Joining a men's club?

[glk23]

I started playing again in 08 after 12+ years off and have been playing pretty steady ever since. As my games has been improving, I have started to consider joining a men's club. I would like to get an official handicap and play in some tourny's/leagues. There is probably 7-10 different options in my area and I'm having a hard time deciding. Some courses I like better, some have better variety of tournaments, some have leagues, but none seem to have enough of what I want to make an obvious decision. Guess my question is, how did others go about deciding where to join especially if you are in an area with a lot of variety?

[RFetters]

I'd look for a course that had a regular group of guys that play the same way I wanted to, at times and days I could play, with similar handicaps and that are willing to allow new players to join in.

If you can get into a regular group, tournaments will come your way naturally.  Also keep in mind that entry fees for tournaments are variable and some fees can get a bit over the top, and some tournaments are charity sponsored, and payouts are sometimes poor.  A regular group of 12-20 guys should give you the competition you are actually looking for.

Leagues can be fun, but many are just tee times with little inter foursome competition.  You need to discuss your preferences with each club pro to actually get the specifics of what each course offers.

Given all things equal, then take the course you like playing,,,

[FLOG4]

My selection criteria in order of preference. 1] Where are my buddies playing? 2] The course. Do I want to play it often?3] convenience 4] Can you get in? 5] Cost..............Good Luck

[walk18]

Are you talking about joining a private course or just a golf league?

[FLOG4]

public courses have mens clubs....Privates are just that....

[glk23]

I am talking about a public course.  All of the courses I am looking at have monthly men's club tournaments, plus some have weekend "choose ups" and/or leagues.  Part of doing this is to meet other golfers as I play most of my rounds as a walk on.  The course I like the most and play the majority of my rounds at is 30 miles away, but is close to where I work.  I am really down to 4-5 options, but none has everything I would like.

[FLOG4]

Best course.  Best advise.  Rest will fall into place.

[camper6]

Originally Posted by glk23

I am talking about a public course.  All of the courses I am looking at have monthly men's club tournaments, plus some have weekend "choose ups" and/or leagues.  Part of doing this is to meet other golfers as I play most of my rounds as a walk on.  The course I like the most and play the majority of my rounds at is 30 miles away, but is close to where I work.  I am really down to 4-5 options, but none has everything I would like.

If part of your wish to join a men's club is to meet other golfers, then just show up at one of the courses you like and observe the friendship and fellowship among the players.   You don't even have to play to observe the players after the round and how friendly they are.

[Fourputt]

Originally Posted by glk23

I started playing again in 08 after 12+ years off and have been playing pretty steady ever since. As my games has been improving, I have started to consider joining a men's club. I would like to get an official handicap and play in some tourny's/leagues. There is probably 7-10 different options in my area and I'm having a hard time deciding. Some courses I like better, some have better variety of tournaments, some have leagues, but none seem to have enough of what I want to make an obvious decision.

Guess my question is, how did others go about deciding where to join especially if you are in an area with a lot of variety?

I had been playing most of my golf at the same course for several years.  I had been playing casual rounds with several of the guys in the Men's Club, so it was natural to just join there, even though I did have several other options.  I've been a member of that Men's club now for 22 years.

[xxsoultonesxx]

I'm interested in joining a men's club, too. The main thing holding me back is my age. I'm 26 and most of the people at my home track's men's club are 40+. I'd be "the young guy".

[glk23]

Thanks for all the input so far. Unfortunately, the course I like the best is the furthest away and costs the most to join. Not sure about going :45 away on the weekend for tournaments when the other 3 possibilities are only in the :15 range. Also as part of its membership you get discounted tee times which I would never use as all my rounds there are twilight and later. A couple of the courses also give a free round to new members so it cuts the cost to join almost in half. Seems like flip a coin time.