11 Reasons Why You Should Join a Golf Club

11 Reasons Why You Should Join a Golf Club

By Bradley Turner Keiser University College of Golf Director of Online Golf Instruction – MBA, PGA

If you have become hooked on the game of golf and can’t get enough time on the links, you are a candidate for joining a golf club. Membership benefits and the cost of becoming a member vary, but one thing for sure is that you will be able to play as much golf as possible! There are plenty of reasons you should consider committing to joining your local golf club. This article will highlight eleven good reasons to jump toward club membership.

#1 Join a Group of Passionate Golfers 

Joining a private or semi-private golf club allows you to play the game with like-minded golfers. Every club will have a unique history and culture, but one common element is the passionate golfers supporting the club. Most of us have family friends, neighborhood friends, and work friends. As a golf club member, you have a new group of golf friends who are the best of all friends if you are an addicted golfer!

#2 Fun Social Activities

Every club will offer some social programs and activities to meet the expectations of all members. Some clubs will have tennis and pickleball courts, while others may have a swimming pool for all family members. Many social events are designed to bring members to the club restaurant and engage with other club members. I always liked dropping off the kids for a swimming party while my wife played tennis with her club friends, and I went to the range for a practice session. There is something for everyone!

#3 There are Friendly Matches

It may take a few weeks to assimilate into the weekly golf activities. Still, you will eventually find groups of fellow members that provide the right level of fun and competitiveness. My experience working at a few private clubs led me to keep matches with members friendly. Nassau bets of $2 were the maximum wager. It is never about the money as much as having fun while competing against your golf friends.

#4 There are Competitive Tournaments to Participate

Many club golfers enjoy the competitive opportunity to test their golf skills in club-sponsored tournaments. If this is an essential aspect for you, ask for the tournament calendar from the golf professionals and an explanation of the key club tournaments. The club golf professional will establish a USGA handicap for you to participate in the club events. Another good idea is to ask members what they like about the tournament program and what they would like to improve. This is an essential benefit of club membership for most golfers. The special events at the club were always my favorite while employed at a club. The participants’ comradery and healthy level of competitiveness showcased the benefits of club membership.

#5 You can Save Money – Especially if you Love to Play Golf

If you have the time to play the game, joining a club can save you money in the long run. Of course, if you join a club and cannot get out on the links, the cost per round becomes prohibitive for many. If you love to play a lot of golf, then joining a private club could be a financial benefit for you.

#6 Your Game and Skills Improve

The more you play, the better you will get at this game. Almost every low-handicap golfer has spent a few summers playing as much golf as possible, honing the many skills it takes to play well. I am a proponent of club members taking lessons from their club teaching professional, but if the golfer needs to take the learning from the practice tee and implement it on the golf course, the lessons become a wasted effort. If you join a private club, play as much as possible!

#7 Business Networking

The golf course is perfect for entertaining clients and building business relationships. Over a leisurely 18-hole round of golf, it is surprising what you can learn about a person. Combine a beverage and meal at the club restaurant after the round, and you will know exactly what this potential client will be like in the board room!

#8 Appreciation for the Game, Rules, and Club Traditions

The more you play in organized club competitions, the more you will appreciate the game’s challenges. You will engage with passionate members who will likely share many stories of their golf experiences, enhancing your appreciation of the club traditions. Lastly, since the Rules of Golf will govern all the major club tournaments, you will continue to learn more about the game’s essential rules.

#9 Healthy Outdoor Leisure Activity

Golf is a game for a lifetime, and what better way to stay in good health than play a lot of golf? The physical benefits of walking during a round of golf cannot be understated. The average golfer will walk about five miles during their round of golf, well beyond the minimum exercise recommended by fitness experts. If you are a nature lover, golf meets those needs, too.

#10 The Club Dining Experience

Higher-end private country clubs are known for the quality food offered to the membership. Some clubs consider the food and beverage operation an amenity instead of a profit center. Operating at a loss does not always imply that it is a poorly managed club department. Food costs are much higher at these clubs because of the quality of ingredients used and the variety of items available to the members. Consequently, some of the finest dining experiences are at these elite private country clubs.

#11 Sense of Belonging to a Golf Community

Joining a private club can become a significant aspect of a golfer’s lifestyle. A sense of belonging to a special place with great friends who enjoy the game of golf is probably the best benefit for a member. Every golf club I have ever frequented eventually evolved into a place where I became part of that community. It is nice when everyone knows your name and club employees are singularly focused on making your time at the club worth every dollar spent on the experience. The right private club can truly become a home away from home for you, the new club member!