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 The answer often sets the tone for the rest of the conversation — and beyond. Golf worthiness, and even friendship worthiness, is sometimes judged by where we play and not how we play. Karen Jacobs, membership director at Sherwood Country Club in Thousand Oaks, summed it up best when she said: “After you join Sherwood Country Club you seem to have a lot more friends because everyone is looking for an invitation to come out here and play.” Some of the benefits of joining a country club are tangible, such as the ability to get a tee time, network and use the club’s other facilities. Others are less measurable, such as the upscale lifestyle and sense of community. In any case, and whatever it is you’re looking for, there are many private clubs in Southern California with their own allure and price tag. “Country club membership means different things to different people,” said Greg Lemmers, membership director at Pacific Golf & Country Club in San Clemente. “Some are in it for the tee time availability and smaller crowds. I think the greatest advantage is the pace of play. You pay for exclusivity.” Lemmers also said that country club memberships offer people a sense of community and belonging. “Kind of like Cheers, where everyone knows your name,” he said. Gary Maunula, membership director at Seacliff Country Club in Huntington Beach, said other advantages to a private club are quicker rounds and business contacts. “The people that play at country clubs are, for the most, part business owners. Many are affluent and of high status in their respective fields,” he said. “Golf is a great common denominator and will put you in a unique opportunity to meet and mingle with people that you may not otherwise meet. The great news is that you will see these people on a regular basis if you spend time at the club. It is an easy, no-pressure way to cultivate a relationship.” For those who spend a significant time on the road, reciprocity is another perk of country club membership, said Molly Dekold, membership director at El Niguel Country Club in Laguna Niguel. “If someone is traveling, they can have our pro call and arrange a tee time at a course where they normally wouldn’t be allowed to play,” she said. “And they can simply sign everything back to our course here.” Shirley Barto, membership director at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach, said membership at a club makes financial sense for people or families who play a lot of golf. “Public golf is costly in this area, but for one monthly fee you can play as often as you want at a club,” she said. “You can also play just a few holes or come out and practice on the driving range.” Barto also said that Old Ranch, like other country clubs, has a workout facility “so you save money by not having to have a separate membership at a fitness club.” Sherwood Country Club’s Jacobs is proud of the golf course and clubhouse that serves their membership. “People don’t get the opportunity to play a course like this or use these kind of facilities unless they are a member of our course,” she said. “People say that it’s like being on vacation when they come out here. We have a lot of land, have a beautiful setting and it’s a great place to belong that the average person doesn’t get to experience.” In addition to beauty, the A-list at Sherwood is impressive. “We have Oscar winners, professional athletes, producers and prominent businesspeople, to name a few,” Jacobs said. “It is really a special place.” N |
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