How to Join a Golf Club

Joining a golf club can have numerous physical, social, and mental health benefits. Whether you’re playing 18 holes, indulging in a gourmet meal in the clubhouse, lounging under a cabana at the pool, or elevating your heart rate at the fitness center, the possibilities are endless with golf club memberships. If these amenities pique your interest, stick around — we'll teach you how to find a golf club or country club that is right for you and how to take the first steps in joining. 

Why Join a Country Club?

While the name might suggest otherwise, a golf club offers far more than access to the award-winning golf course. If you're on the fence about purchasing a membership, know that you'll have complete access to various amenities and activities that make it well worth the investment. Here are some noteworthy benefits of joining a golf club.

1. Wide Variety of Activities

Aside from unlimited access to the golf course, you can enjoy a variety of other amenities with your golf club membership. You can hone your physical and mental wellness at the fitness center. You can relax poolside on a sunny day. Or you can satisfy your craving for a luxurious meal at the on-site restaurant in the clubhouse. You can also build long lasting friendships at one of the many social events throughout the year. Whatever the mood calls for, you'll have plenty of activities to enjoy with your membership.

2. Socialization Opportunities

Country clubs are highly community-oriented, providing countless opportunities to cultivate friendships, network, and celebrate holidays together. Members can enjoy each other's company over cocktails and memorable cuisine, a friendly game of golf, or a heart pounding group fitness class. Joining a country club is a prime opportunity to meet new people with similar interests and hobbies.

3. Stress Reduction and Relaxation

Everyone knows that movement and exercise is a natural stress reliever. What better way to enjoy that benefit than hitting a few golf balls, unwinding by the pool, or taking a yoga class at the fitness center? In fact, 98% of participants in one survey said golf is an excellent way to alleviate stress and improve their mental health.Country clubs also help promote relaxation and reduce stress through socialization opportunities. Research shows that getting plugged into a community reduces feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and isolation. 

4. Access to Events

Another valuable part of a golf club membership is access to the various events throughout the year, like:

• Wine tasting.
• Golf tournaments.
• Themed dinners.
• Live music.
• Holiday and seasonal events.

How to Get a Golf Membership

1. Do Your Research

The first step involves doing your homework and scouting different country clubs in your local area. Depending on where you live and what amenities are most important to you, you might have an extensive list of clubs to choose from. However, each one will vary in its offerings, so be sure to narrow down your list based on the amenities you're looking for.
You should also establish your budget during the initial research phase. Determine how much you can comfortably spend on the initiation fee and the monthly membership fees. Try to choose a club that aligns with your financial needs while still offering the amenities you desire.
Make sure to ask about annual assessments or additional costs that are not added into the monthly dues. You might have to dig a little deeper to confirm your budget will cover these additional costs.
Once you've condensed your list to roughly one to three options, it's time to proceed to the next step.

2. Contact the Membership Director

The next step in the process will be to connect with the Membership Director. The Membership Director will answer any question you have and walk you through the entire membership process. They can explain the different membership options and help you determine which option would be the best fit for you. At this point, if the club offers everything you are looking for, meets your expectations, and is within your budget, you will want to schedule a tour of the club. 

3. Tour the Club

While most country clubs have venue photos on their websites, pictures simply can't do them justice. That's why we recommend an in-person look at the venue before you become a member.
Your tour will most likely include the golf course, clubhouse, fitness center, pool, and the mens/ladies locker rooms. You should also be introduced to key staff members such as the owner or General Manager, the Head Golf Professional, the Food & Beverage Director, and even the Executive Chef. In some cases, you may even get the opportunity to play a round of golf and experience dinner at the clubhouse. This will help you determine if the club is right for you. 

4. Complete a Membership Application

Once you have confidently decided on a club and membership option that is right for you, it's time to begin the application process. 
The application should be straightforward. You will be asked to provide basic personal information, contact information, photo identification and, in some cases, reference's name and contact information. Additionally, you may be required to complete a credit and background check. Golf clubs often conduct these checks to confirm your ability and likelihood to pay your membership fees. Many clubs require a credit score of 700 or higher, though some have lowered this number to 650.In some cases, you may be required to complete an interview with current club members, the membership committee, or the board of directors. The interview typically covers: 

• Your career and educational background.
  
• Why you are interested in becoming a member.
• How you plan to use the club's amenities.
• What you hope to get out of your club membership.

Is a Golf Club Membership Worth It?

If you hit the greens often, are looking to build lasting connections, and enjoy the social ambiance of a vibrant dining scene, a golf club membership is very much worth the purchase.
Avid golfers usually find golf club memberships to be a more practical investment than heading to a public course every week. Private clubs typically have more tee time availability, faster pace of play, and higher-quality, better-maintained greens than public courses, offering you much more value.

Contact The Club at Ravenna Today

The Club at Ravenna is a private golf club in Littleton, Colorado that offers exemplary service, unpretentious luxury, and a coveted sense of community. As your go-to lifestyle retreat, we have various amenities and services available at our stunning 634-acre resort, including:

• Access to our award-winning golf course, mountain style golf course.
• The Villa Ravena, our Italian-inspired clubhouse complete with a Tuscan-style wine grotto, mens and ladies locker rooms, and vibrant bar and dining room.
• State-of-the-art fitness center with group fitness classes.
• Resort-style pool complete with private cabanas.
• Casual and fine dining options.
• A full calendar of social events.