Sometimes, I wonder whether golfers are the most boring bunch of old farts on the planet? But most times, I know that they are. Is it worth joining a golf club? Hell yes, cause the game of golf is the most infuriatingly obsession generating pursuit on the planet. The golf bug can bite and the infected individual is goners for the foreseeable future. FMD. Membership, 7 day-a-week playing rights membership, you know, the real thing, makes golf so much better. In my experience, being a member of a real golf club, none of that social club malarkey, is what golf is really all about.
Golf Club Membership takes Your Golf To Another Level
There are a lot of lonely people out there in the urban jungle. Joining a golf club and regularly playing gets you up off your arse and away from staring at screens. Walking the course, if you can, is a bloody delight in the company of other tragics like yourself. What is that saying – misery loves company. Who else will empathise with you about missing bloody putts? No one else in the world cares, Sunshine! Who else will listen to you whinge about coulda woulda shoulda moments in your golfing life? No f***** will.
Joining A Golf Club Is Like Going On A World Cruise
Joining a golf club and playing comp frequently is like going on a world cruise. Except you’re not on a big boat and you’re not travelling to other countries. It is a hell of a lot cheaper than most cruises though. Sometimes, if you close your eyes and try real hard you can feel the green swaying slightly beneath your feet, just before you putt. The camaraderie exhibited between fellow competitors is second to none. The food in the clubhouse is pretty darn good too. Picture yourself, after 18 holes, kicking back with a beverage in hand and chatting with your playing group. These folk know you and pretend to believe your lies about how well you drove the ball and what a fine afternoon it truly was. I mean, this is what being a part of a golf club is all about. How does it get any better than this? No need to answer that.
But Is It Really Worth It?
Is it worth joining a golf club? You will make some friends and that will last forever or until you croak it anyway. You will meet kind and decent human beings, more likely on the way home. You will have a Captain whom you can, well…the less said about that probably the better. The average age of male golf club members in Australia is around 58, although I have never encountered someone that young at my golf club. Women the average age is 64. These sprightly fine human beings volunteer their services around the club to improve aspects of the course. Selflessness is, often, on display at your golf club. Confusion and WTF identity issues are, also, prevalent during some rounds of golf, in my experience. A finer bunch of locals and blow-ins you would be hard pressed to encounter indoors and outdoors.
Is it worth joining a golf club? Is the Pope? WTF does the Pope come from? Argentina? Really? Get thee to a golf club now and sign up. It will be so good you won’t want to wait. Better than the Masons and you don’t have to wear an apron.
Facts & Figures
“What is the process of joining a club? Normally the process to join a club involves being nominated by a current member and completing a membership application form. In some cases the application may require a seconder and referees. Once the application form is completed, it is taken to the Club Committee for approval.
Can I join a club if I do not know any members? Most clubs now provide opportunities for prospective members to be introduced to members in order to facilitate the membership application process.
Is there a waiting period? In the majority of cases there is no waiting period for membership, but some clubs do have a small waiting period based on their current membership capacity.
Do I have to reach a certain standard of play to become a member? It is expected that any member would be able to play to the maximum handicap which is 36 for males and 45 for females.
What costs are involved? Clubs charge an annual subscription and in some cases an entrance fee, which vary according to the type of club. There are also some other additional charges which include affiliation fees, insurance, competition fees and levies.
Are there payment options? Most clubs provide flexible options to pay membership fees.
How often can I play? Members enjoy unlimited playing rights according to their category of membership.
Are there different club membership options available? Clubs offer various types of membership which include 5, 6, and 7 day in addition to junior, social, senior, family and under 40 categories.
What are the normal competition days? Clubs offer competition times for males and females on weekends and weekdays.
Can members bring guests? Clubs provide numerous opportunities for members to bring guests at certain times to play the course and attend social events. “
Robert Sudha Hamilton is the author of Bite & Smile: Delving Into Dental Care for an Informed Choice – his brand new book.
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