Bargolfer

Easiest way to play a private club is to simply sign up for a tournament that is being held at said course. A lot of private clubs will host local, state or USGA qualifiers. Keep a USGA handicap and check various organization’s tournament schedules. The other way is to befriend the Head Pro, superintendent, assistant pro or one of the cart assistants. They all have privileges to take guests out once in a while.

As a scratch golfer I can tell you it is difficult and time consuming, but not improbable to go from a beginner to a scratch golfer in under 2 years. My advice is focus from the green and work backwards. First, putt, putt, putt! Emphasis on lag putting which will lead to fewer 3 putts. Next, short game around the greens (important because you will be missing a lot of them). You see the pattern. Good luck!