WHY BE A MEMBER OF A GOLF CLUB?
Golf is a hobby that requires slightly more dedication than most, first there is the duration of a round and then there is the time to practice. In today’s busy lives it is not always easy to find the time to play golf consistently on a weekly or bi-monthly basis….. Thus, raises the question why joining a golf club and be tied to annual fees when one can just pay and play?
Today you can book golf near to you via various online companies at a wide range courses and if you are flexible with your times for some great discounted rates. This is of course a super alternative but there are many things that a golfer can miss out on by not holding on to, or taking up membership in a golf club.
It may seem expensive at first with paying annual fees and possibly even a joining fee but there are many ways that this is worthwhile. Most clubs have a very friendly atmosphere and in this current climate may be willing to waive the joining fee, there are also some age categories with reduction, many clubs are encouraging younger members and have reduced certain age groups.
WHAT YOU GET
Membership entitles you to full use of all the facilities at the club, driving range, chipping and putting areas, discount in the Professional Shop and on Food and Beverage. A full annual golfing schedule of tournaments and events, member dedicated tee times, equipment demo days and a great professional service. Your Club Pro will always look after you in terms of equipment and clothing advice not to mention tips and their great wealth of golfing knowledge.
SOCIAL
There is no better way to make friends in the sport than by attending the social events at the golf club. If you are new to the game, then the encouragement and knowledge that you will gain from golfers you will meet at your club will be second to none. Most clubs offer a good social calendar throughout the year some with everything from weekly quizzes to summer balls which enables you to escape the grind of daily life.
TYPES OF MEMBERSHIP
There are many types of memberships which you may not have thought about. On top of Full there is 5 Day Membership which may suit if you do shift work or have family time at the weekends, also for Ladies many clubs have their Ladies Competition Day mid-week. Some clubs offer Twilight Memberships throughout the summer months letting you play from 3pm onwards. Corporate Membership designed for organisations and Academy Memberships for lessons and practice.
CERTIFIED GOLFER
Handicaps may also only be attained through membership of a golf club and the local golfing union. This entitles you to play in competitions at our club and any other open competitions across the country, or indeed the globe! Many clubs still insist that visitors hold a handicap to play so if you are a keen travelling golfer who likes to incorporate your hobby with your holidays then a handicap is mandatory!
FEEL PART OF SOMETHING SPECIAL
There is a sense of belonging when you are a member of a club and you get to share one of your greatest passions with like-minded people. It is also lovely to be able to bring guests, whether they be family, friends, colleagues or clients. Welcoming people to your own club and no doubt the favour will be returned at some point!
There are lots of inter club team events for all levels of golfers so the opportunity to represent your club and play against other clubs as well as new courses is a plus!
JUNIOR GOLF MEMBERSHIP
Many golfers are fortunate grow up as junior members and spending their summers at the clubs forming lifelong friendships and mentoring sessions from the Professional and his/her assistants. Junior golfers benefit hugely from being members of golf clubs, they learn how to conduct themselves on and off the course and interact with adults. You may have been a late starter to the game but if you have kids and they show an interest in the sport this is a great activity to keep them occupied through the holidays and teach them life lessons!
All in all Golf Club Membership is not only a joy but offers the ultimate golfing experience and I cannot recommend it highly enough!