Since the 1880’s, US country cubs have been a place for families, couples and individuals seeking opportunities for golf and community. Country Clubs in the Treasure Valley include Crane Creek CC, Hillcrest CC, The River Club, and The Club at Spurwing. Jennifer Wilder, Membership Director of Crane Creek CC, shared that “For families new to the area, joining a country club like Crane Creek is one of the best ways to build their ‘village.’ Beyond the amenities, it’s about becoming part of a supportive and welcoming community.”
These seven factors can help uncover the best country club for you:
1. Location: Appraise the proximity to your home, its location within the city (e.g., traffic, noise), and how important it is to have a convenient commute.
2. Price: Assess the non-refundable initiation fee and monthly dues. Country clubs also commonly have food and beverage minimums and other smaller expenses including locker rental fees, cart fees, and additional costs to take lessons. Inquire about any recent or future assessment fees. Another significant expense that arises is when improvements to the club and course are needed.
3. Golf: Bear in mind the playability of the course and its practice options (e.g., putting/chipping greens, golf range, indoor golf simulators for winter play). Ask about golf lessons and how tee times are booked/reserved as well as options for leagues: reciprocity with other country clubs, pro shop offerings, and golf club demos are also factors that vary across clubs.
4. Amenities: Review social events, activities, and additional physical offerings including tennis/pickleball programs, pools, and fitness centers and classes offered. Sample and review culinary offerings and if applicable, ask about family-friendly activities and active kid programs/amenities.
5. Facilities: Examine how well facilities are maintained and consider their age. Options for dining, swimming, working out, and relaxing (e.g., saunas) as well as the locker rooms are also worth checking out. Consider banquet or event rooms for hosting gatherings outside the home. Take into account the overall feel including the design/décor and scenery, and how it fits your taste and style.
6. People: Consider the demographics including the average age of members and if there are couples, families or single individuals. Finding a community of people that fit the desired lifestyle and share similar interests is key. Visiting the club and talking with members can also help give good insight into the personality and quality of the staff which greatly impacts the club experience.
7. Rules/Ownership: Find out if the club is corporate or equity/member-owned. This affects the voting rights and the overall voice of members at the club. Also review guest policies, member rules (e.g., dress code, behavior expectations, etc.), and types of memberships offered, including social memberships versus full memberships. Caps on memberships can also be helpful to know as it can affect how crowded the club and its facilities may feel and also can affect when you can join as there may be a waitlist.
To find your way to the community best for you, schedule a visit to get a true feel your potential future home-away-from-home. When in investing in a country club, golf is a reason to join, but people are the reason to stay. it’s not about a monetary return but planting roots in a sustaining community where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came!