The future of country clubs…

[mrcvs]

It can't be good! When younger folks struggle to even live on their own, I can't see a country club membership as being at the top of priorities.

When we moved here, quite some time ago now, my wife wanted me to "look into it". And so I did. They asked what I did for a living and I made my occupation sound fairly gross to ensure it would not go any further . It didn't. If it had, even my wife agreed the financial commitment, which was substantial, but I don't recollect the exact amount, was ridiculous.

I like a round of golf, but not that much. And, I might be wrong, but I would guess each round of golf must cost something. I don't think it can be free.

Not too long ago, they mailed me a flyer about joining. I didn't look into it further, and maybe it's cheaper than before, but it certainly can't be cheap. How can it be? All that land cost a lot, to maintain it even more.

I strongly support undeveloped land. But, if you have to develop it, a golf course has to be the next best thing. Not a development of homes, malls, warehouses, etc.

And so, the future can't be good. Can anyone prove me wrong?

A lament of the rich, far wealthier than I, except it might affect us all as the abandoned golf course doesn't usually revert back to field & forest, but more overdeveloped real estate.

Thoughts?

 

[ColbyBruce]

I have a cousin in Pinellas County Florida who lives within sight of a course called Tarpon Springs. It seems the property was secretly sold a year ago with no rezoning hearing/discussion offered to the public. Members and neighbors are quite upset.

 

[soFlaNative]

I think they would make excellent shooting ranges.

 

[lihpster]

I know they make excellent disc golf courses.

 

[Rustyt1953]

I have yet to come across a 7000 yard dog-leg rifle range.

 

[arjay]

A friend of mine owned a house backing up to a private course.We were looking at it from his deck and no one was playing.I don't remember what the initiation fee,but it was a lot! Then he told me it was men only…
Weird business plan lol or maybe it was owned by narcos?

 

[lihpster]

A friend of mine owned a house backing up to a private course.We were looking at it from his deck and no one was playing.I don't remember what the initiation fee,but it was a lot! Then he told me it was men only…
Weird business plan lol or maybe it was owned by narcos?

More like run by a bunch of rich guys that just wanted a place to get away from their wives.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I think they would make excellent shooting ranges.

AND......Dove fields and food plots.

 

[zeke]

We used to go with their young ladies to drink on their manicured lawns at night, and they even had their own neighbor hood called "country club hills".

Now i drive buy a golf range on the way to the real range. It's public, very popular and has a small restaurant on the grounds. Still it represents what passes for "upper crust" up here. And yes i have an attitude, although am more polite in old age.

 

[bobsguns]

In Nashville, there is the Belle Meade CC. 25-30 years ago, the initiation fee was a mere $50K. I think yearly dues were $10K? AND you have to be sponsored, you can't just wade in & apply.

This is in the Beverly Hills section of Nashville, so it was doctors, lawyers, etc.

I've been gone from Nashville since 2016, so I don't know how well they weathered covid & the economy. But the rich will always have $$$, I've been told.

 

[WardenRoss]

Following my wife's orders we invested in a new home on a private golf course about 25 years ago. I prefer the country, but if momma ain't happy....

It was a very profitable investment. On the #2 T Box.

However, the club went bust and folded about five-years ago. What would we do?

Well, the city bought it and turned it into a passive park.

Now we have a premium piece of property on a beautiful park. And the city keeps it mowed! It's like our backyard goes for seventy-acres.

God is good!

 

[Rustyt1953]

I can't speak as to private clubs but the public courses here in the tri-state are money makers.

If I were given a do-over in life but couldn't return as a musician I would be a golfer.

 

[MDF4]

We have a private country club nearby and many years back we joined at my wife's request as many of her friends were members and played tennis. It seemed to be a natural for my wife as it would give her time away from the house, kids, errands etc... I have never been interested in golf so that was a no go but my girl was having fun getting quite good on the court until one day she said, "Enough, is enough...too much gossip." Adios, Amiga's."

 

[Greyman50]

Few years ago daughter and husband( surgeon) joined a ritzy CC in N Ga. Went there with them several times to eat and restaurant was very good. Did not ask but they quit it after couple years. Never asked but guess members were just way to uppity?….

 

[mrcvs]

I think they would make excellent shooting ranges.

Absolutely! But how many ranges have been created recently? It can't be many, it's not PC these days.

 

[mrcvs]

Few years ago daughter and husband( surgeon) joined a ritzy CC in N Ga. Went there with them several times to eat and restaurant was very good. Did not ask but they quit it after couple years. Never asked but guess members were just way to uppity?….

Yeah, I wouldn't fit in. When not at work I wear Wild *** Jeans, and I used to wear them to work in another job.

https://www.baileysonline.com/catal...TnOwtCrhN03qw0DzWMz19lFO-FTYGKU-lKfg_kb4ONa1s

 

[lihpster]

Yeah, I wouldn't fit in. When not at work I wear Wild *** Jeans, and I used to wear them to work in another job.

Wild Ass Traditional Denim Logger Pants

Thanks for the link. Might have to give them a try.

 

[llowry61]

Just a bit of info on CC pricing. The fees and dues are often age based and graduated with initiation fees amortized or set up as callable based on the number of members. In other words, you can join with no initiation fees until they have x number of memberships left then you can either surrender your membership or pay the fees to remain. If you are under 30 it is x, under 40 y and 40 and over z. In addition, they will cut the F&B monthly minimums. A dual income household of young professionals will not have any problem affording CC membership. If you think about it, they are usually paying a gym membership, pool memberships for the kids etc.

CC's aren't going anywhere soon. Some have waiting lists to join.

There are pros and cons so to each their own. I like CC golf, but it still doesn't make economic sense up north where you can only play 7 or 8 months.

 

[mrcvs]

Just a bit of info on CC pricing. The fees and dues are often age based and graduated with initiation fees amortized or set up as callable based on the number of members. In other words, you can join with no initiation fees until they have x number of memberships left then you can either surrender your membership or pay the fees to remain. If you are under 30 it is x, under 40 y and 40 and over z. In addition, they will cut the F&B monthly minimums. A dual income household of young professionals will not have any problem affording CC membership. If you think about it, they are usually paying a gym membership, pool memberships for the kids etc.

CC's aren't going anywhere soon. Some have waiting lists to join.

There are pros and cons so to each there own. I like CC golf, but it still doesn't make economic sense up north where you can only play 7 or 8 months.

IDK…when they are soliciting little ol' me, they have to be hurting!

 

[Walkin Horse]

I'm a member of a country club. Country music is what I love.
Words from Travis Tritt.