Are you considering joining a country club?
Besides enjoying a round of golf, there are several
other fun activities you can indulge in, like dinner parties and social events. A country club
membership could benefit your lifestyle in many ways. However, there are several things you
should consider and specific questions to ask before joining a country club. If you are thinking
about joining but do not know where to start, you have come to the right place! Below, we
discuss the best questions to ask before joining a country club so you can ensure you are
making the right move for yourself and your family.
Member Age
Generally, if you are under a certain age, usually 40, your membership can cost less. Ask about
junior or executive memberships and ensure you understand if there are any restrictions
associated with these memberships. The average member's age is another good question to
ask to get an idea of the country club crowd. More and more clubs are recognizing the
importance of bringing in younger members, and if that is the case, they may have more relaxed
rules.
Walking Restrictions
Do you have to walk, ride, or take a caddie on the golf course? Some higher-end courses are
more walker-friendly, while others offer the option to ride in a golf cart. Most golf courses allow
all three options, but not all, so it is essential to ask. If you are someone who enjoys riding in a
cart, inquire about the fees and if you are taking a caddie, be prepared to add an extra $80 to
$100 per round to cover the cost.
Food and Beverage Minimums
Many clubs have a food and beverage minimum that you are required to meet each year. The
minimum can range from $100 to $200 a month, can sometimes not include alcohol, and usually
does not include tax or gratuity.
Reputation
While this might not be a huge deal, it can impact the course of your membership. At Bluestone
Country Club, we are among the highest regarded private golf courses in the area. We also
boast almost 200 positive Google reviews and a 4.6-star rating on Facebook.
Initiation Fee
An initiation fee is a one-time charge for joining a country club and varies significantly by club
and location. Some initiation fees can cost upwards of $50,000 in more affluent areas, whereas
somewhere locally in a smaller market can cost only $5,000. Some clubs allow this fee to be
paid in installments or through a payment plan. Every club is different, so ask about your
financing options.
Monthly Dues, Additional Fees, and Guests Costs
Depending on the club, monthly dues can range from $300 to upwards of $2,000 a month.
Ensure you understand this price upfront and ask if there is a process for adjusting those dues.
Do members vote on this? If it is a non-equity club, is there a schedule for raising the monthly
dues? Speaking of monthly dues, does the club have locker fees, club storage fees, service
charges, guest fees, or gratuity fees? These are all excellent questions to ask!
Tee Times
Some clubs have restricted tee times with your membership or a no tee time policy. There are
pros and cons to these policies, and they are worth knowing before you join. You should also
ask about tee time reservations; can you book a week in advance? A month?
Club Life With Bluestone Country Club
At Bluestone Country Club, we are so much more than a golf course; we are a community! Not
only can you hit the links, but you can also enjoy plenty of other activities like swimming, tennis,
and pickleball, or we invite you to attend various social events like date nights, dinner dances,
and more. Contact us today at 215-646-2300 if you are interested in a Bluestone Country Club