Should i change clubs ?

[Wolfman]

My current club is low cost ( £50 month ) and has a good bunch of friendly golfers, i play each weekend in a friendly game

The other local clubs are nearly twice the price and a bit stuffy in comparison

However my club is struggling and the membership declining ( has dropped over some years ) and the course is in a shocking state


The other local clubs have very nice courses and heavy membership


Would my game be more rewarding at a better club or should i stick to a low cost club with poor conditions where i at least get a regular game

 

[GreiginFife]

I can't see how playing regularly on a poor conditioned course would be helpful. It would, personally, do my nut in.
IMO, I chose a very nice club in Muckhart (most of the guys on here who have played it would agree) and that only sets me back £49 a month and was chosen not on price but on how good condition it is always in.
I had access to more expensive, closer courses but they weren't as good condition so it was my pre-determiner for joining.
If cost is your pre-determiner then you will stay but if your game and your happiness on course is, then I would look at moving. Your loyalty to the club won't be rewarded if it goes belly up.

 

[ScienceBoy]

If you do change, I suggest getting a custom fitting booked...

Oh you mean CLUB.. Right, erm, err, well...

It really depends on how bad your course is! Does it have some poorly designed holes? Does it have poor greens? Can these be overlooked easily?

I would only hand over my money if I was sure I got the course I wanted AND the atmosphere. If you cannot be confident that you can stroll up to the first tee and slot in with a 3ball there as a single then I would not want to be a member. At South Winchester I could be almost certain of a game at any time and I met some fantastic people doing it. I cannot count the number of people I would not play with again because there were NONE!

 

[pbrown7582]

You need to find out if you will be accepted and get enough games if was in the same scenario few years back and moved from a muni on common land with poor greens etc but a really friendly bunch of members and always a game to join, to a private members club not knowing anyone and getting in through a favour to my dad, I couldn't get a game hardly ever and can remember sitting on 1st tee for nearly 2 hours trying to get a medal card signed so many cliques that it ended up with me hardly ever playing until changing clubs again to a lesser course but friendlier membership. Do your research on the whole package is my suggestion.

 

[Albanach]

I would get more enjoyment from golf whilst playing on a better standard of course provided I had a good group of people to play with. Do you know anyone who is a member who can get you involved with a Sat or Sun morning crowd? Pop into the pro shop and ask him if there are allotted times where people can just turn up and be sent out in group of 3-4 or write to the secretary of the other club and tell him you are thinking of joining and ask them if there are events at a specific time of year for new members to get to know existing members whether they are social or foursomes comp.

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Personally, I would move. I wouldn't worry about the regular game aspect, you will make new friends wherever you decide to join.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I'd move. Simple. Better course will challenge your game more and I'm sure that even those clubs with a stuffy reputation with have a core membership that is friendly enough to get you some games and meet new golfing buddies

 

[Yer Maw]

Nothing worse than playing on a crap course as your putting will always struggle and it's no fun. You'll find new golfing buddies at another club but maybe go and play some first telling them you're thinking of joining and see what kind of response you get then take it from there. I'm afraid down South decent courses cost at least doublke what they do up here and even then for some pretty standard courses, but that's life mate, but good luck with your choice.

 

[Stub]

A definite change IMO. There's no point persisting on a course that is in poor condition and with which you are obviously unhappy. I think the perception of 'stuffy' clubs is often from the outside only and once you join you will find the members little different to your existing club...generally they just want a good round of golf and good craic.

 

[Wolfman]

I am happy with the people at the club, just unhappy with the course and facilities in general

I would like to find a happy medium of decent price decent condition and decent people, not much to expect !

 

[pbrown7582]

I am happy with the people at the club, just unhappy with the course and facilities in general

I would like to find a happy medium of decent price decent condition and decent people, not much to expect !

There are places out there like that good luck finding one.

 

[Wolfman]

Saw a very nice alternative club today, a bit pricey but chalk and cheese compared to my current place

10 miles from home and very lush looking fairways and excellent looking greens