Carl...my bad, I just told you the bad and not the good.
My club is not a big time historic club, but is doing well. In fact, it just did a mulit-million dollar rennovation, membership is over-flowing, and the course, tennis courts, and grill/dining rooms are usually very busy. Other "mid-tier" clubs (if you will) in the area are doing well.
If you are looking to join a club, you should know within a few minutes of being on the premises if it is struggling or not.
The two I've frequented that I know for a fact have gone under (or are looking for new investors or whatever you want to call it) were amazingly beautiful, luxurious, opulent, but no one was ever there. I could play a round of golf with my group, enjoy lunch, drive by the pool and I would be hard pressed to see 5 other people. Not a good sign!!
So there it is the good, the bad, and the ugly according to a non-golf club expert!!!