Joining a private golf club such as the Jupiter Hills Golf Club can get a bit intimidating. We hope this FAQ and guide will help you understand that you need to join a club and how you can apply.
What makes a private golf club better than daily-fee courses?
High-end daily-fee golf courses started in the 1990s and has forced private clubs to offer attractive membership opportunities.
How much will a club membership cost?
A big chunk of the cost of membership depends on the initiation fee. Fortunately for you some clubs have eliminated such fees, or lowered them to a few thousand dollars. Some clubs even allow financing. One survey on golf clubs found that 30% of the clubs had an initiation fee of $7,500 or less.
But the initiation fee is not the only thing you’ll need to worry about. There’s also the annual dues which is about $500 /month. Then again, daily-fee courses can charge $100 easily per round so if you frequent these courses you’re already spending as much, if not more.
When you apply to a private club they will typically provide you with a complete list of costs. Some small clubs charge just around $200 – $300 per month.
Do I need to spend money when I’m at the club?
A lot of private golf clubs require their members to spend a certain amount on food and beverage (at least $50 per month). Clubs have different rules what counts toward your minimum. For example, in some, beverages do not count.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
While these aren’t exactly hidden fees, there is what’s called “assessments” which pertain to additional costs needed to cover major projects like renovating the course, remodeling the locker rooms, or setting aside a budget for emergencies.
Are club costs the same for all members?
Each club has membership categories/tiers and each one has a different fee, access to facilities, limits, etc.. Most active golfers are full members with complete use of the club facilities. These members are the ones who pay the highest fees. The club may also have categories that offer limited access to the course but still get full access to the restaurant, pool, fitness center, and card room.
Is joining a club easy these days?
The clubs that are in need of new members may be willing to accept your application as long as you can pay their fees.
But in most cases, there’s a process to becoming a member. First, you’ll need to know or contact a current member of the club and ask them to be your sponsor/reference. Once you’ve accomplished this, the next step is to fill out the application and be prepared to pay the application fee, if there’s any. Once you’re accepted, you’ll be notified right away.
What is the difference between a country club and a golf club?
These clubs are often used interchangeably but there is a slight difference between a country club and a golf club. A country club is a more well rounded environment complete with tennis courts, swimming pools, playgrounds, fitness center and so on. A golf club focuses on golf and it may still come with pools and a restaurant. But people go there mainly to play golf.
Do private clubs require tee times?
The busier clubs require tee times particularly on weekends. But most clubs, really, have more than enough room for their members and you can play whenever you want. Some clubs will allow you to walk to the first tee unannounced. Maybe you want to play five or six holes after work. Mini-rounds make the cost of a private-club membership worth it to those who love the sport but only have a few hours a day to play.
Can I leave the club once I become a member?
You’ll need to read the fine print to know the club’s rules on this. You may be able to leave any time but you may have to continue paying your dues until a certain period.