Is this common practise?

[HTL]

Just been to have a look around a Golf club I was hoping to join, I was very impressed and get a superb deal on fees due to myself being under 25.

However, due to not having a handicapp I would only be allowed to join the clubs Golf academy and go through a year of playing rounds with new golfers hacking huge divots etc I would also have to pay £550 for this experience of only off peak golf and have lessons with the clubs pro, regardless of wanting to stick with my current coach.
I would only receive my handicapp during the final few weeks of this. I would then be encouraged to apply for membership to the club.

The course is par 71, I have played municiplas of this level and never shot over 100, I usually shoot about 90.

Is it really worth a year of brown nosing and putting up with crap golfers for a year to join a cracking club? Or shall I call back in and explain that I have been playing for nearly a year, received a lesson nearly every other week and am not too bad at golf? But how do I do this without sounding a ***?

 

[Parmo]

Just be yourself

 

[GB72]

Sounds a little extreme. The club I have joined have 2 options for such situations. If you feel that you are already of an acceptable standard then you can ask to play a round with the pro before your application is considered. If you are a total beginner you are asked to have a course of lessons with the pro, complete a round with him and then have your application considered.

 

[TonyN]

Just put it to them like you just have to us (just leave out the crap golfers part) and explain you would like to join but the membership doesnt suit you, you would be looking for full membership and you could hint you may go to another club. Might not arse them but what ya got to loose?

 

[Boabski]

how do you know that the other guys are crap golfers mate? have you plyed with them

 

[brendy]

I wouldnt join a club that did that, the point of handicapping is that it gives a common ground to all golfers to compete upon, that seems like a really snobbish way of doing things.

 

[Basher]

Personally I'd look at joining another club.

Pay out all that money to play at Junior School! No way. Smacks of snobbery of the highest order to me.

 

[madandra]

Bugger it, tell them you have been playing for years but had to give up due to work commitments and your handicap expired.

 

[RGuk]

Where are you trying to join? (don't tell us!!), sounds 100% crazy. You said the fees were good for under 25s BUT you have to pay £550 for some probation year?? Unless it's the West Course or Wisley...forget it mate...
Our juniors join then get their h'cap as soon as 3 cards are properly done. No tie in's or "you must do this and that"....just join (pay the small amount).
Clearly a lot of "young" (but not full adult) players don't have a h'cap, 15 minutes with the pro would be enough to test suitability