Changing courses

[peld]

Is Dalmahoy in decent condition these days? Used to play there regularly, but it’s been a while.

It’s always reasonable. The greens last summer were the best they have been since I joined, but it’s just gets a bit scruffy round the edges from lack of staff. E.g. bunkers aren’t great, patchy grass near high traffic areas, tee boxes were poor last summer due to the dryness etc.

Still in good condition through the winter though

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Temple? Or Farnham?

Latter (Farnham Sands)

 

[peld]

I am in similar dilemma this year too. I am about to enter my 7th year at my current club, which ive been a member since i restarted playing. Its really local (2 miles, 5 mins), and have a few pals as members (such as 2 neighbours). Got to know a few members too, and enjoy the winter league we have. I play summer wednesday night comps with a group of pals which are fun. We have two courses, a (proper) driving range, pitch and putt and small practice area. The courses are decent - a long "championship" course (7000 yrds in our comps) and a smaller "resort" course (5800 yards). It is probably the best in the area for winter golf - we dont really have winter greens, no fairway mats etc, and its decent value - £1300-1400 p.a. for two courses (plus some other perks like range balls, tea coffee, discounts etc).

Downside is it's not really a "club" per se, as its part of a hotel/leisure club. We get a lot of summer visitors, and the course is rarely more than in "ok" condition. The greens were good last summer but bunkers have been poor. Tee boxes can be rubbish too, as can some high traffic areas. There isnt much investment in the course and there are barely enough greenkeepers. There are a regular-ish comps in summer but im told the slots available this summer will reduce. There are no dedicated golf staff for handicaps/club mgmt which can be frustrating, and the golf pro is more for kids/learners vs a proper technical pro.

I have been on the waiting list at the most prestigious club in Edinburgh for a couple of years and there is a good chance I may get in this year. Its almost £2k p.a. with a £4k joining fee. Just one course but its in excellent condition - it probably has more green staff than my current club despite half the courses! Its a proper golf club with lots of dedicated staff, and puts a lot of investment in to the facilities (e.g. they spent a fortune recently upgrading changing rooms, several £m on the course, added a trackman studio, upgraded the practice facilities etc). They have a great bar and restaurant too, snooker room etc, have wonderful reciprocal deals with other clubs and have some great events (e.g. they go and play vs St Andrews each year) as well as social events. My kids got an offer for mini junior membership too this year, and it'd be good for them if i can get them more interested. Its a very old school club (one of the oldest clubs in the world), no riffraff but is making strides to modernise. Most members are there for life (many are very old!!)

About year ago i was dead set on joining but im on the fence now. Obviously it is more £, but id be losing a circle of friends, and most of all the new club isnt as convenient (its about 8 miles away but traffic can be a nightmare if i was travelling in the evening). I think it can be busy too, and im not sure how many comps they have (when i usually play its either a comp or a leisurely afternoon). However one of my current weds night pals is also on the waiting list and a few guys in work are already members.

Fyi as an update to this, I just got in this year.
I’ve decided for now to accept but also retain my current club, at least until this year and then make a decision. A lot of money but can change my current club to monthly DD which eases the pain somewhat