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guest100718
Guest
They put people of joining, that's why so many clubs round here have dropped them.
Joining fees
- Thread starter stevek1969
- Start date
They put people of joining, that's why so many clubs round here have dropped them.
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Deleted Member 1156
Guest
But the ones that join are more likely to stay.
virtuocity
Tour Winner
I would assume supply and demand.
It's a tricky issue. If there is a club with a waiting list (do they exist these days?) or close to full then damn right- whack a joining fee on. If there is a dwindling number of members then I can see these fees putting people off.
In the latter case, it's clearly in place to ensure repeat membership fees for the next 3 years and beyond. From a business perspective, it makes sense. However, if the course, club and facilities are enticing and improved upon then there should be no issue with dropping the fees and relying on a good 'customer experience' to generate repeat business.
One might argue that joining fees fund the ability to offer a good experience and therefore this becomes a very circular debate.
As for me- when looking for a new club I automatically discounted all of those with joining fees. I would only pay them for a top-notch links club, not a parkland course which shuts in October. For that, I'd expect a hell of a lot of amenities.
NWJocko
Tour Winner
Not round here. One club has dropped it but the other 2 clubs still have it, our membership is full. The one that has dropped it is actively looking to increase membership and has been for some time.
Paying it doesn't bother me, I wanted to join and that's the deal. If they dropped it I would feel the same but can't see that in the short term with a waiting list in place.
Ads749r
Head Pro
I wouldn't of become a member of our golf club if I had to pay a joining fee. Not many people have ££££ sat in there account to join a club. It's a big selling point I think of clubs with no joining fees.
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Deleted member 15344
Guest
Most joining fees can now be paid over a certain period so don't need to have the money sat in a bank etc
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Deleted Member 1156
Guest
In my area, there are Broadstone, Parkstone and Ferndown, all top quality clubs and all have a joining fee. All 3 of them are spending heavily to improve their courses and facilities. 2 of them have waiting lists. They all provide much better VFM than any of the other courses which are not in as good condition or have as good facilities.
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
But why have them at all? For the large majority of clubs in these austere times, it's about enticing people in. Golf also needs to be accessible to as many as possible or memberships will continue to decline, clubs will continue to close
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Deleted member 15344
Guest
Why have them ? Because some clubs still feel there is a need for a joining fee - if people still pay it then they are justified in that belief
ScienceBoy
Money List Winner
I am in favour of a joining fee that can be paid over time, if one is necessary at all. I would prefer them not to be of course.
If possible it would be great to not have them, if I really wanted to join a club it would not stop me.
If possible it would be great to not have them, if I really wanted to join a club it would not stop me.
Biggleswade Blue
Head Pro
£1630 entrance fee here for 7 day membership, with £1045 annual subs. Drops to £1280 and £855 for 5 day members. At least, that's what they advertise. No idea if they are open to negotiation.
Beyond my reach, even with a decent discount, but it is a club with 2 courses and a good reputation and so I think you are getting what you pay for. Beyond my reach, and that of many I suspect, where for occasional players, there are plenty of reasonable places to play and ok green fees.
It is of note that the last few years they are touting round for members - whereas in the past, there was always a waiting list.
Beyond my reach, even with a decent discount, but it is a club with 2 courses and a good reputation and so I think you are getting what you pay for. Beyond my reach, and that of many I suspect, where for occasional players, there are plenty of reasonable places to play and ok green fees.
It is of note that the last few years they are touting round for members - whereas in the past, there was always a waiting list.
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
I understand some clubs like Ferndown etc mentioned in a previous post using joining fees as a source of increased revenue to fund improvements, but too many have just tagged it on and seen new membership dry up. I know several club including my own that had these for a while and it was very much a double edged sword even with the offer to defer for six months or spread over two years. I've known members join places and then jump ship when the deferred payment was due, and the club having a tough time trying to chase it
ScienceBoy
Money List Winner
Worth it by a mile for that place, I was lucky enough to play a round there and I wouldnt hesitate to join if I could find the money.
bunkered
Head Pro
What have they done to turn the course around. I remember a few years ago you were saying it was in poor condition.
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Deleted member 15344
Guest
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
If you've got it....
As a 5 dayer I could possibly push the boat out to £855 - but to have to find another £1280, even spread over 4 years, takes it into another level.
Without the joining fee I could, maybe, be a member
With it - it may as well be Augusta.
Biggleswade Blue
Head Pro
That's what I think, but my point is you have to play an awful lot to get value for that. If I was able to play three times a week, and if I had the money (both big Ifs) would I? Yes. Otherwise, no.
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guest100718
Guest
JOG, a lovely course but a ridiculous joining fee. Letchworth GC is a few mins from my house, again a great course always in top condition i'd happily join but even though the joining fee has dropped by from 1500 to 500, I am still not interested.
If your club can still get away with charging one, then then great for them, but it is the single biggest of putting factor when looking for a new club.
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Deleted Member 1156
Guest
If you are looking to join a club as a long term investment then a £500 joining fee shouldn't be too much of an issue. Different if people are looking to change clubs every couple of years though.
HomerJSimpson
Hall of Famer
That's a valid point but sadly a lot of people seem far more transient these days for a number of reasons and so I can see how these fees would be off putting
