Are cart fees normal if you have a membership??

[inthecup]

Carts should be banned from golf.

Beer can get heavy though?

[inthecup]

Sorry to hear that. I can understand making exemptions for medical issues or age to in order play golf. But i strongly disagree in that cart fees are what keep the sport of golf alive. Bethpage doesnt allow carts and they do pretty well. As do the other walking only courses ive played on over the years. If youre a normally healthy person you shouldnt be allowed to cart, IMO.

Bethpage black does not have carts all the other bethpage courses do.

[RC]

To answer an earlier question I just got around to reading, I opt to pay for the full package and have unlimited golf and cart use, plus some range ball. I say some range balls because you get a large number of buckets but I seem always to run out and have to buy a renewal for my "key." I usually hit a bucket or two every time I play and some times after playing. Otherwise the only other cost is the handicap service (which is normally covered at most clubs) but has an annual fee of about $30 here.

Is it worth it? In my case it certainly is. I play more than 5 times per week on average and the amortizied cost per round works out to an amazing bargain for a very well maintained and highly respected course that has a wall of honors/plaques in the pro-shop and the best range and practice areas in our region. It is a place that could host a serious golf tournament any time except when the greens are aerified.

If someone plays a lot, they really should evaluate membership options at golf clubs and courses, and do some math. I figure I save 80+ pecent compared to the normal per round cost with cart. The free range balls are a nice extra, too.

[inthecup]

I belong to a country club. I don't think the math will work for a golf club or country club as far as saving money.

My club has two courses, the new course is a ride only course. If you walked it, it would take forever because the holes are far apart. The old course you are welcome to walk. The cart fee is $22, Steep.

Both courses are awesome, the fairways are perfect, the rough is rough, the greens are true and very difficult. The reason to join a club is not to save money. Our club has 2 championship courses, a pool, three places to eat including a mens grill. The staff is awesome and friendly. The range has a long and short game area. Practice bunkers, two putting greens. There is a once a year fee for the range or $7 a day. The member tournaments are plentiful and well done. The Mens member guest is a great time. All said and done I am over a grand a month. I could go play the best public courses around (which are very nice) and pay half of that. BUT, I drive the bill up golfing, eating and drinking with friends.

For me (I am fortunate enough to have the scratch) it is worth it. I enjoy the hell out of the club. The people there have a different attitude. Most are very successful and work very hard. When they are there it is all about having a good time, it is a great atmosphere.

If I did not have the funds I would play the local public courses walk or ride and enjoy it. As a prior poster said your game will improve either way.

[golfbarefoot]

Cart fees are the norm. My club will allow you to walk, which I prefer most of the time.

[Lefty-Golfer]

I belong to a country club. I don't think the math will work for a golf club or country club as far as saving money.

This is exactly why you join a club.

I was reading some of the previous posts thinking these very thoughts and then i came to this one. you said it better then i would have, well done. I have not done the exact math but i look at the club fees this way. I get the course, the range, the pool, the looker room, the mens grill, my food minimum, a Wed night poker game when i want it and weekend tourney's for approx. 150 or 170 bucks a round. If i go to a top notch public course the golf alone is going to be a 100.00 or so...it is really a know brainer for me.

[highscoreinky]

Most, if not all private clubds here in Louisville charge a cart fee. Our club charges $16.00 for 18 holes.

[kleraudio]

Thanks everyone for your replies, especially you Chief Broom, what you said hit me like a ton of bricks, Im really looking forward to playing A LOT more often, even if its not on the greatest course around....

Im pulling the trigger tomorrow and getting a membership to the 3 muni's in town. I will have walking privileges at all of them, and since the greens are right next to the next tee boxes, I dont think walking will be too big a hassle.

Im really looking forward to being able to play 18 on Sat and Sun, and 9 twice a week!! I'd never play that much if it werent for this membership.

So thanks everyone, and I'll write back after all my dues are paid tomorrow!

Take care!

Jim

[kleraudio]

Well, I went to the course filled out some papers, gave em some money and now I'm done! Unlimited golf! Great feeling.

No club tournaments or anything like that though, its a muni afterall, but now I will definitely be able to work on my game!

Thanks everyone, looking forward to playing after work tomorrow, and on Saturday and Sunday!

[pingman]

cart fee's are normal, i work at the local muni, but i've talked to management at the country club 50 mi. north of my quaint little town cart fees are ridiculous. at our public course the membership is under 1000k a year, walking is free, and cart fee is half off......for a public course it's in great shape so no one is getting ripped off.....guess, it just depends where you reside

[Leftygolfer]

Well, I went to the course filled out some papers, gave em some money and now I'm done! Unlimited golf! Great feeling.

Enjoy!!! You are just getting into the best part of the year as far as weather. Golf season is over here. I never had more improvement than when I belonged to a public course. Played 90 rounds in a year and went from a 16 to a 12.

[whetstone]

Congrats on your decision. Pertaining to golf, joining a club was the best decision I ever made.
The CC I belong to doesn't charge members for carts. After reading this thread, I realize that I'm very lucky in that regard. They do, however, charge for range balls (1/2 price). I'd rather have free range balls and pay a cart fee when I choose to ride. As I work with the president of the board, I may have to talk to him about offering that as an option.

[kleraudio]

Thanks a lot guys, looking forward to playing tomorrow!

I hope to play 9 at least 4 times a week, and 18 at least once! Cant wait to watch that handicap go down.

This is a great time of year over here, so it should be a lot of fun. Walking is gonna suck this summer...

Jim

[Mr Taylormade]

at my home club its 25euro for none members, 15 for members.
although i prefer to carry my tour bag, keeps me fit and saves me money :)

[Bump-n-MI]

Cart fees were included in the monthly dues at the club we belonged to when I was a kid, that is a rare find nowadays. My club allows members to use their own carts (obviously they must meet the club standards) and charges a storage fee. I'd say 50% of our members use their personal carts. I walk 90% of the time I play.

[Lefty22]

at our public course the membership is under 1000k a year, walking is free, and cart fee is half off......

For 1 million (1000K) a year at a public course I would expect the cart to be included

...

[ThomasG]

I've never gotten a membership because I like to play at different places, but when I checked, there is usually one membership for X amount and you pay for a cart if you use one. Then there's a membership for X +more so you don't pay for a cart when you use one.