Time for a change

[Sats]

Recently began a search for a new club to join. Only to be met with red tape and bureaucracy. A number of clubs that had a set price for the year but wanted it paid for in 4 instalments / 7 instalments / 3 upfront payments then a DD/SO etc (this made negotiations with the long hair general back home difficult.) Then found one that simply said, it's X per year or X per month via Standing order - don't pay and you don't play.

My mind is made up now, and domestic management is happy (£63 per month) but it did make me think that a lot of clubs are losing players due to the hurdles they themselves install.

Thoughts?

 

[Yant]

Depends how committed and open clubs are to breaking down those old-fashioned stuffy barriers that put people off. If the club are struggling financially, then they have to adapt and make it easier and more comfortable for people to join and enjoy.

I know a lot of people that think that the interviews, joining fees and structure around membership payments are there in order to maintain a certain 'calibre' of person that becomes a member, are important in order to ensure that not 'any old rif raf are allowed in'.

 

[fundy]

Plenty of courses put barriers in the way, some are in a position financially where they can afford to pick and choose their members through these processes, some cant and shouldnt be and will ultimately suffer because of it

Good luck on the new course, where have you joined?

 

[Deleted member 15344]

A lot of courses also want more money upfront to ensure that the person is committed to joining the club and also to ensure the club has the finances in place for the year. Most private members clubs - you get a bill for the year and then pay it off either there and then or via a DD scheme.

Pay monthly seems dangerous to me because you know when the weather turns the amount who will pay will drop dramatically which then affects the finances of the club and also expect the standard of the course

 

[Jates12]

My club is pretty savvy, they have a finance partner that run a 12 month credit agreement if you dont want to pay upfront, its around 3 or 4% interest which does help people pay upfront as they dont want to pay a few quid extra, we have actually gained quite a few members this year because of the goalposts being changed at local clubs.

 

[OnTour]

I guess it depends on what area you live in? if you have a limited amount of clubs then it's supply and demand. they can do what they please, but if it's plentiful then deals and easy joining options are about.

Many schemes have popped up to make it easy PMG being one, I've seen clubs doing their own points system, but you can't play in club comps other than Midweek medals etc.

I understand a club wanting a joining fee, but on the down side it doesn't encourage them to actually improve surely? we have your money and your tied in for 5 years etc. down the road it's not right for you, it's wasted cash. personally, I'd rather not invest in a club like that and give my subs to a forward thinking club.

Birmingham and surrounds seems a honey pot for good deals on top courses shame I live in Coventry :-(

 

[Sats]

Plenty of courses put barriers in the way, some are in a position financially where they can afford to pick and choose their members through these processes, some cant and shouldnt be and will ultimately suffer because of it

Good luck on the new course, where have you joined?

Lydd GC in Kent

 

[Dannyj1984]

There are 5 courses within a few miles of each other near me, I've only just joined one as they had a great deal but I've heard others at the club talking about rotating and just moving each year to the club that has the best deal for that year...I think especially for us youngsters there are some good deals and unfortunately loyalty doesn't come into it. Plus you get to vary where you play each year

 

[Orikoru]

There are 5 courses within a few miles of each other near me, I've only just joined one as they had a great deal but I've heard others at the club talking about rotating and just moving each year to the club that has the best deal for that year...I think especially for us youngsters there are some good deals and unfortunately loyalty doesn't come into it. Plus you get to vary where you play each year

Plus if word gets out that people are doing that, it's an incentive for the clubs to drop their prices!

 

[Deleted Member 1156]

Plus if word gets out that people are doing that, it's an incentive for the clubs to drop their prices!

That really isn't a good thing long term though

 

[OnTour]

I guess if there all on the same level, then it's not good for them but like everything in life you want value for money and at the same time quality? if the 2 match your on to a win win!

A lot are adding a fee into the rates to make up for the loss. which for me doesn't work

There are 5 courses within a few miles of each other near me, I've only just joined one as they had a great deal but I've heard others at the club talking about rotating and just moving each year to the club that has the best deal for that year...I think especially for us youngsters there are some good deals and unfortunately loyalty doesn't come into it. Plus you get to vary where you play each year

 

[full_throttle]

Lydd GC in Kent

Make sure you send Smiffy an invite....:cheers:

 

[Sats]

Make sure you send Smiffy an invite....:cheers:

Smiffy consider yourself warmly invited

 

[Bunkermagnet]

Where are you leaving to join Lydd?

 

[chrisd]

Smiffy consider yourself warmly invited

You'll never get rid of him, it's his favourite !

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Lydd GC in Kent

Oh dear.

 

[User20205]

Oh dear.

never been to Lydd, doubt I ever will. I know you fellas went down there a few years ago and didn't like it. However, if I'd just excitedly posted about my new choice of club and it got slagged I would be irritated!
We're all for growing the game and increasing club membership, as we all benefit. this place seems to be switched on re that ?

 

[jim8flog]

Plus if word gets out that people are doing that, it's an incentive for the clubs to drop their prices!

Which may in turn may lead to there only be a choice of 3 or 4 clubs, which will then be able to put up their prices or decline membership because they are full.