National Membership Options

[Doug Lionberger]

Jeff - I’m in Houston and budget is flexible but ideally an initiation under $25k or so for a national membership.  Depending on caliber of course/club that could move though.

[Tim_Weiman]

The idea of a national membership has appeal but high on my list of considerations is the fact that most likely I would only be visiting once, maybe twice a year and then only a couple days each visit. That makes a large initiation fee hard to justify.


I live in Houston and still have limited playing privileges at Sand Ridge in Cleveland where I used to live. If I remember correctly, I have played the course only a few times since I left Cleveland 15+ years ago.

[Jeff Schley]

There are so many options and being in Houston you probably have already looked at Bluejack National, which would be year round pending taking the heat. I'll table that. A couple that are realistic with small networking IMO to get the ball rolling.

• Dismal River - I really like the place and has so much for outdoorsman as well. Very secluded. 2 courses.

• Prairie Dunes - They have a national waitlist last couple years now. Lodging is wonderful, even have a shuttle from Wichita Airport for the less than an hour drive. Course is probably the best value for the money IMO.
• Philadelphia Cricket - After the restoration created such a buzz, imagine they have a waitlist now as well. Tee times were getting so scarce. Major metro area to fly into, no lodging but you are in Philly.
• Olympia Fields - waitlist now for nationals, good value for the money IMO for what you get. Staples work on South will be done in '23 and then North work. Lodging onsite as well.
• Flossmoor GC - I'm not sure what they are doing for national members or if they offer it. No onsite lodging, but will be probably half the cost of OFCC. Underrated course and under new ownership.
• White Bear Yacht Club - Several members on this site can chime in as I have never been
• Chechessee - not great in summer maybe weather wise, but solid choice.
• Harvester - Haven't been since the new owners and renovation. Had a great mashie there it seems from the threads. Many can direct you there.
• Cedar Rapids - Vaughn can send you a national membership packet I'm sure. No lodging, but very solid course and I'd consider it. Flights will be a challenge as at least 1 connection.

If you have a network of buddies at higher ranked clubs you have more options. The above you can make inquiries and they will connect you in the process as you go if you aren't offensive  .There are dozens of others, but the above will fit your budget as well. Hope that helps.

[John Handley]

I have had 2 national memberships in my life so this is something near and dear to my heart.  It is a great thing BUT I would strongly suggest that you find a club/course you love in a destination that you either really enjoy or you frequent for business/pleasure.


I lived in SF and went to Portland frequently.  I joined Pumpkin Ridge and absolutely LOVED that place.  I was there on business and would usually stay over the weekend, etc. so the company paid for my flights and I covered the weekend expenses. 


Now, I live in Austin and moved my Cal Club membership to National.  That place is Heaven on Earth to me and I can justify getting to SF frequently for business & pleasure so it works.


I would also look at your travel options.  If you cannot get there on a direct flight, then I wouldn't do it. 


For top tier clubs, you can expect to pay about $30K initiation and the monthlies are about $400-500.   So like I said, you will want to get your $$ worth.

[Tommy Williamsen]

I have had an away club for forty years but I made it  point to get there and would bring three or more guys with me. It was also a place that my wife and I shared. To be honest, I don't know what I'd do without an away place. I had one in the US and one in either England or Ireland. GB&I clubs are a great value and you get to play in member only competitions.

[Buck Wolter]

Redfeather being built by King Collins in Lubbock TX looks like it will be a fun place with a pretty laid back atmosphere --  seems like a combo local/national membership, more country club than golf club. You'd have to connect through Houston or Dallas but United has a non-stop from Denver.

[Tom_Doak]

Redfeather being built by King Collins in Lubbock TX looks like it will be a fun place with a pretty laid back atmosphere --  seems like a combo local/national membership, more country club than golf club. You'd have to connect through Houston or Dallas but United has a non-stop from Denver.

I can attest to the fact that Lubbock is not easy to get to.


Then again, I just looked at a project in Texas that makes Lubbock look easy!

[Shane Wright]

Redfeather being built by King Collins in Lubbock TX looks like it will be a fun place with a pretty laid back atmosphere --  seems like a combo local/national membership, more country club than golf club. You'd have to connect through Houston or Dallas but United has a non-stop from Denver.

I can attest to the fact that Lubbock is not easy to get to.


Then again, I just looked at a project in Texas that makes Lubbock look easy!

Tom - this is a dumb comment.  You are a wonderful architect but it is an insult to our intelligence to suggest that Lubbock is difficult to get to.  Fly to Denver or DFW and take a simple flight from there. 


This coming from a guy who looks at sites in strange corners of the earth for golf.




Shane


 

[Tim_Weiman]

Redfeather being built by King Collins in Lubbock TX looks like it will be a fun place with a pretty laid back atmosphere --  seems like a combo local/national membership, more country club than golf club. You'd have to connect through Houston or Dallas but United has a non-stop from Denver.

I can attest to the fact that Lubbock is not easy to get to.


Then again, I just looked at a project in Texas that makes Lubbock look easy!

Tom - this is a dumb comment.  You are a wonderful architect but it is an insult to our intelligence to suggest that Lubbock is difficult to get to.  Fly to Denver or DFW and take a simple flight from there. 


This coming from a guy who looks at sites in strange corners of the earth for golf.




Shane

Shane,


I’ve known Tom for almost 25 years and never felt he insulted my intelligence. To the contrary, he is consistently very thoughtful in his observations about golf architecture and other matters as well as being generous with his time for those of us who love golf architecture as a hobby.


It would have been better to just share your advice about travel options to Lubbock without the personal comments.

[Kalen Braley]

If you wanted to go to say Bandon, you fly into Portland, followed by a 4 hour drive to the resort.
Which is basically the same as flying in to DFW or Albuquerque and taking the 5 hour drive to Lubbock.

Or you could knock off maybe 2-2.5 hours by taking a regional flight.
Or just hop on your private jet and go straight there.

I guess its all relative... 

[Michael Underwood]

Lubbock is not like flying into Chicago, San Francisco, or New York, but Lubbock is not that hard to get to.  Serviced by Southwest direct from Dallas, Austin, Las Vegas, and Denver.  Serviced by United direct from Denver and Houston.  Serviced by American Airlines from Dallas and Phoenix.  Much easier to get to Lubbock than many of the remote places that have destination golf.  I am excited to see how Red Feather turns out.  With the addition of Red Feather Lubbock will have some good golf with The Rawls Course at Texas Tech and the classic Lubbock Country Club.

[Steve Lang]

Hard to understand anyone suggesting Lubbock being a summer golf destination to beat the summer Houston heat


Doug, I live in Houston as well (The Woodlands) and have to wonder why a national membership?  The generic 20k$+ initiation and half as much again annual membership fee, before food & lodging, can buy a heck of a lot of golf in many cooler summer climates...


A 3 hr transit time like JK had, seems about right for good getaway logistics.  That'll get you into Michigan where we prefer for Jun-Aug... along the 45th parallel..


Just sayin

[Tom_Doak]

I can attest to the fact that Lubbock is not easy to get to.

Then again, I just looked at a project in Texas that makes Lubbock look easy!

Tom - this is a dumb comment.  You are a wonderful architect but it is an insult to our intelligence to suggest that Lubbock is difficult to get to.  Fly to Denver or DFW and take a simple flight from there. 

This coming from a guy who looks at sites in strange corners of the earth for golf.

Shane



Hi Shane:


For me, from Traverse City, that would be two connections, and most of a full day of traveling.  I can get to Bandon just as easily, and most people describe it as "hard to get to".


Those people aren't dumb, and neither am I.  Perhaps you are a superior intelligence but so far you've provided no evidence of that.

[Jonathan Cummings]

Not sure if they have a "national membership" per se but Ballyneal has a membership from all over, is reasonably affordable, and is a great getaway for you and your friends a few times a year.

[Buck Wolter]

Hard to understand anyone suggesting Lubbock being a summer golf destination to beat the summer Houston heat


Doug, I live in Houston as well (The Woodlands) and have to wonder why a national membership?  The generic 20k$+ initiation and half as much again annual membership fee, before food & lodging, can buy a heck of a lot of golf in many cooler summer climates...


A 3 hr transit time like JK had, seems about right for good getaway logistics.  That'll get you into Michigan where we prefer for Jun-Aug... along the 45th parallel..


Just sayin

I guess this thread should be renamed National Membership Options for Doug Lionberger

[George Smiltins]

I'm actually quite intrigued by this thread. As someone who has 2 kids under 4, lives 6 minutes from my home course, and had to beg, borrow, and steal to get 29 rounds in last year, I'm happy just reading and dreaming about the national member lifestyle. Even found myself doing some research to help the cause. My guesses for places that might have openings would be Belvedere, Cape Arundel, Lookout Mountain (in addition to some already mentioned). These don't have lodging but you could probably get a pretty nice Airbnb for the money you save with a big initiation fee. Or maybe don't even go with the National Membership? Hop on everyone's favorite https://thousandgreens.com/ and go somewhere new every trip.

[John Kavanaugh]

I'm actually quite intrigued by this thread. As someone who has 2 kids under 4, lives 6 minutes from my home course, and had to beg, borrow, and steal to get 29 rounds in last year, I'm happy just reading and dreaming about the national member lifestyle. Even found myself doing some research to help the cause. My guesses for places that might have openings would be Belvedere, Cape Arundel, Lookout Mountain (in addition to some already mentioned). These don't have lodging but you could probably get a pretty nice Airbnb for the money you save with a big initiation fee. Or maybe don't even go with the National Membership? Hop on everyone's favorite https://thousandgreens.com/ and go somewhere new every trip.

That is why I have believed for a few years now that the National Membership demo may die with me. Too many Pebbles in the glass.


If your national membership costs more than 4 trips to your favorite resort you may have a tough time staying happy.

[Paul Jones]

I'm actually quite intrigued by this thread. As someone who has 2 kids under 4, lives 6 minutes from my home course, and had to beg, borrow, and steal to get 29 rounds in last year, I'm happy just reading and dreaming about the national member lifestyle. Even found myself doing some research to help the cause. My guesses for places that might have openings would be Belvedere, Cape Arundel, Lookout Mountain (in addition to some already mentioned). These don't have lodging but you could probably get a pretty nice Airbnb for the money you save with a big initiation fee. Or maybe don't even go with the National Membership? Hop on everyone's favorite https://thousandgreens.com/ and go somewhere new every trip.

George,


I am a fan of Thousand Greens as I have hosted and have been hosted.  However, I guess my favorite thing about a Natl Membership is the ability to go whenever I want and get weekend tee times and meet local members.  Most of us can get on most clubs with phone call from our Pro; however, no pro is going to call a private club and ask for Saturday at 9am :-). 


I enjoy taking a group for a long weekend and not have to worry about asking for help with tee times.

[John Kavanaugh]

I like showing up after a long absence and having the bartender greet me with a hug.

[Mike Sweeney]

I'm actually quite intrigued by this thread. As someone who has 2 kids under 4, lives 6 minutes from my home course, and had to beg, borrow, and steal to get 29 rounds in last year, I'm happy just reading and dreaming about the national member lifestyle. Even found myself doing some research to help the cause. My guesses for places that might have openings would be Belvedere, Cape Arundel, Lookout Mountain (in addition to some already mentioned). These don't have lodging but you could probably get a pretty nice Airbnb for the money you save with a big initiation fee. Or maybe don't even go with the National Membership? Hop on everyone's favorite https://thousandgreens.com/ and go somewhere new every trip.

George,


I was in a similar stage of life when I joined Enniscrone GC (Ireland-INT) many years ago. I was on a plane trip back from Sand Hills Golf Club and I sat with a father-son who just finished a trip, and I decided that I wanted that for my son and me - someday. Nebraska did not make sense, so it was off to "ethnic heritage" for Membership.


It was 10+ years before I got to Enniscrone with my son, but it was a great event-day when we got there. They treated us like the "Lost Cousins" when we played, and it was magical. Obviously you don't have to be a Member to play Enniscrone, but it is lots of fun.

[John Kavanaugh]

You need to learn how to equate value in the right to play even when you aren’t playing.

[Michael Moore]

Cape Arundel

I don't think we have national memberships in Maine. Cape Arundel is a public course and the regular membership costs as much as a national membership elsewhere. As for lodging, if you were unable to drive home, I bet they would let you sleep on the couch at 43 House.

[John Handley]

One thing you guys may not know about national memberships is that typically, around 50% of the national members are guys that were local and moved away.  But they love their club and friends and don't want to give it up.  And right now, as with many golf memberships, there are waiting lists.  Even for national memberships.


It's not for everyone but to me, there is a big difference going to play at a place I love with many friends as opposed to just going to a resort. It's unlikely you can look at it as making sense financially, rarely golf memberships do.  It's more about funding your passions.

[Brad Tufts]

Perhaps "The International" has something going for National membership here in MA...they seem to be aggressively marketing.


The courses closed due to lack of funds early in the pandemic, before the boost...but it was quickly snapped up and spruced up, etc.



They have a Fazio course newly re-bunkered by Tripp Davis...I played the Fazio version, which is still the current routing...it was decent if not a world-beater...very New England feel, must be spectacular in the Fall.  The photos of the new work look pretty good.


But the kicker is that the second course, the famed "longest course in the US," the 8300-yard Pines course circa 1960 is getting a complete re-design by Coore & Crenshaw, which will include a new routing, some new holes, etc.  While not a guarantee of awesomeness, it's highly likely!


They have lodging on site. 


Perhaps not the most spectacular property and off the beaten path for Massachusetts, but the courses will be very solid, and you are an hour from Boston/Providence/Newport/the Cape with lots of travel options.

[Jim Jackson]

Doug:


A few thoughts as you consider how to proceed:


1.  Take your time.  This will hopefully be a long-term relationship, and finding the right fit is better than finding A fit.  You're not getting your cash back in most cases.
2.  The course should be damn good.   Is it a place you'd want to play 2-3 times a year, year in, year out? This will take time away from other compelling opportunities: Bandon, Streamsong, Cabot CBI, Pinehurst, Casa de Campo, etc etc.
3.  Will your buddies want to join you on repeated trips?  Good chance you'll want to bring a game and some of the courses we love are not the ones non-architecture buffs love.  27 or 36 hole days can be tough on those used to cart riding.
4.  Ancillaries i.e. putting courses, short courses, decent bar and dining matter. 
5.  How difficult is it to access times a week or two out?  With this recent explosion of interest in golf, it can be difficult to access your own course without significant heads up, which can be a downer when you just want to go hang for a few days.
6.  Transit can be an issue at some of the remove clubs.  Consider that cost, flight frequency, etc.  You should have it just about as easy as anyone if you're coming from IAH. 
7.  Do not try to cost-value-average this one.  In almost all circumstances, it's way more expensive all in than you expect.  Do yourself a favor and don't try to make the cost-per-round calculation.
8.  Consider something like Thousand Greens or Outpost as you decide. 


But mainly take your time.