Annual subscription 2026

[sunshine]

How does it cost so much more to run the club in the South East? Many of their fixed costs will be similar for equipment, energy, supplies. There will be differences in Business Rates and salaries for staff, but there won't be that much difference to justify such a difference surely?

The majority of costs are procuring services and wages. The services, e.g. a plumber, are based on local salaries so will be more expensive.

The costs that are the same (e.g. utilities) are a smaller component of overall costs.

Take F&B as an example. At my club, in 2024, wages were £400k and costs were £200k.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Looks wonderful, how do the locals feel about a slightly common speaking, tattoo covered southerner moving to the area. For those prices and local housing costs feels mad for me to stay where I am

Honestly, they wouldn't blink . Because of the pricing golf isn't an exclusive sport here. The southerner aspect might be an issue but the rest will be okay (the only question you will get asked is "are you a Mackem?", Sunderland fan. If you pass that test, you'll be okay )

 

[simsini]

I've got to stop looking on Google Maps.

Longhirst Hall, 36 holes, £750 a year!

 

[PaulMdj]

I’m not sure comparing the S.E to the N.E. is the right one to look at, population alone is 9.6 mil for the S.E. and 2.75 for the N.E.

So demand alone will push up the prices in some parts.

Goswick is rated as a top course, Open qualifier and still only around £750.00 for a full membership, they make most of their income from visitors with a round from April, with no concessions, being north of £150.00.

The N.E. similar to the rest of the country has lost decent golf courses recently, due riding costs and to competition from other courses in the area.

 

[The Squirrel]

A hypothetical, yet realistic example... say there are two clubs. One in the North East that charges £600 per year, one in the South East that charges £2,000 per year. Both clubs say that their membership fees will increase 10% purely due to the running costs of the existing club. No excess spending on course improvements etc, just day to day spending. They both say they are breaking even, and if you played both courses, you would suggest they are in similar condition.

How does it cost so much more to run the club in the South East? Many of their fixed costs will be similar for equipment, energy, supplies. There will be differences in Business Rates and salaries for staff, but there won't be that much difference to justify such a difference surely?

Not sure there is such a thing as truly identical.

Average salaries in the SE are significantly higher. More stockbrokers and investment bankers around.

So in the example case, one simple reason might be that the wealthier local clientele may be able and willing to pay more per member, to have a club with fewer members, so less competition for tee times and more chance of getting the tee time you want. Then the maths would make perfect sense.

 

[KenL]

My brother has just joined Machrihanish as a full member…his subs make me with envy. Added to his membership of The Machrie (though maybe he’s dropping that as being a member of both is a bit greedy) his combined subs are less than mine.

But there you are. Huge variations in subs across the country are just a fact of life. At least my b&f ‘levy’ is unlikely to be pro rata more than what my bro might pay. So while some moan at having to pay such a levy, maybe they could spare a sympathetic thought or two for us in areas such as SE England.

But do we moan…well we can….but we always have a choice.

Just as you can move club to avoid high fees or a levy, you could always move house. It’s a choice you know.

 

[moogie]

I had a quick look when @simsini posed his, very astute, question. Taking 3 highly regarded clubs in the area, Brancepeth, Whitley Bay and Hexham, all now are roundabout the £1,000 mark. That surprised me. I didn't think we were at that stage but clearly we are.

I knew that those around Newcastle were tipping £1,000 but maybe that is the norm for a good course now?

Still the best all round price? You have to take your hat off to Foxton (Alnmouth for those outside the region), £735 . For the whole package of that club, remarkable.

All over the £1000 barrier in our area

Close house, Rockcliffe Hall, The Northumberland, Ramside Hall, Matfen hall, Wynyard, Hexham, Tyneside, the City of Newcastle, Ponteland, Whitley Bay, Slaley Hall.

Couple years ago, 6 of those were well under £1k mark

 

[moogie]

I’m not sure comparing the S.E to the N.E. is the right one to look at, population alone is 9.6 mil for the S.E. and 2.75 for the N.E.

So demand alone will push up the prices in some parts.

Goswick is rated as a top course, Open qualifier and still only around £750.00 for a full membership, they make most of their income from visitors with a round from April, with no concessions, being north of £150.00.

The N.E. similar to the rest of the country has lost decent golf courses recently, due riding costs and to competition from other courses in the area.

I still say
If goswick was 40-50 miles further south
They'd get £1500--1600 for membership

 

[KenL]

I still say
If goswick was 40-50 miles further south
They'd get £1500--1600 for membership

I wonder if their fees will go up soon. Changes to the course layout won’t be cheap.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I still say
If goswick was 40-50 miles further south
They'd get £1500--1600 for membership

The benefit/negative of being in the middle of nowhere .

It's wonderful for members to have visitors subsidise their fees so heavily. An almost perfect set up, assuming they manage the visitor numbers well.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I wonder if their fees will go up soon. Changes to the course layout won’t be cheap.

Visitor fees probably cover it. (I don't know incidentally but I don't think I'll be far wrong)

 

[PaulMdj]

I still say
If goswick was 40-50 miles further south
They'd get £1500--1600 for membership

Totally agree, location, location, location.

 

[PaulMdj]

I wonder if their fees will go up soon. Changes to the course layout won’t be cheap.

All ready budgeted for, next step is move the 1st tee and then at a date to be determined they are replacing a new Tee and green on the current 8th/future 9th hole.

 

[KenL]

All ready budgeted for, next step is move the 1st tee and then at a date to be determined they are replacing a new Tee and green on the current 8th/future 9th hole.

Changing the 1st and removing the current 9th will improve an already fantastic course.

 

[irip]

A hypothetical, yet realistic example... say there are two clubs. One in the North East that charges £600 per year, one in the South East that charges £2,000 per year. Both clubs say that their membership fees will increase 10% purely due to the running costs of the existing club. No excess spending on course improvements etc, just day to day spending. They both say they are breaking even, and if you played both courses, you would suggest they are in similar condition.

How does it cost so much more to run the club in the South East? Many of their fixed costs will be similar for equipment, energy, supplies. There will be differences in Business Rates and salaries for staff, but there won't be that much difference to justify such a difference surely?

The simple answer is because they can get away with it.
The clubs I have been looking at in the south east all seem to charge a decent whack with at least double the yearly membership to join and still have waiting lists.

 

[Golfnut1957]

Honestly, they wouldn't blink . Because of the pricing golf isn't an exclusive sport here. The southerner aspect might be an issue but the rest will be okay (the only question you will get asked is "are you a Mackem?", Sunderland fan. If you pass that test, you'll be okay )

You probably need to explain that in order to pass the test the answer to the question is no! Not that anyone in their right mind would admit to being a Mackem

 

[Springveldt]

It is a shame the prices now because it’s an experience in golf and sport that’s hard to put into words

Expensive? Rip-off?

 

[KenL]

Expensive? Rip-off?

Absolutely not. A rip off is £1000 for Turnberry.
Plus, options of cheaper tee times in the shoulder seasons.

 

[IanM]

Availability of employment was always a factor for me. Post covid there's more opportunities to work remotely. Now I've retired, its not an issue.

I'd move to Northumberland tomorrow if I could convince my wife. Just south of Goswick and join there would do nicely. I bet you could have lots of fun at Dunstanburgh for very little money too.

 

[evemccc]

I wonder if their fees will go up soon. Changes to the course layout won’t be cheap.

Just as long as they don’t get Mackenzie and Ebert in to destroy that beautiful course by recreating the Sahara, the way they have massacred a couple of the closing holes at Ganton and Deal, that adds nothing to the way anyone would strategise playing those holes