Around the United States, there are almost 10,000 golf courses and country clubs. They employ almost 300,000 people and bring in more than $27 billion worth of revenue every single year. A lot of that revenue comes from golf memberships.
However, not everyone is certain that a golf membership is worth their money. Golf memberships provide some obvious advantages, but there are also some less obvious advantages you can get from a golf membership. Learning more about golf memberships can help you appreciate these advantages and decide if they are worth it for you.
Of course, it is also important to consider the downsides of buying golf memberships. Read on to learn about the pros and cons of golf memberships and whether or not they might be worth it for you!
Alternatives to Club Membership
Some people think about getting a golf membership when they first start playing golf. However, some people find that their enthusiasm for golf goes down after a few games or a few dozen games. Sometimes, the right strategy is to play enough games without a golf membership to tell for certain whether or not you want to pursue your passion for golf.
In such cases, you can continue to pay individual green fees whenever you feel the desire to play a game of golf. If you find yourself going back over and over again, then it might be time for you to invest in a club membership.
Save Money as a Golf Club Member
If you play golf enough, then membership fees can actually be a way to save money. If that is the case for you, then there is no need to know about the other advantages that club membership can provide.
However, some people are not sure if a membership will save them money, so they are on the fence. There are many other advantages that you can enjoy when you buy a club membership.
Enjoy the Experience of Unlimited Golf
However much golf you play when you have to pay each time to do so, there is a good chance you will play more once every individual game is free for you. Some people find that being able to play an unlimited number of games of golf makes the whole game experience much more enjoyable.
This can also make it easier to plan your golf games or avoid planning them. You might think that you only want to play a single round of golf on a given day. However, if your mood shifts, you can continue to play as many rounds as you like when you have a club membership.
This goes double because golf courses often have less traffic when they only allow members to play on them.
Improve as a High Handicapper
As a high handicap golfer, you might question the value of a golf membership. After all, you’re not playing at the same level as many of the other members and may not feel like you’re getting the most out of the golf course. However, being able to play often (which is needed to improve your game), take lessons from the club pro, and network with other members and potentially play rounds with them, are all great reasons to consider joining.
Get a Handicap as a Golf Club Member
If you want to get an official handicap, then you will need to buy a club membership. After you submit three scorecards to your club, your handicap will allow you to participate in golf competitions.
Enjoy Private Golf Club Facilities
There is a good chance that your country club or golf course has facilities that are only available for members. Becoming a member means that you can play as much as you want while also enjoying more convenience while doing so.
In some cases, these extra facilities might even include extravagant luxuries like spa resorts or a pro shop. If you are not sure what facilities members can access at your golf course, consider taking the time to find out. If you are unsure whether or not a golf membership is worth it for you, then the fastest way to find out is to clarify what you will be getting for your money.
Meet Country Club Members
Many people get even more value out of networking opportunities than they get out of being able to play unlimited rounds of golf. Once you are a club member, it will be much easier for you to get to know other people with club memberships. Many people even use golf club memberships as a way to meet influential people and grow their businesses.
Play Shorter Golf Games
If you have to pay for every round of golf you play, there is a good chance you will feel like you have to finish every round you start. Otherwise, it might feel like you wasted your money.
However, you can take a much more relaxed attitude toward your games when you have a club membership. If you happen to feel like finishing a game early one day, having a club membership will mean that you can do so without any downsides.
Cons of Golf Memberships
As fantastic as these advantages can be, they will only be worth it for you if the cost of the membership is not outside of your budget. Some people also feel that golf becomes somewhat less interesting to them when they can play an unlimited number of games. Having to make a special event out of your golf games can sometimes be an effective way to keep the game fresh.
Understand the Value of Golf Memberships
Because everyone has a different situation, there is no one answer to the question of whether or not golf memberships are always worth it or not. However, golf memberships do provide many more advantages than most people realize. Knowing more about these advantages can help you decide for yourself if a golf membership is worth the investment for you.
