What do you look for in a club?

[gazrow]

Hi guys,

I am now starting to take my golf seriously and due to moving house this week; have decided to look for a club to join.

So, what do you look for when considering a new club?

(If anyone from Birmingham knows Sutton Coldfield well, your recommendations would be appreciated!).

Cheers

Gareth

 

[pbrown7582]

Location is one thing but there are many others depending what you want, when are comps if these are of an interest to you and are they drawn arranged between mates or computer based booking system, also accesibility at the times you are most likely to want to play, atmosphere friendly and welcoming to newbies have you got regular playing partners wanting to join as welll or on your own?is there a swindle/roll up?
sure theres lots more points to be added

 

[Deleted member 1147]

I don't know how close it is to you but I played Drayton Manor last year. It's not far from the Belfry which I think is near Sutton Coldfield.
It's a James Braid course and very enjoyable.

 

[saxmaster]

36 holes minimum, i couldnt get more bored playing the same course3+ times a week if i tried. excellent practice facillities. decent clubhouse although not really to bothered on that well stocked shop/range and i like a bit of heritage if im honest, knowing im teeing or putting on the same course as seve, langer woosnam and a few other greats.

sounds abit like thru the key hole my description haha

 

[NorfolkShaun]

A sensible level of members so you can manage to actually get a round.

 

[MadAdey]

Make sure you join somewhere with good practice facilities, you may not think you are bothered about lots of different practice facilities, but you will be in the future when trying to get your handicap down. My club has a driving range, a 300 practice ground that you can take your own balls up to, a 20 yard short game practice area with a large bunker and proper green that is looked after like the ones on the course. Also look into how often they have comps, some clubs do not arrange that many really. Have a look at what times you will want to play, as if you will be looking to play games during the daytime midweek are you going to find the course is full of endless societies stopping you from playing. Just a few things to consider.

 

[gazrow]

Thanks guys,

Practise facilities is definately top of my list. Location is also important; in an ideal world I would be able to walk to the club if I can leave my clubs in a locker.

Saxmaster, if I find a club with your description I would be delighted, especially a place with heritage.

Again, thanks guys, some good advice that I will take on board.

Gareth

 

[GB72]

First is the course, got to be somewhere that I am happy to play again and again. Practice facilities help but none of my last 2 clubs have had a driving range but there are a couple nearby (and I prefer practice grounds anyway). After that it is the atmosphere that sells it to me, it has to 'fee' like somewhere I want to play golf or have a beer. What helped with my current club is that they let you join for a month for £50 then take that off your membership if you sign on for the year. This let me get a real feel for the place, the course, the people, the set up, everything and made the decision to change clubs easier.

 

[gazrow]

GB72, that's a great idea. One concern I have is paying a huge joining fee, not enjoying the club, and leaving after a year.

 

[Captainron]

The course has to be one where you look forward to playing. Then when you add a good social element to it it just makes it awesome. Finding a club with both these elements would be absolutely key for me. I would be willing to add half an hour each way for something like this.

 

[ADB]

According to this survey, the greens are the most imporant

http://www.eigca.org/uploads/documents/originals/PlayerSurvey-GreenCast.pdf

 

[GripandRip]

I've not been able to play the course, and I think it's a bit pricey, but Hagley GC has lovely practice facilities which I can highly recommend. Might be worth a look but I wouldn't be surprised if the membership was a bit spicey.