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 Immaculate conditioning is one main selling point of private facilities (Pictured: Shady Canyon). 1. Conditions Venues and course types differ, but almost all private clubs are in pristine condition. Fewer golfers on a daily basis means fewer divots and less foot traffic on the greens. Plus, many facilities shut down on Mondays to allow for thorough course maintenance. Quotable: “You play better course conditions day in and day out. You not only get a better product, you can use it.” — Paul Devine, PGA general manager at Oceanside’s El Camino Country Club. 2. Efficiency If you’re a stickler for pace of play, golf at a private club is an enticing proposition. Because members have a vested interest in the quality of the golf experience for themselves and others, pace of play is usually less than four hours per round. Quotable: “Generally, you’re in an environment where you can play when you want to in a timely manner. You just don’t have five-hour rounds.” — Perry Dickey, president and chief operating officer at Newport Beach Country Club. 3. Camaraderie Friendship, community and peace of mind are pillars of any club. Private venues value the sanctity of personal relationships and take great pride in being respites from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Not only can family members come to a club and enjoy golf, but they can meet their friends and fellow club members for a meal or drink, relax at the pool, or arrange business meetings. Quotable: “Camaraderie is the highest level of importance.” — Mark W. Costa, vice president of marketing and membership development at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights. 4. Membership variety Membership costs differ, but avid golfers and their families shouldn’t assume a club is out of their price range. Rounds at top daily-fee courses can add up, and since many private clubs have packages for families as well as memberships for activities besides golf, the investment often can be justified as a wise one for certain people. Quotable: “Once you join a club, you have a monthly fee where you can play unlimited golf. It doesn’t take much to offset daily-fee cost if you play once a week at the club.” — Perry Dickey. 5. Little things It could be the warm and familiar greeting of the starter. Or how the waiter knows the number of olives to put in your martini. Private club staffs work hard to know members and keep them happy, and isn’t happiness what it’s all about? Quotable: “When an individual finds the right club, there’s a level of happiness and contentment that comes along. At a time when there’s so much stress in daily life, a positive outlook and good mental health certainly helps you navigate through the day. I believe the club plays a key role in that.” — Mark W. Costa. Private Eyes: Our favorite Southern California country clubs Hacienda Golf Club Newport Beach Country Club Los Angeles Country Club Madison Club Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe Bel-Air Country Club Shady Canyon Golf Club Virginia Country Club The Farms Riviera Country Club |
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| Comment at 9/2/2011 |
