So golfing has become a strong hobby in your life, and you want to take it to the next level. For many golfing enthusiasts, joining a private club is the dream. It can solidify your weekly plans and help you get to know other like-minded people.
But how do you enter the inner circle? The process isn’t as difficult as you may think.
Learn About The Clientele
You probably have a club in mind already. If you don’t, pull up the closest clubs to you and start your research. Either way, you need to learn what the clubs expect from the clients. Who are the people you’ll be golfing beside?
Some clubs will expect a lot of commitment from you. They aren’t just a hobbyist location, they are a community or a way of life. You won’t just learn about the best golf ball retrievers, you’ll be invited to high-class parties and expected to host your own.
Other clubs will be laxer, allowing you to enjoy your semi-serious sport at your own leisure. Before you decide to join, you want to ensure that your views and expectations will match the club.
Look into the details of the area by visiting the websites, reading reviews on multiple comparison sites, and talking to people who have been before.
Some clubs you will instantly bond with, while others will not be the perfect fit. If you’re struggling to find the right location, try visiting the club.
Visit The Club
Researching the club from afar can help you narrow down your choices, but nothing is as helpful as first-hand experience. Ideally, you should visit the club and play a few games before committing to the experience.
While you’re there, you can see the type of people in the establishment. Are they typical of your friendship group or do they make you uncomfortable? Really these questions shouldn’t matter, but if you notice all the players are part of the same social standing the experience can feel off-putting – especially if those players make a show of dominating the area.
This information is important to take into consideration before making a decision. Space City players like to visit this golf course in Houston to have a detailed look at all the features and options that are available to them. The same could be said for any other private golf club you’re considering.
Some clubs will not allow casual visits unless a member offers a day pass. In that case, you will need to acquire a sponsor or friend to approve your visit. These guest passes may only give you access to the game and the bar. Although the experience is limited, you can still get a feel for the location.
Other guest passes will give you access to everything a member has access to, but only for the day. Ideally, you should request this version, that way you can experience all that the club has to offer before becoming an official member.
Make Friends With Current Members
If the club you want to join only allows passes from approved members, you may not be allowed to apply for membership without a reference first.
Not every club acts in this way, but the most prestigious golf clubs expect a rigorous song and dance routine before allowing memberships.
If the club you hope to attend is strict, then you will need a friend who already has a membership.
The easiest way to attain the reference is by the friend approaching you first. They might even be the reason why you’re reading this article. Although this is the preferred method, you can’t rely on someone else to do the leg work.
Your next option is to ask friends if they already have a membership with the club. If they do, ask for a reference. If they don’t, ask if they know someone who does. If they can offer a family member or another friend, you should start networking with that person.
Lastly, if you know no one who is already connected to the club, you can ask the club for help. They might have people interested in making new friends and are open to offering sponsorships. The most exclusive clubs are unlikely to offer this suggestion. If an unknown member takes you on, you may be expected to join their social group before heading to the green. Becoming your sponsor is a big deal. They don’t want to offer their name to just anyone.
Consider The Obligations
When you become a member you won’t just have access to the social networking abilities, the game, and the bar. You’ll also be expected to adhere to the club’s rules.
The first rule is payment. There will likely be an initiation fee. Most initiation fees cost around 2 thousand dollars, but some will cost millions.
There will also be an annual or monthly fee alongside an assessment fee. The annual fee pays for the upkeep of the club while the assessment determines how much your project or expense will cost.
Lastly, additional expenses such as restaurant food or carts will cost extra.
Money isn’t the only obligation though, dress codes, social events, and playing times will also be discussed.
Make sure you are aware of the obligations before you send off your application. If you don’t agree with them all, you may be disappointed later on.
Submit Your Application
Most membership applications are very detailed. It can be tempting to fudge your answers, but you should be honest. If the club assumes you make more than you do, you may be expected to host more events or contribute more to their plans. On the other hand, if you undersell yourself, you may not be accepted at all.
Talk honestly, so you can live an honest life while at the club.
The club may expect proof of verification. This could mean documents that prove that you work for an acclaimed job, documents that show you donate to good causes, or evidence that you went to a good university. They may ask you to bring a special person to your interview to prove you know the famed elite.
Regardless of which club you attend, there will be background checks on who you are. Any bad press may instantly result in rejection.
What Can Memberships Offer?
Because the memberships expect so much from you, it’s good to mention what you can expect in return.
First, and most importantly, you will have access to a location that is well-kept and not overcrowded. These large and expensive golf courses deter thousands of golfers simply due to their prices. This means you won’t have to wait hours for your course to be ready, and you won’t be stuck behind a queue of players as you wait for a slow group to take their shots.
You will have a lot more access and time to play than at a traditional golf club.
Secondly, you will be networking while you play. Private clubs have an abundance of interesting people, all of whom want to expand their horizons and deepen their pockets. If you have something interesting to say, you could end up opening your business pool of people all while playing a good round of golf.
Lastly, these golf courses cater to more than just the course itself. There will also be pools, tennis courts, and other amenities for your family and friends to enjoy. You can go golfing while the rest of your family enjoy the same social perks but through activities they enjoy.
Summary
Joining a private golf club isn’t easy. It’s an expensive experience where your job and background matter as much as your social circle. But, once you’re in, you can expand your horizons and play on the best courses in your area.
