Joining a club question

[andycap]

Having been a nomad for a few years now and got my game to a reasonable and consistant standard , i am now thinking about joining a club , mainly to get a proper handicap and play some competitive golf . Playing with better golfers in a competitive environment does seem to bring the best out of me .
The issue i have is that i enjoy rotating around about 10 courses within 30 mins of home and am reluctant to commit to one course, if i've paid a fairly large membership fee i'm not going to be inclined to pay to go elsewhere.
The clubs that i'm looking at run their year from April-April,
Would it be acceptable to ask them if they would do perhaps a 3 month deal after christmas? this would give me an insight into club membership and if it's right for me.
Or am i expected to commit to a whole year to find this out?

 

[TonyN]

Sounds like a good idea, I was luck I got a 6 month deal till april for £350. That way I can figure out what I want. I play my course atleast 3 days a week, even if I only play 9 holes.

I'm lucky the other courses I like are cheap enough to visit anyway.

 

[Canfordhacker]

I imagine it might depend on how they see the club. If it's run for the members, then they might be happy to waive or defer any joining fee as they will be confident that the club will sell itself and you will join fully in April. If (like my club) it seems to be there just to take the cash, then you may be less fortunate.

To my mind it can't hurt to enquire.

Good luck!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think it reallyis a question of deciding first and foremost which of the clubs you would be happy to play the majority of your golf at and listing them in order of preference. Does it tick all the boxes in terms of condition of course, clubhouse facilities, practice areas, warmth of welcome and sufficient competitions to enter. If so you'll need to sit down and discuss your idea of paying limited fees on a try it and see basis.

Some might offer you 5 day membership which to be honest isn't the greatest help at this time off year unless you can be flexible within your working environment and get time off midweek. Some may dismiss is out of hand as something they simply don't offer and hat is theie choice. Others may insist you pay some sort of joining fee anyway although you may be able to get a percentage waived against your full yearly subs.

In all aspects I would suggest going to each club in person. There is nothing better than dealing with a secretary or captain face to face where it is easier to monitor bodylanguage etc and be more flexible with ideas and options. This sort of thing over the phone can be quite cold and you may come across as a cold caller and they may not want to spend much time discussingit with you.

Just my ideas but hope they help

 

[Adjani]

andycap, what course are you looking to join in Essex? in that area myself.

 

[toyboy54]

Andy,my club offers a 1 month trial(unlimited play at certain times)for £25 to make up my mind!Seems like a ood way to attract people in?!

 

[Cernunnos]

some clubs do winter deals for short membership.
Try visiting your local courses webby sites to see which ones offer this, but don't expect many clubs to do this. However, some clubs with specific membership callenders for re-newal will mean if you join part way through the year you only pay for the remaining months, so also worth a lookout for those too.

 

[Clansman]

My Local club of which I am considering joining has a good offer on at the moment of Winter Membership for £180.00 including your joining fee for the following year starting April 2009

It's a pretty good deal I think.

Maybe one of the clubs near you will offer something similar.

 

[andycap]

Thanks for your help,
I didn't want to ask at the club if it is not the done thing, but i will make some enquiries at the weekend. The main club i have in mind i know a bit about as it can be played weekend afternoons (fixtures permitting) by non members , and they take the 2 fore 1 which helps.I know a few members there and i have always felt welcome ,only downside is they have just suffered a rather large fire that has all but destroyed the clubhouse

Adjani, i'm looking at Ballards Gore which is local to me but i play most pay and play courses in the area

 

[viscount17]

andy, if a clubhouse is important to you it might be worth a quiet word to find out what is proposed. it's not unknown for a 'temporary solution' to remain for years.

 

[NotQuiteTiger]

The club i'm looking at joining do a 6 month trial membership for £300