A golf course membership, offers retired men and women a number of benefits .

A golf course membership will give you the opportunity play as often as you want at a reasonable cost.

With all of the health benefits and enjoyment they receive from playing golf, many newly retired men and women will become addicted to the game of golf.

Chances are you will want to play the game more than once or twice a week.

There are many great private and semi-private courses across North America each offering their own unique qualities and atmosphere.

Location, the type amenities, and the services they offer will have a huge influence on how much a golf club membership is going to cost you.

These are some of the benefits of a golf course membership has to offer.

• Unlimited green fees — you can play as often as you want.
• Unlimited use of or discounts on cart fees.
• Unlimited or discounted rate on practice balls.
• Member's only tee times
• Member's only tournaments
• Use of clubhouse, locker room and practice facilities
• Discount on guest green fees
• Discount on pro-shop merchandise
• Last minute tee times are easier to book if the pro knows you belong to the course.
• Private, Semi-Private courses are not as busy as daily fee courses.
• You will be able to find other members to join up with if you're alone.

Most golf courses have men and women senior's clubs during the week where you can meet and play golf with other members.

One of the big pluses for retirees is that they play during the week when the course is under used.

Private Golf Course Menberships:

There is a difference between a Golf Club and a Country Club.

A Golf Club — focuses mainly on golf.

A Country Club — is more likely to cater to the whole family offering other activities like swimming pool, tennis courts and more.

Private Golf Courses offer many “social events” “tournaments” and “weekly leagues” for their members.

Qualifying for a membership to private golf course can vary from one course to another.

The final decision is made by the members.

Access to a private golf course membership is not as restrictive as many may think … especially in the “middle” and “lower” tier private clubs.

Open Membership — Anyone can apply, if the membership is full you can apply to be put on a waiting list.

Invitation Only Membership — Need the recommendation or invitation of an existing member.

Restricted Access Membership — You must qualify under a strict set of conditions.

Trial Membership — Some clubs may offer membership privileges on an annual basis, they expect the person to decide on a full membership at the end of the trial period.

Family Membership — Full access to the golf course and other facilities for the entire family.

Some courses may add a small additional charge for each family member.

Typical Membership Cost:

Initiation Cost

A one time fee when you join, it can vary from less than a thousand dollars to over a hundred of thousand of dollars.

Most golf clubs allow new members the opportunity to break up the fee into manageable payments over a period time.

Clubs that offer equity memberships normally refund a large percentage of the initiation fee upon a members resignation.

Non-equity memberships, these clubs typically do not offer refunds. There are always exceptions though.

Annual Dues

This is an annual fee that covers the use of the golf course and facilities.

The average fees range from around a thousand dollars to over ten thousand dollars.

"There are exception, both lower and higher"

Food and Beverage Minimums

This is a common among at most private golf courses.

Most members have very little difficulty spending this amount during the golf season.

Miscellaneous Fee

Some courses have separate fees for lockers, club storage and the use of the driving range.

At most private courses these fees are included in your annual dues.

Semi-Private Golf Course Memberships.

Semi-private golf courses are different than private courses.

These courses are open to the public on a pay-as-you-play basis.

At the majority of these courses “members have priority to tee times.”

Semi-private golf course members receive most of the same benefits as private course members.

Like Private Golf Courses there are “social events” “tournaments” and “weekly leagues” for their members.

These are typical golf course memberships found at most semi-private courses.

— 7 day membership
— 5 day memberships
— Husband and wife memberships
— Senior memberships
— Family memberships

Typical Membership Costs:

Like private courses costs can vary from inexpensive to very expensive.

Initiation Fee

A one time fee when you join, usually much less than private courses.

"Many semi-private courses do not charge initiation fees"

Annual Dues

Tend to run in the one thousand to five thousand dollar range.

“There are clubs that will cost less, and some that will cost more.”

The type of membership will also affect the cost.

Annual dues covers unlimited use of the golf course.

Cart and practice range fees may or may not be included.

Food and Beverage Minimums

“Most semi-private golf courses do not have food and beverage minimums.” It is usually very reasonable at the ones that do.

Miscellaneous Fees

Not all semi-private courses have locker rentals or club storage.

The ones that do usually charge a small annual fee.

Driving range fees may also be separate.

Determine what type of club you are interested in.

Having a Golf Club Membership does not have to be expensive.

Find a club that fits your lifestyle, where you will feel both comfortable and welcome, with friendly staff and a friendly atmosphere.

You will want to find a course that will fit your skill levels. The course should be challenging, but not so much that you will become frustrated.

If you intend to walk you’ll need to find a course that fit those needs.

Location of a golf course will be a huge factor in determining how often you play.

You will find being a member at a club you will want to play a lot more. The closer the golf course is the easier it will be for you to get there.

Before becoming a golf course member, "shop around", each club will have its own particular feel and membership costs.

"Keep in mind exactly what you are looking for in a club".

Make sure you are clear on what your membership includes. If riding a cart is important to you, you may want one where carts are included in membership.

Have fun and enjoy a happy, healthy retirement.

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