Memberships in Hampshire / Surrey

[AngeloD]

Hello all. I’ve been researching memberships local to me (I’m in Farnborough) and found a very old thread on here of someone asking about several of the clubs in my area. Hopefully it’s ok to make a new one, as several members had really good advice and even offers to join them for a round to try out their home courses.

Just a bit of background, I played a lot as a junior member (more than 20 years ago now), had a long break with a few casual rounds here and there, and have gotten back into golf properly over the last year or so. Igolf has me as a (frankly very generous) 12 index. I do love my original Club and am on the waitlist to rejoin.

That said, I have only ever been a member at one club and I’m sure there are other places I should check out especially while the waitlist is quite long. At 39, it’s a big investment and it feels sensible to at least have a look at what other clubs have to offer.

I’m wondering if there’s any members of clubs like windlesham, Camberley heath or anywhere else local to those, and if you could share your experience of full membership. I’m mostly interested in if you feel you get value for money, practice facilities available, the condition of the course / how well it’s maintained, and how easy it is to get onto the course at short notice. Although any info you care to share I’d be very grateful for!

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Hello all. I’ve been researching memberships local to me (I’m in Farnborough) and found a very old thread on here of someone asking about several of the clubs in my area. Hopefully it’s ok to make a new one, as several members had really good advice and even offers to join them for a round to try out their home courses.

Just a bit of background, I played a lot as a junior member (more than 20 years ago now), had a long break with a few casual rounds here and there, and have gotten back into golf properly over the last year or so. Igolf has me as a (frankly very generous) 12 index. I do love my original Club and am on the waitlist to rejoin.

That said, I have only ever been a member at one club and I’m sure there are other places I should check out especially while the waitlist is quite long. At 39, it’s a big investment and it feels sensible to at least have a look at what other clubs have to offer.

I’m wondering if there’s any members of clubs like windlesham, Camberley heath or anywhere else local to those, and if you could share your experience of full membership. I’m mostly interested in if you feel you get value for money, practice facilities available, the condition of the course / how well it’s maintained, and how easy it is to get onto the course at short notice. Although any info you care to share I’d be very grateful for!

What are your criteria for Value for Money? Other things are usually fairly quantifiable - but VfM is a very individual thing that can vary hugely member to member. Take myself for instance...I am not sure that I can put a value on what I feel (in terms of pride, fellowship and loyalty) about being a member of my club.

 

[AngeloD]

What are your criteria for Value for Money? Other things are usually fairly quantifiable - but VfM is a very individual thing that can vary hugely member to member.

Yeah good point. I guess it’s more if you feel you get what you pay for which I do appreciate will be personal. To try and explain what I’m getting at, maybe some people will have been members at more than one place, so they will have a measuring stick. For example, if both courses cost the same, did one have better practice facilities? Was one fantastic, but so busy you couldn’t get on the course when you wanted to? Was it expensive, but not kept any better than cheaper courses? That’s the kind of thing I mean, but it is not the best question so feel free to ignore that part.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Yeah good point. I guess it’s more if you feel you get what you pay for which I do appreciate will be personal. To try and explain what I’m getting at, maybe some people will have been members at more than one place, so they will have a measuring stick. For example, if both courses cost the same, did one have better practice facilities? Was one fantastic, but so busy you couldn’t get on the course when you wanted to? Was it expensive, but not kept any better than cheaper courses? That’s the kind of thing I mean, but it is not the best question so feel free to ignore that part.

Indeed -= what an individual values about a club can vary hugely - and come sometimes make comparisons difficult. So for instance - one club might have an active board and active committees - another costing the same might not have a board as it is proprietary and it's committees can be fairly powerless over many club matters as the owner decides.

 

[AngeloD]

Indeed -= what an individual values about a club can vary hugely.

Yes agreed. There are some objective comparisons that can be made like the examples I gave, but I’d always take people’s personal experience with a pinch of salt. I know most clubs simply wouldn’t still be around if they weren’t offering value, but even a subjective personal opinion may give some insight into where I’d fit best, or raise something I’d never even thought about.
Are you a member at a club in the area?

Edit: just saw your updated post - that’s exactly the sort of thing I wouldn’t have thought about as it happens. Really I’ve just been away from it for so long these are the kinds of insights I would appreciate

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Yes agreed. There are some objective comparisons that can be made like the examples I gave, but I’d always take people’s personal experience with a pinch of salt. I know most clubs simply wouldn’t still be around if they weren’t offering value, but even a subjective personal opinion may give some insight into where I’d fit best, or raise something I’d never even thought about.
Are you a member at a club in the area?

Edit: just saw your updated post - that’s exactly the sort of thing I wouldn’t have thought about as it happens. Really I’ve just been away from it for so long these are the kinds of insights I would appreciate

Yes - Farnham - but I am afraid (fortunately for us members) that we are full with quite a waiting list.

 

[AngeloD]

Yes - Farnham - but I am afraid (fortunately for us members) that we are full with quite a waiting list.

That’s definitely the area I’m considering. Would love to know your thoughts on the club if you have the time!

Edit again: I read your edit, no worries!

 

[Lucifer MorningStar]

Going to follow this thread with interest. I live in the Hampshire/Surrey border to, with a similar story to yours regarding golfing background and currently using iGolf having returned to playing a couple of months ago.

I’m also looking at memberships but holding off pulling the trigger as I need to weigh up if full membership or a flexi style is better at the moment due to work as I work away during the week and potential for being away out of the UK quite a bit over the next winter.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

MY old club Puttenham might fit the bill, 40 years ago it was a very friendly place

 

[MACM85]

Guildford have flexible membership options and is a good course to play on.

Membership Information :: Membership Information

Golf Membership

www.guildfordgolfclub.co.uk

 

[Golf is fun]

There are a lot of clubs around this area, most of the good ones will have a waiting list, so even if undecided getting yourself on the list is probably a good idea.

Have you played many of them, I'd at least go and try them out to see what catches your fancy, as we all like different things.

 

[Oddsocks]

MY old club Puttenham might fit the bill, 40 years ago it was a very friendly place

It was very friendly when we played it last year the day before H4H.

 

[Doon frae Troon]

Guildford have flexible membership options and is a good course to play on.

Membership Information :: Membership Information

Golf Membership

www.guildfordgolfclub.co.uk

Very clever membership system plus a decent course.


I recall the locals threatening to dig up the greens in the 1976 drought if they continued to water the greens.
For those unaware the course is on top of a hill overlooking the town [or is it a city now?]

 

[AngeloD]

Guildford have flexible membership options and is a good course to play on.

Membership Information :: Membership Information

Golf Membership

www.guildfordgolfclub.co.uk

Interesting just checking it out, thanks. It’s a little further to travel but the flexible options mean It’s still appealing even though it’s further away. It does however say half of the options are closed (would assume that means full) but may make an enquiry.
Can’t see much on the site about the practice facilities, do you know if they have a range and a short game facilities? If so what are they like please?

 

[AngeloD]

MY old club Puttenham might fit the bill, 40 years ago it was a very friendly place

Another one I wasn’t aware of, will take a look thanks

 

[AngeloD]

There are a lot of clubs around this area, most of the good ones will have a waiting list, so even if undecided getting yourself on the list is probably a good idea.

Have you played many of them, I'd at least go and try them out to see what catches your fancy, as we all like different things.

Totally agree and would be looking to get on waitlists. But I don’t want to mess people around and would rather shortlist first if that makes sense. There’s lots of great courses but the package as a member is really what I’m interested in.
Absolutely keen to go and play the courses as well, and would certainly do this for any serious considerations, but before I start booking pricey visitor tee times it would be handy to get the view of any members particularly when it comes to practice facilities and how easy it is to actually get on the course. Due to work I’m usually making last minute arrangements to play so availability is a big factor for me and something I would pay a higher joining fee and subs for.

 

[Klimski]

I just opened the Hampshire map on Golfshake and with little local knowledge, have to say, I'd have a look at Hartley Wintney - looks like an okay course. Also, it appears that Tylney Park is offering a 1 month trial membership. I also noted that you live near many great, but quite expensive courses..... Anyway, I can't afford a membership myself, over here in the Netherlands a membership at a half decent club/course is too dear for me. I do really enjoy being flexible though. I play at four or five local courses, including municipal ones. Looking at your area, the only membership I could afford would be at Alton Golf Club - and that's taking 'your area' with a pinch of salt..


You write that you are on a waiting list already, why not enjoy the nomadic life until you spot comes through? Play all the courses local to you, and keep track of which you enjoy - that may lead to becoming a member at a club you really fall in love with!

 

[AngeloD]

I just opened the Hampshire map on Golfshake and with little local knowledge, have to say, I'd have a look at Hartley Wintney - looks like an okay course. Also, it appears that Tylney Park is offering a 1 month trial membership. I also noted that you live near many great, but quite expensive courses..... Anyway, I can't afford a membership myself, over here in the Netherlands a membership at a half decent club/course is too dear for me. I do really enjoy being flexible though. I play at four or five local courses, including municipal ones. You write that you are on a waiting list already, why not enjoy the nomadic life until you spot comes through? Play all the courses local to you, and keep track of which you enjoy - that may lead to becoming a member at a club you really fall in love with!

I’ve played most of the courses in the area that are municipal, as well as the more members/private clubs that have visitor rates on the more affordable end (like Hartley Whitney which is nice). I played on the junior team at my old club and generally used to enjoy just going to different courses when I was younger, so it’s not like I don’t know what you’re saying, but I wouldn’t be asking if it was only about the course.

The reason I am asking is because a lot of the types of club I want to find out about are like the club I was a member at previously. They either don’t accept visitors, only accept them on certain mid-week days, and if they do accept them will typically charge a high green fee. So you often don’t ever visit them as a nomad unless you know a member or are in some sort of league.

We’re not short of good golf courses around here, so it’s the member experience I’m trying to get a feel for as well so I know where to try out

 

[MACM85]

Interesting just checking it out, thanks. It’s a little further to travel but the flexible options mean It’s still appealing even though it’s further away. It does however say half of the options are closed (would assume that means full) but may make an enquiry.
Can’t see much on the site about the practice facilities, do you know if they have a range and a short game facilities? If so what are they like please?

Hi Angelo,

I am a member at Guildford so can give you some feedback.

Some of the lower categories might be full and have a waiting list. Tom is the club secretary and is very good at answering questions etc.

Range is there - 160 yards long so only irons/clubs to that length.
Short game area with two bunkers and a large green to play chips etc
Small short game green next to the putting green.
3 x nets for drivers etc in the car park to warm up with

 

[AngeloD]

Hi Angelo,

I am a member at Guildford so can give you some feedback.

Some of the lower categories might be full and have a waiting list. Tom is the club secretary and is very good at answering questions etc.

Range is there - 160 yards long so only irons/clubs to that length.
Short game area with two bunkers and a large green to play chips etc
Small short game green next to the putting green.
3 x nets for drivers etc in the car park to warm up with

Excellent thanks so much for the info, sounds well worth a visit