Membership cost increase

[D-S]

I heard of a club in Devon that are putting their fees up dramatically (well over 20) as they were confident of a strong membership and long waiting list. However, when they went to their waiting list and told them that fees were significantly higher now than what they had signed up for, it mostly disappeared.

 

[r0wly86]

I heard of a club in Devon that are putting their fees up dramatically (well over 20) as they were confident of a strong membership and long waiting list. However, when they went to their waiting list and told them that fees were significantly higher now than what they had signed up for, it mostly disappeared.

which club was that out of interest, as an exiled Devonian

 

[IanM]

I heard of a club in Devon that are putting their fees up dramatically (well over 20) as they were confident of a strong membership and long waiting list. However, when they went to their waiting list and told them that fees were significantly higher now than what they had signed up for, it mostly disappeared.

Just seen annual subs at Newport are the same as Saunton!! Blooming crazy...but I guess Saunton has folk queuing up to pay £170 a round so that keeps subs down!

 

[r0wly86]

Just seen annual subs at Newport are the same as Saunton!! Blooming crazy...but I guess Saunton has folk queuing up to pay £170 a round so that keeps subs down!

also sod all people in North Devon, Newport has over 3x population of North Devon, plus it takes ages to get there from anywhere so limited to just the local community

 

[IanM]

also sod all people in North Devon, Newport has over 3x population of North Devon, plus it takes ages to get there from anywhere so limited to just the local community

You are right about much of that, but have you been to Newport?

Some of the Devon courses get lots of visitors so less reliant on members...but it must be a shock if they are felling smug about waiting-lists then they get no takers! I have been considering Country Membership down there, but the price is making me think twice.

 

[r0wly86]

You are right about much of that, but have you been to Newport?

Some of the Devon courses get lots of visitors so less reliant on members...but it must be a shock if they are felling smug about waiting-lists then they get no takers! I have been considering Country Membership down there, but the price is making me think twice.

Unfortunately I have been to Newport.

Saunton does get a lot of visitors especially in the high season which will help, but I guess they are a bit hamstrung also by the limited population and economics of the area. I'm in the same boat as you, I looked at Country Membership but the amount of time I could actually get down there would make it a very expensive. Despite visiting my parents in Devon it would still be well over an hour each way to get there

 

[Yorkshire Hacker]

At the AGM of a club near me recently, it was announced that the fees would be increased by 20%.
When asked if there was a waiting list, the reply was "no".
I would think that the 20% increase may well bite them where it hurts.

 

[Mandofred]

At the AGM of a club near me recently, it was announced that the fees would be increased by 20%.
When asked if there was a waiting list, the reply was "no".
I would think that the 20% increase may well bite them where it hurts.

Where was that? I'm still waiting to see what Oakdale is going to do...only rumors so far. Little to no increase seems to be the betting line........

The only place I know of that had a waiting list was Pannal

 

[clubchamp98]

At the AGM of a club near me recently, it was announced that the fees would be increased by 20%.
When asked if there was a waiting list, the reply was "no".
I would think that the 20% increase may well bite them where it hurts.

Seems some firms are profiteering from this colc.
Some clubs are following. Have they been asked to justify the rise.?

 

[Yorkshire Hacker]

In reply to Banjofred and clubchamp, I understand that the club is Shipley. The rise was apparently justified as there had been no increase during the Covid outbreak.
I have friends in high places at Oakdale, so I could possibly find out.

 

[SurreyGolfer]

I've just been offered (and accepted) a place at a members golf club in Surrey. Fees this FY are ~£1850, pro-rata'd for me. Was told as part of interview process they're going to be north of £2k from April. By contrast my current club where I'm a flexi member, the 7-day membership is going to about £1950, no joining fee as heavily used by pay & play too.

I'm in it for the long haul as it's really well placed for me and a good course, but I'm assuming this is why my ~16 month wait on the waiting list was shorter than anticipated.

 

[MACM85]

In reply to Banjofred and clubchamp, I understand that the club is Shipley. The rise was apparently justified as there had been no increase during the Covid outbreak.
I have friends in high places at Oakdale, so I could possibly find out.

Blimey that is a hefty fee for a pay and play club. Which one is it?

Spill the beans on what new club you're joining!

 

[Deleted member 29109]

In reply to Banjofred and clubchamp, I understand that the club is Shipley. The rise was apparently justified as there had been no increase during the Covid outbreak.
I have friends in high places at Oakdale, so I could possibly find out.

Shipley is already over £1200, which is steep for that part of the world. It’s a nice course, but a bit stuffy. I’m not sure I’d pay another 20% on top of the £1200.

They have always been more expensive as they say it’s to allow for fewer societies and visitors.

 

[IanM]

Just had my invoice for Newport.

Last year, £1150. (inc 50 bar levy and 25 locker)
2023 £1295 (inc 50 bar levy and 25 locker)

12.6% increase. Could have been worse! We are also operating on the basis of full membership, so lower levels of socs and green fees. Will be interesting to see if any/many leave!

My mate has joined somewhere very cheap and never plays there, but has three country memberships and the rest Opens!

 

[D-S]

which club was that out of interest, as an exiled Devonian

East Devon GC

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

At the AGM of a club near me recently, it was announced that the fees would be increased by 20%.
When asked if there was a waiting list, the reply was "no".
I would think that the 20% increase may well bite them where it hurts.

But as mentioned previously, the increase in the cost of energy hits every club equally, though obviously in proportion to the size of the clubs estate. But just simply if my club requires an extra £36 from me to cover energy then that’s 2%, but if it requires £36 from each member for a club with subs of £360 that’s 10%, but the member of both clubs faces the same actual ££ increase. For that reason I don’t think quoting % alone is hugely informative.

 

[r0wly86]

East Devon GC

One of my favourite courses, but always been on the pricey side

 

[IanM]

Mate of mine's is going up from £850 to 1360. 

He asked me not to name the club, but rebellion expected. Reason given as lots of investment in past few years and now they need to recoup.

Watching with interest. No way is that a 1300 pa course in its region!

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Mate of mine's is going up from £850 to 1360. 

He asked me not to name the club, but rebellion expected. Reason given as lots of investment in past few years and now they need to recoup.

Watching with interest. No way is that a 1300 pa course in its region!

Way to bankrupt a club…spend a load of money without the prior approval of the membership then hike subs to cover the outlay…

 

[KenL]

Mate of mine's is going up from £850 to 1360. 

He asked me not to name the club, but rebellion expected. Reason given as lots of investment in past few years and now they need to recoup.

Watching with interest. No way is that a 1300 pa course in its region!

A 60% increase! Has the club been struggling? There will be a mass exodus if other clubs in the area are looking for members.