Last Updated on July 31, 2023 by Britt Olizarowicz
Golfers dream about country clubs. They think about which club they will join, how nice the greens will be, and the rounds of golf they will now be able to fit in with more availability and a great atmosphere.
Are country clubs just for golfers? Does golf really have to be your lifelong passion in order for you to enjoy being a member at a country club?
I can tell you that you don’t have to be a golfer, but you will want to at least ensure you can benefit enough from the club for the dues you pay. As a former membership director and professional golfer, I’ll show you whether or not it makes sense for you to join a club.
Are country clubs just for golfers?
Golfers benefit the most from a country club because of the golf course, the games available to play, the availability of tee times, and the impressive course conditions. However, if you are looking for a family-friendly environment, amenities, networking opportunities, and some local events to go to, you may enjoy the country club regardless of your golf experience.
Take a look at 8 reasons why I think country clubs are NOT just for golfers, but make sure to read my note below about the costs involved in this process.
Spend time with your family
Country clubs offer a way for you to spend time with your family and enjoy their company. Surely there is something at the club that you can all do together. Whether it be a swim in the pool or a family BBQ on a Sunday, spending time with your family is a priority.
Country clubs don’t carve the space in your busy life for this; they just provide an opportunity and an environment that is hard to pass up.
Stay active
Joining a country club gives you all the excuse you need to stay active. Most country clubs and even golf clubs have a fitness facility. In addition to the fitness facility, there are typically opportunities for swimming, tennis, pickleball, bocce, and more.
If you want to stay active, see if the country club offers fitness classes to help you stay in shape.
Most of the time, these classes are offered a significantly reduced rate because of the dues that you are paying.
So if you are looking to get (or stay) in shape, use your country club to help.
Network with people in your community
If you own a local business or need to find clients, the country club offers networking opportunities. Country clubs have a wide range of people that are members, and you will meet them if you spend time at the club.
Many people will tell you that their business partners, clients, customers, and best friends are people they have met at the club.
Too bad you can’t write off your membership dues, as this would be a perfect business expense!
Always have an event to go to
If you are bored on Saturday nights, join a country club. Country clubs (especially the larger ones) hold events often. Sometimes these are events you can bring friends and family to. Other times it will be member only.
Events at a country club are well planned, have great food, and plenty of entertainment. If your life needs some extra entertainment, join a country club.
Social experiences and new friends
If you struggle to meet like-minded people that you want to be friends with, think about joining a country club. Social experiences and events at a country club will force new friendships.
Chances are you have a lot in common with other country club members.
You may just find some people that you really enjoy spending time with.
Have a place to take your friends
Tired of going to the same restaurants and bars with your friends? You can be the one that has a place for everyone to go. Most country clubs encourage you to bring your friends and family for a dinner or some drinks.
It’s more revenue for the club, and you never know if they are future members.
Don’t abuse the guest privileges. Bringing the same people each week is a bit much. However, sharing the club with your friends and family is something you should be doing.
Keep kids busy
Country clubs are becoming more family oriented by the day. Club leadership is realizing that the young people in the club are the next generation of golfers, and they have to love the club to stay.
Most clubs have junior camps in the summer, kids’ activities, parents’ night out, family events, and more. When joining a country club, see what they offer for kids.
You may like golf
Finally, you knew I had to say it; at some point, you might find that you love golf. If you are really getting involved at the club and spending time with those that are on the golf course all the time, you may get sucked in.
I’ve seen many non-golfers make the change. Joining a country club first and then turning into a golfer is a common path towards becoming an addicted newby golfer.
Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
It Still Comes Down To The Money . . .
You can get something out of a country club membership if the club has good amenities, nice people, and the availability for you to use it when you are free from other responsibilities.
However, if your country club dues are going to be the same as those that play golf (and you don’t play), go to another club.
Great country clubs have membership levels, and these membership levels make it worth it for you to join a country club.
Look for something like a dining, social, or sports membership that allows you to use the areas of the club you are going to use. At some point, if you want to upgrade to golf membership, it should be just a matter of paying a little more initiation fees and dues.
