First club interview...

[Deleted member 15344]

I get to play wonderful golf courses enough, without having to try and appease someone. I assume you wear a suit and have a month long process to join, so that you can learn to fix pitch marks and replace divots? Members must need a refresh after a few years, because when i've played with members of these posher clubs through work etc, they seems to think course maintenence and etiquette isn't their problem. However when playing with people from very exclusive clubs, Gleneagles, Sunningdale etc, they have excellent etiquette. Obviously it's not applicable to everyone, but it seems to be something I have noticed.

I would say - never assume

 

[chrisd]

I get to play wonderful golf courses enough, without having to try and appease someone. I assume you wear a suit and have a month long process to join, so that you can learn to fix pitch marks and replace divots?

.

I think that you've misunderstood the process. The interview/meet/ chat isn't to appease someone and the wearing, if required, of a suit or jacket and tie is usually predetermined so that no one turns up under or overdressed for the meeting and may be made to feel foolish. A lot of clubs have dispensed with the formality of suits etc and the interviews are generally only a chat and all the ones I've conducted were never like a job interview and were balanced so that both parties decide whether membership was right for them

It's different in a club owned by a proprietor, he can decide to take anyone and everyone and it's only to himself he answers to if he gets it wrong, in a member club it's right that a selection process takes place and that the members decide on how it's done and how long it takes. I've been to most member and owned clubs in my locality and they all have a mixture of members but I've always felt welcome no matter which type.

 

[Alex1975]

Quoted for truth. Being under 25, I obviously have a different opinion to alot of you, I will not be running round hoops to play golf.

Half of you make it sound like your joining bloody SHIELD. (Marvel reference)

Ye I guess I am a little shocked at how many people seem to be so desperate for acceptance on this forum. Maybe they were not cuddled enough as children and now need someone to tell them its ok to join there club.


Chrisd thank you for your explanation regarding owner and member clubs earlier, I do take your point but I would still rather be a member of a club that is for everyone and not that someone deems ok.

I am interested on what sort of grounds someone would be denied.

I do feel that everyone has the right to hit a little while ball round and lets be honest, thats all it actually is. Its kinda laughable that you would like to interview me and give me permission. Not sure what those who give permission are so scared of but they surly are scared!

 

[Deleted member 15344]

Again lots of assumptions and generic statements thrown around the place

Some clubs don't just want to take money from someone and have them as a customer

Some clubs want members who are looking to join a club in its whole

Some clubs want to meet prospective members so they can see what they are looking for in a golf club and can help them with any questions they may have and have a polite informal two way chat to see if the club is suitable for the person and vice versa

Not everyone wants the same things but thankfully there is a lot of choice

It's nothing to do with craving for acceptance etc etc

If people don't want to have a chat whilst wearing a tie then that won't be the golf club for you - but there will be clubs where you can just drop your money in and off you go and play - neither is better or worse just different

 

[Tarkus1212]

A really interesting thread, as a member of a golf club which still interviews prospective members I guess I'm hardly unbiased but here's my 2p's worth. What our club wants in new members are people who are going to be active members in all aspects of the golf club. The club needs members to support the social events, play in competitions and represent the club in matches. We want members to use the bar and restaurant facilities, not just when they're playing but in the evenings and at weekends as well. The interview process helps make prospective members aware of what is expected of them, just having a cheque book isn't enough. We want members who are going to commit to the club and use it as more than just a golf course. After all our future committee members, Captains, Presidents etc. are all going to come from the ranks of the membership. We don't have a waiting list at the moment but we're not shedding members so it doesn't appear that the interview process is putting many new members off - it's the joining fee that'll do that (and yes, we still have a joining fee!).

 

[guest100718]

A really interesting thread, as a member of a golf club which still interviews prospective members I guess I'm hardly unbiased but here's my 2p's worth. What our club wants in new members are people who are going to be active members in all aspects of the golf club. The club needs members to support the social events, play in competitions and represent the club in matches. We want members to use the bar and restaurant facilities, not just when they're playing but in the evenings and at weekends as well. The interview process helps make prospective members aware of what is expected of them, just having a cheque book isn't enough. We want members who are going to commit to the club and use it as more than just a golf course. After all our future committee members, Captains, Presidents etc. are all going to come from the ranks of the membership. We don't have a waiting list at the moment but we're not shedding members so it doesn't appear that the interview process is putting many new members off - it's the joining fee that'll do that (and yes, we still have a joining fee!).

The joining fee is probably the most off putting thing there is. Although less and less clubs have them thankfully.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

You've touched on about four separate forum topics in your one post (which I am in agreement with) that are debated here by traditionalists and 'new agers' - though you missed out dress code and use of technology ☺

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

The joining fee is probably the most off putting thing there is. Although less and less clubs have them thankfully.

No joining fee - all members have to accept subs will almost inevitably be higher than they otherwise would be - but that's for members to decide

 

[Hacker Khan]

You've touched on about four separate forum topics in your one post (which I am in agreement with) that are debated here by traditionalists and 'new agers' - though you missed out dress code and use of technology ☺

I think the common term nowadays is 'young people'.

Although being young in golf is all relative.

 

[ger147]

A really interesting thread, as a member of a golf club which still interviews prospective members I guess I'm hardly unbiased but here's my 2p's worth. What our club wants in new members are people who are going to be active members in all aspects of the golf club. The club needs members to support the social events, play in competitions and represent the club in matches. We want members to use the bar and restaurant facilities, not just when they're playing but in the evenings and at weekends as well. The interview process helps make prospective members aware of what is expected of them, just having a cheque book isn't enough. We want members who are going to commit to the club and use it as more than just a golf course. After all our future committee members, Captains, Presidents etc. are all going to come from the ranks of the membership. We don't have a waiting list at the moment but we're not shedding members so it doesn't appear that the interview process is putting many new members off - it's the joining fee that'll do that (and yes, we still have a joining fee!).

So what happens at your club if the prospective member being interviewed either can't or won't commit to what is expected of them but still wants to join so they can play golf. Are they refused entry to the club?

Just curious.

 

[Tarkus1212]

So what happens at your club if the prospective member being interviewed either can't or won't commit to what is expected of them but still wants to join so they can play golf. Are they refused entry to the club?

Just curious.

I assume they decide that it isn't the club for them and go elsewhere, otherwise they just nod and agree with everything and then do as they like once they've joined. The interview process is definitely a two-way discussion.

 

[chrisd]

So what happens at your club if the prospective member being interviewed either can't or won't commit to what is expected of them but still wants to join so they can play golf. Are they refused entry to the club?

Just curious.

Ultimately they end up paying more for their golf as the social side of the club helps keep the fees down

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

Ultimately they end up paying more for their golf as the social side of the club helps keep the fees down

Not necessarily true. That would completely depend on the club, surely.

 

[chrisd]

Not necessarily true. That would completely depend on the club, surely.

Yes I guess so, but as far as I know, most private clubs work as ours do. The income required to cover the years costs will be budgeted over the various revenue streams, so, if members leave who supported fund raising social activities and the incoming members don't, then it's likely that something else has to replace that lost money and that could well impact on annual subscriptions

 

[C&R]

Agree 100%

 

[Scadge]

Great thread and I am a member of the interviewing club. It is an opportunity to find out about the social opportunities, bounce games, dress code on the course and all other things that will help the joinee feel comfortable.

There are standards which then ensure that there is no stuffiness because everyone is equal. It seems to me that if people are willing to pay a joining fee this in part reflects their desire to be in a club and to commit to membership perhaps for a longer period. It also provides a chance for the club to explain that the friendly ethos needs to be maintained by even the newest members.

In my mind there is a world of difference between playing golf on various courses and being the member of a club and does it really hurt to ensure that people are clear on the dress code whilst they are finding out if it's right for them ?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

A really interesting thread, as a member of a golf club which still interviews prospective members I guess I'm hardly unbiased but here's my 2p's worth. What our club wants in new members are people who are going to be active members in all aspects of the golf club. The club needs members to support the social events, play in competitions and represent the club in matches. We want members to use the bar and restaurant facilities, not just when they're playing but in the evenings and at weekends as well. The interview process helps make prospective members aware of what is expected of them, just having a cheque book isn't enough. We want members who are going to commit to the club and use it as more than just a golf course. After all our future committee members, Captains, Presidents etc. are all going to come from the ranks of the membership. We don't have a waiting list at the moment but we're not shedding members so it doesn't appear that the interview process is putting many new members off - it's the joining fee that'll do that (and yes, we still have a joining fee!).

Interesting post. Playing devils advocate if I may, what happens then when a prospective member turns up, suitable attired, and has this interview process. They have their responsibilities outlined clearly to them and sit there making all the right noises about how important it is to support the club etc, and they get through and pay their membership fee plus joining fee and are in. Once they join, they rock up with their mates, rarely play the comps, hardly ever have a drink, certainly not in the evenings or use the facilities. What recourse does the club have and surely it comes down to personal preference. I think it would be very hard for a club to then revoke a membership if a new member failed to meet the expectations laid down

 

[chrisd]

Interesting post. Playing devils advocate if I may, what happens then when a prospective member turns up, suitable attired, and has this interview process. They have their responsibilities outlined clearly to them and sit there making all the right noises about how important it is to support the club etc, and they get through and pay their membership fee plus joining fee and are in. Once they join, they rock up with their mates, rarely play the comps, hardly ever have a drink, certainly not in the evenings or use the facilities. What recourse does the club have and surely it comes down to personal preference. I think it would be very hard for a club to then revoke a membership if a new member failed to meet the expectations laid down

That happens and nothing can be done, these days most clubs have plenty of membership slots available and the club probably wouldn't have said no even if the member had told them that was how he planned to be.

 

[DanFST]

That happens and nothing can be done, these days most clubs have plenty of membership slots available and the club probably wouldn't have said no even if the member had told them that was how he planned to be.

Then whats the point? I'm also playing devils advocate. When I joined my club I played 9 holes with a committee member, much better way of doing it!

 

[chrisd]

Then whats the point? I'm also playing devils advocate. When I joined my club I played 9 holes with a committee member, much better way of doing it!

That works fine, in reality it's a 90 minute interview instead of a less meaningful 15 minute one. I once played 18 holes with two prospective Club Secretaries to offer an opinion as to the best IMO for the job