Last Updated on January 7, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
It often feels like the terms country club and golf club are used interchangeably. Are they really the same thing? As a former membership director and golf professional, I can clear up any confusion you have about the country club vs. golf club debate. Whether you are looking at joining a club or simply interested before you head out to play, we have you covered.
Country Club vs. Golf Club
Here are the main differences between a country club and a golf club:
- Scope of activities
- Membership types
- Facilities and Dining Options
- Family-friendly atmosphere
- Pricing
- Atmosphere
- Access to Non-members
Scope of activities
A country club offers more to do than most golf clubs. The country club usually has access to activities like golf, tennis, fitness centers, swimming, and sometimes more. Most modern country clubs also try to find room for pickleball and bocce.
At a golf club, the focus is golf. The practice facilities, golf events, golf courses, and even learning centers are usually top-notch.
Membership types
At a golf club, membership is pretty much centered around golf; there is often just one membership that includes all the golf facilities and one membership dues rate. Country clubs offer things like dining memberships that allow for social activities or a sports-type membership that allows for tennis and swimming.
Both golf clubs and country clubs will often grant a junior member a discount on the initiation fee or membership dues.
Facilities and dining options
Country clubs have more extensive facilities and dining options than golf clubs. You will find that a country club may have options for both formal and casual dining, whereas a golf club typically has a clubhouse restaurant only.
Family-friendly atmosphere
With the facilities that country club members have access to, you are more likely to find a country club to be a more family-friendly environment than a golf club. This is not to say that some golf clubs are not open to new members with families and children who like to play golf; you just have to get a feel for the type of golf club it is.
Pricing
Pricing changes from one course to the next. A private country club and a private golf club could be very similar in price, whereas a semi-private club may be cheaper. For the most part, you can expect country clubs to be a little more money when it comes to both annual dues and initiation fees.
The reasons behind this are the social events, extra facilities, and overall experience that the country club provides.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere will again change from place to place. However, a golf club is a great place for people who are serious about their game and looking to meet new people who love to play a championship 18-hole golf course and enjoy impressive practice facilities.
A country club can typically be a bit more geared towards those who like social clubs, special events, and a more well-equipped clubhouse. As a prospective member, you have to consider what type of experience you are looking for in a facility.
Access to Non-members
Almost all country clubs and golf clubs are restricted to those who have paid membership fees and have joined the club. However, some country clubs will do outside events regularly to help the club generate some extra revenue.
The golf club may not do this as much simply because they don’t have the facilities. If you want a more private club experience with no outside influence, the golf club will be your best option.
Country Club vs. Golf Club: An Example
To understand the real differences between a country club and a golf club, it can help to take a look at two different facilities and see how they compare. For that particular comparison, we chose the Golf Club of Houston in Humble, TX, and Royal Oaks Country Club in Houston, TX. Each of these is well known in the area; let’s take a look at the differences and similarities.
Golf Club of Houston
The Golf Club of Houston, located in Humble, Texas, has a rich history closely tied to professional golf. Originally known as Redstone Golf Club, it gained fame for hosting the PGA Tour’s Houston Open for many years. The club is renowned for its tournament-quality golf courses, with the Tournament Course designed by Rees Jones and the Member Course designed by Peter Jacobsen and Jim Hardy. The Golf Club of Houston has a reputation for providing a challenging yet enjoyable golfing experience and hosting significant events in professional golf.
Club Facilities
- Tournament Course
- Member Course
- Fitness Facility
- Golf Academy
- Clubhouse Restaurant
- Periodic Social Events
Our Take
The Golf Club of Houston is a place for people who take golf seriously. As the host of the Houston Open from 2003-2019 and the 2021 Women’s US Open Qualifier, a membership at Golf Club of Houston will include things like high-end locker rooms, beautiful course conditions, and camaraderie, among other golfers (many likely low handicap) and more.
Royal Oaks Country Club
Royal Oaks Country Club, situated in Houston, Texas, boasts a legacy of elegance and exclusivity. Founded in 2000, it has quickly become one of Houston’s premier country clubs, known for its luxurious amenities and impeccable service. The club features a stunning 18-hole championship golf course designed by Fred Couples and renowned golf course architect Gene Bates.
Beyond golf, Royal Oaks offers members access to world-class dining, fitness facilities, and tennis courts. It’s celebrated not only for its golf but also for its commitment to providing a top-tier country club experience, making it a distinguished institution in the Houston area’s social and recreational scene.
Club Facilities
- Golf course (18 Holes)
- Extensive practice facilities
- Sport Center -fitness, steam rooms, sauna, and spa
- 7 Lighted tennis courts
- Pickleball facilities
- Croque lawn
- Splash pad
- Family pool
- Adult pool
- Clubhouse, dining rooms, casual and fine dining
- Bistro restaurant and outdoor terrace
- Junior camps year round
- Tot Stop
Our Take
The Royal Oaks Country Club is a well-known country club membership option in the Houston area. Like other equity clubs in the area, there are options for several different types of membership at the golf, junior, sports, and social levels. The Royal Oaks Country Club even offers corporate and legacy memberships. If you want a full-service facility, this would be it.
Royal Oaks Country Club is one of those types of clubs where every member of the family will find something they like to do. In addition, there are numerous options for social interaction.
Can Public Courses Be Country Clubs?
Traditionally, a “country club” is a private club where membership is required to access its facilities, which often include a golf course, tennis courts, swimming pool, dining facilities, and other recreational amenities. Members typically pay initiation fees, annual dues, and other charges.
However, some public golf courses have added these facilities, charging extra fees to let people use them, but not necessarily membership dues.
Another category you may find is semi-private golf courses. These are courses that have both public facilities and private facilities.
Sometimes, a semi-private club will have tee times available only to members, but the public can use the course at other times. In addition, some semi-private courses also offer additional facilities like dining or locker rooms that are only for members.
Why Do People Belong To A Country Club vs. Golf Club?
The most important thing to consider as a prospective member of a country club or golf club is the type of experience you expect to have at the facility.
If you are a seasoned player who only cares about great golf course conditions and a practice facility that lets you get lost in your game, the golf club is going to be a great option to consider.
However, if you are someone who leads an active lifestyle, has a family, and wants to spend all of your free time “playing,” the country club is a good idea.
Which Should I Join, a Country Club vs. a Golf Club?
When choosing whether to join a country club vs. a golf club, you have to consider the individual facilities of the place you are deciding to join. I’ve seen country clubs with fewer facilities than some golf clubs. It’s important to understand also that expansive facilities may be a nice benefit, but they come with added costs and typically larger groups of people.
As a former membership director who has been through this conversation hundreds of times, I’ll give you my most important tip:
Join the club (golf or country) that you want to preserve, not the club you want to change.
Pick the perfect place that seems like it checks all of your boxes, and then work to help it stay that way for years to come. Don’t join a golf club and ask why they don’t have Hawaiian night out at the pool each week. Pick a place that matches who you are and what your family needs, and get out there and enjoy yourself.
