Last Updated on January 17, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Before I joined a country club, I was a membership director at a club and an assistant golf professional at several clubs before that. I knew what it was like to belong to a country club. However, the idea of joining a country club is actually something that didn’t appeal to me.
Working in the club business was something I loved, but there were things about the way the club ran or the people involved that made me think public golf courses were the best choice for me.
Now, having been on both sides of this, I can give you some insight into the good, the bad, and the ugly of a country club. If you want an honest opinion and have always wondered what it is like to belong to a country club, here is my insight.
What Is It Like Belonging To A Country Club?
The type of country club you belong to will ultimately determine your experience at a country club. Belonging to a country club can be an experience that feels stuffy and proper; it can also be like a party 24/7.
Let’s look at some types of country clubs so you can get a better idea of what it might be like to belong to a country club.
High-End Prestigious Country Club
A high-end, prestigious club will likely be the most strict of any golf club you can belong to. Chances are the traditions of the game are upheld quite highly at a course like this. In addition, this is where you may see things like a “men’s grill” or a no cell phone policy.
High-end, prestigious golf clubs tend to have higher initiation fees and dues. The staff at these clubs are typically instructed to learn the names of all members and refer to
Average/Middle of the Road Country Club
The average middle of the road country club is where you meet the middle income professionals with a bit of discretionary income. These people can’t pay $80,000 to get in the door, but they can pay $10,000 and then pay that much per year to enjoy all that the club has to offer.
There are two groups of people at these clubs.
Those that need to prove they should “really be at a high end prestigious club” and those that are just grateful that they have made it here in life.
If you find the right group of people at a middle of the road country club, it’s a lot of fun, and you will have plenty of laughs and likely make lifelong friends. If you are going to join a club like this to prove you are bigger and better than everyone there, do all of us a favor and join somewhere else.
Lower End Country Club
The lower-end country clubs certainly have smaller budgets and lower fees. These clubs are often best for those who are looking for a second club or something that has a very short season.
Sometimes, a club like this will have a $1000 initiation fee or no initiation fee at all. These clubs could sometimes have dues that are less than $1000 a year.
The lower-end country club expects to have average course conditions, limited events, and probably some events from outside (or even days when the public can play the course). If you are on a budget or are simply more laid back, go for the lower-end country club, as you probably won’t mind saving the money.
Family Orientated Club
A family-orientated club can be high-end, average, or lower-end. However, you will want to make sure a club is family oriented before you join.
If you have young kids, but young kids are not welcome on the course, in the pool, or on the tennis courts, you will be sorry. Clubs that are not family orientated look down upon juniors and kids, and when your son spills ketchup on his shirt at the grill, expect some nasty looks.
To be totally honest, many clubs have to change to family orientated clubs whether they like it or not. Where many golf courses used to have men join, now a whole family joins the club.
Let’s face it: If your kids and your spouse can enjoy the club just as much as you can, the value you get from the club is greatly improved.
Old Country Club
Old country clubs have lots of history!
These are the ones that have a “Men’s grill room” or a “wine room.” These things are not commonly built into a newer or more modern country club.
When I was younger, I was taking a lesson with a professional at a high-end country club (an old country club). I was not a member at this club. The fact that they even let me take a lesson as an outsider was a big step (that’s a story for another day).
Anyway, the club didn’t have much in the way of signage. Again, old country club, we must just know where we are. Right?
I was walking with my dad to get to the driving range, and a member stopped us and politely asked if we were lost. We explained the situation, and he said, oh no, a problem, sir, you come with me; she will have to walk around the outside of the building to get to the range.
At the time, I was 16, and it was a perfect example of an old country club.
There was a men’s grill room, and I could not walk through that. Growing up in and around the golf business, I do understand this, and whatever goes on in that grill room, I really don’t feel like I’m missing out on it.
However, expect a bit of this with an older country club.
Newer Country Club
A newer country club (or one that adapts to changing times) often has more modern facilities, family-orientated programming, fun events, and maybe even exercise or workspaces for its members. The newer country clubs can again be a variety of prices, but you do find that many of them are higher in price simply because of the facilities that they offer.
Some newer country clubs have more membership categories to accommodate working professionals and ensure that everyone can be a part of the club.
Don’t be surprised if the initial pricing to get into a new country club is quite high. Sometimes it remains this way for a few years until things settle down and the “newness” wears off.
What Is The Average Income of Country Club Members?
The lower-end country clubs have members with average income in the $100- $125k per year range. High-end clubs have members who make $350k+ per year. The average income for country club members varies as many people who are members of country clubs are actually retired and have very little income. To be a member of a country club you typically need $700-$2000 a month of room in your monthly budget to afford the club.
Why Join a Country Club?
Joining a country club is a personal preference for those who enjoy golf, court sports, social events, networking, and a home away from home.
It’s worth belonging to a country club if you can make it a part of your life every week. If you belong to a country club and show up there once a month, you will unnecessarily spend a lot of money.
In addition, it’s worth belonging to a country club if you have extra money to spend.
For instance, if you have $1000 monthly to spend and the dues are $1000, don’t join!
By the time you pay for your dues, you won’t be able to enjoy dinner and drinks at the club, a golf event, or a shirt with the club logo on it. Be realistic about how much you will spend at the club each month.
What does it mean to belong to a country club?
Belonging to a country club means that you have access to the club because of the monthly dues (and sometimes initiation fee) that you pay. The country club usage is restricted to people that are members making it more exclusive.
What are the benefits of being a member of a country club?
A few of the quick benefits of being a member at a country club include:
- Reduced pricing on golf shot clothing and hard goods
- Tee time availability
- More access to tee times
- Better golf course conditions
- Programs, tournaments, and events to play in
- Like-minded people to socialize with
- The enjoyment of feeling as though you are part of something
- Country clubs should feel like a home away from home
The Real Truth: What It Is Like Belonging To A Country Club
Now that you have a better idea as to what to expect from a country club. Here are some things you will notice about country club life that may or may not make you pleased about the experience. People tend to focus solely on the benefits of being a member of a country club, but there are negatives as well.
Watch Out For The Karens
There are some nasty people that will be members right alongside you, don’t expect to be friends with everyone that you meet or socialize with at the country club.
Service is Tough
The country club is a service business. Sometimes, service is not that great; you will probably have times you feel disappointed in the service or the quality of the country club. These issues are usually resolved quickly.
No Such Thing As A Sale
Pricing for your membership and dues will NEVER get cheaper. The starting price may be a great deal. However, each year, there are increases to cover costs, so don’t ever expect a lower price.
Watch Out For The Tag A Longs
Bringing your friends and family to the club can get costly. They will ALL want to come as soon as you join!
Don’t Rush The Process
Learning the ropes of the club will take a solid year. Remember, some people were born into membership at country club. Take your time, learn the ropes, and adjust to the way your club does things.
To Click Or Not To Click
Lastly, country clubs can be really clicky. The first groups you hang out with are likely the ones you will stick with for years to come. This is why so many people join country clubs where they already have friends who are members.
Final Thoughts
I hope some of this information helped you feel a little more like you can see what it’s like to belong to a country club. I never thought I would join a club. However, I’ve found the perfect spot for my family. Our club allows us to do the things we need for a price that we consider fair. In addition, we don’t feel uncomfortable while enjoying our time at the club.
What more could we ask for.
