or families. They usually live out of the state or a certain distance from the club.

Corporate

Semi-Private golf clubs will offer corporate memberships that will be structured in a similar way to family memberships, except in this case it will be with a prospective company. Beyond the normal golf privileges and amenities offered, they may offer meeting rooms for corporate members.