Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Britt Olizarowicz
In 2018 and 2019, there was a lot of talk about why millennials would not join country clubs.
Some said this was more than not wanting to join and more about not being able to afford it. Others said that the traditional concept of a country club is just not something that appeals to millennials.
Then the pandemic hit, and golf exploded. We went from seeing 450 million rounds of golf in a year to more than 550 million. You can bet that some of these were millennials out there playing.
So have things changed? Do millennials still want nothing to do with country clubs? Let’s take a look.
Why Do Millennials Not Join Country Club?
Millennials have had a hard time affording country clubs due to several poor economies in their early working years. In addition, many millennials have a tendency to have more forward or progressive thinking, something that is not all that popular around the country club environment.
However, this is changing.
The millennials are not the ones that are changing it; in fact, it’s the country clubs themselves that are making the changes. In order for clubs to survive from one generation to the next, they need to adapt to the ever-changing membership.
Why Are Country Clubs A Tough Fit For Some Millennials?
I’m a millennial.
As a Gen X’er who is also a member of a country club, I have some insight into why some millennials are not joining country clubs, but I can also give you some insight into why MANY more millennials have joined clubs in the last few years.
Cost
The cost of a country club is the number one reason people don’t join. This isn’t just a millennial problem; it’s a problem for boomers as well.
Clubs have had to become creative about how they structure financing for country clubs in order to get millennials in. This is where the junior membership came from.
Junior golf memberships are typically offered at a percentage discount due to the age of the member. With a junior membership, there could be some restrictions, but usually, it’s a reduced initiation and reduced dues.
Why?
With a family, a job, and life requirements in your “junior” stage (i.e., less than 40), you probably have a hard time using the club enough to justify the expense. Therefore, when you get older and have the time, you pay a little more to play.
Millennials that have been able to find this type of membership agreement are more than happy to grab it.
Value Experiences (Travel and Hobby)
One of the things that millennials are doing best is valuing experiences or material possessions.
However, these experiences take time, and they may even take you out of the country. Does the question then become, do you have the time to join the club?
I get that.
In fact, when we joined our country club, one of the things we asked was whether or not we would have to cut back on travel to feel like we were using the club enough.
The good thing here is that for those that value experiences over material possessions, there is no shortage of experiences to have at the country club. From golf to pickleball, to swimming to dining to events, there is truly always something to do.
Social Values
Many country clubs still get a bad reputation for being inclusive and unwelcoming, and there are no doubt some facilities that are still like that. Again, as a whole, you will notice that many clubs are becoming more inclusive.
People from different cultures and backgrounds are playing a Saturday morning game together.
In addition, people of varying ages enjoy rounds of golf and find things in common.
In golf, the game is the great equalizer. Chances are a 26 handicap and a 6 handicap are probably not playing all that often.
The bottom line here is that clubs have changed, and if you are concerned about socialization and what the club is really like, just walk into the bar on a Friday night and take a look at what
goes on. This is always the best indication of what you can expect.
So Millennials Are Joining Country Clubs?
Yes, millennials are joining country clubs, and it’s because they have learned that it’s really difficult to enjoy their work-life balance and spend time on the golf course without having a country club to go to.
Public golf courses are crowded, people are working remotely, and it feels as though there are no good times to head out to the course.
The country club provides the perfect solution as you almost always have a spot to play, it’s a safe environment for the family, and everybody can stay outside and healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few more questions about the concept of why Generation X does not join golf clubs.
Why are country clubs not popular?
Country clubs have always been unpopular for some people. You have to be a certain type of individual to enjoy a country club. Some golfers, regardless of economic status, would rather play public golf and play a variety of courses, while others simply don’t feel they can justify the cost of a club.
Are country clubs losing popularity?
Country clubs have gained and lost popularity through the years. Clubs that are smart about the future are adapting to what customers are looking for. Expect to see better workout facilities, more family-friendly events, and facilities that are streamlined, clean, and inviting.
Is golf popular with Millennials?
Golf is popular with millennials, with about 25% of the golfing population being millennials. Golf clubs are trying to appeal to more millennials by offering family-friendly facilities and a faster pace of play. Golf manufacturers look to improve golf technology to keep millennials interested.
Final Thoughts
There is so much mixed talk about whether or not millennials are into the golf thing or if they are ready to give it up. However, when you immersive yourself in your own country club, how many “young” people do you see joining? Chances are they are coming it at rates faster than the older people; expect to see this trend happen for years to come. Clubs were stagnant for a while, and now they have no choice but to put on their thinking caps and appeal to an entirely new generation.
