An interesting article by George Davies (a fairly unknown architect from the era) from 1927 regarding the difference between a small town country club and a simple golf club.
One passage in particular seems to be creeping into many of the conversations being held today:
"Much of the income of a country club that should go to maintain a golf course in excellent condition goes to the entertainment features for the enjoyment of a comparatively small number of the town's population. A few teas, bridge parties and dinner dances that might just as well be given elsewhere are given at the small town country club and the expense of giving them and furnishing facilities for them usually means that the course Is neglected."
http://archive.lib.msu.edu/tic/golfd/article/1927jul14.pdf