Stay with the best course or move to the better club, what would you do?

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Baldyeagle

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I've been a member of my club for five years - two very good, attractive and challenging 18-hole courses, 5 mins drive from home and gym membership included. The down side is it's a 'corporate-style' operation geared towards group play with tee-time booking (which means in summer that if you don't get a booking in 2 weeks ahead you don't play), the clubhouse is not particularly 'friendly' and it's damned expensive (£1,200 a year).

Most of my mates play at another club about 15 mins away - one decent course, not in the same league as mine but no tee booking and a proper 'members club' with friendly atmosphere at about £800 a year (no gym etc.). I've played there a few times and while the course is nowhere near as challenging or nice to look at as my present club, I'm beginning to think that I may get not only more rounds in there but the 'feel' of the place and lack of hassle getting on the tee might outweigh the course differences.

What would you do?
 
If the gym was not important to me then I would move, I like the sound of the other club more than yours, life is about people and freedom.... for me.
 
Pack my bags and move is what I would do, but only if the club you are moving to still has a nice course, even if it is not as good as where you are now. My course is a members club with no tee boooking and just enough societies to keep the membership costs down. I love being able to just turn up when ever I have the chance and go out pretty much straight away more often than not, as the place is not full of societies.
 
I would have to enjoy the golf course. That would be very important and high up in my list of priorities.

Grass always looks greener but often isn't. Do your research for all clubs in your area and also think about how far you would be willing to travel to play a decent track.
 
I'd move, I think sometimes there's a big difference between a good golf course(highly rated) and an enjoyable course.

I prefer a traditional out and out golf club.
 
No brainer for me I would move.....sounds like you current club is The Forest of Arden...nice course but it would drive me crazy being a memebr there (or somewhere similar) and having to book 2 weeks in advance. That is no 'club' imo!
 
Move and if you want to play a challenging course every once in a while just pay to play. You will be £400 better off.

Set up sounds similar to the Celtic Manor near me. 3 great courses and all the facilties but no atmosphere or club feel. Certainly not the sort of place you would pop in for a pint on the way home and have a chat with whoever was in the members bar.
 
seochris said:
No brainer for me I would move.....sounds like you current club is The Forest of Arden...nice course but it would drive me crazy being a memebr there (or somewhere similar) and having to book 2 weeks in advance. That is no 'club' imo!
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I don't think its the FOA from the OPs location - I would hazard a guess that its the Warwickshire. Plenty of reasonable courses within 30 minutes especially just up the M40 to the south of B'ham. I would move - never liked the sterile atmosphere of this type of club.
 
I'd move - sounds like you'd get more enjoyment for your money at the other course and with the £400 saving you can join a gym and/or visit the more reputable course and others a couple of times a year.
 
What handicap are you off. If you are low then I can see how the harder playing course(s) offer you are challenge. On the flip side to that, there is still no guarantee you will tear the other course apart. The newer course sounds ideal in terms of getting a game, atmosphere etc and so providing it really isn't too bland I'd certainly give it serious thought
 
Baldyeagle said:
I've been a member of my club for five years - two very good, attractive and challenging 18-hole courses, 5 mins drive from home and gym membership included. The down side is it's a 'corporate-style' operation geared towards group play with tee-time booking (which means in summer that if you don't get a booking in 2 weeks ahead you don't play), the clubhouse is not particularly 'friendly' and it's damned expensive (£1,200 a year).

Most of my mates play at another club about 15 mins away - one decent course, not in the same league as mine but no tee booking and a proper 'members club' with friendly atmosphere at about £800 a year (no gym etc.). I've played there a few times and while the course is nowhere near as challenging or nice to look at as my present club, I'm beginning to think that I may get not only more rounds in there but the 'feel' of the place and lack of hassle getting on the tee might outweigh the course differences.

What would you do?
Click to expand...

I'd leave the Warwickshire and come and join Ladbrook Park where I am a member (its better than Kenilworth). My mate who lives in Hatton also left there to join LP (it's not that far). Great club and a really good track - would be happy to introduce you to the place if you've not played here.
 
I've been a member of a number of clubs over the years, six in fact, two were nine holers, two were munis, one had a hotel, one was in the Top 100 UK courses list.

The best course was the worst one to be a member of, the worst course was the best club and most enjoyable by a distance, and only a 9 holer.

Move is my advice.
 
Apologies for not acknowledging responses (and resurrecting an old thread) - been away.
Well spotted those who recognised 'The Warwickshire' :)
Decision made - moving to friendly club (but not until membership expires in March, can't afford to be paying two sets of fees!).
 
Scadge said:
I'd leave the Warwickshire and come and join Ladbrook Park where I am a member (its better than Kenilworth). My mate who lives in Hatton also left there to join LP (it's not that far). Great club and a really good track - would be happy to introduce you to the place if you've not played here.
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Ta for the offer Scadge, it's actuall Leamington & County I'm looking at but might well take you up on the offer sometime.
 
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