https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 09 May 2026 16:45:14 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2818296 Wed, 25 Apr 2018 07:19:54 +0000 Littlebit7 2818296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow. It sounds like I need to open a country club. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2818245 Tue, 24 Apr 2018 17:28:46 +0000 Mrs Green Grass 2818245@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We belong to one and my husband’s company paid the initial and the dues (crazy! I’m a teacher!). You are able to sell your membership if you leave since most have a finite number of spaces, so you can get all or part of the initial back depending on the market.</p> <p>I like parts of it but others are crazy. Nothing is free except golf and use of the facilities and pool.</p> <p>@looch - I’m in CA and it’s much more diverse and inclusive than I imagine some places would be. But it’s also a newer club. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817528 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:31:39 +0000 looch 2817528@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cost aside, I think the main thing that turns me off (or let's be honest, means I can't join) is that in many instances, you need a referral from a current member to even be considered. It's one of those things that is a vestige from times past, it's a way to ensure that the membership remains a certain way. I am sure this isn't how it is at all country clubs, but the ones near where I live, it's for sure. And they're not struggling to find members.</p> <p>Interestingly, in the Alps, you see a ton of private ski clubs, like a country club...but in the mountains. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817526 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:27:30 +0000 Foodnerd81 2817526@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: to your point about golf- up until this point DH has played public courses since college and does so as often as he can. So you can definitely be a serious golfer without belonging to a club. The club just makes it easier and more convenient, but it’s still a solid half day affair- something many people just can’t do anyway. I would think any hobby that requires a 5 hour commitment at a time is a luxury. I was also thinking of skiing- also requires a fair amount of time and expensive equipment, but without the exclusive club. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817521 Fri, 20 Apr 2018 12:17:44 +0000 irene 2817521@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@gingerbebe: That's a very good point. Note to self: move to a country club / retirement home when I grow old. LOL</p> <p>@Mrs D: I can see where @codeitall: is coming from -- Yes there are public golf courses to play, but as some of you guys have suggested (which I had no idea), you'll have to wait and possibly get stuck behind slower groups. I imagine it is not as easy to enjoy the sport anytime you want (like swimming, or running, or tennis) unless you have the $$$ to support yourself to enroll into a country club environment. </p> <p>I guess it goes both ways. Something about golf does appeal to the wealthier demographic. Sports like ice hockey also require a specific environment and a lot of expensive equipment to play too, but then there is not any kind of elite clubs that would offer ice hockey rink together with a lake ( :wink: ) and fine restaurants that require you to eat there x amount of times per month lol. </p> <p>Thanks everyone for the input! Now I have a better understanding. DH came home last night and I told him all my "findings" about country clubs. He said, "No. I still don't see why." hahaha :grin: :silly: </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817340 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 16:13:29 +0000 Mrs. Lemon-Lime 2817340@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>A friend of mine, big golfer, joined one, but the membership he bought was designed for young families (you had to be under 40) and cost a lot less (under $10k). I don’t remember if it came with restrictions in terms of club amenities. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817332 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:40:12 +0000 Mrs D 2817332@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: Implying that country club costs infer that golf is a "rich mans game" is a bit silly. Where I live there are golf courses at every budget...from $15/round all the way on up. We have plenty of city run courses here as well which are very reasonable, have leagues, tournaments, kids programs, everything. I understand that country clubs and golf generally go together - but to imply golf does not exist outside country clubs is flat wrong. Similarly, plenty of people belong to clubs for simply social or tennis (or hunt) reasons. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817326 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 15:22:44 +0000 DesertDreams88 2817326@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@codeitall: agreed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817306 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 13:44:33 +0000 Foodnerd81 2817306@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are joining one this year- we’ll, my husband is. But it’s 98% for golf. He loves golf and does it as often as he can- which means he has to pay for every round and worry about tee times and slower groups in front of him. He’s looking forward to being able to play whenever, walk on and just play a few holes if he doesn’t have that much time, and meet other people interested in golf in our area (we moved here a rear and a half ago). He gets a break on initiation fees because he is under 39 but it’s still expensive. But he really loves golf and has always wanted to join a club. Apparently it’s all very family friendly. The food and bev minimum is pretty similar to what we would spend on eating out as a family at boring family friendly restaurants anyway so I feel ok about just planning to bring the kids there for when we want to eat out. He also hopes to use it for networking and for taking potential colleagues or clients out to play golf. </p> <p>I don’t even think this club has a pool but our gym has one that we use anyway. </p> <p>If it weren’t for golf I wouldn’t consider it but I’m fine with it as is. The one he wants to join isn’t crazy fancy or anything. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817286 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 13:03:01 +0000 Mommy Finger 2817286@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We belonged to one when I was in HS. My dad golfed a ton so it worked for him b/c he could always walk on. I spent the summer at the pool and loved that I could just go to the snack bar and order what I wanted. We rarely went out to dinner growing up and when we did, we were instructed to never order anything remotely expensive. Since we had to meet our food minimum each quarter, we would go to dinner there and be instructed to order whatever we wanted! Loved it!</p> <p>Now as an adult, we don't currently have the money or desire to join a club but I can see the appeal. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817274 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:31:14 +0000 Mrs D 2817274@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The ones near us - metro Detroit - have varying "buy ins" ranging from 5K to over 100K, depending on 1) the club and 2) the deals they are offering. As @MACSUNSHINE: the clubs are competing for the younger crowds here. So our 30K was a 50% discount bc DH had joined as a junior member (before he was 30) and therefore could buy in at 50% off the normal 60K buy in. It was a good deal. They offer similar deals now...in some cases even better.</p> <p>Some others touched on it but a pro is definitely networking. DH is an attorney in the field of white collar criminal defense. I'd say he easily lands enough business from his club relationships/network to pay for itself in a year. If networking is key for career or business building it is a perk to consider. Though some clubs do have rules regarding discussing business on the golf course.</p> <p>In terms of the restaurant and required spending, this was what I was most nervous about - would we feel obligated to eat there. The answer truly is no. We have to spend $500 each Q2, Q3, Q4. Q2 and Q4 have major holidays (Easter and/or Mothers Day and Christmas) - we always take advantage of their brunches which wipes out about $200 (we invite our entirely immediate family so its 10-15 people) and our club allows guests to pay so we are not obligated to cover it. This almost always covers half of our minimum. </p> <p>Generally speaking, that leaves us with $250 to spend. If DH and I go there with friends for dinner (4 of our closest couple friends are members) that is $100. Then I also get to count everytime DH has a sandwich and soda (or bloody) on the turn on the course. So we really easily hit it.</p> <p>Last year we had a bad Fall for golf, and just were busy with life. So we were going to fall short by about $75 - I called up and ordered Thanksgiving dinner (which they do as a standard takeout option Thanksgiving morning). We picked it up on the way out to my moms...stashed it in the fridge and went home with awesome "leftovers" to munch on all weekend.</p> <p>The set up I mentioned on the weekends is usually only one weekend day - though some weekends its Saturday &amp; Sunday if our schedule permits. I WOH f/t so no mid week trips yet. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817268 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:15:05 +0000 MrsSCB 2817268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>The ones near us are about six figures to join. Plus they're pretty much the least diverse places ever. I'm not really interested. I also don't play golf, so doesn't seem much point. There are plenty of community pools you can join for way less money, and the pool is probably the only thing we'd use anyway. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817266 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 12:10:07 +0000 futuremama 2817266@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@irene: hahaha. No way I'd be paying $60K just for an initiation! Some of the nicer, more exclusive ones around us have those kinds of fees, but we pay about $7-8K/yr for ours with nothing upfront. We're in the Midwest. As they struggled through the recession, their targeted audience became younger families vs the old money crowd it used to be. It's worked out nicely for us, but it will definitely be the first expense to go if we ever need to make cuts. Each year when we renew, it's a debate. It's worth it for now, but I doubt that will be the case as our kids get older and we aren't able to spend as much of our weekend up there. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817257 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:54:53 +0000 irene 2817257@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Thank you so much for chiming in! </p> <p>@Mamaof2: Hahaha, exactly my thought. We were at the afternoon tea time. There was nobody there, and the bartender poured us our wine, the boys helped themselves with some water and chips, and she marked the membership #. That's all. There I thought, what a wonderful summer job when DS grows up! People are in general nice, in a good mood, and there aren't a lot of people. For a hotel you have waves of people according to travel seasons but country clubs I cant imagine that place can ever be filled...? I could be wrong of course :)</p> <p>@Mrs D: That's nice, the one my friend is at her initial fee is 60k! And there is no lake I don't think! (Now that everyone says country clubs usually have pools, I think they have pools too maybe I haven't seen it) It does sound perfect with your set up. Your schedule is for the weekend I assume? Or your husband plays golf and hangs out 2-4 times a week? Good for you guys... :-)</p> <p>And thanks for listing the pros and cons. If I were to join a country club, I think I'd be sweating to make sure I eat there enough to make its worth. But then I also didn't like having to be confined to one cuisine / restaurant. </p> <p>Another cons I can think of is, since you have to hang out at a country club often enough to make its worth, you tend to phase out the friends you have/had who doesn't have a membership. This is how I feel with our friend now. We used to have play dates all the time, but nowadays we seldom see each other and they are always at their country club it seems. It makes me sad.</p> <p>@futuremama: Good for you! The initial 60k is the one that makes me scratch my head. If you can get that waived, then I can see there is a reason to join. </p> <p>@MACSUNSHINE: 6 figures?!?!!!</p> <p>@codeitall: I hear ya! I gotta check out the link later....<br /> ETA: I was thinking country clubs is like church for rich people who doesn't go to church lol (you know some really fancy church has their own pool, gym....etc. And then the christmas and easter festivities) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817251 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:44:33 +0000 gingerbebe 2817251@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I think in many ways, country clubs are status related - in that you choose to surround yourself with people who have similar lifestyles and habits and there's a sense of ease and security about that. </p> <p>But its not really that different from living in a certain neighborhood, subdivision, community, etc. </p> <p>I know people who pay a FORTUNE to live in a certain city or certain neighborhood and pay ridiculous taxes and fees, HOAs, and assessments - because overall, it just works for their lifestyle or interests or because the community is filled with people just like them. The place they live provides the amenities they want. I also know people who join exclusive clubs because their entire family is in it, their entire social network is in it, or, in one case, because it was so cheap for members to use it for weddings and special events, the entire family joined and had all of their special occasions there.</p> <p>I also know middle class people who live in average, affordable areas who then have country club memberships because they would rather pay less in property taxes, fees, and community assessments and have more money to spend on the luxury items they want and/or be with the people they prefer. My boss, for example, lives in a modest home, but he chooses to have a country club membership, a Disney timeshare, and until recently, a luxury vehicle.</p> <p>I think country clubs in the Midwest and South can often fit into that kind of mindset. Let's pay less taxes, let's fund less communal things, and instead directly pay for the amenities we want - country clubs, private schools, etc. Status, networking, and having people who live similarly then provides a level of comfort and advantage where you want to keep it up. </p> <p>I'm not passing judgement one way or another. I think its just whatever works for your family. My inlaws live in Michigan and they raised their kids in a very small, middle class home in a very average middle class neighborhood, but in a jurisdiction that had a higher tax base because the city had excellent public schools, parks, and libraries, as well as an active YMCA. Once their kids were out of the house, my inlaws then moved to an unincorporated area with screaming low taxes, bad or no schools, but bought a pricier new construction home in new development on a golf course with a club and HOA dues. If you bought there, you got free access to the golf club and clubhouse, discounted lessons with the pro, etc etc. They golf almost every day, eat at the club at least twice a week, they can use the clubhouse facility for a song, the HOA handles all the maintenance, snow shoveling, outdoor lawn maintenance, etc - it ended up working out great for them. Everyone in their neighborhood is basically exactly like them. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817239 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:22:26 +0000 codeitall 2817239@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow. I mean, I know it works and it is appealing if you can afford it. But those fees are frankly prohibitive to the folks that are not upper-class. It is like the super-rich private version of a public recreation center. It reminds me of the movie 'Greatest Game Ever Played' where they talk about golf being a rich man's game. Looks like it is still true!</p> <p>I will say that I recently listened to this NPR segment: <a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/05/31/530843665/top-20-percent-of-americans-hoard-the-american-dream" rel="nofollow">https://www.npr.org/2017/05/31/530843665/top-20-percent-of-americans-hoard-the-american-dream</a> and I think country clubs are a great example of that.</p> <p>Just to clarify, I am absolutely not condemning anyone for their choices to join a country club (if I had money and one close by I probably would too), I just love studying the sociology behind them :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817234 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 11:01:54 +0000 MACSUNSHINE 2817234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Similar to others we belong to a CC in the Northeast, I grew up nannying at one of the more elite clubs in the area (at least 6 figure initiations if you can get that far). My husband's family has been members at the one of the more moderate clubs which we now belong to. The initiation fee was waived as we essentially fall under the umbrella of his family's fee and just have dues. I never understood the lifestyle but now see the benefits and enjoy it.</p> <p>For us, my husband has flexibility in his schedule and golfs a ton so that alone makes the monthly dues worthwhile. We do pay for all food while onsite but we dine out a lot generally speaking so for us it is a beautiful property to enjoy. Now with a toddler and a baby on the way, I actually really enjoy going there to dine, I can go down to the locker room to nurse and change the baby. </p> <p>We know most people so they are understanding with the kids and our son can run around outside and really enjoy himself. We have access to golf, tennis, sailing, pool and the clubhouse itself. Many of our friends are members as well so for us socially it is nice. As others have said, the events are nice for mother's day, 4th of July, Halloween, etc.the Santa brunch is also our favorite. </p> <p>Many clubs in the Northeast are offering significant discounts to gain membership, there is such competition for young members (under 40) so there are deals to be had. It all depends how much you are going to use the facilities, for us it is worth the cost. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817228 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:37:39 +0000 JennyPenny 2817228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We joined a country club for the pool primarily. The company I work for gives a giant discount for one in our area, so we got 90% off the initiation fee and 50% the monthly dues. Our neighborhood pool is $600 for the summer, and we pay $150/month for pool, dining, and fitness at the club. So it's definitely more expensive, but its a way nicer pool and we love the events they put on throughout the year, especially for the holidays. If I made a lot more money than I do I could see joining at the regular price because it is really nice. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817221 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:01:49 +0000 futuremama 2817221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We belong to one, but we joined when they were struggling financially, so we got initiation waived and a deal on monthly dues for the first 3 years. Our main reason for joining is that my husband LOVES golf and plays frequently. He can play there quickly vs a public course where it takes 5+ hours. They also have a pool with free swimming lessons, yoga classes, tennis (which we don't play). We do have an annual minimum spend on food/alcohol. This is usually easy to hit because we eat/drink there while at the pool. Plus, they have really nice brunches for Easter, Mother's Day, etc so we'll take our families and that counts toward it too. It's definitely a large expense, but ours is much cheaper than most typical country clubs. We also have a lot of friends who belong to the same one. There's no way we'd even consider joining some of the more "elite" country clubs. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817220 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 10:00:23 +0000 Mrs D 2817220@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We belong to a country club -for reference we are in a nice suburban area of Detroit (midwest). We paid a $30K to buy in. We pay $400/month in dues. We also have to spend $500 per quarter (except Q1) on food and bev or we get charged it. DH has to pay about $20/round for cart fees.</p> <p>Perks:<br /> -DH golfs 2-4 times a week, definitely gets his money's worth from the dues<br /> -They have tennis, golf, pool, lake, workout facility<br /> -The restaurant is amazing, like I choose to eat there<br /> -Lots of family focused activities (Easter Brunch, Christmas brunch, various throughout summer, all focused on family friendly stuff)</p> <p>Cons:<br /> -Cost (aside from the normal...you also can have assessments)<br /> -Exclusivity...its members only...so you can bring guests but many clubs dont accept CC so you have to pay if you bring people.<br /> -Feeling like you NEED to use it to get your money's worth!</p> <p>For us, it works. We generally have dinner at the club 2 times a month in the warm months. We spend a lot of the "smaller" holidays there. Its the best and easiest way to see Santa. We have lots of friends that are members. The pool is great in the summer.</p> <p>DH golfs first thing in the AM (7 or 8am tee time depending on which month it is), I do the morning routine with the girls at the house, then around 10 we load up and head to the pool. DH finishes golf at 11-12 and joins us at the pool. We chill out for a bit, eat snacks or buy lunch, then head home for nap. </p> <p>This year I suspect we will stay through nap more regularly. We also plan to get a boat - which we can dock at the club. So then we can add that into our normal Saturday.</p> <p>What makes it worth it for us is DH's golf habits...if he were not golfing there that frequently we would never be able to justify the expense. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817216 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 09:31:55 +0000 hellobeeboston 2817216@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We have never belonged to one because we cannot afford it it! I knew people growing up and have a few friends now that belong to one.</p> <p>But, we did look into it at one point when my husband had his own business and was going to use it as networking tool to get new business. We ultimately didn't think the cost was worth it at that point in our lives, and they made you spend a certain amount in the restaurant which meant eating there more often than we wanted. </p> <p>A pool would be a MUST for me personally as I don't play much golf! ha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817211 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 09:22:29 +0000 Mamaof2 2817211@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Cant answer your question but I worked at one during/after college and man those people tipped very well!! $$$ </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817209 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 09:16:48 +0000 gestalt 2817209@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>When i lived in a bigger city, a lot of people i know belonged to clubs mainly for networking purposes. </p> <p>I have a friend whose family belong to a "country club" and their much wealthier parents paid for their mid 5 figure initiation fee. They have babysitting for the kids, and the semester long swim/gymnastics/etc programs for the kids are like $10. It's still quite expensive per month but they like that there are tons of amenities available under one roof.</p> <p>I personally don't see the appeal, but i can see why people choose to join especially if their families have always been part of a certain club. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/country-clubs#post-2817203 Thu, 19 Apr 2018 08:57:20 +0000 irene 2817203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I don't come from money, so I never understood how country club works. My friend recently applied and joined a country club and was so excited about it. Apparently you have to apply, get accepted, pay an upfront mid-5-figures non-refundable enrollment fee. Then you have to pay an annual fee on top of this. The club has a childcare facility which is $8 an hour. She told me food is free, but the few times we were invited to go, the menu always have a $ next to it so I don't know (maybe they charge on the food the guests ordered? I have no idea). She plays golf and tennis which makes sense, her DS goes to golf classes there, and she said she enjoyed seeing her DS grows up in a community / "debutante" environment and cultivate life-long friendship in this community. (I also want to add, my friend is a very down to earth person and by no means does she pretend to be in an upper class and what not)</p> <p>DS loved the country club as they did putting golf, and he got to play and eat with his friend at the kids club (the $8 an hour childcare) while grown ups had dinner. He often asked me when are we going again, and I said, well, that's not somewhere we can just go, we have to be invited lol. :grin: </p> <p>DH talked about picking up golf (because DS seem to enjoy it, and it helps his career) and he was looking at options. While he did look at golf clubs/courses in our area and trying to figure out how it works, both of us can not understand why anyone would want to join a country club. Why would you want to pay mid 5 figures up front and THEN a yearly fee, just to get access to a golf course and a hotel-resort-like environment? And I don't think they have a pool (I am not positive on this)? If i have that money comfortably laying around I'd do anything other than joining a country club :silly: </p> <p>This is all out of curiosity. Anyone care to shed some light on it? </p>