Originally Posted by
MarcArt
I have played many times at the Rideau View and I have played the Hunt as well, and I have played most other private clubs in the region, and any suggestion these two private clubs offer the only alternatives for membership with no other single option that is even close to these does not serve someone looking for a suitable equivalent to add to a prospective list of alternatives. Also, given that their conditions are similar, anyone saying that Rideau View does not compare with the Hunt must only be based on the Rideau View having fewer holes than the Hunt, a smaller driving range with individual 'matts-only' driving stations, only one putting green, and only one pitching/chipping practice area, then that might be a valid reason for differentiating those two. However, if someone feels that all other courses fall below the Hunt's quantitative standard as well, and setting conditions aside, as some have in their assessment; then we are being made to accept a premise that the Hunt is the only choice in determining a fitting membership option to add to Gabrie's list. So let's compare another club in close proximity to the Hunt, let's compare it to the Hylands... though most wouldn't, and they may have good reason, I think it is fair to do so on the quantifiable basis cited elsewhere in this thread. Let's see how these two fine clubs match up.
Proximity to the City:
Though virtually the same distance to the centre core, anyone driving on Hunt Club Road or Riverside Drive knows the traffic around the Hunt is impossible during peak hours. At peak, getting to the Hylands is so much easier, and even coming from the west at peak, using Leitrim Road to Albion Road as an alternative is never busy, especially anyone living in Riverside South or Barhaven. Hylands wins.
Number of Courses/Holes:
The Hylands has two full courses over 36 holes; while the Hunt has only 27 holes. That's 25% more at the Hylands.
The Driving Range:
One range each, both with natural turf section, and both with a high quality, single (long) matt hitting area. The Hylands' range area is twice the size of the Hunt's, and though the matts are the same quality, the matt at the Hylands' is newer.
Practice Holes, Putting & Chipping areas:
The Hylands has two practice holes, while the Hunt has none. The Hylands has four putting/chipping greens, all of which you can chip onto, while the Hunt has one putting green, one putting/chipping green, and two chipping greens. So by virtue of their numbers and multi-faceted use, Hylands is ahead.
Membership and Initiation Fees:
In their equivalent categories, the Hylands' yearly fee is $2,325 per year (which can be paid monthly, over ten months), with a $3,000 Initiation fee (which can be paid over four years if you chose the option to defer paying the first year); and though some would say the Hunt is priceless, at $23,320 including their $15,000 Initiation fee, perhaps it is... but I think the Hylands still edges the Hunt out on costs.
Overall, for those who looking for quantity and value, and if by the same premise that the Rideau View is not close in comparison to the Hunt, then nor would the Hunt be close to the Hylands, so the Hylands wins... so maybe it should be added to your list Gabrie, and in any event, good luck, and please keep us informed of your final choice.