Winnipesaukee Forum - View Single Post

VtSteve · 04-19-2010, 03:47 PM

Many local clubs operate on a breakeven plus some approach. There's a lot of money that goes into the maintenance, chemicals, utilities, staffing, etc.. In addition, there is insurance, legal, all of that.

But it all depends on the mission of the course, and how true they are to it. Last year's weather put a terrible strain on courses that depend on greens fees. The more members a course will sign up, generally the membership costs are higher. This goes all the way from public to private clubs. If a course limits memberships, it will usually reduce rounds played, but increase your cost for that pleasure. Courses that have other facilities also price accordingly. Some clubs give the Pro the shop earnings, or a percentage.

It's a pretty difficult job to properly manage a course. Member's get the added benefits of leagues and tournaments. I look first to course quality, second to facilities. I was a member at a great 9/18 hole course that is now around 600 flat. Not much for facilities, but always perfect conditions. Another great 18 holer near me is somewhere north of $5,000 now. They have great facilities, fantastic practice areas, and I believe membership is limited to 300 or less. It is also semi-private, meaning you don't have a great chance of getting a tee time if not a member.

04-19-2010, 03:47 PM	#3
VtSteve Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 1,320 Blog Entries: 1 Thanks: 230 Thanked 361 Times in 169 Posts	All depends on the mission Many local clubs operate on a breakeven plus some approach. There's a lot of money that goes into the maintenance, chemicals, utilities, staffing, etc.. In addition, there is insurance, legal, all of that. But it all depends on the mission of the course, and how true they are to it. Last year's weather put a terrible strain on courses that depend on greens fees. The more members a course will sign up, generally the membership costs are higher. This goes all the way from public to private clubs. If a course limits memberships, it will usually reduce rounds played, but increase your cost for that pleasure. Courses that have other facilities also price accordingly. Some clubs give the Pro the shop earnings, or a percentage. It's a pretty difficult job to properly manage a course. Member's get the added benefits of leagues and tournaments. I look first to course quality, second to facilities. I was a member at a great 9/18 hole course that is now around 600 flat. Not much for facilities, but always perfect conditions. Another great 18 holer near me is somewhere north of $5,000 now. They have great facilities, fantastic practice areas, and I believe membership is limited to 300 or less. It is also semi-private, meaning you don't have a great chance of getting a tee time if not a member.