Lack of Club Atmosphere - Thinking of Going Nomad.

[GB72]

The title pretty much says it all, thinking of going nomad because the golf club that I am looking for does not exist near me. I have a few options around me and all have good enough courses but the 'club' element really is not there for me.

In my area I have:

Belton Woods: Totally commercial hotel course, no real club atmosphere at all, not for me.

Stoke Rochford: Nice course but everything is played in your own groups and so very hard to feel part of a club. Location means a short drive on the A1 so really not ideal for a pint afterwards. When I was there I was basically a car park golfer.

Belton Park: My current club but I am starting to find it a bit stuffy and the cliquey element is becoming more apparent. There are a few drawn comps but most are in own groups and there are no weekend roll ups at all. The clubhouse is a bit too traditional (told off for having my shirt untucked etc) and, again, many stick to their groups. Membership is not that young.

Anything after that involves 20 minutes or more in the car.

I am going to a couple of social events up the club over Xmas to see if attending these makes things any better but the lack of the right option for me means that I may consider going nomad or just playing social games with my brother and old playing partners at Stapleford Park when I need a game. May even join the 9 holer nearby to keep my handicap active and enter the odd comp.

 

[Doh]

Sorry to hear that Greg, such a shame that people are so selfish and can't see when they are driving people away. Why don't you see if you can network a bit during the Christmas socials and get your own group together. Surly there must be other members that feel the same as you.

 

[patricks148]

Sorry to hear that Greg, such a shame that people are so selfish and can't see when they are driving people away. Why don't you see if you can network a bit during the Christmas socials and get your own group together. Surly there must be other members that feel the same as you.

Yes why not start your own roll up?

 

[richart]

Good idea to go to some social events. Make a real effort to put yourself out there, and if it doesn't improve then look elsewhere. Good luck.

 

[Snelly]

Are Hollinwell, Sherwood Forest and Coxmoor all too far to travel?

 

[chrisd]

Have a chat with the Secretary, voice your concerns and see if others are in the same boat, he should view member retention as a priority

 

[Deleted member 17920]

Speak with the sec, if they can't sort it join sudbrook. Good set of lads and they will welcome you no bother at all. Bet you save a fortune if you play at sudbrook

 

[GB72]

Yeah, Sudbrook was always the plan if I move. Under £300 a year and I can spend what I save on guest rates at Stapleford.

I think that the problem is not the club per se, it is fine for many, especially if you have been there for years. It is just not giving me what I want. It may be just me but it lacks something. Maybe it is too traditional, too straight laced or maybe it is just me who is not cut out for the private members club scene. As I said, I will give a few social events a try and see what happens. They may not even want me back once they have seen me after a few too many ales.

 

[Evesdad]

Give me s shout if you head over to stapleford! All my years living in melton I never have played it!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Sad to hear the plight. Have you tried suggested more drawn competitions and voiced your concerns to the powers that be? I doubt it'll cut much ice but at least if you do decide to leave you know you did what you could before you did. I hope you find a home that meets your needs

 

[bobmac]

Give me s shout if you head over to stapleford! All my years living in melton I never have played it!

Me too.
Haven't played for ages

 

[USER1999]

I think you get out of membership what you put in. Drawn comps would never get off the ground at my course though. That said, cut out the roll ups, swindles, whatever you call them, and the club would die quite quickly. The Saturday swindle alone puts about £500 across the bar and catering every Saturday.

Surely the management can see the financial benefit of a few swindles? It makes the place buzz, and they spend money.

Dress codes are dress codes though. If you want to fit in, you've got to fit in, and not expect others to bend around to the individual's point of view.

 

[GB72]

Me too.
Haven't played for ages

Can get my brother to sign us in any time you.