Choosing golf course to be a member

[Mandofred]

I was a member at 2 courses in my area (20+25 min drive each way).....they did ok during the winter, not great....but ok. I moved to a course 7-8 min away this year that is probably the worst in the area for mud just because I didn't like the drive to the other courses. I've actually considered moving back to the one furthest away, just because I thought it was the friendliest of the courses....probably won't though. Every course has a distinct "feel" to it.....and there probably isn't any way to know for sure until you join. It's golf....plenty of friendly people to play with no matter where you go.

 

[Dando]

Yes the proposed new club is North Foreland.

North Foreland is a cracking course.

I’m hoping to play the NCG open there this year

 

[Mel Smooth]

Not sure about other courses, but ours is struggling as there wasn't much chance for the grass to recover after the summer before the colder wetter weather came. It's pretty wet right now, and of course, the thoughts go through your mind about finding somewhere in better condition, but round this part of West Yorkshire, nearly all the courses are in the same boat.

I'm going to get the youth joined up at Dewsbury District, which I suspect will be better than our course, but that's more so he has some mates from school to play with, and it's closer, so will be more suitable for popping up for a quick practice. Subs are only £25 a year, and his membership is free at our club, so it makes total sense. I suppose there's a chance that I might go eventually as well, but the course just doesn't offer the same challenge/variety as ours.

 

[spongebob59]

I thought Nf had a waiting list ?

I find it a bit bland tbh, not sure if want to play there all the time.

 

[Beezerk]

Lots to consider when swapping clubs.
I personally wouldn't be too bothered about changing clubs just for a drier winter course as golf is pretty miserable this time of year regardless of where you are, although admittedly some courses hold up better than others.

But, I'd base my decision on many other factors.
I would want the following.
A nice course that is easy to walk around 3 or 4 times a week.
Plenty of comps.
An easy tee booking system
Friendly existing members
Good quality practice facilities
A good social scene

These are good points.
I’m currently at a course 5 minutes drive from my house, very handy but…
Comps are poor.
Greens are poor.
Social scene is poor.
Terrible practice facilities.
Then there’s the pro who has taken over running the club, he’s a nightmare.

I’m looking at going back to my old club which is a 25 minute drive but all of the above are much much better.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

It's been so wet, even the more linksy courses have had issues

Indeed, even some rare closers such as my track have been closed a bit last month or so, and after yesterday’s deluge mine is closed again today.

 

[Captain_Black.]

Worth bearing in mind as well, I think most of us are suffering more than would be usual with adverse conditions / mud in part due to lots of courses being burnt to a crisp in the summer & the grass not having time to recover before the onset of rubbish weather.
A double whammy.

 

[Golfnut1957]

I've just googled North Foreland. Get yourself there, it looks fabulous.

 

[Teebs]

I'm joining somewhere that is a 25 min drive away but it's 27 holes, brilliant short game practise area, driving range and excellent greens / course.
I know people who will join a club purely based on location from home. What's the point in saving a few minutes in the car to play a poor course? Save 20 minutes but spend 4 hours being annoyed with rubbish greens?

 

[Deleted member 30522]

Lots to consider when swapping clubs.
I personally wouldn't be too bothered about changing clubs just for a drier winter course as golf is pretty miserable this time of year regardless of where you are, although admittedly some courses hold up better than others.

But, I'd base my decision on many other factors.
I would want the following.
A nice course that is easy to walk around 3 or 4 times a week.
Plenty of comps.
An easy tee booking system
Friendly existing members
Good quality practice facilities
A good social scene

Very similar to Captain here, for me #1 is location, location, location. A course has to be pretty poor to make you not want to join your local club, obviously if you are spoiled with more than one close bye then the variables come into play, but in all of Aberdeenshire with 60ish courses, there's only 3 or 4 that I wouldn't join if it was my local, maybe I'd have a secondary club, but the local club is where your neighbours are playing, you can hopefully walk to it etc.

After that:
How good a course is it?
What condition is it in?
Plenty of comps
Practice facilities
Unlike Captain "social scene" doesn't bother me, what socialising I do tends to be away from golf, but a nice bar and restaurant is absolutely a plus for post round or dropping in for a casual pint

 

[Jason.H]

Our course closed again today. Missed the last few weekends to be honest. There’s always other courses that I can travel too but then green fees all add up
I played Appleby Golf Club last winter after bad weather and my shoes didn’t even get mucky.

 

[sunshine]

I've just googled North Foreland. Get yourself there, it looks fabulous.

Surely if you're down in that part of the world you have to join a links course. No mud ever! I assume you need to be well connected to get in at RSG or Deal, but what about Princes?

 

[Slab]

Jeez those aerial shots of North Foreland look good... i can see why there isn't a South Foreland Golf Course!

 

[Sats]

My mates Father in law's a member of St. Augustine, I like to play there as the walk is very easy and flat compared to my place.

Leaving friends is one of the reasons why I wouldn't move courses, I've met a few people there since joining that I consider good friends and I love spending time with them when playing.

Saying that North Foreland's a lovely course.

 

[Golfnut1957]

Surely if you're down in that part of the world you have to join a links course. No mud ever! I assume you need to be well connected to get in at RSG or Deal, but what about Princes?

I have no idea. I live so far north it's not something I'd ever concern myself with, and I'll guarantee I'll never see any of them, ever. However, North Foreland looks fabulous on the internet.

 

[KentRed007]

Surely if you're down in that part of the world you have to join a links course. No mud ever! I assume you need to be well connected to get in at RSG or Deal, but what about Princes?

Princes is a little pricey and further away. I do like going there and playing.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Surely if you're down in that part of the world you have to join a links course. No mud ever! I assume you need to be well connected to get in at RSG or Deal, but what about Princes?

The travails of nature don't ignore links courses this way you know

 

[sunshine]

The travails of nature don't ignore links courses this way you know

As you point out - rain is wet wherever it falls. But have you ever played a muddy links course?

 

[Bunkermagnet]

As you point out - rain is wet wherever it falls. But have you ever played a muddy links course?

Have you ever played a links course ravaged by leatherjackets, where they strip the turf and relay it only for the leatherjackets to reinfest the new turf?
As I said, nature doesnt discriminate

 

[Sats]

Surely if you're down in that part of the world you have to join a links course. No mud ever! I assume you need to be well connected to get in at RSG or Deal, but what about Princes?

Princes is lovely but for the past year or so they only offer the corporate membership. RSG is about who you know and whether you went to Eaton or The kings school. Not sure about getting into Cinque ports but I'd imagine it'll be some kind or weary outdated method about how blue your blood is.