going to view potential club today... what do you prioritise?

[G1BB0]

as per topic, off to play a round at a local (ish) course with a view to joining.

tbh I just want somewhere I can get a h/c and play a round a week and the odd evening few holes.

what were your priorities when looking to join your 1st club or current one?

I know this has been discussed to an extent before but wanted some feedback before I shoot off as it may change my considerations slightly (as in I've never joined a club before and havent got a clue )

ty in advance xxx

 

[TheClaw]

I joined a new club this season and the main reason was that I really like the course and it's well maintained. If it was further away and too expensive then those would be potential barriers though.

I didn't really have a list of things before I joined but I like the fact that we have a pro and a shop, the members all seem really nice, the clubhouse is nice and serves good food.

Enjoying the course is the main reason though!

 

[CrapHacker]

1) A course you can enjoy playing on a solo evening round.

2) A good pro - one you can have a two way conversation and who will help you get your h/c down.

Everything else is negotiable IMO

GL

 

[GB72]

Unless you already know people there, look for organised rounds ups and drawn competitions to ensure there are plenty of rounds available.

 

[drawboy]

The membership make up is important, if you will not fit in with Major Simmington-Smyth and his cronies then you need to find a club with a membership you can be comfortable with.
All courses have cliques you have to be at home in yours.

 

[elliottlale]

it really all depends on your circumstances.
i had just moved to bath when i decided i wanted to start golf, so i looked for a nice course, with fair fees and nice people the first i tried was a bit 'oldy' not many similar aged blokes, the 2nd wanted £500 a year and was RUBBISH!! then i tried Bath Golf Club, beautiful course over looking the city, only £400 a year (for 24 and under), really nice people.........its not my closest course, but only a 15 min drive.

 

[rickg]

GIBBO, which course did you look at? How did it go?

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Accessibility. My course doesn't have any pre-booking other than the first tee for competitions. How easy is it to get on

Cost. Is there a joining fee and can it be deferred. Are their flexible payment plans or is it all up front every year. Can you afford it and does it offer value for money. I reckon I'll play at least 75 rounds this year which works out around the £18-£19 mark and which is pretty competitive in terms of green fees anywhere else locally

Competitions. There has to be a wide range of events and ideally drawn so it is easier to meet a lot of members very quickly.

Getting a game. Some clubs are very cliquey and everyone will only play in their own little groups which can make it hard for a newbie to get a game. My club has a number of different roll up (greedies) during the week and at weekends and everyone is welcome. Great to join and get involved with the banter

Practice facilities. Important to me as I practice a lot and would prefer a decent short game area and grass practice area to hit shots off

Atmosphere. What is the craic like in the 19th. Ours is very good and the club isn't too stuck up with lots of silly rules. A decent pint and food (although a fraction pricey).

 

[haplesshacker]

Budget, first and foremost. Then how many p & p are on there, not that I have anything against them, but if it's full of twice a year jockeys then it's out, same with societies. Having just moved, roll ups are good, but rare at all but the expensive clubs. Course has got to be good, goes without saying. Proper h'cap fixtures. Ideally close enough for evening get aways. And the landscape has to look good to.

So, not much to look for really!!

 

[G1BB0]

Thanks fella's all info was noted

Rick I went to Henlow GC, on the RAF base, we were the only ones on there, they have a monthly medal and pairs comps etc but I have a feeling not a lot more.

It is cheap but I think its a get what you pay for club.

The course is 2 loops of 9 with seperate tee's so sort of plays ike a full 18 holer and only 5834 yds, but it was quite tough as it was windy as hell. The greens were very nice and I didnt have any 3 putts, just a shame it took me 3 or 4 to get to the greens

the search continues....