Which Is Better? Club Memberships Vs Golf Networks

There’s a point in every golfer’s journey where the discussion turns to golf clubs.

Not the ones you hit the ball with. The ones you join.

Reaching such a moment usually means one of two things: your once-a-week regular hit-out no longer satiates your golfing compulsions; or your competitive juices are flowing and you feel it’s time to see how your game holds up under the pressure of competition.

There are two potential avenues to consider when heading down the path of taking your golf more seriously.

You can become a member at a private golf course. Or you can join a golf network.

Both will be a step in the right direction. However, the question is how much time, commitment and cash are you willing to part with to make it a rewarding experience?

MAKING THE DECISION TO JOIN A GOLF CLUB OR GOLF NETWORK

Deciding whether to join a golf club or golf network can be a daunting task.

Is a golf club membership worth the money? Or is it better to keep it footloose and free?

In some ways it’s the golfing equivalent of a marriage proposal: it’s a decision you shouldn’t take lightly; it will require a significant commitment to make it work; and choosing wisely will bode well for your future.

You just need to decide what’s right for you.

HOW MUCH? A COST-BENEFIT ANALYSIS OF GOLF CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Paying the $2000-$3000 annual membership fee at a private golf club is a fair bit of coin to fork out for many golfers.

But it might not seem too bad when you look at the sums.

Australia offers unbelievably cheap golf compared to other places in the world.

Playing just one round a week at an average-priced public course will set you back around $1300 at a minimum.

Spending an extra $700 a year minimum to secure a private membership will enable you to:

Play unlimited golf

The annual membership fee lets you play a round whenever you want. All you need to do is block out some time during your week to take advantage of it and it’s guilt-free — all those extra rounds in a week are essentially freebies.

Get a golf handicap

The process of getting a golf handicap is straightforward when you join a golf club. Simply play three rounds of golf, submit your scores and the club will do the rest.

Compete in tournaments

Once you’ve got an official handicap you can play in the club’s weekly competitions. Playing under tournament conditions is a great way to improve the consistency of your game. And the best part? You can win prizes and trophies.

Play at a better course

The courses at private golf clubs tend to be more interesting and challenging than a public course layout. And they are usually maintained at a higher standard than public courses — there aren’t quite so many choppers and divots and pitch marks are repaired much more frequently.

Use the club’s practice facilities

Unfettered access to the club’s practice facilities provides the perfect avenue for improving your golf game. You can use the driving range (discounted rates for range balls for members) or chip and putt till your heart’s content on the practice green.

Enjoy the clubhouse

As a club member, you get access to the clubrooms, bar, dining and changeroom facilities. Once you get a feel for the club it’ll be like your home away from home.

Meet new people

Joining a club provides the opportunity to regularly rub shoulders with like-minded golfers. Some you’ll learn to avoid at all costs. Others will become your regular playing partners. A few might become friends for life.

Reciprocal rights

Private golf clubs have reciprocal arrangements with other golf clubs. As a member, it means you can play at the reciprocal clubs for free or pay a reduced green fee. Reciprocal clubs can be anywhere in the world, so it pays to check if there’s one nearby when you go on holidays.

COMMON CATEGORIES OF PRIVATE CLUB MEMBERSHIP EXPLAINED

ANNUAL $$$$$$

Full access to the course, competitions and club facilities every day of the week.

SIX DAY $$$$$

Full access the course, competitions and club facilities, excluding Saturdays.

FIVE DAY $$$

Full access the course, competitions and club facilities, on weekdays only.

SIX MONTH $$

Full membership for six months. Good for golfers with other sporting commitments.

THREE MONTH $$

Introductory trial membership to get a feel for the club and its facilities.

LIFESTYLE $$

Credit-based membership with points redeemed when a player tees it up.

FIFO $$

Reduced membership fee category catering to fly-in-fly-out workers.

COUNTRY $$

Special membership category to golfers who primarily reside in regional areas.

JUNIORS $

Membership category for golfers under 18.

THE DOWNSIDES OF PRIVATE CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Nomination fee

Apart from the annual fee, you’re also usually hit by something called a nomination fee. It’s a one-off, sign-on payment and it’s another cost to consider when deciding to join a club.

Groundhog day

When you’ve stumped up the cash for an annual membership already at your home course, it does make it difficult to justify paying to play a different course. Get used to playing the same course every day and try to get your friends to join your club — then you’ll all be on the same page.

Busy on days

If you work all week, you’ll probably be looking to get on the course on the weekend. Unfortunately just because you’re a member doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to get the tee time you want.

Occasional snobbery

Some private golf clubs exude a certain snobbery, which is fine if you’re into climbing the social status ladder. If you just want to play and enjoy golf, choose your club carefully.

Proposed and seconded

Some private clubs won’t just take anyone off the street. You’ll need a current member to endorse your application and another to second it. If you don’t know anyone… good luck.

JOINING A GOLF NETWORK

Golf networks operate much like a golf club, just without a home course. A golf network is all about social competition and it’s an easy way for casual golfers to get into competitive golf.

Members stump up an annual fee (around $400) then pay the course’s green fee when entering a competition.

Buying a golf network membership enables you to:

Play different courses

Joining a Golf Network means you aren’t tied down to one course. With events running every day of the week, you get to choose when, and where, you play.

Enjoy quick, cheap and easy golf competition

Joining a golf network is quick and easy. Pay your annual fee and away you go — no exorbitant nomination fees and no drawn-out approval process like there is when joining a private golf club.

CONCLUSION

If you’re already playing golf weekly, joining a private club or a golf network is a natural step to take.

The decision between the two largely comes down to two things: the upfront cost and whether practice facilities are a priority.

Decide where your priorities lie and make your decision with confidence.