Matt,
I think there is a difference between a country club and a national club because many clubs that are called “country clubs” (implying they are out in the country) are really located in suburban areas that are basically housing communities where residents commute into the nearby city.
I grew up in such a community: Pelham Manor, NY. where Pelham Country Club is located. My recollection going back to the 1960s is:
1) pretty much every member lived in Pelham
2) there were basically no businesses or jobs in the community; residents commuted into New York by train (a 30 minute ride to Grand Central) or by car which was often a big hassle due to traffic
Pelham is much like the rest of Westchester County: quite a few golf courses in bedroom communities, not cabins in the country.
Today I am a member at Old Barnwell. Yes, there are some local members, but last I checked most of the members aren’t. The club, IMO, is a national club not a local country club.
Tim