Joining a club do's and dont's

Jungle

Jungle

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May 22, 2012
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I've noticed a few threads where people are joining new clubs, some people are unhappy with their clubs etc.

I'm at the point where I'm ready to part with some hard cash to get myself a membership.

Due to location and time fa,ily/golf balance I've narrowed it down to two courses.

What I wanted was some advice on what I should be looking for or at least asking when I go up.

Might sound a bit daft but I can guarantee I'll join first and then think of a million things I haven't checked.
 
Make sure you've played the course,
check access is available at times that suit your commitments,
Friendly bunch who take ok to newbies
Can you get a game in comps and card signed for handicap ok?

To mention a few.
 
Ask about rollups, best way to meet people. Also social functions like dinner dances, quiz nights, theme nights etc etc. Find out about practice facilities, club matches, reciprocals, any major projects in the pipeline like course/clubhouse improvements as these can lead to a levy/increase on subscriptions.

Oh...and when you go for your interview, wear a jacket and tie. It creates a good impression. If you decide to play in club matches they are usually required for the meal afterwards.
 
Hopefully Thornton or balbirnie greig. Both are close enough for me to get to and from promptly for 9 holes.

I'm going to try and play both this week but unsurprisingly most of the suggestions above I would have forgotten about.
 
Jungle said:
Hopefully Thornton or balbirnie greig. Both are close enough for me to get to and from promptly for 9 holes.

I'm going to try and play both this week but unsurprisingly most of the suggestions above I would have forgotten about.
Click to expand...

I've been meaning to play Thornton for a long time, my Grandad lives there. Every time I'm up visiting I say "I'll play Thornton the next time I'm up" but hasn't happened yet. Heard it's a decent track, I'm defo going to sort a game before the end of the season.
 
Jungle said:
Hopefully Thornton or balbirnie greig. Both are close enough for me to get to and from promptly for 9 holes.

I'm going to try and play both this week but unsurprisingly most of the suggestions above I would have forgotten about.
Click to expand...

For my money Thornton wins. Balbirnie has issues with drainage and lmited practice facilities. Also can be hard to get a tee time at weekends. Thornton much friendlier IMO.
 
Yeah Thornton is a firm favourite. One of my neighbours is the starter at Thornton so I've been asking him a fair bit aswell.

Hopefully once I've had a round that confirms it. If I don't enjoy Thornton I'll be stumped.
 
Make sure you can get a practice round and a tour of the club to make sure it's what you want. Ask plenty of questions about ease of getting a game both at weekends and after work etc and how easy it is to get into comps
 
HomerJSimpson said:
Make sure you can get a practice round and a tour of the club to make sure it's what you want. Ask plenty of questions about ease of getting a game both at weekends and after work etc and how easy it is to get into comps
Click to expand...

Will do.

Comps is a big one. Although I'm starting out I'd love to put a competitive edge on the game.
 
Well thats it pretty much done and dusted.

Phoned thornton GC today. Manager couldn't be more helpful. I asked to have a look around the course. Got told to bring my clubs along for a complimentary game.

Course was great. Some really good holes. the greens were way quicker than what I'm used too.

I shot 100 which I was a bit gutted as I was pretty good off the tee but around/on the green I was pretty wasteful. So hopefully I can knock quite a few of that score with a few more rounds.

It was also blowing a gale force wind on the last five holes.

Should be phoning tomorrow to arrange becoming a member.

I shot 100 bang on
 
I think you should seriously consider Elmwood near Cupar if it isn't too far. It's a very good course with a lot of investment this year, superb practise facilities and clubhouse. Their pricing is very competitive too.
I like Balbirnie though as stated drainage is a big issue and I found the greens a bit dull but it is a very good layout and enjoy playing it when conditions are good. Never played Thornton but heard good things of it.
 
Given the recent weather, my decision on next years membership will have number of days closed, course condition and drainage checked out in advance.

There is no doubt that our keepers have done a great job and the course is in good condition considering, but the number of days my track has been closed compared to others has been a thorn in my side
 
Yeah I've played Elmwood a few times with my work.

Agree it's a great club. However I really needed something right on my doorstep. Between family and work. I also provide commentary for the local football team which eats up alot of time.

Thornton is literally a five minute drive so it's ideal.
 
Jungle, do you fancy a game at Thornton on the Sunday 9th Sept, the day before the Crail outing, I think I will travel up that day and stay over with my Grandad. Just checked out their website and seems you can get a twilight round after 3pm for £12, seems like a bargain to me :thup:
 
Wishaw_Hacker said:
Jungle, do you fancy a game at Thornton on the Sunday 9th Sept, the day before the Crail outing, I think I will travel up that day and stay over with my Grandad. Just checked out their website and seems you can get a twilight round after 3pm for £12, seems like a bargain to me :thup:
Click to expand...

McChomper if this does not happen let me know and we can play @ Leven if your up for a thrashing:D
 
Wishaw_Hacker said:
Jungle, do you fancy a game at Thornton on the Sunday 9th Sept, the day before the Crail outing, I think I will travel up that day and stay over with my Grandad. Just checked out their website and seems you can get a twilight round after 3pm for £12, seems like a bargain to me :thup:
Click to expand...

I'm sure that will be fine.

Pm me closer the time and I'll get a tee time sorted.
 
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