End of season options

[Jungle]

As my season draws to a close I have already been thinking ahead to next year and some of those thoughts include a change in scenery.

I still see myself as a relative novice having only completed my second full season however my handicap is moving in the right direction.

The last few weeks and climax to the season has been a bit of wet cabbage, between our greens getting cored and some really heavy rain closing the course it feels like I've had my competitive golf for the year and that has created a bit of an itch, the same itch I get with cars. So moving courses, not just a course but from parkland to links.

So a move would certainly get me more golf through the year than my current course all for the same money. However a part of me would be gutted to leave my current place.

Whilst I think there is merit in staying at the same course a part of me thinks that a regular change in scenery could benefit you as a golfer.

Whilst I'm not really looking for a steer on what I should do it would be interesting to hear the boards thoughts on moving clubs, have you done it, anyone regret it? or was it the bets decision you made.

 

[Liverbirdie]

Don't know about round by you, but some clubs offer a winter season ticket, basically a 4-5 month membership at a less than pro-rata rate.

 

[Wayman]

i moved club last october and ive never looked back enjoying golf more now than i ever had!

 

[Canary_Yellow]

If I had a choice of courses near me and I could all but guarantee that one of them would be open all year round regardless of how much rain there had been, it would be an easy choice.

I have a personal preference for (good) parkland golf, but being able to play is the most important thing of all for me.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Personally I'd have thought looking at new courses to join and ideally playing them in winter is a good plan. It gives you a chance to see how they stand up in the wet, condition of the greens, bunkers, course etc. It will give you a more rounded picture to base a decision rather than a course at its best in summer

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I moved from a links course to a parkland course a couple of years ago. It freshened my game up as the style of shots played is quite different. I like my current course but when you start to get to the point where you know the club you are going to take before you even reach the ball then I think freshening things up is no bad thing. It keeps the game interesting.

 

[JCW]

Before you move clubs you have to consider a few things , Is it a better course , is it open more , is it a friendly club , how much extra does it cost ,is there a joining fee , how much more travelling is there , the roll ups , what day and how many and times , are they open to anyone or a closed shop , after awhile you could be feeling like you are now so dont rush into it , good luck

 

[NorfolkShaun]

I have been playing for around 4 years now and have moved clubs three times, I now play at a club with to courses that are very different.

I quite like moving around a little but am pretty happy where I am now so will stick around for a while.

As mentioned winter is a good time too look around as you get to see how the course holds up, and often some good deals can be had

 

[Jungle]

Thanks for the input guys.

The part about knowing the club you are hitting before you approach the ball is quite true actually. My current course doesn't offer up much variation unless you bio offline and get caught behind a tree.

There is a little more travel but i'm only looking at an extra 4 miles so nothing that is going to drain the diesel from my tank.

Going to give them a little visit today.

 

[daymond]

It's not so much whether the course plays well in winter but whether it's more sunny and warm.

 

[shewy]

I've done it before and actually regret it, my course although closer and nice, is long and slog for me, my last one was shorter and more varied. I'm probably moving in the spring to a new one with a more flexible membership scheme as I work away 6 months anyway.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Are you sure you're good enough to go from parkland to links. Apparently it's much harder

 

[Garush34]

I changed club 3 years in a row. Was better for me as I was getting more for my money the first year. I then moved again as the course was always wet. I'm happy where I am now and will now be going into my 3rd year there.

Worst that happens is you move and want to move back you only have a year before you can go back.

But if I had the choice of playing links every week I would definitely do it.

 

[stevek1969]

What course are you thinking of moving to?

 

[Sir Scoop-A-Lot]

I have been a member at 3 courses in two years. Loved them all. One closed and cost/use ratio at 2nd wasn't viable. New course is very short but challenging and I know a good group of members. Looking at a full relocation next year so will be in the same boat as you next summer and also looking at a links course.

Best advice I can give is if you're bored change. They say it's as good as a rest and let's face it you dont want the rest! :thup:

 

[Jungle]

Been looking at Leven Links and always had a notion of one day moving along that way. However just recently it has become more of a thought.

The course is great, very well priced and their offer means you get the rest of the winter thrown in.

My worry is that having made good progress this year I struggle for a year but a part of me likes the idea of the challenge and trying to widen my shot repertoire. They do have a winter deal but its an expense on top of my current outlay so reality means I have to choose one or the other.

The other factor is my regular playing partner has recently started a family and has only played twice in the last 4 months and I doubt he will be renewing.

 

[davidy233]

It's not so much whether the course plays well in winter but whether it's more sunny and warm.

Nope - it's entirely about whether the course is playable - warmth is down to wearing the correct clothes for the conditions

 

[davidy233]

Been looking at Leven Links and always had a notion of one day moving along that way. However just recently it has become more of a thought.

The course is great, very well priced and their offer means you get the rest of the winter thrown in.

My worry is that having made good progress this year I struggle for a year but a part of me likes the idea of the challenge and trying to widen my shot repertoire. They do have a winter deal but its an expense on top of my current outlay so reality means I have to choose one or the other.

The other factor is my regular playing partner has recently started a family and has only played twice in the last 4 months and I doubt he will be renewing.

Thornton is a nice club/course but Leven is much stronger test of your golf and, as you know, playable all year round - definite test of whether you can continue to improve you handicap there - £450 for 15 months is a great deal too

 

[Jungle]

Gave the club a call today for a quick chat.

On of the biggest issues is the Saturday medals, Saturday is when I currently play all of my golf as it fits in with my football however paying my golf at Leven would mean switching up my days. I suppose not a massive issue.

A lot of humming and awing to be done.

 

[williamalex1]

Some courses have open comps from February onwards, prices between £8 and £15.
I use- www.weegolfbooks.com but theres other sites you can try to find opens.