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- Thread starter jimotis4heisman
- Start date
I have been asked to potentially join a private country club here in NC. The initiation fee is 7,000 and the monthly fee is $325 with a minimum clubhouse/restaurant charge of $120 a quarter. The club resticts their membership to 500 families.....
I have never belonged to a country club before and would like to get information from those that may "be in the know" regarding this type of thing.
Question: Are the charges for initiation, monthly charges and restaurant charges the norm, high or low? They include unlimited golf, practice facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc....
I have never belonged to a country club before and would like to get information from those that may "be in the know" regarding this type of thing.
Question: Are the charges for initiation, monthly charges and restaurant charges the norm, high or low? They include unlimited golf, practice facilities, swimming pool, tennis courts, etc....
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fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
Wingate1217;1692734; said:
don't forget that you have to pay everytime you take a cart, and there is probably a locker room fee as well. the initiation sounds about right, but it really depends on how good the club is. around ohio, it is pretty rare to find a club still charging an initiation fee over a few grand. (excluding your sciotos and muirfields of course) the quarterly minimum is right in the ball park. another thing to consider is what the guest fees are. you don't want to have to pay over 100 bucks every time you bring some friends/clients to play golf.
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fourteenandoh
My swing feels like an unfolding lawn chair.
THEWOOD;1692871; said:
one word...tishman
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calibuck
Too soon old, too late smart
Another key would be to find out if it's an 'equity' membership or not. If not, then your $7k is down the tubes. If it is equity, then you are an 'owner' and will either make more money or lose money when you wish to sell. Find out what the memberships have done over the last year or so. You are buying into the 'high time' and most busy months, when everyone wants to tee it up. You might be better served to wait until fall (I believe that you have 12 months of golf in NC) when the prices tumble.
Something to consider, what have been the amounts of 'assessments' (funds required over and above the initiation or monthlies) for 'special' projects (such as watering system, new golf carts, rebuilding greens/clubhouse, etc). Find out if there is a 'waiting list' of sellers, and try to cut a deal with them, in other words, offer less than the $7k for their membership in order for them to unload it quickly (maybe new job, lost job, divorce). Finally, is there a 'transfer fee'? That is a fee that the club grabs (from seller or buyer, depending) that can be around $2k to 'transfer' title from old owner to new owner. A moneymaker for a club, especially in a transient community (air base, navy, high-tech firms).
If you are a walker, do you HAVE to pay a monthly fee for carts even if you don't use them? If you have your own cart, (or want to buy one), do you pay a 'special' fee to house it there (assuming you don't live within battery range) and/or drive your own on the course (sometimes you get charged a reduced fee for using your OWN cart - makes no sense but have seen it happen). Is there cart housing available at your course, and/or is there a loooong waiting list?
Most clubs price their food a bit less than the local eateries (Denny's, for example). What is the quality of the chef for dinners, (and is it a place that you'd like to take your spouse and/or clients). Food is a service, and most clubs do not plan to make money, but find that out as well. A profit & loss statement is available, so ask for one.
Finally (I know I'm long winded), do you have to make starting times on week ends (assuming you're a working stiff), or is it 'first-come, first-served' on the tee box on Saturday mornings. You might want to 'join' a regular group (lose a few bets/presses so they'll want your money) and you can get into a group that has guaranteed quality tee times on the week ends. 14-0 is dead nuts on the operating questions (cart fees) so ask those as well. Some 'hidden charges' are costs for range balls, bag storage, and other items that are too numerous to mention - ask what they are. If you negotiate with a seller directly, ask him.
Is there reciprocal play with other clubs in the area? Joining a CC is great, but it doesn't make sense (at least to me) to not play the course every time, but pay your monthlies AND a guest fee at another course. Which brings up the BIG question - is this a course that you ENJOY playing? Or are you enamored with the idea of joining a CC? If the course is a 'members' course (which means it's short and open) and you can score well, you'll get killed if you play at another guys' course. If it's too hard, beyond your probable skill level (Muirfield for example), then it's no fun to play. Most courses will give you a gratis round to see if you like the course. Remember for what you are paying, divide by the number of rounds you (reasonably please) will play in a month. That's your cost per round. Maybe you're better off mooching off of several other course members, and playing a different CC each week (usually guests get once a month rights), and paying the guest fee (again, lose some bets, presses, and be a good guy).
Sorry to ramble, but you can PM me with any specific questions....I'll be glad to help.
:gobucks3::gobucks4:
Something to consider, what have been the amounts of 'assessments' (funds required over and above the initiation or monthlies) for 'special' projects (such as watering system, new golf carts, rebuilding greens/clubhouse, etc). Find out if there is a 'waiting list' of sellers, and try to cut a deal with them, in other words, offer less than the $7k for their membership in order for them to unload it quickly (maybe new job, lost job, divorce). Finally, is there a 'transfer fee'? That is a fee that the club grabs (from seller or buyer, depending) that can be around $2k to 'transfer' title from old owner to new owner. A moneymaker for a club, especially in a transient community (air base, navy, high-tech firms).
If you are a walker, do you HAVE to pay a monthly fee for carts even if you don't use them? If you have your own cart, (or want to buy one), do you pay a 'special' fee to house it there (assuming you don't live within battery range) and/or drive your own on the course (sometimes you get charged a reduced fee for using your OWN cart - makes no sense but have seen it happen). Is there cart housing available at your course, and/or is there a loooong waiting list?
Most clubs price their food a bit less than the local eateries (Denny's, for example). What is the quality of the chef for dinners, (and is it a place that you'd like to take your spouse and/or clients). Food is a service, and most clubs do not plan to make money, but find that out as well. A profit & loss statement is available, so ask for one.
Finally (I know I'm long winded), do you have to make starting times on week ends (assuming you're a working stiff), or is it 'first-come, first-served' on the tee box on Saturday mornings. You might want to 'join' a regular group (lose a few bets/presses so they'll want your money) and you can get into a group that has guaranteed quality tee times on the week ends. 14-0 is dead nuts on the operating questions (cart fees) so ask those as well. Some 'hidden charges' are costs for range balls, bag storage, and other items that are too numerous to mention - ask what they are. If you negotiate with a seller directly, ask him.
Is there reciprocal play with other clubs in the area? Joining a CC is great, but it doesn't make sense (at least to me) to not play the course every time, but pay your monthlies AND a guest fee at another course. Which brings up the BIG question - is this a course that you ENJOY playing? Or are you enamored with the idea of joining a CC? If the course is a 'members' course (which means it's short and open) and you can score well, you'll get killed if you play at another guys' course. If it's too hard, beyond your probable skill level (Muirfield for example), then it's no fun to play. Most courses will give you a gratis round to see if you like the course. Remember for what you are paying, divide by the number of rounds you (reasonably please) will play in a month. That's your cost per round. Maybe you're better off mooching off of several other course members, and playing a different CC each week (usually guests get once a month rights), and paying the guest fee (again, lose some bets, presses, and be a good guy).
Sorry to ramble, but you can PM me with any specific questions....I'll be glad to help.
:gobucks3::gobucks4:
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BigWoof31
"Barkin' up the wrong tree"
Random question for BP and OSU historians.
I'm a bit of an Alister McKenzie nut and am fascinated by his courses, their unique designs and the fact that he was basically a self taught designer.
Ohio State's Scarlet and Gray Courses were both desgined by McKenzie in his "Pre Augusta National, Post Cypress Point " days. This was in the early 30's and during a similar time - he designed U of Michigan's golf course too!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_State_University_Golf_Club
Does anyone have any history on how much the school paid for his services, how he was selected and if he has any history with the state of Ohio? Needless to say - I can't tell you how terribly blessed you are to have a McKenzie design on campus and playable to the student body. Access to his courses usually require a private membership or at least a $150 greens fees (Pasatiempo) comes to mind.
I'm a bit of an Alister McKenzie nut and am fascinated by his courses, their unique designs and the fact that he was basically a self taught designer.
Ohio State's Scarlet and Gray Courses were both desgined by McKenzie in his "Pre Augusta National, Post Cypress Point " days. This was in the early 30's and during a similar time - he designed U of Michigan's golf course too!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio_State_University_Golf_Club
Does anyone have any history on how much the school paid for his services, how he was selected and if he has any history with the state of Ohio? Needless to say - I can't tell you how terribly blessed you are to have a McKenzie design on campus and playable to the student body. Access to his courses usually require a private membership or at least a $150 greens fees (Pasatiempo) comes to mind.
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jimotis4heisman
Banned
no, i do not. it was a wpa project though, i know that.
one of the kids on here who goes to ohio state might be able to look up the course registry for something titled along the lines of history of ohio state. (actually im willing to be they no longer get the phone book like registry and it is all online) and whoever teaches that these days, would be a vast resource of knowledge and/or places to get information like that. a nicely worded email/phone call would likely set you along your way.
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calibuck
Too soon old, too late smart
Hole-in-One
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, achieved my second hole-in-one. Could go into the gory details, flag position, great swing, etc. but will spare y'all the details. The other players were more excited than I was, as the reality didn't really sink in for a bit.
The CC I belong to has a pool, and I won $375 in credit in the billing department (which means can pay for food, liquor, cart rentals, clothes or new clubs). Anyone got any great stories about their holes-in-ones? For the record, I've been playing for 45 years off and on.
Mods, is this worth a thread?
:gobucks3::gobucks4: PS, the Div II colleges are playing their championships on the Scarlet this year. Boy, are they in for an awakening.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010, achieved my second hole-in-one. Could go into the gory details, flag position, great swing, etc. but will spare y'all the details. The other players were more excited than I was, as the reality didn't really sink in for a bit.
The CC I belong to has a pool, and I won $375 in credit in the billing department (which means can pay for food, liquor, cart rentals, clothes or new clubs). Anyone got any great stories about their holes-in-ones? For the record, I've been playing for 45 years off and on.
Mods, is this worth a thread?
:gobucks3::gobucks4:
PS, the Div II colleges are playing their championships on the Scarlet this year. Boy, are they in for an awakening.
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MaliBuckeye
1) Be A Man.
calibuck;1698416; said:
The bounce off the clown's nose was especially impressive.
Congrats, man!
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just got me a new set of irons.
Nike Slingshot 3 hybrid, 4-PW
So far so good. Distance seems a little longer than my Titleist DCI's. A lot more spin. Hit a couple off the toe on par 3's and still hit the green.
Over all i grade them an
Nike Slingshot 3 hybrid, 4-PW
So far so good. Distance seems a little longer than my Titleist DCI's. A lot more spin. Hit a couple off the toe on par 3's and still hit the green.
Over all i grade them an
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Buckeye Buh Nim
Loving the Bucks since 1969
note this years divot card has fewer courses (no links at echo springs)
also it has Longaberger, but it isn't good for a round there, it's good for $10 off your first round, $20 off your second and $30 off your third.
Not as nice as the Divot Card was a few years back, but will probably do it this year.
also it has Longaberger, but it isn't good for a round there, it's good for $10 off your first round, $20 off your second and $30 off your third.
Not as nice as the Divot Card was a few years back, but will probably do it this year.
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Anyone watching the History of Golf on the Golf Channel? I got to see the first one, but have not caught anything since then. I will have to see if I can catch them on the replay. Interesting to note that golf is now considered to have started in of all places.....Sweden....
Got in my first 18 in about three weeks today, but it is hot here in NC about 85 at 10 when we started playing and got up to around 96. That and sore ribs from getting hit while playing bball yesterday didn't make the round all that comfortable. I didn't score too bad since the swing was very relaxed with the ribs and the short game and putter were as hot as the day....
Got in my first 18 in about three weeks today, but it is hot here in NC about 85 at 10 when we started playing and got up to around 96. That and sore ribs from getting hit while playing bball yesterday didn't make the round all that comfortable. I didn't score too bad since the swing was very relaxed with the ribs and the short game and putter were as hot as the day....
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Played in perhaps the most rain I've ever played in today.
Was in a golf scramble in Zanesville at 8:30 and it poured on us for 3/4 of the round.
Oh yeah, the carts had no rooves on them.
Was in a golf scramble in Zanesville at 8:30 and it poured on us for 3/4 of the round.
Oh yeah, the carts had no rooves on them.
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