Interested in opinions and advice from my learned colleagues at PRE.
Having retired and now had both knees fixed I am looking to get back into golf. Live in Richmond and have spent the last four months playing Royal Burnley (9 holes now open) and Yarra Bend, both public tracks. I am a snob and dont enjoy playing behind slow and ignorant golfers who dont have any etiquette. Unfortunately that is par for the course for the courses where I am playing. And yes I understand we all have to start somewhere, and also yes I am not that good a golfer, probably a low 20's handicapper with a hope of getting that down to mid teens.
I have joined Future Golf and can play 12 games per year at various courses around Victoria (haven't played one yet). Future Golf will also get me an official handicap which as I stated is likely to be low 20's.
My budget is not unlimited. I would love to join a private course with playing rights Monday to Friday only but can't believe (or afford) the massive joining fees being touted - $10,000 is too much. Happy to pay $3,000 a year for playing rights but struggle to justify the large initial outlay required.
Any recommendation or suggestions accepted.
Cheers T44
Future Golf is a great way to play all the best courses without having a membership. I am a few years away with work/kids to have the time to play 2 times a week & practice - which I think you have to be able to play to justify the expense (unless money is no object).
I am a member of FG and play a lot of the 2-man ambrose events as well as a few Stableford events. They are a bit of fun (they provide food also) and you get access to heaps of courses (almost all other than The National/PK).
I have played at Metro (overrated IMO, greens were poor), Spring Valley, Barnbougle (was a great trip), Rosebud, Southern, Moonah Links, The Dunes...
They have played at Kingston Heath & Royal Melb, I did not play those events.
Personally, if you live in the South-East, Rosebud Country Club would be the best value membership around. Good courses, comps 7 days a week and apparently a pretty relaxed vibe.
If you can afford the shares, The National is the best value membership for what you get IMO. But about $50K for the shares and I think $5500 annual subs. But those shares are likely to maintain their value and they are in the process of upgrading Long island which should be a ripper track once finished to add to the 3 great tracks at The National itself.
