Reflecting on this thread, it's amazing how much context can play into the sentiments of threads on this board.
Growing up the son of a superintendent of a small town semi-private club, I was fortunate to grow up around the game of golf. That said, growing up in a family that was reasonably below median income also meant an environment that was not versed in the nuance of certain situations, one of which is private club membership.
While it never occurred to me that the OP's post could be perceived to lack couth by many long time club members. What also strikes me, is if the original request was "what are the best clubs known for national memberships", all the information he wanted would have likely surfaced, and the discussion would have naturally segmented into the Mucci elites and those where any golfer with means could likely at least get an appointment with a membership director.
Andrew,
I assume that you have a job, what's your current occupation ?
I didn't inherit a dime from my folks and as such had to work to earn a living.
I also didn't win the lottery.
Did I work too hard ?
Did I sacrifice other facets of my life in pursuit of my work ?
Should I have been unprofessional and less successful to satisfy your envy ?
I can only assume that he was speaking of clubs with vibrant national programs, because most people would be familiar with local clubs and the best protocol.
That's your assumption, and not something gleened from reading his text.
Now, another question, just to avoid violating protocol in the future. I know it is possible my family could be moving to one of a couple destinations in the south in the future. I've often thought if that happened, I'd reach out here for suggestions on clubs, because this site tends to be represented everywhere. Obviously, the preferred method is to try and be familiar with posters so it's easy to reach out to those in the area to gather information, but is there something inherently wrong with saying "I'm moving to city Y and looking for information on the clubs in that area"?
Wouldn't that depend upon whether or not you're an elitist ?
Patrick,
The Mucci elites was not meant to be a reference to silver spoons or inheritance, but rather an acknowledgement that are a group of clubs that it takes more than a six figure initiation and desire to join. It is easy to see that you have access to a number of very prestigious venues, and it's my assumption that you have gained access by simply developing friendships and means over decades of work and involvement with the game.
Please don't mistake jealously with envy. I am jealous of your access to wonderful venues, but I view jealousy as a motivational emotion, not a negative one. It inspires me and I have many years to grow as a family man, professionally and within the game. I don't harbor the slightest bit of envy toward your access, nor do I assume anyone with such access or wealth hasn't earned it. I would not feel an ounce of joy to see you lose access.
I will likely make some tongue in cheek remarks about posts you make that I find amusing, or feel can be viewed through different perspectives, however you strike me as someone who can handle the occasional jab just fine.
As to my employment, I have been very fortunate in my professional career. I do feel I have a talent and work ethic that has allowed me to capitalize on good fortune, but fortunate circumstances played a role as well. I'm sure my professional and financial acumen pails to many, if not most on this fine site. That said, I'm content to be able to currently provide for my family in a way that exceeds what I would have anticipated in my formative years, and that allows future dreams to seem within reasonable reach.
As to the assumption on the original text, people are free to interpret anything as literally as they wish. Whether it be a post on a message board, a political or religious document or a statement at a pub. Personally, I find it helpful to try and determine what someone is trying to really ask, as opposed to being rigid with the words. This method certainly can lead to false assumptions at times, so I understand why thers may want to test the literal words with fire. There is a place for both, so carry on.