Best Private Course that's 'joinable'

[Mike Hendren]

.

[Mike Sweeney]

The word private should mean something, otherwise we're just a society of places like Radrick Farms.

Ok, please define private in the modern golf world.

Not public.

And the lawyer sidesteps the challenge.

[Stephen Davis]

Stephen,

If you'd met half the people posting on this topic, serious is one of the last things you'd accuse us of.  It's a question of non public info and a public forum.  We can debate the merits of the US vs. the GB&I and Aussie club models, but that's a separate issue.  Since you're all for full disclosure, why don't you tell us your address, phone number, current net worth, as well as a list of all your investments, sexual conquests and recent diseases?

Jud,

I have actually met many members of this forum and have enjoyed my time with each of them. Between this thread and the one a month ago or so when someone was belittled for inviting people to join him at a prestegious club, I would say, that our track record has not been so good lately when it comes to discussions about private golf.

As far as the above information I don't really see how that is at all relevant to the discussion of great golf courses that people might be able to join. I for one found the discussion quite interesting up until it got squelched by people taking offense at the discussion of so brash a topic. BUT if you would really like to know, and as those who do know me know, I am pretty much an open book, so here you  go.

You know my name. 3605 Star Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-576-3276. I would say that my current net worth is somewhere in the -$1.5M number (and about to get worse ). As for investments, with a net worth like mine, that is pretty much a given. As for sexual conquests, I have had exactly one partner my entire life, of whom I have been married to for 10 wonderful years and as far as I know, I am blessedly free of any disease. Oh and if it helps the discussion, I am a member of two private clubs, so it is not out of envy that I write this.

Hope that helps!

[JC Jones]

The word private should mean something, otherwise we're just a society of places like Radrick Farms.

Ok, please define private in the modern golf world.

Not public.

And the lawyer sidesteps the challenge.

or, the lawyer answered the question you asked, not the question you wanted to ask but couldn't and didn't clearly articulate. 

[Jud_T]

Stephen,

If you'd met half the people posting on this topic, serious is one of the last things you'd accuse us of.  It's a question of non public info and a public forum.  We can debate the merits of the US vs. the GB&I and Aussie club models, but that's a separate issue.  Since you're all for full disclosure, why don't you tell us your address, phone number, current net worth, as well as a list of all your investments, sexual conquests and recent diseases?

Jud,

I have actually met many members of this forum and have enjoyed my time with each of them. Between this thread and the one a month ago or so when someone was belittled for inviting people to join him at a prestegious club, I would say, that our track record has not been so good lately when it comes to discussions about private golf.

As far as the above information I don't really see how that is at all relevant to the discussion of great golf courses that people might be able to join. I for one found the discussion quite interesting up until it got squelched by people taking offense at the discussion of so brash a topic. BUT if you would really like to know, and as those who do know me know, I am pretty much an open book, so here you  go.

You know my name. 3605 Star Ranch Rd, Colorado Springs, CO 80906. 719-576-3276. I would say that my current net worth is somewhere in the -$1.5M number (and about to get worse ). As for investments, with a net worth like mine, that is pretty much a given. As for sexual conquests, I have had exactly one partner my entire life, of whom I have been married to for 10 wonderful years and as far as I know, I am blessedly free of any disease. Oh and if it helps the discussion, I am a member of two private clubs, so it is not out of envy that I write this.

Hope that helps!

Cool.  Now would you mind telling us which clubs you belong to, how many members they each have, what their membership target is and what the downstroke, annual dues, locker fee, cart fee, caddie fee, food minimums and caddie christmas fund requirements are at each as well as your detailed experience with going through the membership process including who recommended you?

[Mike Sweeney]

Cool.  Now would you mind telling us which clubs you belong to, how many members they each have, what their membership target is and what the downstroke, annual dues, locker fee, cart fee, caddie fee, food minimums and caddie christmas fund requirements are as well as your experience with going through the membership process including who recommended you?

I belong to The Cornell Club, and there are 5-7 golf clubs that I can now play as a reciprocal member. I don't have to worry about all the stuff you mention, it just gets charged back.

http://www.cornellclubnyc.com/category/club-us

All the membership fees for CC are listed on the website and the membership process is simple if you graduated from Cornell or one of the affiliate schools. My wife and fellow graduate questions the value of a Cornell education everyday when she wakes up with me in the same bed, but this is how it is. Outsiders need one sponsor and again the fees are listed.

I am waiting for Garden City to show up on the reciprocal list  

Still waiting for MSU grad Jones to give a real answer.

Jud,

Did you see Wikileaks response to the CIA:



Information is fungible these days.....

[Kevin_D]

I belong to The Cornell Club, and there are 5-7 golf clubs that I can now play as a reciprocal member. I don't have to worry about all the stuff you mention, it just gets charged back.

http://www.cornellclubnyc.com/category/club-us

All the membership fees for CC are listed on the website and the membership process is simple if you graduated from Cornell or one of the affiliate schools. My wife and fellow graduate questions the value of a Cornell education everyday when she wakes up with me in the same bed, but this is how it is. Outsiders need one sponsor and again the fees are listed.

I am waiting for Garden City to show up on the reciprocal list  

Mike,

That's all well and good (and I have seen the golf recip list for Cornell - it has some very good courses)

But as you know, you cannot show up and play those clubs whenever you want - you are restricted on days/times.

Perhaps that works well for you, but I need to play in prime time, early on weekend mornings (as do many/most busy professionals).  I also like to belong to a true "club" that has a culture and where you get to know people over a period of years, not just a course at which I can show up and play golf.

But - to each their own.

Cheers,
Kevin

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Obvioulsy joinable is a relative term depending upon contacts and bank balance.
For shear value and quality....
Texarkana CC one of this countries true hidden gems is a non beater.
Langford Moreau layout founded in 1914, with the L&M work to follow,beautiful old school tree lined SUPERB conditioning.
No waiting list, no tee times, $2500 initiation and dues under $400 a month.
I am so lucky to be in this town,every time I am out on the course, never held up or playing slowly, few groups on the course.....heaven.

[David Beeney]

What a pickle John K is in.  On one side of the coin he has to deal with someone posting to find out non-public information about private clubs (something he hates) and on the other side of the coin, he has Jud T (also something he hates).  It appears that in the hierarchy of John K hatred, Jud T is above disclosure of private club information.

Here is an idea, instead of making your decision to join a club based upon how high the ranking is and whether you can get in by just paying a fee, make your decision based on playing the golf course, experiencing the club determining whether you like it and then hopefully making enough relationships to gain admission.  The whole notion that someone would come on to this website WITH 10 posts and effectively say "I'm hoping to have enough money in a few years to join a club, which is the highest rated club I can get into?" is ridiculous.

The word private should mean something, otherwise we're just a society of places like Radrick Farms.

Rankings are publicly available and are ranked by people who perhaps don't have the appreciation for golf course architecture that posters on this board do. That's why I stated in a post I don't care about rankings.

I just wanted to know what people here think the best course that is joinable is, I'm certainly not interested in kissing asses to get invited to join so perhaps I should of put that in the original post. I respect the views of people on this board and so wondered if there was a course that perhaps wasn't on my radar. Until I met a member the other day, I had never heard of Eagle Point in North Carolina which will hold the 2017 Wells Fargo when the PGA is at Quail Hollow.  I'm sorry if my slight invasion into the privacy of private clubs is a problem for you. I've actually been a member of this board for a while, just because I'm not a keyboard warrior like yourself and joined in discussions it demeans the credibility of my post.

[David Beeney]

As alluded to previously in this thread there is no context to encourage a reasonable discussion. First of all there should be some parameters as far as location because as Pat Mucci alluded to it makes no sense that someone would totally uproot and move across the country. Additionally there should be some distinction between "everyday" and destination clubs. With the exception of Sand Hills most destination clubs have openings whereas many "everyday" clubs do not. Without more information being disclosed by the original poster this is a fool's errand.

I didn't think I needed to set such strict parameters for discussion as this isn't a Presidential debate. I don't see why location matters, most clubs have lots of international members and it's pretty normal for a number of members to visit only a couple of weeks of the year. How many Nanea members do you think live in Hawaii?

[David Beeney]

Obvioulsy joinable is a relative term depending upon contacts and bank balance.
For shear value and quality....
Texarkana CC one of this countries true hidden gems is a non beater.
Langford Moreau layout founded in 1914, with the L&M work to follow,beautiful old school tree lined SUPERB conditioning.
No waiting list, no tee times, $2500 initiation and dues under $400 a month.
I am so lucky to be in this town,every time I am out on the course, never held up or playing slowly, few groups on the course.....heaven.

I had not heard of either of those, thank you.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Anybody who wants to play there, let me know from now until NovemBEr the course will be magnificent.
Super bermuda fairways and greens odl school golf at its best.
I accept some bias here as it is my home course, but those who know me, also know I will speak my mind but will not bull shit when it comes to golf courses.

Ron Pritchrad knows about the place and I feel confident he will second my remarks.


http://www.texarkanacc.com/

[J_ Crisham]

Anybody who wants to play there, let me know from now until NovemBEr the course will be magnificent.
Super bermuda fairways and greens odl school golf at its best.
I accept some bias here as it is my home course, but those who know me, also know I will speak my mind but will not bull shit when it comes to golf courses.

Ron Pritchrad knows about the place and I feel confident he will second my remarks.


http://www.texarkanacc.com/

Michael,   I just read thru your clubs website and TCC is pretty impressive. Looks as though with the exception of 1 hole it is all still L/M. You have a nice club with some real pedigree with Nelson and Hogan.

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Thank you Sir....all comers welcome anytime, no unwillingness to share my good fortune here

[RKoehn]

Hey guys - first post here on GCA as a new member.

A few ideas off the top of my head on top "joinable" private courses that are also classic designs:

Old Town - Winston-Salem, NC (a fantastic place, top tier golf course, terrific/fun membership)
Linville - Linville, NC
Timuquana - Jacksonville, FL
Palma Ceia - Tampa, FL
Idle Hour - Macon, GA
Lookout Mountain - Chattanooga, TN (I think Lookout is right up there with Chicago and NGLA, personally)

There are fewer I can think of on the west coast and northeast.

Rob

[Andrew Buck]

Anybody who wants to play there, let me know from now until NovemBEr the course will be magnificent.
Super bermuda fairways and greens odl school golf at its best.
I accept some bias here as it is my home course, but those who know me, also know I will speak my mind but will not bull shit when it comes to golf courses.

Ron Pritchrad knows about the place and I feel confident he will second my remarks.


http://www.texarkanacc.com/

Michael,

Looks great.  I am truly jealous as you are correct that location has such a dramatic impact on these type of opportunities.

[Adam Warren]

This thread is a bit pretentious considering that I have it on good authority that Ballyneal and Prairie Dunes won't take just anyone who offers to write a check.

John is certainly correct about that. I think there are a few clubs that would be receptive to a reasonable candidate. How good the course and the club are always open to debate, but I think Victoria National, Lookout Mountain, Inverness, Prairie Dunes, Valhalla, Holston Hills, and Wolf Run are some that as of a couple years ago did not have waiting lists.

Nigel,

My understanding is there is a waiting list at Valhalla, only the waiting list is to get OUT.  Some members are not happy about how often the course closes for events and re-designs, etc.  A person can only get out if someone takes there place.  So you are correct that someone can join, but they do have a waiting list, just on the wrong side.

Sorry if this was mentioned before.  I have not read the entire thread.

[Matt Glore]

Prairie Dunes.
Ballyneal.
Dismal.

I have to agree with this list.  Added Kingsley
Prairie Dunes.
Ballyneal.
Kingsley
Dismal.

[Carl Nichols]

I went back and looked at the GCA unofficial top 100 list from a few years ago.  Based on anecdotal evidence (including in this thread), and assuming the club must be (a) private and (b) in the U.S., only the ones highlighted in green (in honor of Pat Mucci) seem reasonably easy to join--assuming, in some cases, you can make a very significant downstroke.  Purple is for places that might be reasonably easy to join but I have no idea if that's the case:

1   Cypress Point Club   9.81
2   Pine Valley Golf Club    9.78
3   Royal Melbourne (West)   9.65
4   Royal County Down   9.58
5   Sand Hills Golf Club   9.54
6   Merion Golf Club (East)    9.49
7   National Golf Links of America    9.49
8   Shinnecock Hills Golf Club    9.49
9   St. Andrews (Old)   9.35
10   Royal Dornoch   9.30
11   Pacific Dunes   9.28
12   Oakmont Country Club    9.19
13   Crystal Downs Country Club    9.05
14   Royal Portrush   8.91
15   Augusta National Golf Club    8.87
16   Ballyneal   8.82
17   Ballybunion   8.78
18   Pebble Beach Golf Links    8.75
19   Muirfield   8.75
20   Kingston Heath   8.73
21   Prairie Dunes Country Club    8.69
22   Seminole Golf Club    8.60
23   Fishers Island Golf Club    8.60
24   Barnbougle Dunes   8.60
25   San Francisco Golf Club    8.55
26   Riviera Country Club    8.49
27   Friar’s Head    8.45
28   Highlands Links   8.44
29   The Country Club (Composite)    8.41
30   Royal St. George's   8.37
31   Winged Foot Golf Club (West)    8.37
32   Sunningdale (Old)   8.32
33   Turnberry (Ailsa)   8.32
34   Lahinch   8.30
35   Pinehurst No. 2    8.30
36   Cape Kidnappers, N.Z.   8.27
37   Chicago Golf Club    8.22
38   North Berwick   8.17
39   St. George's Hill   8.15
40   New South Wales GC   8.13
41   Yale University Golf Course   8.08
42   Swinley Forest   8.00
43   Rye   8.00
44   Sebonack Golf Club   8.00
45   St. Enodoc   8.00
46   Rock Creek Cattle Company   8.00
47   Bethpage State Park (Black)    7.98
48   Carnoustie (Championship)   7.97
49   Pasatiempo Golf Club    7.95
50   Woodhall Spa (Hotchkin)   7.92
51   Royal Birkdale   7.91
52   Ocean Course at Kiawah Island   7.91
53   Garden City Golf Club   7.87
54   Paraparaumu Beach   7.85
55   Kingsley Club   7.83
56   Bandon Trails    7.82
57   Prestwick   7.81
58   Los Angeles Country Club (North)    7.81
59   Valley Club of Montecito    7.80
60   Portmarnock (Old)   7.80
61   Shoreacres Golf Club    7.79
62   Casa de Campo (Teeth of the Dog)    7.77
63   Holston Hills Country Club    7.76
64   TPC at Sawgrass (Players Stadium)   7.76
65   Myopia Hunt Club    7.74
66   Bandon Dunes   7.73
67   Cruden Bay   7.72
68   Walton Heath (Old)   7.71
69   The Golf Club   7.71
70   St. George's (Canada)   7.70
71   Ganton   7.68
72   Mid Ocean    7.68
73   Royal Melbourne (East)   7.68
74   Whistling Straits (Straits)   7.66
75   Western Gailes   7.66
76   Plainfield Country Club    7.64
77   Wannamoisett Country Club    7.64
78   Olympic Club (Lake)    7.63
79   Monterey Peninsula Country Club (Shore)   7.62
80   Kingsbarns   7.60
81   Banff Springs   7.58
82   Southern Hills Country Club    7.57
83   Macrihanish   7.56
84   Newport Country Club    7.55
85   Royal Lytham & St. Annes   7.55
86   Woking   7.53
87   Oakland Hills Country Club (South)    7.52
88   Sunningdale (New)   7.52
89   Maidstone Club    7.52
90   Camargo Club    7.50
91   Royal Liverpool   7.49
92   Franklin Hills Country Club    7.45
93   Yeamans Hall Club   7.43
94   Honors Course    7.43
95   Old Town Club   7.42
96   Royal West Norfolk   7.42
97   Lawsonia Golf Club (Links)    7.41
98   Quaker Ridge Golf Club    7.41
99   Cabo del Sol (Ocean)    7.40
100   Jasper Park   7.40

[Michael Wharton-Palmer]

Hard to argue with the quality on those lists, very impressive courses, and all rather remote

[Ryan Taylor]

I went back and looked at the GCA unofficial top 100 list from a few years ago.  Based on anecdotal evidence (including in this thread), and assuming the club must be (a) private and (b) in the U.S., only the ones highlighted in green (in honor of Pat Mucci) seem reasonably easy to join--assuming, in some cases, you can make a very significant downstroke.  Purple is for places that might be reasonably easy to join but I have no idea if that's the case:

You should change Franklin Hills CC from purple to yellow or whatever color is opposite to purple.

[Adam Warren]

Once again another inappropriate question about PRIVATE clubs.  There is a modus operandi with regard to the etiquette of club joining, at least on this side of the pond, that doesn't involve trolling on websites.  Unless you're talking about the biggest name courses in the best locations, most clubs do not have a wait list these days.  Apparently there are a lot of folks who assume that there should be a shopping app for blue light specials on club memberships so as to avoid contact with actual human beings.  Not really a resume builder for being a desirable member.  Maybe you should stick to Golf Now.

Again with this....

[Philip Caccamise]

You can change The Golf Club and Camargo to... not purple.

[Ryan Hillenbrand]

Throwing this one out there, although it is not a Top 100 and is a Nicklaus design (Gary, not Jack). But is a tremendous deal and a heckuva golf course. After playing Victoria National graciously with a member the setting and vibe is very similar, though not as highly ranked ( and difficult! 

Dalhousie Golf Club is in Cape Girardeau MO and has bounced between the #1 and #3 best in the state by Golf Digest. If you're 40 our under its a $1000 initiation fee, and $3000 in annual dues. BUT $1500 of the dues is actually a club credit to use on lodging (they have very nice cottages), food, guest fees and even pro shop credit. Its remote with just a few houses.

This is their National membership and must live outside of 75 miles.

I think the over 40 is only about a $1000 more.

[Carl Nichols]

You can change The Golf Club and Camargo to... not purple.

In the same league as some of the others I didn't highlight?