Getting the third degree

[backwoodsman]

Just got back from the "dreaded membership interview"....

Actually wasn't as bad as I thought - two very nice people had a reasonably lengthy chat with me about why I wanted to join the club, what I expected and so on. I think I came across as a reasonably decent sort, fairly compos mentis and reasonably keen to join the club. I don't think I scared them too much - at least not enough to stop them inviting me for a "playing in" round at the weekend.

So all I have to do now is not make a complete berk of myself on the first tee on Sunday. I think some practice and some clean strides please...

 

[AlexanderAdair]

Good to hear it went alright mate, Yeah just don't take the worlds biggest divot out of the first tee ...

 

[CliveW]

Without wanting to start any racist/North-South debate, is this interview scenario an English thing? I've never come across it up here and I've been a member of several quality golf clubs in my time. There are some clubs to which you need to be proposed/seconded up here but I'm talking seriously exclusive ones.

 

[backwoodsman]

Without wanting to start any racist/North-South debate, is this interview scenario an English thing? I've never come across it up here and I've been a member of several quality golf clubs in my time. There are some clubs to which you need to be proposed/seconded up here but I'm talking seriously exclusive ones.

Dunno if it's an "English thing" but it certainly seems to be the norm round here. Or at least it does for the private members clubs - the P&P courses might be different

And I do still need to be proposed & seconded to become a permanent member. If I accepted at this stage, it is only as a temporary member - I get up to a year in which to meet & find members who'll propose and second me for permanent membership.

 

[USER1999]

It certainly seems very common down south. Amazing really, you have to be proposed, seconded, interviewed, played in, and then, after all this they ask you for about 2 grand (including the wonderful joining fee).

In Scotland, you just turn up, ask to be a member, and pay less than a monkey.

Seems a bit unfair.

 

[RichardC]

I was propsed, seconded and interviewed at my first golf club (it was ok as my Father-in-law was the Captain and my Mother-in-law was Club Secretary)

It was only a 9 Hole course in South London but was private members only.

Which club have you joined Backwoodsman?

 

[Molly]

Blimey, that's a proper probation period! Which club is it?

 

[Faldo_Fan]

I had to be proposed and seconded, i then got sent a booklet covering the history of the club (100 years) and was told to learn all about it prior to my interview with the commitee. I must of read it 50 times over the 2 weeks prior to my interview, i went into the room sat on the lone chair facing the table which had 10 guys all in club blazers and ties facing me. They asked me all sorts of odd questions.....what car did i drive, was i married, my inside leg measurement.....i made that last one up! But nothing about the clubs history!!!! So at the end i asked about it and they all looked at each other trying not to laugh!!!.....i assume it was some kind of private joke on the newbie???.....anyway i got in. And yeah i guess it is an English thing.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've always been proposed even when I wanted to rejoin RA. I was always under the impression it happened at most clubs but clearly not north of the border.

I think once you get in and start playing in competitions you'll find a few decent guys who'll happily propose and second you. If you find two guys to sponsor you do you get your full membership earlier or do you have to wait for the year to pass. I'm sure they'll be guys there who'll invite you to play in their weekend roll ups and for the price of a couple of pints will do the deed for you

 

[Atticus_Finch]

I was proposed and seconded, then had an informal meeting with the comittee just to tell us the history, rules etc. No big deal and I never felt for a moment I was being scrutinized.
I definitely think that golf is more an everymans game in Scotland, whereas as when I read about some of the green fees you boys pay down south, I can see why it could be seen as elitist. For example, if I had to move to south for work, there's no chance that I could justify paying what some clubs charge down there.

 

[viscount17]

homer, how does that work?

"you get in and start to play comps <u>then</u> get two members to recommend you"?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

And I do still need to be proposed & seconded to become a permanent member. If I accepted at this stage, it is only as a temporary member - I get up to a year in which to meet & find members who'll propose and second me for permanent membership.

I was referring to the need to be proposed and seconded and that if the OP gets involved in competitions and rill ups will more than likely be happy to do so and get him in on full membership sooner rather than later

 

[backwoodsman]

Bit late replying but...

Club is Dulwich & Sydenham Hill. Upshot is that if I already knew existing members, then they could propose & second me - and I'd get in straight away as a permanent member - subject to "passing" the interview. As far as I can tell interview is not much more than them having a look at you, to judge if they think you'd fit in.

As it is, I don't know any existing members, so the way in is via temporary membership. They let me in for up to a year with close on "full rights" and I get chance to meet people, play golf etc etc. In that time if i get on well enough with a few people, then I can get proposed, seconded and become a permanent member. As a temp, I can enter the comps, join in the rolls up, - even play in club matches. And I don't have to wait a full year - if I can get proposed by someone sooner, then fair do's.

And quite honestly, if by the end of a whole year I can't find a proposer etc then either I haven't tried, or am such a total a*se that no-one is prepared to welcome me in permanently.

As I say, I think this is fairly normal down here - it's always easier to get in if you already know someone, but the temporary membership offers a way in for folk like me who don't.

 

[Leftie]

D & S. Nice one m8.

You will enjoy it there.

 

[RichardC]

I know a few people that are members there, as they were members both there and at the course I used to be a member of.