I’m in my 40s and seeing young women getting into the game but not joining clubs, I totally get it. So, what’s putting them off? The same things that would put me off if I was an amateur player.
The Cost
Spending on a joining fee, sometimes over £1,000, and then often twice as much again on a golf club membership is a big chunk of annual income. When women work and have children, disposable income simply wouldn’t be dropped on a membership. I couldn’t afford or justify this.
I’d consider a club if it had leisure facilities and tennis, a gym or a pool. If this was something I’m already paying for, then golf as part of my leisure membership would be ideal. If a golf club has an affiliate membership where I pay a reduced green fee each time, I’d consider it…or even an off-peak membership. I do love 9 holes in the evening and the joy of being a member somewhere you can pop out and play a few holes and not feel you need to get your money’s worth.
Limited Time
There are some weeks where I wouldn’t get to play at all and weekends are not an option, so there is expectation to play regularly in competitions and matches.
If I were to spend on a full membership, I’d want to be there a significant amount of time, and if the Wi-Fi was good, I could potentially work from a club. But most golf courses allow visitors, and certainly many that I’ve worked at, have regular non-members using the clubhouse to work, so membership isn’t essential.
My quieter times are often the club’s quieter times, so again there’s that appeal for an off-peak membership. As a member you can jump on a course at quiet times and do a mini loop if you’re lucky, this is where a membership would be great.
Katie Dawkins cannot justify the cost of a club membership
(Image credit: Howard Boylan)
I’m An Explorer!
Call me a nomadic golfer, but I’ve always got joy from playing different courses. The exploration of a layout and excitement of a new place will always be with me. As much as a familiar course will carry with it the knowledge of how to play it, I would miss the adventure of new places.
I really believe playing different courses stretches you as a golfer and exercises your imagination and increases your ability. If a golf course had a huge list of reciprocals where you can…
..
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Latest from Golf Monthly…