Join a club or spend the membership money on green fee's playing many courses?

[GarethS89]

Hi guys,

My first post on this forum, so first of all, a very big hello from me over here in rainy Northern Ireland. I am a 22 handicap golfer playing mostly with my society and friends. I have been playing for just over a year now and can see my game improving almost every round now.

I am after a bit of advice, should a golfer of my standard (not very good as of yet), but dedicated, join a club or play various courses throughout the country to improve my game. I play my local course quite a bit during the week anyway, but at the weekend we like to get out and about and try new courses.

I am at the point now where I can see my skill increasing therefore my handicap is going to drop in the near future, should I join a club now and make use of the tournaments (chance of winning) when my handicap is still high?

Thanks in advance,

Gareth

[Hatchman]

Hi guys, My first post on this forum, so first of all, a very big hello from me over here in rainy Northern Ireland. I am a 22 handicap golfer playing mostly with my society and friends. I have been playing for just over a year now and can see my game improving almost every round now. I am after a bit of advice, should a golfer of my standard (not very good as of yet), but dedicated, join a club or play various courses throughout the country to improve my game. I play my local course quite a bit during the week anyway, but at the weekend we like to get out and about and try new courses. I am at the point now where I can see my skill increasing therefore my handicap is going to drop in the near future, should I join a club now and make use of the tournaments (chance of winning) when my handicap is still high? Thanks in advance, Gareth

Hello. I went through the same thought processes. I joined my local club for 2 years but ventured out playing other courses. Then I realized I was playing my course just because I felt I needed to or had to because I had paid my fees. Started just going through the motions instead of playing for purpose or fun. I did join another club with terrific practice facilities, pros, course, etc., for a couple more years. But I still played elsewhere at an additional expense...something I thought would diminish by joining a club! BTW - I migrate back to the practice facility course for tune ups and play, and play league in the first club so it's all good but now rotate courses.

[Cody Book]

I would use the membership on the weekdays and the use the weekend to play other clubs. In Septemember I'm getting a 7 day pass with a cart to a local course and will be doing just that.

[Lihu]

I am at the point now where I can see my skill increasing therefore my handicap is going to drop in the near future, should I join a club now and make use of the tournaments (chance of winning) when my handicap is still high?

Sure, and I understand that handicaps take time to go down under CONGU.

[ridgewalker]

Right now I am not a member at a club but I wish that I was.  At least in Canada it is more difficult to maintain a handicap if you aren't a member somewhere.  Also, right now I am trying to improve and really work on my game and it's more difficult when I don't have a good practice facility to use.  Most of the public driving ranges here have those horrible green mats with super high plastic tees, while the practice putting greens are long and slow.

I also really like competing in golf, so the tournaments and events that are offered at a club are right up my alley.  Next year I think I am definitely going to get a membership somewhere.  It will also be handy to just be able to go to the course after work and play 3-4 holes.

For yourself, I guess it just depends on your own personal goals.  If none of your friends are members then it may be tougher for you to play your home course all the time.

[GarethS89]

I am of the same persuasion guys, I want to play in tournaments and put myself up against people of a similar or better standard to improve my game through experience, and maybe get a chance at lifting a few trophies along the way.

I think joining a club will be a good move for me, now its just deciding which one to choose throughout Northern Ireland.

Thanks for your help guys!

[Grumpter]

At least in Canada it is more difficult to maintain a handicap if you aren't a member somewhere.

Don't the public courses offer handicapping services? Here in the USA I can go to most public courses and have them administer my handicap for a fee of usually $30 to $50. No need to join the club.

What about something like the below? Maybe something similar is available in your area.

http://www.playgolfalberta.com/rcga_handicap/

[rkim291968]

I can speak for myself and hopefully, it helps the OP to decide.

I play 2 - 3 times a week.   Without all-you-can-play membership, the cost of playing 2 - 3 times a week becomes prohibitive.   I also got tired of searching through golf discount sites for best deals, playing late afternoon tee times, etc..   Still, once in a while, I will play at other courses.

[ridgewalker]

Don't the public courses offer handicapping services? Here in the USA I can go to most public courses and have them administer my handicap for a fee of usually $30 to $50. No need to join the club.

What about something like the below? Maybe something similar is available in your area.

http://www.playgolfalberta.com/rcga_handicap/

LOL  That is the province I'm in - so I stand corrected.

I will probably start using that.  :)

Thanks!

[GarethS89]

That sounds like an idea, meaning I can enter open tournaments etc building that competition experience. But, as above states, the costs of playing different courses becomes a bit excessive, especially when you live for challenging courses that cost mega money to play e.g. royal county down!! £150 per round! I've a few courses I can take to pieces, meaning my 22 handicap is somewhat excessive. My home course, Banbridge, I'm scoring a lot lower than any other courses so could do very well there, but I love the challenge of some of our more southern courses or our costal courses, just for the incredible scenery. Compared to those my home course is a bore. It's such a hard decision when I haven't an endless money pit to take from every time I want to play (which is all the time if I'm bring honest). As you can see from the picture, I'm shooting 85/86 quite regularly, where on a good day I might even shoot 80/82 etc.. I just don't know what to do, so many decisions, so much expense!

[Grumpter]

One thing I wish I had taken advantage of early in the year (or late last year) was gift cards at a discount. Some of the nicer courses I have played somewhat regularly had deals like a $250 gift card for $200. I should have jumped on it.