Tuesday, July 31, 2007

The Country Club Golf Course

How much golf do you play? Can you justify the cost of membership against the amount you spend on green fees every time you play a round at your country club golf course?

If you only play on Saturday mornings for instance, and the green fee is $25 your golf is costing you $1300 a year. Not much point then in forking out $2000 to become a member. Obviously though, looking at those figures, if you played twice a week you would be wise to take up the offer of country club golf membership.

While primarily considering joining the country club for its golf course, you will want to know if there is an in house league, how often competitions are held, is there a spa, swimming pool etc. If you are taking out a family membership you will want to know what facilities they have that will interest your partner and children while you are on the course.

There is also the status that comes with being a member of the local country club. Many a country club golf house is the hub of the local social calendar. It can be an important place to socialize and drum up business for your company and for your children to learn the correct etiquette. These are all things you will probably consider when deciding wether to become a full member or not.

Other benefits that might be on offer include member discounts in the pro shop(up to 20% at some clubs), preferred tee off times and discount green fees if you bring any none members to the club for a round of golf.

Some country clubs offer a monthly membership which can be a good idea if you are new to the area and want to try several golf courses before deciding on which country club you will be joining.

Many country clubs now have property available within their borders. These homes are designed with the retirement couples in mind and often come with country club golf membership, or at the very least, a discount. One such club is the Pinewild Country Club in Pinehurst, North Carolina. As well as golf it offers tennis, swimming and a lake for fishing. What a way to spend your remaining days!

This type of country club has been hugely popular for some time now in Europe, particularly Spain and Portugal. Thousands of people from England and other northern European countries take early retirement and move there for the sunnier climate and superb country club golf.

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