When I moved to the boonies three years ago, one of the first things I did was join a local club. It is a semi-private, but the private model is not sustainable anywhere in the area.
Even without the exclusivity of the private, it has been a great decision. I play more golf, in part because additional and partial rounds have no cost factor - I see them as ammortizing my dues.
Little things like knowing the staff, playing club events, and having my daughter in the junior program are significant benefits that I wouldn't have without membership.
No regrets, wouldn't change a thing. My options are limited here, and joining was the smart move.