Golf Club who's unhappy

[Earl]

I have noticed a theme on the forum of people looking for new clubs, are their that many clubs out that are not suitable and how long does it take for a club to become your second home. I have been a member for nearly 4 years now and i am very comfortable, but it did take well over a year possible two to reach that stage. Yes their are things i don't like and people i would not play with so i don't. The main thing for me is the course it does'nt have to be in fantastic condition because that takes plenty of money but of a reasonable standard.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I am at my second stretch with my club. I left the first time because of personal reasons but the decision was made easier as we were going down to a composite 9 hole course as work on the new racecourse and grandstand at Ascot started.

When I rejoined a lot of the old members welcomed me back and the captain made my interview very straightforward. I had to pay a joining fee which was a bit of a downer (others haven't always done so since) but I was straight in on 7 day membership and the new course is bigger and better with better facilities. I'm happy with everything at the moment except the high fees but they won't be coming down any time real soon.

 

[DCB]

Earl,

You only ever hear or see the bad things about a club or its members. No-one ever praises a club for having acceptable greens or reasonably priced food at the bar. We just take these things for granted I'm afraid.

Like you, I've been at a club for a good number of years, approaching 25 years now I think. It has become a second home, once you know how a club runs and what is done behind the scenes to make it happen then it's not fair to criticise without offering an alternative answer.

We would all like to play a course that was in tip top condition all year, but, clubs have to work within budgets, budgets are set by the committee based on a business plan formulated around what the club makes as income. If I want reasonably priced golf, and a course in reasonable condition most of the year, then I have to accept that. If I want a perfect course, then I will have to pay lots more.

In Scotland, golf was/is a working mans game. Consequently most of the clubs are far more reasonably priced than those down south. I would hate to live down south, I would baulk at some of the annual subs mentioned on here.

 

[RGuk]

I'm not unhappy.

My course is in the average-good catagory (for course design and style) and probably not the best in the area. BUT, the greens are on all year and the condition is fair.

Between April and October, it's a nice place to be and a decent test. It's also the most local.....If I want more, I go an visit another course.

 

[DCB]

rguk

Which is why we are members at clubs like that isn't it?

Sounds a bit like my own club.

 

[welshjim22]

To me the important areas to consider are as follows in order

1 Cost
2 How friendly is the course. Not to stuffy or old school.
3 Quality and difficulty of course

Their is no point having a nice course but being too old school and stuffy to recruit the younger players, who in turn will replace the older ones. I think many are cutting joining fees at present but they also need to be careful not to increase the subs too much. My new club increased subs by 12% for 08/09.

 

[pierreman]

As I posted recently, myself and a few others are considering changing clubs. This is for a number of reasons - the course being closed being so often - only half the course being open for being water logged (it had not rained for over a week and we did take a look, but not play, the closed holes which were fine) - and finally, the club pro has done a runner with members prize money (club informed us that the pro was a sole trader and not an employee - not sure if this is the case at all clubs) - the club has needed some investment for a long time and there has never been an indication that anyone gives it any thought to try and improve the club.

We visited another club following our 11 holes on sat (7 closed again) and for £80 more, the service, effort and forward thinking is noticeably better. We are due to play the new place for free (compliments of the capitan) in the next few weeks to see if we like it.

I have not left yet and am wary of jumping from the fireplace into the fire - so we will see. But for the money we spend on membership and "supporting our club" we are entitled to expect something in return.

Not all clubs or regions will have the same or similar problems but as consumers, we are in charge - we vote for what we want/like with our wallets and membership.

 

[HTL]

Only just joined mine. Still getting use to having to book tee times in advance and accepting when the course is closed, but its all part of being a member of a good course.

Im happy, so far.......

 

[Macster]

Far from unhappy here, I absolutely love my club, and even after 20yrs as a member, I still love playing it.

Its probably the most picturesque in our area,.....
Its probably the hardest in our area.....
We dont ever have a problem getting on to the Tee....
We only have to book for a Medal, and even then, can ring for a 'red' time on the morning.....
The Clubhouse is majestic, and very friendly, perhaps a little more formal than some of the newer courses, but I like that.
Its rarely closed, as it drains very well, very sandy subsoil apparently.

Sure, there are some things that could be better,
The Bunkers arent exactly light and fluffy sand, and in wet conditions, can waterlog easily.
The greens could be quicker, although they are in great condition usually.

Like I said, i love the place still, and wouldnt ever consider moving.

 

[Imurg]

I've posted before as to how I feel about my current club. Its cheap and the course is cheap. It suited me for 13 years but now I feel I need more. The club I'm looking at has a much better layout, much better greens,tees and fairways. The clubhouse is a little better and the shop about the same. Its going to cost about £15 a month more.

Overall the course is more difficult and the whole place seems better organised. Tee markers in the right place, plenty of hazard stakes so you're not left guessing, that sort of thing.

And with 500 members against 100 it will be more difficult to win something. Currently the Prizegiving evening involves about 9 people - the same 9 every year.

I think I just need a change to keep my love of the game going. Unless you get into a good club you can stagnate after a number of years.

 

[GB72]

I am very happy with my club, good course, great condition, only 1 day on winter greens this year and not a single day closed. Good atmosphere and very reasonable food and beer prices.

The only problem is that I am going to have to leave it. With the change in jobs I am going to have to move house (finally getting some interest in mine) so going to have to look for a new track over near Burton on Trent. That said, if my house has not sold by March, I may stay for another year as is just about commutable.

 

[medwayjon]

Im unhappy and joining a new gaff asap.

 

[thecraw]

In my opinion I am lucky enough to be a member of the best course in Renfrewshire!

People will dispute that but I am very very happy with my club, from the condition of the course to the excellent catering, its all good.

 

[pigmeister]

Before you join a new club you have to really do have to be sure that you are making the right move. Have been at my club since 86, and would not think about moving any where else. We have a super club house, super changing rooms, one of the best teaching pro`s in the country and two excellent golf courses. We now have a great head greenkeeper who is really hands on and the 36 holes are just getting better and better. We have around 1200 members but do not book tee times apart from comps. It`s owned by the members and run(very well) for the members, which overall are a good bunch. It is like second home which is why it`s such a pleasure to play there. All for £825, wonderful.

 

[Cernunnos]

Not unhappy with my current club, though, not playing it as much as I would like, perhaps partly due to the daft rule of insisting on players going out in groups of 4. So if I cannot get together a 4ball, then I could be pared up with a group of any other three players of any age, gender or ability. Now on one hand I don't mind playing with anyone, but I'd rather it was of my choice & not the clubs. As there are distinct days or times of the year when I'd rarther play as a solo golfer. Which perhaps explains why I've not simply dropped in & played my current club (Lichfield) as a member at whim. Not to mention it seems to take for ever to play a round of golf... But I still am happy with the club & if finances were better I'd certainly have no qualms re-newing

There may have been things I didn't like about my previous club (Brailsford), but I could turn up & play & if the course was busy, then it would be my choice & not the clubs if I joined with another group for a round of golf.

The Brailsford may have had a clicky attitude, but to be honest in general it was friendly & I always enjoyed playing there. It was simply the fact that the owner had dragged his heals about building the final 6 holes. I'd have few qualms about returning, especially if it were a bit closer to home than it is/was.

Lichfield isn't that close either, but is easy enough to get to.

No club any of us could join or are members of will be perfect & all will have problems of one sort or another.

 

[theeaglehunter]

My course is arguably the best in the area, and the club is run fantastically as far as I am concerned, so I am certainly not unhappy. I definitely will not be moving anytime soon!

 

[USER1999]

I love my club, like a second home. Most of the members are cool, the swindles are great, course is good, everything is nice.
But, greens staff have way too much say. If they have their way, we would be on temps 365 days year. I was stunned yestreday, when at 8.30, they put us on temps. One and a half hours into the round. Heavy frost, apparenly. Cobblers. Not a speck of the old white stuff to be seen.

Apart from the politics, I love the place.

Could be my last year.

 

[rookie]

just joined a club for the first time in november & im enjoying things so far, never have to book tee times, bar is very reasonable, the course is never closed, summer greens over most of winter. Theyve also just spent 200 grand on renewing 15 greens. All for £680 a year.

 

[thecraw]

What course is that you joined rookie?

 

[rookie]

Douglas park in Bearsden !

Its a very challenging course to be honest.