Last Updated on March 13, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
The last thing you want to happen after joining a country club is to regret your decision. If you are worried about saying, “If I only knew,” then we have you covered with this ultimate list of questions to ask when joining a country club.
As a former membership director of a private country club in South Florida, I have a good handle on the things you need to know before joining. I’ve seen people join the wrong club, and it’s a really terrible financial decision.
As times change and the golf industry changes, this list will also evolve. Don’t feel the need to pepper the membership director with these questions. Simply go down the list and make a note of the ones that are most important to you and the ones that could make or break your decision.
Ultimate List of Questions To Ask When Joining A Country Club
This list of questions to ask when joining a country club should help you feel more confident in your choice. Scan through this list and then you can click on any individual question to jump to that part of the text.
The Membership Fees and Costs
The number one factor that keeps people from deciding on a country club is the pricing. Here are the things to ask to ensure there are no pricing-related surprises as you make your way through the joining process.
What membership options are available?
Most clubs have a few different membership options to choose from. Some of these include:
| Membership Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Junior | For younger golfers with age-specific programs. |
| Sports | Access to court sports, gym, and pools may limit golf access. |
| Social | Non-golf amenities like dining and events. |
| Full Golf | Unrestricted access to all golf and club facilities. |
| Senior | Discounts and access tailored for older members. |
| Single | Full or specific access for individuals. |
| Residential | Tied to property ownership, various facility access. |
| National | For those living far from the club, tailored privileges. |
| Corporate | Business access for employees or clients, multiple levels. |
What are the fees?
Dues are one thing, and so is initiation,, but fees will also be involved in your monthly bill. Fees can include everything from capital expenses to locker room fees to an employee tipping fund. Fees can end up costing anywhere from $50 to a few hundred dollars per month.
How will the fees change as the years go by?
Fees and dues change. I like to ask how much the dues have changed over the last few years. You can get a pretty good indication of how much the club will continue to cost you as the years go by.
What are the initiation fee and annual dues?
The initiation fee and annual dues should be very clearly laid out; also, ask how these are charged and when. Sometimes clubs will charge for the dues for the entire year, others by the month, and there could be incentives for paying for dues upfront.
Are assessments included in the pricing? How do they work?
Assessments can be scary; if the club has a substantial capital reserve, you may not get assessed for things that come up in a year. Asking about the financial strength of the country club you are going to join is entirely acceptable.
Are there any capital improvements planned?
Capital improvements usually cost the membership some money. In addition, they can take away from the time you spend at the club. Ask about projects that are planned and how those plans will impact you.
Are children included in the membership? Until what age?
Most memberships are considered family memberships that include all children. Some clubs allow children to stay members until they are 21; others push this to 25. If you have adult children, get a firm answer on how long your children are considered members and what will happen when they age out.
Do members get preferred rates at any facilities, hotels, or events?
Country clubs often have relationships with local hotels or restaurants. This could help you save some money or offer additional benefits for guests coming into town.
What are the guest’s fees for swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce etc?
Guest fees don’t only apply to golf. If you have your friends coming for a game of tennis, how much will that cost you? What is the process for ensuring your guests are registered?
Are there any joining incentives?
If you join now, what are the benefits to you? Clubs with waiting lists don’t usually do much for a new member. Others may offer a financing plan on the initiation, a free month of dues, or a credit in the pro shop.
What is the average age of the membership?
Some clubs are young clubs with families and kids running around, and others look a little like it’s the same membership that has been there for the last 70 years. Not that average age matters to you one way or another; it’s nice to know.
Are there food and beverage minimums?
Food and beverage minimums are a certain amount of money you must spend at the club dining facilities each month. These minimums can range from $100 to $500 or more per month. Sometimes minimums are collected as part of the dues, and it’s a situation where you use them or lose them.
Will there be a payment plan for the initiation fee?
The initiation fee at a country club can range from $0 to $100,000 or more. Some clubs require one check before you start your membership, while others let you pay for over a year or up to five years. Some clubs charge interest on the joining fee or initiations.
Is there a trial membership?
Can you do a trial membership and join for a week or two to get a feel for the experience?
The Experience
Now that you have the basics down, highlighting the costs and the joining fees, you can take a deeper look into what it’s like to be a member.
Are guests allowed? How many? How often?
Guest policies are strict at many country clubs. Let’s face it; if these weren’t strict, people would take advantage and start to bring their brothers to play every Thursday. As a member, you don’t want this.
If your friend’s brother likes the club so much, he can join, not play as a guest each week!
Will there be restrictions on tee times?
One club I worked at restricted women from playing before 10 am on Saturday mornings. In addition, men could not play until 2:00 on Tuesdays. Check to see what restrictions there are on tee times.
When is the club closed?
Some clubs close down on Monday, ‘s others stay open. Take a look at the closure schedule for aeration as well; most of the time, the club has a good two or three-week period where playing the course is not possible.
What is the dress code?
The dress code is not consistent from one country club to the next. Find out what the dress code is for both men and women and how that will work with your current style of dress.
Does the dress code apply to children? Does it change at night?
The dress code during the day is not often the same as it is at night. In addition, dress code for kids is sometimes a little more lenient, but it usually aligns closely with what the adults are required to wear.
Is there a cell phone policy?
Cell phones are usually allowed in certain club areas, but make sure you know this policy and how it will impact your work and home life as a member.
Is sports clothing and gear allowed?
At our club, you can’t wear a jersey or a sports T-shirt to any of the clubs unless it is a specific game and there is an announcement beforehand. Without giving too much extra information here, there are some heated rivalries in the SEC, and it’s best to keep the sports preferences to yourself at times!
Are political conversations tolerated?
Some clubs have a no-politics policy where they strongly discourage anyone from discussing politics. This can help ensure that heated arguments do not happen. Even if the club has no policy like this, you may want to adopt one for yourself!
Is there a club newsletter or website where I can get up-to-date information?
The bigger the club, the more that will be going on. Ensure you stay updated with a newsletter and information about what to expect for upcoming events. This type of club communication will help you get the most out of your membership.
Are there restrictions on number of guests at a time?
If you have friends coming to town, or a family reunion, make sure you can get more than just one group out on the golf course.
Is it a tipping or non-tipping club?
Tipping in the country club industry is a hot topic. Some clubs encourage tipping; others will reprimand an employee if they take a tip from you.
The Golf Course
One of the most common reasons to join a country club is because of the golf. Here are the things you should ask about joining related to the golf course. As a golf professional and former membership director, I find these to be some of the most important.
What is the condition of the golf course?
This is a question that should be asked. See what kind of an honest response you get, and then go out and test the golf course. If they say the course is pristine, and you get out there, and they have major issues, then you know there is a disconnect. A great golf course will admit to its faults and explain the procedures in place to remedy them.
What is the speed of the greens?
The speed of the greens, on average, is in the 10-11 degree range. If something is a bit faster, they probably roll pretty nicely. Ask how far they get them for member guest weekend; chances are it’s a bit higher.
How are the golf courses maintained?
Golf courses with a great maintenance program like to talk about it. Ask about the golf course superintendent, how long they have been there, what they know etc.
Are there games that the club runs?
What golf games can you get involved in? As a new member, it can be hard to find your group, so make sure the golf shot is going to help.
How to get involved in a men’s or ladies league?
Most clubs offer a men’s or ladies’ league-type program, and you will just have to sign up in order to get involved. Ask about what this process is like and how you would go about it.
Is there a golf handicap system in place? How is it enforced?
Most country clubs offer a GHIN handicap for each of its members. The handicap system at a club may be strict where a scorecard is required for a round of golf, and the staff inputs your scores for you; other courses are more lenient.
Can I store my golf clubs at the club?
Storing golf clubs at the club makes running out to play after golf really convenient. The bag storage costs money, but you may also want to ask about what happens if your clubs get damaged or stolen from the bag room.
Are golf lessons offered?
Don’t just find out if golf lessons are offered, do a little digging into who the professionals are. If the club has a Top 100 golf professional working there, it’s a good sign you are joining a pretty special place.
Are golf clinics an option? Who are they available for?
Golf clinics can help you learn in a group setting and be more fun for newer golfers. Some clubs strictly cover beginners and juniors in their clinics. Others offer clinics for all levels of play.
Can I have unaccompanied guests play the golf course? Fees?
If you have conflicting plans or don’t have the time to play a round of golf when one of your friends is in town, can they play without you? The fees here are usually a little higher, but you may need to make sure it’s still allowed.
What are the golfer’s responsibilities for maintaining the course?
At our club, you must purchase sand dispensers for your golf cart and keep them on the cart at all times. Fill every divot, fix all ball marks, and be smart about how you take care of the driving range.
Are golf carts preferred?
Some country clubs restrict the times you can walk and require a cart. The pace of play is a real problem in some courses. In fact, I would ask how long an average round of golf takes on a Saturday. If the answer is anywhere near 5 hours, prepare for some slow golf.
Is walking allowed?
Walking is the best way to play golf when you can. I would encourage you to find out what the restrictions are on walking a golf course.
Are caddies required?
Country clubs that have caddies have made a significant investment into their caddy training program. They often support this program by requiring you to take a caddy for a round of golf.
How hard is it to get a tee time?
I’ve worked at golf clubs that have no tee times and other courses that require you to fight for the times a week or two in advance. Some players have systems in place, like the Chelsea tee time reservation system. Don’t assume that because you are joining a club, you can get out there and golf whenever you please.
Can I preview a tee shot for a summer week vs. a fall or spring week?
Ask to take a look at a normal tee sheet. If that is not possible, talk to the head professional or the starter and see what kind of information you can get. Some country clubs are a factory; others are a bit sleepy. Both can be great; you have to find something that works for you.
The Facilities
Now let’s take a look at what the club is like. Not just the golf courses but the facilities, including the clubhouse, tennis, pickleball, and anything else you may encounter at your new country club.
What amenities are included with my level of membership?
A full golf membership is often the most comprehensive one, including everything in sports or social memberships. If you choose not to do the golf membership, see if there are ways you can still play golf or use the range without going for the full membership.
What dining options are available?
Country clubs take their food and beverage seriously. However, some golf clubs do not even have dining facilities. Make sure you fully understand what is included with the membership you purchase.
Do dining menus and pricing ever change?
Dining menus should change at least seasonally. In addition to having specials, it’s nice to see a complete change with a few of the favorites left on for those that don’t enjoy the change!
What days and times are the dining facilities open?
The smaller the club, the less the availability of dining options. At our country club, there are fewer restaurants open on Monday and Tuesday than on Friday and Saturday.
Are there social events or a social calendar?
Take a look at the social calendar and get a feel for what you can expect throughout the month. See if you are interested in any of those events or if that is not a benefit you will get from your membership.
Is there reciprocity with other clubs?
When your golf club is closed for aeration, or there is a tournament that leaves you restricted, do you have the chance to play other courses? In some areas that experience a slow season, reciprocity is a great way to keep things active at a club.
Does the membership have any restrictions as far as facilities are concerned?
Ask about restrictions as far as timing and amount of use. For instance, is it possible to only reserve one golf tee time on a weekend at a time? Do pickleball courts all fill up in the morning, and you can only play as a new member in the afternoons?
Is there a locker room? What are the fees associated with a locker?
If you think you will be storing your gear at the club, make sure to enquire about the fees associated with this, as well as the availability of the locker.
Can I rent the banquet hall for private events?
If your child is graduating college or your sister decides to get married, see if the banquet hall is available for rental. Clubs like to work with their members and keep the banquet hall reservations with people they know.
Are there specific swimming pool or fitness facilities restrictions?
Swimming pools are not always open all year, and they often have to close down for renovation or cleaning. At our club, there is an adult swim session where kids have to get out of the pool for the last ten minutes of every hour. It’s not my favorite rule, and the kids don’t love it, but it doesn’t stop us from having a good time.
The People
The people are those that you are going to be spending ALOT of time with when you join a club. As a former membership director and as a current member of a club I can tell you that you won’t like everyone.
However, getting a general idea of what you can expect from the current membership is helpful.
Are children and families welcome to join in on the club experience?
More and more clubs are becoming family oriented. Many club members will love this; others would prefer the club to be a more adult-only experience.
Does the club have special events and accommodations for children?
You can usually tell how family-friendly a club is based on the events and opportunities they offer for children.
What is the average handicap of male or female golfers?
The average handicap of the club can tell you if it’s a real golf club where people are serious about their game or if it’s more of a fun club or beginners club where handicaps are high, and people are out there enjoying themselves.
Does the club as a whole do anything for charity? The employees?
This question will give you some insight into the club and its morals and values.
Is the membership welcoming of new members?
What is it going to be like to be a new member? Some club members are so excited to show you around and get to know you. Try to talk to a few members while you are going through the joining process; you will get a good feel for what they are going to be like.
Will it be a problem if you don’t currently know anyone at the club?
A great country club will do the best they can to incorporate you into the right group of people almost immediately after you join the club. If you don’t know anyone at the club currently, it may take you a few weeks extra to join, but it is not typically a problem.
However, there are some clubs that are invitation-only, and you may be waiting a bit to get in.
The Process
The membership joining process should be seamless, but at some clubs, it is not. Here are the things to know about the process.
Will you run a credit check when I submit my golf club application?
Credit checks are common when joining a country club. The club needs to ensure they protect their assets and have a good handle on the financial strength of their membership.
Do I need a sponsor to join the club?
What will the process be like if you do not have a sponsor? Sometimes you can do a membership interview, and it replaces the requirement of having a sponsor.
What happens if my membership is not approved?
If you go through the joining or application process and are not approved, you may be allowed to sit in front of the board and talk about why your membership should be approved. However, in situations where I have seen this happen, most times, the candidate wants to move on and join another club.
How many weeks does the joining process take?
This is a nice way of asking how long it will be before you can play a golf round!
When will I be granted full membership privileges?
Many country clubs put you on a conditional membership for the first 90 days. After 90 days, you then become a full member and would have voting rights and other privileges at that point.
Is there a new member orientation?
A new member orientation will help you get familiar with the facilities and what you can expect as you enter the club as s new member.
The Resignation Process
Resigning is something you probably don’t want to think about during the joining process. However, it’s incredibly smart to have this in the back of your mind. The resignation process at a country club is often very specific, and you will want to know what it entails.
How do I resign?
Most times, a resignation from a club requires formal letters and the presentation of these letters at the proper time of year.
Can I take a leave of absence?
Many country clubs offer a one-time leave of absence for members that have a significant event in their lives or a health struggle.
Can my membership be transferred?
When you are moving, can you give your membership to a new home buyer? What about a family member?
How does equity membership work?
Equity memberships are not cut and dry, and one club will handle equity differently than another. Make sure you fully understand the Equity piece and what that means as a member of the club.
What are the deadlines for resignation?
If you miss the deadline for resignation, you are often responsible for those dues for an additional year; keep that in mind.
Questions To Ask YOURSELF Before Joining a Country Club
Finally, here are a few last questions you will want to ask yourself before signing up for your country club membership. Make sure you have a firm answer on all of these before you commit.
Will you use it?
Is the country club something that you can really fit into your life right now? Yes, joining a club has a financial aspect, but it’s also time-consuming to ensure you get enough use.
Is it close enough to your house?
The number one reason people don’t use their golf membership or country club membership is because it’s too far from home. Choose something that is close; even if it costs more, you will get more value.
After paying for initiation, dues, and fees, do you have enough money to enjoy the club?
Once you join the club, make sure you still have the extra money in your budget to enjoy it. The last thing you want is to be restricted after you have spent all this money to join.
Can you see yourself as a member of this club?
Do you think this is the right spot for you? If you can’t wait to get started and feel like it’s the perfect spot, go for it. However, when we first joined our club, I was nervous about how we would fit in, whether or not I would be comfortable, and if it was the right fit. Now I know it was, but if you are cautious at the start, that’s ok.
If you don’t spend your money on the membership, what would you spend it on?
Joining a country club is a choice; you can decide if this is how you want to spend your time and money. If you think there are other avenues like children’s education or retirement planning that need your financial attention, take care of those first.
Final Thoughts
I hope this list of the questions to ask when joining a country club helps you find the perfect country club and feel 100% confident that you understand all that a club has to offer. Don’t ever hesitate to ask these questions during the joining process.
Great country club employees expect all these questions and want to help guide you to the right facility. Do you think we missed any? What was the most important question you asked in this process?
