Three months after sending an inquiry to a club of note in BC, I received a response. They wanted a non-refundable $5k for Waitlist C. Not sure what waitlist C meant, but I’m sure it meant I wasn’t on waitlist B or A.
Two clubs of note in Wisconsin and Oregon wanted considerable (well into five figures) for non-resident memberships with very limited playing privileges.
All aspects (pool, gym, tennis, dining) of my local club in Colorado were private except for the golf course. Last year the course went private too and tee times are required for Fri-Sun play.
New destination clubs are meeting membership goals before opening.
Dunbar, Woodhall Spa, Deal, Elie, Kilspindie, St Enodoc, Pulborough, Woking, North Berwick, and dozens upon dozens of clubs in the UK have waiting lists for all membership categories.
All that to say, it’s an extremely difficult market for club membership at the moment. If you dig deep and work really hard, you can find a great fit. I’m chuffed at how it worked out for me. But it’s not as easy as calling up and paying your fee, that’s for sure.