is it worth becoming a member?

[jamstorr86]

Since I started playing 3 months ago, I have played on 5 different courses, using either direct tee time or the 2-fore-1 vouchers to get a discount.

Lets say I get one round of 18 in a week.

Now my local courses cost around £25 standard fee on a weekend.

That would cost me £1000 a year if I played every weekend for 10 months (lets take two months off for bad weather)

However, using the 2-Fore-1 Vouchers it would cost me £500 a year.

20 vocuhers = £40
So I would need to spend £80 (ish) on vouchers to cover me for the year. (say 4 rounds a month for 10 months)

so that's £580 a year.

It costs £600 a year for full membership at my local course.

So, finally getting my point, is a membership at a course really worth it, unless you can get more than one round of golf in a week?

With 2-fore-1 you can play on any course you like, adding to the fun of the sport. I imagine playing the same course over and over must get quite dull.

What are your thoughts folks?

 

[TheJezster]

2-4-1 vouchers do not cover "any course you like" at all I'm afraid.

Many courses dont accept them. Plus those that do, will invariably restrict your t times, meaning you will have to wait until the usually more busy afternoon slots.

For what is £20 a year more, surely this is a no brainer to join your local club? You can then choose to play both Saturday and Sunday if you choose, and during the week if you have some time off.

You can also go there after work for a brief practise for a few holes if you like.

For me, it's a no brainer. Join the club.

 

[swanny32]

Have to agree with the above post, no brainer to join a club, you can get an official handicap, enter competitions, make new friends, enjoy the social aspect of being a member, probably get reduced green fees at other clubs and the best part is generally you can just rock up and play whenever you want, even if it's just for a couple of holes.

 

[rosecott]

One small example of the possible benefits of becoming a club member:

Our club has negotiated exchange arrangements with other clubs in neighbouring counties. Next month, 48 of our members have signed up for an away day at a very good, old established golf club. For £20 we will have coffee/bacon rolls on arrival, 18-hole competition with £6 of the £20 going into prizes, followed by a 2-course meal.

Beat that with a 2-for-1 voucher.

 

[hangover]

if i played the same course all the time id get bored very quickly. ive thought about joing a club but its not for me personally.

 

[funkyfred]

I joined my club totally on my own 2 years and it was one of the best decisions I have made in 20 years. Before that i was only playing about 10-15 times a year on different courses each time with a few friends.

Now i play at least once a week at weekends, and I will be going down tonight as i can just about get 18 holes in before it starts to get dark. I have meet a load of nice people who i now get to play golf with, not only in competitions but by representing the club.

As for playing the same course all the time? well I'm still finding places that other people at my club have never seen so NO i dont get bored.

 

[HRC99]

I can't say I've ever got remotely bored playing my course - not that I'm saying it's anything amazing - but it is a challenge and, until I've mastered the challenge, I'm not going to be bored in the slightest.

As for the OP, join. You won't regret it. You'll play more golf, practice more and make new friends. For £20 extra a year? You'd have to be mad not to!

 

[bigfoot1985]

i was in a similar situation on whether to join as a member at a new club and debated it for a few months....

Now i have done it i wish i had done it sooner!! On my way to getting a handicap so i can play in comps, met some great people along the way. Now i can just turn up on my own and 9 times outta 10 i will join up with another member there and have a round... its great!!

So my answer to your question is BECOME A MEMBER!!

 

[Evesdad]

If the only problem you have is £20 then get signed up, absolute no brainer. You will get more than that back in practice time and extra rounds in the lighter months.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd always be a member somewhere. Not only do you get regular competitions to test your handicap but there is a chance to play with a lot of different partners. Add in the banter of regulars in the 19th, practice facilities, decent food and a good pro and it makes simple sense.

My club also has some fantastic recipricals with clubs like Studley Wood, Tyrrels Wood, RND etc means we can get the chance to play other great courses for a cheap rate or free

 

[rosecott]

My sentiments exactly - if you can't laugh when playing this silly game, then why bother.

 

[chrisd]

I play mine usually twice a week and never tire of it. It's a different challenge every time and I do play other courses as well but am always happy to return to mine.


Chris

 

[Macster]

if you join the right club.......and its a test, you'll never tire of playing there.
Ive been a member of mine for 20+years, and quite frankly, Ive thought more about leaving the wife than I ever have of leaving my Club.
It just wouldnt happen.

Do it.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Join the damn club man! Most places round our way are getting on for £35 for a round at the weekend, a slow round at that. Vouchers are only accepted at certain times at weekends, if at all at most places as well. Joining a club gives you the opportunity to play comps, get a h'cap, play with different people and if you get picked, playing club comps. In the case of RAGC, you turn up when you want and play without worrying about having to book but I think no booking is rare.

 

[BretbyBlue]

Funky Fred hits the nail on the head. By joining a club, you get to meet so many other people with whom to play golf with - not just your own mates. I see so many of these 2-fore-1 peoople, they do not mix with anybody. I have moved with my job recently. I was at a golf club for 18 years and have joined a new club. Bt playing regular Saturday I have so many new friends to discuss and enjoy golf with.