Jon
In some cases I'm sure. But not in this locality. Cost of sand, dressing, seed, fuel, rates, wages/NI/Pension, never ending compliance and h&s, insurance, wash down bays, machinery, haulage, all went up way above the % subs increases at the same time as joining fees went by the wayside, property costs soared and pressure on jobs led to a slump in participation.
My club is far busier with 600 than it ever was with 750. Those leaving are the one platers or anorexic. Those joining do so because they want to play golf.
Where you may have a point is in machinery purchases. 10 years ago clubs probably hired in aeration equipment. Now most seem to have a terraspike or equivalent as well as a toro pro core. Wasteful expenditure or a necessity to prolong the season, improve drainage and reduce disruption?
Lots of clubs are cutting costs. Pro's retainer going, % of greenfees removed, hardly anyone pays overtime at weekends for greenstaff, all annualised hours.