how to join a golf club?

[sammyboy]

OK so I have gotten into golf over the last 12 months. I have played by paying green fees at a variety of courses. However given that I am not finished with University and can settle down I want to join a golf club. However it seems like they are somewhat complicated institutions to join, many require handicap certificates or letters of recommendation. Given that I played in Sheffield for my short golfing career and was not part of a club I cannot give these.

I don't have aspirations of being Tiger Woods but think I am an OK golfer.

I have tried emailing a club, but never got a response. I have also notices that one local club offers a discount for under 22/23's, is this common? Or as a 21 year old am I looking at shelling out proper adult money. Thanks

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Re: how to join a gold club?

A lot of clubs offer reduced fees based on age and so it may not be as prohibitive as you think. I guess the easiest thing to do is to call the club directly or better still go in person and ask for a look round. Some may offer a courtesy 9 holes or a round. Many won't insist on a handicap certificate as you can put three handicap cards in once you join.

I guess the main thing is to see which clubs there are in your area, which ones appeal and take it from there. Many will have websites too which may help

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Hi. I live In winchester. I also work in Winchester so won't really want to go out of winchester. There are two clubs here. One offer the deal on their site and one don't.

However the one that offer the deal (works out at £300 for the year, which is OK) didn't bother to call me back. This is a little bit embaressing.

Also given that I won't know anyone at these clubs, how difficult will it be to get to know members? Sorry if these silly but I am a little bit imtimidated with these stuffy organisations.

 

[G1BB0]

Re: how to join a gold club?

golf is the most intimidating sport ever if you ask me (at first). If a club dont respond then personally I wouldnt be interested anyway.

I think scienceboy plays south winchester so maybe he can point you in the right direction

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Thanks. Didn't really consider joinging a club until today. Went out with a friend to be stuck behind two "members" with the most expensive clubs iv'e ever seen. But the pair of them couldnt hit the ball more than 50 yards into the bushes... That was at south winchester though...

Anyway it's more academic for me. If it is gonna cost me 1k plus I simply dont have the money to do it.

 

[RGDave]

Re: how to join a gold club?

I was a little confused by your post....sorry.

Many clubs offer special rates, but I don't think an email is the way to go. Go and visit or make an appointment to see the secretary or memberships officer.

I've moved all over the country and have not had trouble getting in. Most clubs are keen to recruit keen young players. If one club can't do you a deal on membership keep looking.

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Why is email a bad way to deal with a potential customer? OK maybe it's not the most personal touch but I deal with potential customers everyday via email. I then take the initiative and call them to try and tell them why my product is the best for them...

Either way I'll take your work for it. I'll try calling and ask when the secretary is around. Thanks

 

[RGDave]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Why is email a bad way to deal with a potential customer? OK maybe it's not the most personal touch but I deal with potential customers everyday via email.

Ahhh, but we are talking about Golf clubs, and a a lot of people who resent wasting hours replying to vague enquiries.

I never reply to emails unless it interests me or it's guaranteed easy money! A personal visit is far better.

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Why is email a bad way to deal with a potential customer? OK maybe it's not the most personal touch but I deal with potential customers everyday via email.

Ahhh, but we are talking about Golf clubs, and a a lot of people who resent wasting hours replying to vague enquiries.

I never reply to emails unless it interests me or it's guaranteed easy money! A personal visit is far better.

OK. So I'll just rock up and ask for someone. If I get any funny looks or smart comments im gonna come on this forum and harass you.

 

[bluetoon]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Why is email a bad way to deal with a potential customer?

Some clubs are administered by older 'read ancient' chaps who will not be as technically gifted as yourself. Therefore dont be put off if you dont get a responce via email. Go and have a chat and introduce yourself.

 

[DrPepper]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Find a different sport

 

[RGDave]

Re: how to join a gold club?

OK. So I'll just rock up and ask for someone. If I get any funny looks or smart comments im gonna come on this forum and harass you.

I look forward to it.

Seriously, you won't go far wrong in person.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

South Winchester is the only club in and around winchester to have three membership tiers for people over 18

18-24 is about 550 (check the website for details or give Ben Sadlowski a call on the number there)

25-30 is about 700

30 plus is full membership

If you fancy a round at £26 (member guest rate) to try the course give me a PM and I will book a round on a day to suit you.

 

[ScienceBoy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

If South Winch was the club give me your name in a PM and I will harrass ben to call you back!

We have Wednesday evening new member roll ups starting at 5.30pm, easy way to meet new people.

I can also give you a few rounds and I can introduce you to people if you decide to join. I do not have a regular fourball atm as two guys left the club so you can play with me any weekday evening and weekend days.

And I was down the course today, had a terrible day, couldnt hit it more than 50 yards into a bush with every shot and some kid behind me was getting all wound up

 

[bigbazzaboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

Why is email a bad way to deal with a potential customer? OK maybe it's not the most personal touch but I deal with potential customers everyday via email.

Ahhh, but we are talking about Golf clubs, and a a lot of people who resent wasting hours replying to vague enquiries.

I never reply to emails unless it interests me or it's guaranteed easy money! A personal visit is far better.

While your points valid its also the easiest way to contact some clubs. Me and my brother have wasted hours phoning clubs to book a round phoning the clubhouse to be told to phone the pro,or phoning the pro and being told to phone the clubhouse, and when you do theres no answer.

I spent 2 days recently phoning a club im looking to join in order to book a round and meet the club sec etc, was told i had to phone the pro so did that. His phone was off for 2 days solid,left voicemails and messages with the clubhouse but still not had a reply so wont be joining there.

Contrast it to last year when me and a mate went to Rothesay for a round and i left my waterproof jacket in the locker room. Lady i spoke to at the clubhouse raked through the locker room,found my jacket,phoned me back to get my address and returned in recorded delivery free of charge.

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

It was South Winchester. And I don't think I was behind you, unless you r11 fairway woods and driver coupled with the scotty cameron. Tbh I spoke to the chap and he seemed pretty smug at how well he was playing so I'm not sure you want to impersonate him.

And thanks, I'll give Ben a call. I have looked on the site and cannot see any prices. If it seems reasonable there is a very good chance I'll take you up on your generous offer.

However Royal Winch seem to be a couple of hundred quid cheaper for my age... So i'll have to check them out as well. Sadly being a recent graduate isn't all I was told it would be financially.

 

[imran_ali]

Re: how to join a gold club?

I became a member over christmas at Woolston Manor. I have been playing there for a few years and I like the challenge it brings. The interesting for me was I got 16.5 months membership for £1000. The annual membership is £1200. What I found is you have to show intent to join but try and plead poverty at the same time (no harm in trying if it gets you a few bob off).

Remember there are not many golf clubs who are financialy as well off as they were a few years ago. If these clubs are not providing you the service prior to joining then it could only mean 1 of 2 things, either they dont need the money or ther communication skills are realy poor!!!

 

[sammyboy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

I became a member over christmas at Woolston Manor. I have been playing there for a few years and I like the challenge it brings. The interesting for me was I got 16.5 months membership for £1000. The annual membership is £1200. What I found is you have to show intent to join but try and plead poverty at the same time (no harm in trying if it gets you a few bob off).

Remember there are not many golf clubs who are financialy as well off as they were a few years ago. If these clubs are not providing you the service prior to joining then it could only mean 1 of 2 things, either they dont need the money or ther communication skills are realy poor!!!

Fair enough. I don't really want to humiliate myself by turning up and saying I can't afford to join after they have taken the time to show me around. In reality I'll call up and ask over the phone, I might be cheeky enough to ask if they offer discounts but I wouldn't want to haggle too much.

And with regards to communication skills, I am going to assume that the club I was talking about previously is run by old codgers who think a computer is just a fancy typewriter.

Anyway after listening to what scienceboy has to say, I am not looking at two things. Cost and how easy it will be to play their. No point in saving a couple of hundred quid, if I end up playing on my own!

 

[ScienceBoy]

Re: how to join a gold club?

If you come to South Winch and play anytime weekends and between 4.30 and 6pm weekday evenings you can play with me, I am down the club about 4 times a week in the summer

I think you should find South Winchester cheaper than Royal unless Royal are doing something very special. South Winchester is a Crown Golf club so you also get 10 free rounds at other Crown clubs for free, free insurance for incedents at your home club and a good teaching setup.

Im not biased... honest!

 

[richart]

Our club is £340 for ages 19 to 22. Think you should be able to use this for negotiating purposes, as it is one of the top clubs in Hampshire !