Membership question

[Mrd19abhs]

So I recently paid off my cc and now have extra money for golfing. As of right now ive been playing about 6-8 rounds a month all under $40. I want to be able to start playing more since I have more available money but dont know if i should membership.

The first course im considering is a semi-private Golfers Club. They have intiation fees of $1000 but the monthly dues are only $125, with cart fees of $17 per 18. but they dont inclued the range in the deal and as my handicap states i need time at the range to improve. But this course is part of the Florida Trail so 12 other courses are included.

The second course im considering(and leaning towards) has no initation fee but the price is a little more a month at $230 but it does inclued the range and is also part of the Florida Trail. And the thing that really caught my eye is the fact that they are giving anyone who joins in the next month free cart fees for a year and free locker and bag storage for a month?


So i guess the question would be should I go for the cheaper monthly payment or pay a little more monthly and get the extra free bees for a little bit?

[kpaulhus]

FYI For anyone's reference....
Course #1 is Bloomingdale Golfers Club in Brandon, Fl.

Course #2 is River Hills in Valrico, Fl. (Extremely Private, and better IMO)

I think you should go with River Hills. $230 a month to play golf is relatively inexpensive. Plus Riverhills has a pro who can give u some lessons. Remember, the more you play, the cheaper each round gets.

[Mrd19abhs]

Thanks Kyle. I just dont know much about Riverhills having never played there because its private.

[kpaulhus]

Call them and tell them you are interested in a membership. I gurantee you they will comp your round to get a feel for the course.

[LeftyTrevor]

8 round of golf X $17 per round X 12 months = $1632 lets say an average of $6 for range balls X 5 times a weekX 12 months = $1440 IMO even if there was no locker room or club storage sounds like a much better deal to me. I know its not true of every course everywhere but here in Cali the courses that ask a little bit more tend to have members who take better care of the course.

[kpaulhus]

8 round of golf X $17 per round X 12 months = $1632 lets say an average of $6 for range balls X 5 times a weekX 12 months = $1440 IMO even if there was no locker room or club storage sounds like a much better deal to me. I know its not true of every course everywhere but here in Cali the courses that ask a little bit more tend to have members who take better care of the course.

You forgot the $125 monthly fee also, so 125x12=$1500+Carts 1632+Range Balls 1440=$4572.

If he goes for the higher monthly fee and free carts, its $230X12=$2760.....plus whatever he hits on the range, if its not already offered.

[Mrd19abhs]

Thanks for the break down I think ya'll just helped me make my decision. So Kyle next time your down after the two tourneys hopefully ill have the membership and we can get a round in.

[zeg]

First, how long will you be a member? If you are likely to stay a member for 10 years, then the initiation fee is negligible. If you're likely to find yourself hard up for cash next year and decide to let your membership lapse, you just paid $200 a month when you factor that in. Second, how much are you going to spend at the range? If you go by the estimate above of ~$6 a day 5 times a week, that's about $120 a month, so right there it's cheaper to pay "more" for the membership. If you're going to practice less than that, obviously that changes things. But it doesn't sound like the costs are going to be that different in the long term, that is, assuming you'll continue your membership.

I'd also see how crowded the places are---it might be in your interest to pay slightly more if it means you have better access to tee times. I'd also consider how nearby they are, how you like the courses, etc, in addition to the financial aspects.

Finally, for a single year, it sounds like the second option is decidedly cheaper. Is there anything preventing you from signing up for that for a year, then revisiting your decision when the freebies evaporate?

[Mrd19abhs]

Well currently i go to the local driving range about 3-5 times a week afterwork and if i commit it will be for at least a year. I currently only go 3-5 times a week because of financal reason that were previously constricting me to that. and I never go to work before 12:15 so If I membership im planning on playing alot of 9 holes rounds before work or hitting the range. Ill prob set up a schedule of Playing one day and practicing the next on what i struggled on the previous round.

Oh and both of the courses are within 15 minutes of the house. And course 1 is normally pretty busy but i dont know about course 2 since its private.

[meenman]

I am or have been a member of both courses.

River Hills is by far the better deal. The fine print on the free cart fee/locker stuff is it only covers one family member (all RH memberships are family) Alot depends on when you want to play. Weekend mornings at both courses are generally filled by certain groups. RH will get you in - they do double tee times on weekend mornings so there are no tee times from 9:30-11:30. (I usually play on Saturday mornings and always have an opening if you are interested) RH is dead on weekend afternoons, while Bloomingdale will be one of the slowest courses you will ever play if you play afternoon. Bloomingdale will get you hockey pucks and day old sandwiches for food, while RH has real food. Both clubs let paradise members in during the off season (at RH it is only times that most members dont play) You can call RH and be a *member for the day* - which means you can play one round for cart fee only (currently $19) If you have any questions feel free to message me (if you really want to be nice you can put me as a referral so I can get a discount on my monthly membership for a year ;) )

Plus Riverhills has a pro who can give u some lessons. Remember, the more you play, the cheaper each round gets.

RH finally hired a head pro again but both courses have their lessons handled by John E.S. Cochrane Golf School

[kpaulhus]

The food deal is what makes it feel like a country club too. Your not just paying for golf. Remember that. There is probably also a gym, and the people you meet is great for networking...ieL Future Jobs?

[Mrd19abhs]

One thing that does bother me about RH is I dont think many of my buddys would join me for a round cause the rates for a guest is like 75 dollars on a weekend if i read that correctly on their website.

River Hills is by far the better deal. The fine print on the free cart fee/locker stuff is it only covers one family member (all RH memberships are family)

This shouldnt be to big of a deal cause im not married or have any kids yet so its just me but thanks for the heads up.

RH is dead on weekend afternoons, while Bloomingdale will be one of the slowest courses you will ever play if you play afternoon.

Yeah I normally play like to tee fo around 11 or so on saturday. cant play on sundays unfourtunatly i work. :(

if you really want to be nice you can put me as a referral so I can get a discount on my monthly membership for a year ;)

no problem pm me your info and if i choose to join i will put you down

[Mrd19abhs]

Just talked to Meliane at RH and the Jr membership is actually 223 per month, no cart fee for a year, no locker or bag storage fee for a year, free handicap for a year. That is the price for the full membership where the golf only one was 230 for the year. I guess it pays to be young. Hopefully will pay the 200 dollar processing fee on april 8th and be a member as of May 1st.

[kpaulhus]

nice man.....so how much is it to have guests play?

[meenman]

nice man.....so how much is it to have guests play?

$65 weekdays, $75 weekends

[Mrd19abhs]

$65 weekdays, $75 weekends

thats the crappy part. none of yall will want to play. I might buy the 10 play pass for guest where it comes out to $450 up front but at least that way i can just have yall pay me $45 and save ya'll some money