Intermediate Fees

[Deleted member 16999]

How easy is it to get people to stand against the old and bold in a vote?

It's a very tight committee and in the past they'd struggled to get volunteers to get involved, those that did get involved at the time have become entrenched and they know what's best! we change/propose new members to the committee every 2 years (if vacancies become available).

Putting myself forward in 2017 for any role to get involved.

 

[Val]

Hope your successful then. Clubs need people with progressive ideas.

 

[TheDiablo]

I agree totally with the last sentence in particular and I can only ensure I have enough each year to renew. The final bracket is still £300-500 cheaper (can't remember the exact figure until we get the next renewal notice through). As we don't have booked tee times, I guess we get a fair slice of golf in especially in the summer although of course five day members tend to get the best deal at this time of year with deserted courses and the chance to play.

As for intermediate fees actually growing membership, and I'd definitely question 40% mentioned, I'd have to disagree. We still have a huge gulf between juniors (ending at 18) and the next biggest demographic, probably around the 30 year old. I think, and I play the biggest roll ups each weekend there are perhaps 5-10 aged around 20-30 and I would go further and suggest that even in club comps this figure is at most a further 50% at most.

You seem to have an awful lot of tosh to say for someone that claims its doesn't matter to him what deal others are getting!

I know and play with different groups of friends all between 28-35. I'd say there's around 12 guys I play with throughout the course of the year that would call themselves regular golfers. 2 of those are members at clubs. Says a lot about the perception of club membership culture for my generation even with intermediate offers.

I personally miss competitive sport and am likely to join sonewhere next year (definitely would if the best local club dropped its joining fee!) but I'm still very much in the minority for my age group even with these offers.

 

[harpo_72]

I don't really think about what others pay. I don't even know if my club has an intermediary price band. Juniors yes, it's really geared into teaching and developing kids. That is one of the reasons I joined, I have a 4 yr old boy, hopefully he will join me out on the course.
I joined my club, because it offered the best or closest to what I wanted from a club. It was expensive but I went full in and took share holder position because I was taking the long view. Green fees are high, which is good the rules are policed and enforced and it has a nice Golf Club feel. I know what I need to pay every year, I sacrifice what I deem to be less important, such as car rental, restaurants and holidays abroad (1 is enough - hate cruises and already spent a life time on planes)

 

[Crazyface]

100% behind them, I could not have afforded a membership without them at South Winch.

As essential as flexible memberships.

So when you come of age will you be paying the full fees? And before you answer that, do you think that you will have more / less / about the same disposable income?

 

[Crazyface]

There are about 8 of us that play at decent course 20 mins from where we stay. All started on the 'Youth' membership which stops once you are 25.

This is my last year of having the reduction in fee's and if I hadn't been getting it I would have probably moved somewhere closer that's not quite as good. 3 or 4 of my mates are a year or two older so all now paying full subs because they started off on a youth membership and have enjoyed the club enough to continue to play there. Most likely we will all be members for the foreseeable future.

I was thinking this would be the right age to stop these fees.

 

[bluewolf]

Ok, as an example....

My club offer free memberships to under 14's. This allowed me to bring my son down to play. He had never shown any interest in golf previously, but after playing for 5 months, getting his 1st official handicap, and winning his 1st official competition, he is now addicted. Next year we'll have to pay for a junior membership. Who knows, he may just end up as a lifetime member? The Club has invested in my son, and that investment may just pay off handsomely.....

 

[Val]

Personally I think 25 is too young although I do think a stepped increase to a full fee at 30 is a good idea therefore the jump from 29-30 in cash terms being less harsh than say a large discount to full fee at 25

 

[Crazyface]

I'd be ok with anyone under 16 having free use of the course, as long as one of their guardians were a member. Seems a great idea.

 

[bluewolf]

Personally I think 25 is too young although I do think a stepped increase to a full fee at 30 is a good idea therefore the jump from 29-30 in cash terms being less harsh than say a large discount to full fee at 25

What's the average age of a 1st time home buyer these days? Probably nearer 30 than 20. Average age people get married? Probably the same. The World has changed since we were young (and I'm only 42). I suspect the age thresholds reflect current society.

 

[Crazyface]

Personally I think 25 is too young although I do think a stepped increase to a full fee at 30 is a good idea therefore the jump from 29-30 in cash terms being less harsh than say a large discount to full fee at 25

By the age of 25 you should have your priorities sorted, and know how to buget to ensure that you can act them out. Jesus, I'm still doing it now!!! I've not been to the pub for six months!

 

[bluewolf]

I'd be ok with anyone under 16 having free use of the course, as long as one of their guardians were a member. Seems a great idea.

In full agreement. The Junior section at my Club are fantastic. A real credit to their parents/guardians.

 

[BoadieBroadus]

when our club introduced intermediate I was one of the members who suddenly benefitted from a reduction. it covered ages 20-35.

how many total members did we have in that 15 year age bracket? 3.

having introduced the intermediate rates and extended it to 40 we now have a much healthier membership in that bracket which makes it much easier for people to play with more peers, fill out teams etc. even provide captains /committee members in 15 years etc

it has clearly worked to the benefit both socially and financially of the club, as it was designed to. but even at the time there were members who complained about the advantage we were receiving.

if you are busy bitterly complaining about what your intermediates are paying and also complaining about how few there are in your club. then maybe the two are related.

possibly they don't want to join a club where middle aged men gather to complain about how terrible everything is and would rather join somewhere else.

 

[Crazyface]

We've increased membership this season by 50! Not many in the intermediate bit though.

 

[Val]

By the age of 25 you should have your priorities sorted, and know how to buget to ensure that you can act them out. Jesus, I'm still doing it now!!! I've not been to the pub for six months!

Meanwhile in the real world many at 25 haven't even given buying a house a thought never mind a priority and those that have are now so up to their eyes in other priorities golf club membership is possibly well down the list of priorities

You haven't said anywhere but what age are you?

 

[CheltenhamHacker]

We've increased membership this season by 50! Not many in the intermediate bit though.

So what's your issue?

 

[stokie_93]

Meanwhile in the real world many at 25 haven't even given buying a house a thought never mind a priority and those that have are now so up to their eyes in other priorities golf club membership is possibly well down the list of priorities

You haven't said anywhere but what age are you?

Should try having a 23 year old girlfriend and tell me not having a house isn't a priority. Jesus :rofl:

 

[MendieGK]

Meanwhile in the real world many at 25 haven't even given buying a house a thought never mind a priority and those that have are now so up to their eyes in other priorities golf club membership is possibly well down the list of priorities

You haven't said anywhere but what age are you?

I disagree with this, in the real world, if people stopped going to Uni for the sake of it an grew a career from the bottom, many more would have a house.

I am 29, a member of 2 golf courses, own a house and have also done a lot of things i have always wanted to do. i dont earn a fortune, but i'm sensible.

I currently benefit from intermediate fees, but the step up in cost has been consistent throughout the period so that when the time comes i need to pay for full membership, i can.

I dont earn fortunes, i am just sensible.

However, if the debate is going to come up, what about senior fees? they probably play the course more than any of us, but get it cheaper.

you're right, it is all about priorities.

 

[Val]

I disagree with this, in the real world, if people stopped going to Uni for the sake of it an grew a career from the bottom, many more would have a house.

I am 29, a member of 2 golf courses, own a house and have also done a lot of things i have always wanted to do. i dont earn a fortune, but i'm sensible.

I currently benefit from intermediate fees, but the step up in cost has been consistent throughout the period so that when the time comes i need to pay for full membership, i can.

I dont earn fortunes, i am just sensible.

However, if the debate is going to come up, what about senior fees? they probably play the course more than any of us, but get it cheaper.

you're right, it is all about priorities.

I get your sentiment and don't disagree at all, my boy is 21 and now a time served joiner but even he has no idea what his financial commitments will be like in 3.1/2 years time. I would suggest your mindset is an exception rather than the rule. My boys attitude is indicative of the attitudes of many (not all) 21-25 year olds I know. Live in the now they say, the future is just that, the future.

Modern life I'm afraid.

 

[SocketRocket]

I disagree with this, in the real world, if people stopped going to Uni for the sake of it an grew a career from the bottom, many more would have a house.

I am 29, a member of 2 golf courses, own a house and have also done a lot of things i have always wanted to do. i dont earn a fortune, but i'm sensible.

I currently benefit from intermediate fees, but the step up in cost has been consistent throughout the period so that when the time comes i need to pay for full membership, i can.

I dont earn fortunes, i am just sensible.

However, if the debate is going to come up, what about senior fees? they probably play the course more than any of us, but get it cheaper.

you're right, it is all about priorities.

I don't know any clubs that give discounts for Seniors. The Senior section in my club have provided many improvements around the course and have been very active in supporting Juniors.