Long time reader of these forums...

First post so be kind...

I think I am ready to take the plunge. But I am in need of help. I am looking to become a member at a country club. In the East Bay around San Ramon

Some details about me.
I have been getting more serious about my game. Playing at least one per week with range sessions.
My wife is getting into the game. Going to the range with me 2-3 per month playing 9 holes exec's 1 per month..
I have a two year old daughter we are planning for another in the next year.
After the next child my wife will not return to work she will become a stay at home wife
I am doing well career wise
I am spending enough of golf to justify a large part of the monthly dues
I am looking to enhance my family life by having a place where my wife and daughter can swim socialize and play tennis/golf

I looked around the web for details on some of the clubs near by...But one thing that is holding me back is the 30K-35K initiation fees that are prevalent for these clubs.

I have heard that these clubs are struggling during these times as memberships are down. It seems like a person should be able to get a good deal now.

Any advise on clubs in the area (fees, golf course, member snob factor, etc) would be appreciated...

Did you catch this article in the Chronicle from last week?

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?.../MNMC173U3D.DTL

If you're under 40 years old - check out the "junior professional" or similar memberships - they are cheaper.

I would be worried out there that if the deal is too good to be true - it's a sign that the club is having financial difficulty - and bankruptcy or selling to a real estate developer is very very very possible.

I would also pick a club that you LOVE, not just one that fits your wallet...if you pick one that you love, imho it will feel almost like a vacation each time you play.

Don't try to make financial sense of the club, imho, it's a luxury item, not a necessity.

As for stay at home wife with 2 kids - just do the math. Wife stops working and adding another kid - that's 2 sources of income usage; and losing one source of income. I dunno what you do for a living - but most sectors are down this year. I have 1 kid and a stay at home mom - kid started private school after 2, and it got more expensive from 3 years old on. No way would I sacrifice my kid's education for golf. If you're sweating $30K - you might want to save more money. When the little cradle midgets start walking and talking - you'll think they are brilliant. And "brilliant" costs. :-)

If you're in business - then use the club as a business development tool. In many cases one deal might take care of your whole membership. I used my club that way and it's more than paid for itself. Business use is easier to justify than personal use, imho. :-)

Good luck.

Welcome!

Definitely a good timing to do it now with all the baragin we have out there if you have the money to do it. However, Most of the trying to get out due to high monthly dues which in some CC are way up there. It's not to bad if it's a family membership that you use a lot.

Lots of them out side bay areas now a days can get in without membership fee, just pay monthly due, I won't be surprise if they are more and more like that here in the bay area.

Joe

Agree w/ previous poster about joining and not worrying about the money. If you're going to join, then money shouldn't be an issue. If it is, then I wouldn't join a club.

JMHO, but members get assessed all the time for things and esp. new members.

If you're doing it just for the golf, to play more, than I would recommend The Bridges at Gale Ranch, which is public. The course is an absolute steal for a membership for all you can play. Of course, I'm sure you know about the horrid reputation that place has, nonetheless, because nobody likes that place all that means is that there's less people there. And the course conditions are usually fantastic. Greens are just as good as the CC's around there.

My brother lives in San Ramon and he did the unlimited golf thing and it was a total bargain. Includes the range too. Hard to beat that deal. Also, there are plenty of good players who play out of there and there's always something going on there to keep your interest up. If you can play well there, you can play well anywhere. That course will make you a better player. It is borderline unfair however, but it will force you to hit good golf shots.

Three exclusive country clubs comes to mind in the East Bay are:

Castlewood Country Club (Pleasanton)
Ruby Hill Golf Club (Pleasanton)
Black Hawk Country Club (Danville)

I've played them in the past (invitation from vendors) and the links and services are absolutlely outstanding.

Thank you everyone for the responses...

The article was interesting and informative. I guess I should move beyond internet research and talk with the sales reps in order to find out the latest "deals"

I am 35 years old. So a junior membership could be an option for me.

I also agree with the money comment. I guess I am trying to justify the cost to myself. If I add up my gym membership along with Golf costs my monthly is close to what I might pay at a CC. As far as the initiation fees I really just don't like parting with 30K.

Yes the unlimited Play might be a good Short Term option until we transition to our single income.

Cypress Point FTW!!! j/k...now is a great time to join a club...don't be afraid to negotiate on initiation fees...you will most likely succeed

Again, IMO the killer is the monthly dues.

Newer course design are usually hard to walk, so If you are sensitive to that....I would try to consider older course design which most of them are walkable. It will get pretty expensive if you have to get a cart every time you play.

Check out the facility for your whole family activity, If you use them quite a bit....It will well worth the money.

What i have in mind considering the facility and distance wise: Castle Wood and Contra Costa CC are the two that might have a good deal right now.

Good Luck!

Joe