Was a member of a "upscale" club a few years back, threw in the towel for several reasons:
1. Either you were "in" or "out". We all pay dues, yet many members had tee times "locked" in at choice times for the weekends. Very frustrating when you can hardly ever get out early on a weekend. That is not fair, some older long term members felt an incredible sense of entitlement and an amazing "good ol boy" network.
2. Fivesomes and sixsomes. Could not believe what I was seeing!
3. Poor rangering. Players pondering every shot and studying every break on the greens, leading to many a five hour round. Mentality that "I am paying a lot of money here, so I will not rush for anyone".
4. Pet projects by board members that bear no reality to the needs of members or economic issues.
5. Crude, rude behavior. People think you have money, that means you have "class". Really, got tired of drunken and crude behavior at the golf range, on the course, and in the mens lounge.
6. Bang for buck. No longer there. Joined a club where I play for nearly half the price, great people, great conditions, and professional, polished management . Paying a high price does not guarantee superlative conditions or quality people, have I ever learned that.