Golf

A private golf course is a golf course owned by a club or organization where access is generally restricted to members and guests of such club or organization. Guests of the club are normally expected to play with the sponsoring member. Access to membership at private courses vary by course. Acceptance of a new member is the final decision of the club. The following concepts are most common:

• Open membership: Any person can inquire and apply for membership. If the membership roll is currently full, the person may apply to be put on a waiting list.
• Invitation only:Some clubs accept new members only through recommendation or invitation by existing members.
• Restricted access:A person must qualify under a strict set of conditions before being accepted as a member.
• Seasonal or Annual Pass:Some clubs may sell and grant membership privileges on a seasonal or annual basis. At some clubs, these memberships are considered as trial memberships. The golfer on a trial membership must make a decision on full membership at the end of the trial period, but is not obligated to take full membership.

Membership Costs:Golf at a private club is usually more expensive than similar public courses. There are five common components of expense when being involved with a private club:

• Initiation Fee:This is a one-time payment paid at the time the person is accepted as a member.
• Share Fee: This represents the cost of the new member's share, which represents voting privileges and ownership. This share may be an equity share and depending on the club may be fully or partially refunded when the member leaves. The value of an equity share may rise and fall based on market conditions where the club is located. Depending on the club, the member may sell the share and membership to a third party. It is also paid one time.
• Share Transfer Fee:If a member sells his membership to a third party, this fee applies. Depending on the club, this may be substituted for or added to an initiation fee. This is paid once.
• Annual Dues:This annual fee covers use of the club's facilities, including green fees, locker access, and other amenities.
• Food and Drink Assessment:Each member is expected to have spend a minimum amount in the club's food and beverage services. This can be assessed on a monthly or yearly basis. Assessments vary by club and purchases that count towards the minimum assessment vary.