Last Updated on May 17, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Shorter rounds of golf and impressive course conditions are the main reasons people join private country clubs. As a former membership director, I helped guide many people in making these decisions. However, when you choose a club and get inside the gates, you’ll find additional benefits you may not have originally been aware of. Here are 5 perks of joining a private country club you didn’t know about.
You Can Play Other Golf Courses
Even though you join a country club with the thought of playing one golf course, you’ll likely have access to others. Country clubs have relationships with other golf courses in the area, and they often work together to give members reciprocal benefits.
You’ll see a lot of this in areas where there is some seasonality. For instance, Florida summers are a slow time, and country clubs will work together to create opportunities for you to play at other courses.
When I was an assistant golf professional in Florida the private country club I worked for had reciprocal benefits with at least 10 other golf clubs. You’ll pay a low out of pocket rate and get to change up where you play – it’s a nice perk.
You Don’t Have To Make Holiday Meals If You Don’t Want To
Country Clubs that have food and beverage programs that cater to members on holidays. If they don’t have a dinner or lunch or brunch that you can sign up for they often have to go options with completely prepared meals.
If you have always struggled to pull a holiday together for Father’s Day, Easter, or even Christmas, look to the food and beverage staff at your country club. You’ll be surprised by how much they are capable of.
You’ll Pay LESS For New Golf Clubs
New golf clubs are not cheap. However, members of country clubs often get member discounts. These discounts lower the total price paid for new clubs.
In addition, many country clubs also offer reduced rates on club fitting. They provide the fitting equipment as a benefit to members, so pricing is reduced and often applied towards the purchase of new clubs.
Some country clubs offer demo pricing on their equipment at the end of the season. You’ll also notice that if the golf professional owns the shop, he or she may be more willing to work with you if you have been a supportive customer throughout the years.
There’s a misconception that country club golf shops are expensive, but that is not the case.
Sometimes, They Watch Your Kids For You
Yes, some country clubs have child care. I’ve seen this used in a number of different ways at country clubs.
One of the most unique was a date night that a club offered for parents. They allow you to drop your child off from 6-10, and you can head out to the club for a quiet dinner. In addition, some clubs with fitness programs offer child care during classes so more people can attend.
You’ll likely also have options for summer camps and even holiday camps where your child can participate in various sports and activities.
You Can Reach Your Health Goals
Finally, this is an interesting one many people don’t think about. At a country club, people are active. There are options for golf, pickleball, tennis, swimming, and the gym.
Personal trainers work with members to help them reach health and wellness goals. The key here is that everyone is moving. They are working on staying younger, enjoying life, and being active.
This extra movement could be the key to reaching your health goals. It’s motivating to be in a supportive and active environment like this and use it to extend your life.
Final Thoughts
There is more to country club membership than most people realize. If you can afford a club membership, ensure you are looking at all the benefits you get by becoming a member. Chances are there are some great perks that you haven’t thought of. Ask the membership director or some current golf members about their favorite part of being a country club member; you’ll be surprised by all of the perks you didn’t even know about.
