I think most of the posts are great for perspective but some important points are forgotten. yes, country clubs are expensive but they are an investment. your 50,000 dollar membership equals a piece of stock in the club. That being said in two years the value might be double, I've seen it!! Many clubs start to offer discounts for next generation members which even strengthens the choice. The reason people join country clubs is the same reason they send their kids to private school. They have the money too, for one, and they want the best. The environment is great to raise children for those you are younger members. Very little trouble, the pros are endless and of course there are some cons but I bet they are much surpassed.
I am at a club now in Orlando that is by invitation only now I know that sounds a little pretentious and waspy but let me say this. wouldn't you want to invite your friends to fish where the fishing is good? Moreover, I've seen people form great business relations and start their own companies. I know some members who networked with each other and now they just create boutique banks and sell them to bigger banks making millions together and traveling about. All because they joined the club and met the clientele. Its like joining an investment syndicate and with power comes opportunities, hookups. you can tap into everyone elses connections. Whether you like it or not making more money helps your retirement be more fruitful and the ability to tap into the talent pool with other successful people is very nice to think about. I haven't forgot about golf either I wanted to bring in some other aspects of clubs that I think is why they still have a stronghold in some areas. If you have time just take a look at south florida, specifically naples and palm beach gardens it will give you different opinions.
please respond and share.