How long have you been at your current club?

[Oddsocks]

Im interested to see how long people have been at their current club. I'm just going into my 4th year which I think is going to be to be my last here. The facilities are good and the members are great, but the biggest issue is the fact that green fees still get unrestricted availability throughout the complete year. I appreciate that this brings revenue which keep our fee's down (£1300 this year) but with a steady increase annually for the last 3 years out club is now in with the members clubs with the local area or radius of about 7/8 miles

I'd also like to hear what is the single biggest asset that has kept you there and also the one that you would like changed the most.

 

[Break90]

Just into my second year.

Best things about the club are the quality of the courses (we have 2), the fact that the weather is never an issue as its built on chalk, and the twice weekly comps year-round.

cant think of anything specific that I would like to change tbh

 

[Blue in Munich]

Currently coming up to 4 years, with no intention of changing in the foreseeable future.

I was at my previous one for about 8 years. It practically abuts my current one but was considerably cheaper when I joined. It sits on common land, so is shared with walkers, dog walkers, horse riders, cyclists and if we were really lucky, yobs from the nearby council estate on stolen motorcycles. Over the years, the price crept up to almost match my current club, but without the same benefits, and was subject to a number of changes and member influences that I wasn't happy with so I walked, against the advice of my mates who said they're all snobby and you won't like it.

The current club is on private land and has none of the issues that the previous one had. The warnings that it is snobby were completely unfounded; like every club we have our "characters" but by and large I find it much friendlier than the old one; more importantly Mrs BiM finds it friendlier and is far happier to go up there for a meal or a social do. The only reason I would currently see to leave is if we ever do get round to retiring to the seaside, in which case the travelling would be excessive.

Where are you thinking of going Oddsocks?

 

[Hobbit]

Just going into my second year. 28yrs at the last one, where I've retained social membership. Moved from a links club to a parkland club. Moved from a dry all year, to one that closes when its too wet - but I often misses lumps out of winter golf anyway. The new one has a great vibe, and the wife has been in it more times in 1 yr than she did in 28yrs in the old one.

The old one is doing fine, and the new one has a waiting list, which I guess means its doing exceptionally well in tough times.

 

[Oddsocks]

Currently contemplating a move to either Shirley park where I was as a junior or addition palace. Farleigh has an awesome membership, but the course lacks something from early October through to about now where it comes strong again.

5 months enjoyable testing golf is s but much for £1300 a year, but I do think my biggest issue is the fact that a green fee four ball could quite easily book the slot before a medal etc which impacts slow play hugely. I think if the course changed its policy to " no green fees between 7-11am on weekends " it would make a huge difference.

I also notice that other courses such as Purley downs , the palace and croham hurst all have reciprocal deals which each other, our nearest being Reigate hill

 

[BTatHome]

It'll be six next year .... Lucky I can still vote this time though

 

[Blue in Munich]

Currently contemplating a move to either Shirley park where I was as a junior or addition palace. Farleigh has an awesome membership, but the course lacks something from early October through to about now where it comes strong again.

5 months enjoyable testing golf is s but much for £1300 a year, but I do think my biggest issue is the fact that a green fee four ball could quite easily book the slot before a medal etc which impacts slow play hugely. I think if the course changed its policy to " no green fees between 7-11am on weekends " it would make a huge difference.

I also notice that other courses such as Purley downs , the palace and croham hurst all have reciprocal deals which each other, our nearest being Reigate hill

Never played Shirley Park, only played the Palace once but can't say I was smitten; the opponents raved about it but it was a bit too tricked up in places for me. The one I enjoyed the most over that sort of way was Croham Hurst, but no idea what it is like as a club rather than as a course. Good luck with it.

 

[Oddsocks]

Suppose I'll just do the rounds blue. The only other I've enjoyed is Surrey downs but it's pretty similar to mine so don't see any advantage.

I did hear the addington were looking at rates to encourage new younger blood, that would do me nicely 👍

 

[Imurg]

5 years at APGC....
I like the layout, there's not a single hole that I dislike - can't say that about many courses. Some very challenging holes and some easier but still challenging...
Convenience and cost are also a big plus point for me.

Only reason for me to move would be the well publicised building of a certain HyperSpeed railway which may or may not happen. This is stifling investment and is the only drawback to the club.
There's enough going in to keep it going but the day HS2 is cancelled should see proper money going in.

 

[Bazz]

5 months for me, absolutely loving it. Wish I'd joined 10 years ago

 

[HawkeyeMS]

6 months so can't vote

 

[MashieNiblick]

Since late 1980's. Super course, lovely club, only 10 minutes away.

 

[North Mimms]

6 weeks!
There's a lot of new names to learn!

 

[Maninblack4612]

58 years & a life member now so I'll probably see out my days here and have my ashes scattered on the 18th fairway on the spot where I usually shank it into the bunker. Of all the local courses, this is the best. Free draining on limestone, interesting, no really bad holes & one I'm happy to play week in, week out through winter & summer.

I joined as an 11 year old & have never left the area, always working locally. Sometimes, driving up to the club, I think to myself "How many times have I made this journey?" I reckon around 7,000 return journeys. More, if you count visits to my girlfriend, now my wife, who lived on the route to the club.

 

[mab]

I'm in my second year, although I was a member here for 2-3 years a few years ago.

The members, the non-stuffy feel to the club and the very cheap membership are the highlights. On the down side, it's a hotel course which means it is very busy with visitors (albeit I realise that keeps the annual subs down) and the greens are poor.

I'll take each year as it comes, but I'll definitely be a member until at least 2016.

 

[moogie]

6th year now
But no option for me to vote..........

There is a chance this could be my last year at current home club too.
Only just paid subs 6wks ago, 4 of my mates left, I had doubts, I should have probably done the same.

 

[wrighty1874]

Entering my 5th year next Saturday. Can't see me leaving.Great course, pub atmosphere in the clubhouse and a high percentage of friendly members.

 

[Kellfire]

Four years at Ingleby, my first club so I've stuck with it even though it's only 9 holes but handy to where I used to live.

One month at Pike Hills, by second course. Yet to get a comp in there due to a hectic schedule and a broken down car!

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

23rd year for me, I like the club atmosphere, the course and its close by. We re-invest a lot into the course to keep it in good condition, its a members club so pretty much no tee booking (aside from Sunday am sheet which works well) and we not overrun with day tickets.

Its not a long course but still a good walk with plenty of tough scoring holes. All in all IMO I don't think there is better in my immediate area.

 

[guest100718]

5 months, usually move every year.