A question for Private Club Members:

[youngskip40]

You don't need to be extremely specific because I don't want to make anyone have to discuss finances in specifics, but if you had to give an estimate, whether dollar amount or percentage...

How much MORE does it actually cost to be a member at a private club than just what's billed for your annual dues and things of that nature?

I know this will vary from club to club, as each club has different capital fees, assessments, minimums etc. But surely it will cost you more than the amount you are charged for initiation fees (if any), annual dues, and food minimums?

Namely, I'm thinking of tips (caddies, restaurants, snack shack), cart fees (if any), range or greens fees (if any), etc. I can't be more specific because I don't entirely know what to expect.


My assumption is, much like owning a house costs a lot more than just your mortgage payment, a golf membership will cost more than just your annual dues.

I'm asking because I'm considering looking into an intermediate membership at some local clubs, and while they've given me a breakdown of the costs of membership i.e. dues/initation/assessments, I'm hesitant to ask about these other related costs.

[shades9323]

You don't need to be extremely specific because I don't want to make anyone have to discuss finances in specifics, but if you had to give an estimate, whether dollar amount or percentage...

Don't be hesitant to ask about those. They need you. You need to be completely comfortable with joining. Ask any question that pops in your head. I know my parents have a $50 min in the bar 10/12 months. I think my mom pays an additional 1k for unlimited cart use. They do have extra charges for club storage if you want it. Extra for a locker. Extra for unlimited range pass if you want one. Tips are totally dependant on you.

[youngskip40]

Don't be hesitant to ask about those. They need you. You need to be completely comfortable with joining. Ask any question that pops in your head.

Thanks. I guess the only reason I'm hesitant to ask is the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" kind of mindset. I know that might be irrational, but I grew up caddying at a pretty elite private club, and I know times are very different now economically, but I almost feel dumb asking about things that might be considered minor once you get over the cost of dues, etc.

But if I've figured out that I can budget no more than exactly "x" amount for this membership, I need to know that these "etc." costs are going to keep me within that budget.

[CarlSpackler]

I've been going through a similar thought process. I know I can afford it, but then again, I have a lot of work that I want to do to my house (windows, doors, fence, putting green, etc.). Stupid priorities.

[sp33d]

I dont belong to a private club, I have alot of friends that do.

Theres a really nice one by my house its like 7k 1 time charge to join, then 180 a month but any food/drink you buy comes off that 180.

Then you have the Uber elite club, its like 15k to join, plus Monthly, plus you have to buy so much food/drink. and you pay for greensfees.

Then we have a nice little 9 hole private club, its like 3k a year thats all inclusive. But I played there and there is only 1 hole I could use my driver on longest par 4 was 305 yards.

In my area I'm fortunenet to have great city courses, and semi-private courses that play as well as some of the "nicer" clubs Ive been too.

[jorruss]

Thanks. I guess the only reason I'm hesitant to ask is the "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" kind of mindset. I know that might be irrational, but I grew up caddying at a pretty elite private club, and I know times are very different now economically, but I almost feel dumb asking about things that might be considered minor once you get over the cost of dues, etc.

It's important that you determine the actual cost of being a member before you sign a membership agreement. Many clubs charge not only monthly dues and cart fees every time you play, but also club storage, handicap, and restaurant minimums. You also have to factor the cost of playing elsewhere every now and then and tournaments like the Member-Guest and Member-Member that most clubs have, as those cost more cash.

For example, my home club charges a $1000 initiation fee, $2250 yearly dues, $17 cart fee every time you play, $75/yr for a locker, $75/yr club storage and $25/yr for handicap services. That also doesn't include any charges you might incur in the restaraunt or pub... It get's a big expensive.

[elementz]

I take lessons from the pro at a private club. It is a $2500 yearly fee with a $500 initiation fee. There is a bar tab at around $150 or so. Those costs might not seem too bad but keep in mind, in our climate we can only golf 5 months out of the year.

[-Mini-]

I just joined a private club here, its unlimited green fees, unlimited use of practice facilities (driving range, practice greens, and chipping greens), there is no bar tab minimum. Though for cart it $12 per person riding.

The most expensive thing about this course is the initiation dues, then the annual fee is still expensive, but for the quality I receive I do think it is well worth the price.