Archie,
I've been to other regions of the country, and there is more parallels than differences. There are always a few exceptions. I tend to go by results, and all my examples in different areas/markets are extremely successful. It isn't the model i favor, it is a model that works especially for declining areas. taxing people doesn't increase revenue in the long term, however this action could be done in an area with high discretionary income. But the mentality that people who pay monthly dues aren't paying their fair share because they walk is beyond ludicrous. A friend of mine is getting the walking fees eliminated at his NE club. Carts aren't going away in the US, but relying on them for your bottom line is a slippery slope. I know most clubs do. What would behoove you is to look at clubs that have made successful strides in gaining good amounts of members. Often times the ones who put large amounts of money in their clubhouse go bust. I believe every or most course in NW Ohio that built a new clubhouse went belly up. The problem is people don't learn from history, they repeat it. I also don't mention them in name for they are private. I just played a course in Dec. in a town of 15,000 that had valet service for their clubhouse, if that wasn't a red flag there, I don't know what is. You also have to understand that 40 years of age is usually when a member pays full dues, give or take 5 years. The club decisions aren't made by every member, so you have a disconnect. If you can share your success stories of courses gaining members with walking fees, please share. Archie, we can also agree to disagree.