[Richard Choi]

Let's me see if I can divorce myself from the current OT economy thread and bring the current event back to something that we care more about - GOLF!!!

I am guessing with all the bankruptsy and market dive, there are many private clubs that are actively seeking members that we may never thought would be in that position.

What are some of the best private courses that are looking for members?

I know for a fact that all top clubs around my house (Sahalee, Aldarra, Plateau, Snoqualmie) are all actively seeking members.

[Deucie Bies]

I have heard Inverness is looking for members.

[David_Tepper]

You might want to wait 3-9 months, until the reality of the current economic situation sets in. My guess is there is still some denial going on.

[Craig Disher]

I agree with David.  Wait until The Big-Eared One starts sucking an extra $50K per year out of a typical member and see how long he sticks with that $30K/yr club bill...

Ho-hum. Here we go again.

[Craig Disher]

Craig:  was that not a direct and on-point answer to question answered in this semi on-topic thread?

I won't take the bait and hope this thread dies quietly if it keeps going in this direction.

[Jeff Shelman]

I think that it is at least a good time to look around if you're in the market for joining a club.

It is very much a buyers market here in the Twin Cities. With the exception of some of the old money and/or great clubs, there aren't waiting lists anywhere. There are clubs with very good courses that are offering very good deals.

My club (strong enough to host the state amateur next year, but not super well known) is offering monthly dues reductions for up to a year and/or the possibility of not paying dues over part of the winter. If you join with a buddy, you'll both get reduced initiation. There are a bunch of places in town that have dramatically reduced their initiation fee.

Now, that's not happening at places like Interlachen on Minikahda, but most places are looking for members.

I think fall is always a good time to look at clubs as many run membership drives at this time of the year in an attempt to not have to be looking for 25 members in the spring.

And, shameless plug here, if you live in the Twin Cities and are looking for a place to play, let me know and I'll be happy to give you info on my club.

[Tom_Doak]

The economic situation does have many parallels to the 1970's, when at the bottom you could join places like Shinnecock Hills and Crystal Downs for next to nothing.

Still, there is a reason you can join for next to nothing -- there's a lot more risk at being one of the members of these clubs and being on the hook to support the club financially when the membership numbers are dwindling.  You have to believe that things are going to rebound and you're not joining a club that's going to fail.  I'd guess that's a pretty safe bet with Shinnecock, but there are a lot of clubs that have been very poorly managed that aren't such a good bet.

[Jim Colton]

I don't know if it's the best time for joining or not, but I'm taking the plunge.  The only difference is the club I'm looking at is probably one of the few that is raising its rates, not lowering them.

[Dan Herrmann]

Richard - I'd also look at non-equity clubs in your area.  These can offer a great deal.

[henrye]

Richard, if it's a club that you would really like to join and it usually takes years on a wait list, then put your name on the list.  If they call you up a few years early to join, you can make the decision then.

[TX Golf]

How often do extremely expensive "high class" equity clubs (over 100k) get into financial trouble. I was trying to think of stories but couldn't come up with any. Let me know if anyone is familiar with a club like this going under..

Robert

[Carl Rogers]

Golf Digest has an extensive article on this very subject his month.

I am in the category of if I did join a private club, the quality of the golf would go down.  I do wonder if and when Riverfront (10 minutes from my house) will go private.

[Mike Hendren]

Richard,  until you bite the bullet and trash the brush tees and THREE cheater lines,  yours would appear to be a moot question.

Bogey

[Richard Choi]

Michael,

This is why I need to jump now. The times are desparate enought that I can join with even with all those faults...

[Tim Leahy]

Several private clubs have gone belly up in NoCal, be careful!

[JWinick]

I didn't see the article.  Where is it?

Golf Digest has an extensive article on this very subject his month.

I am in the category of if I did join a private club, the quality of the golf would go down.  I do wonder if and when Riverfront (10 minutes from my house) will go private.

[Kalen Braley]

Several private clubs have gone belly up in NoCal, be careful!

Which ones?

Thanks

[JWinick]

Tom:

I've underwritten private clubs before and usually private clubs have strong balance sheets and little debt.   Because they are non-profit and the bank doesn't have a personal guarantee, usually a bank will keep the leverage on the property low.  And, if the private club is in a good part of town, the land can be more valuable as an alternative use.

However, I agree that the industry is in trouble.  I would estimate that between 25-50% of all private clubs are in trouble long-term.  When the average age is often in the 60s, how are they going to survive?

The fact is, married men with kids don't golf like they used to.  They coach soccer.

The economic situation does have many parallels to the 1970's, when at the bottom you could join places like Shinnecock Hills and Crystal Downs for next to nothing.

Still, there is a reason you can join for next to nothing -- there's a lot more risk at being one of the members of these clubs and being on the hook to support the club financially when the membership numbers are dwindling.  You have to believe that things are going to rebound and you're not joining a club that's going to fail.  I'd guess that's a pretty safe bet with Shinnecock, but there are a lot of clubs that have been very poorly managed that aren't such a good bet.

[David_Tepper]

This may be the article ("How To Join A Private Club") referred to above:

http://www.golfdigest.com/courses/2008/10/privateclubs_avery

[john_stiles]

A few months after spring 2009, maybe April/May  would seem to be a good time to join.

Some courses 'tend' to have adjustments in dues in Jan-March time frame.

This fall might be a good time to shop around,  maybe play the 'free' round at clubs looking for members,  in order to properly evaluate the course.

[Richard Choi]

What's the proper way to ask for an evaluation round? Just call up the pro shop?

[Daryl David]

Call and ask for the membership director.  Tell them you are interested and would like to tour the facility.  More than likely they will ask you if you would like to play with a member or two.  That way they can evaluate you at the same time.

[Tim Leahy]

Several private clubs have gone belly up in NoCal, be careful!

Which ones?
Thanks

Winchester, Auburn CC, Morgan Creek, and Diablo Grande come to mind.

[Rob Rigg]

I have received emails from several clubs in the Portland area that are offering very attractive rates to new members.

This started a couple of months ago and continues.

Incentives include waiving green fees, reduced initiations and also "trial" memberships where you can lock in attractive initiation fees.

Seems like a good time to join, although the incentives could improve next year as the economy continues to beat its head against the wall.

[Bill_McBride]

Craig:  was that not a direct and on-point answer to question answered in this semi on-topic thread?

I won't take the bait and hope this thread dies quietly if it keeps going in this direction.

Craig, I'm surprised you took the first offering of bait!    That was a no win response from Sr. Shivas!

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