For the first time in about thirty years, I am 'Clubless'. I played so little last year, that I thought I would try a spell of nomadic, itinerant golf. I'm still going to play, just not at a 'home' club anymore.
So, I've immediately saved around £550, which can go to paying for occasional treats, weekends away with golfing chums, a mad splash out on some luxury, etc. So far this season, I've already enjoyed Silloth with some dubious characters and a few days on Arran, playing Shiskine twice. Pitlochry is planned for the near future, along with a Round at Gleneagles with a member chum and a possible Edinburgh trip, if I'm not otherwise 'engaged' (caddying!).
For me personally, the reasoning behind the decision came down to some simple factors:
1. I couldn't give a damn about playing in competitions.
2. As a result of factor 1, I can't maintain a meaningful handicap.
3. Speed of Play at Leven has become lamentable. There's a couple of horrendous routing faults which can result in three or four groups standing around, waiting on several tees. My personal favourite!
4. The latest Legislation regarding drink-driving in Scotland has drivers fearing being stopped/banned possibly after even only one drink or even the morning after a session. This one might kill Clubs completely on its own.
5. My current employment situation is, let's say, ehm, 'mobile', so id prefer not to tie myself down even if only for a year.
Certainly, so far I'm missing the cameraderie of a club membership, but that's about all. The times, they are a-Changin'...
F.