Changing golf clubs (where you play)

[Bobmysterkaymer]

I currently play at a young course 18 holes very hilly, small greens, but has no practice area, quite a friendly club, small club shop and no real pro. Membership is about £54 a month.
Now the dilemma is my friend plays at a more prestigious course (clitheroe) which is an open championship qualifying course, had a big driving range, putting area, and 3 very big practice areas with bunkers etc, the clubshop is small but very well stocked and have a PGA pro and assistant pro who both teach. Alot of members are older and fairly posh which is no problem. The problem is you have to pay a joining fee of £434 pounds each of the first three years as well as £868 a year subscriptions which will work out at about £108 per month for the first 3 years then about £80 a month thereafter!
Would you stay where you are or contemplate moving?
I feel a move is on order to help my game improve with all the use of the practice facilities.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My course is only 8 years old and so still maturing. The trees need another 10 years to begin to define the holes and be a proper hazard. Then it will be a good track. I like it because we have no booked tee time (apart from comps) there is decent enough practice facilities, an OK pro shop but the members make it. Not too up themselves and a good atmosphere. The place could do with a lick of paint here and there are always things on the course that can be better but I love it. Its expensive but not really anymore so than its neighbours. There are better courses around but they are more expensive, more restrictive on when you can play (booked times) and seem to have far more rules and regulations about what you wear and how you behave. I'm happy

 

[Hobbit]

If you can afford Clitheroe, go there. I've played there several times and its just stunning. The course asks lots of questions of all parts of your game, and it rewards good shots, especially on the greens. If I lived over the hill, near there, it would be my first choice... although Pleasington pushes it for a good test.

 

[Fyldewhite]

It's the old saying "you get what you pay for". Clitheroe is one of my favourites in Lancashire, great layout and seems very well run. We got one of the friendliest welcomes we have had with our works society. That said, I understand it's not the best winter course getting quite boggy in places but probably no worse than most inland parkland courses. The fact that they can still charge a £1300 joining fee in this day and age speaks volumes. If you are going to be in for the long term and can afford it then I'm sure it will be a good investment.