Best Club to be a member at.

[DewDuster]

This is an interesting thread, there are some fundamental questions to ask about what type of club/membership you are looking for.

Are you looking for a private club membership or a cheaper per round playing pass? Do you want to entertain clients, does prestige factor matter, have a place where you would actually have a meal at without playing golf, what type of service do you expect, course accessibility, location, clubhouse, number of outside tournaments etc.

The first thing you will hear from a member at courses like Ottawa Hunt, Royal Ottawa, Camelot, Rivermead is how much they enjoy their golf courses. From Clublink Ottawa members, normally the first thing you usually hear is all the other courses they can play for free. Speaking only for myself, I don’t get tired of playing Ottawa Hunt and I know members at the other clubs mentioned say the same about theirs. The fact I can play top end private courses in Montreal and Toronto for free is a secondary benefit.

I’ve played all the Clublink Ottawa courses several times. I don’t hate them, don’t love them, am just indifferent. They are not terrible but nothing special. I enjoy playing them mainly because I get to spend some time with my friends who are members there. To each their own, but off the top of my head, the 4 do not rate in the top ten in Ottawa, maybe one or two at most.

The only reason to join Kanata Lakes at 22,500 for initiation, over the Hunt, Royal or Camelot for close to the same price, would be for location if you live in Kanata. It’s a pretty good golf course offset by a terrible layout in a housing development.

Greyhawk is in the middle. You could go cheaper with an annual pass at a public/semi-private course or a bit more expensive with Rivermead, Rideauview. From the times I’ve been out there, the service has been quite good and friendly.

Both places host a large number of outside tournaments, especially for private clubs.

Le Maitre is great and I’ve heard good things about the Muskoka courses, but even if I vacation in both places, 90% of my rounds are played here in Ottawa and being able to play there for free doesn’t offset the benefit I receive from playing a better course 90% of the time. Of course I still can go play these courses, I just have to pay.

All that being said, I certainly see the benefits of joining Clublink but it is more the sum of all parts making up for the average golf courses in Ottawa compared to other private clubs. The benefit of being able to play at different courses is not as big of a factor when you belong to a great course.

[MrMulligan]

So please stop implying that (a) Clublink is perfect (b) other people are stupid not to be a member, and (c) that membership at less expensive courses is inherently plebeian.

I guess you must be misreading my posts Jonf. Never do imply Clublink being perfect, I would never say anyone is stupid for not joining and nor do I think anything less of non-Clublink members. What I am saying is that Clublink is the probably the best option for someone considering the purchase of a membership.

If you play a variety of courses and travel 40-60 minutes to get to any of the courses, the fact that you can play 7 courses (and not pay green fees) located within a 90 minute drive is significant. There are courses in Ottawa better than the Clublink courses and Clubhouses far more spectacular than any of the Clublink ones but in terms of getting your money's worth there is no contest.

I have played 8 rounds at Le Maitre ($105 green fee), 2 at Fontainebleau ($100 green fee), 11 in Toronto (average $120 green fee) that equates to roughly $2300 in green fees I would have paid. Not to mention the 30+ rounds I have shot at the Ottawa courses.

Am I pleased with my choice of membership? Damn right! But don't insult me by alleging that I think anyone is beneath me. That, my friend, is NOT how I think at all...

I think if a person starts a thread asking "Best club to be a member at", I'm not sure that variety would be a number one concern here. If you want to be a member at a club, odds are you're interested in finding a course that you can play all the time and love.......Most people who are venturing into the club membership category, don't have variety on top of their list obviously.

If you ask Clublink members whether or not the reciprocal play was a factor in purchasing their membership I guarantee at least 80% of would say it is number one or two on their list. Besides, if other private courses in the region are setting up reciprocal play privileges with courses in other cities it only stands to reason that their membership must be requesting they do this for them...

[Txxxxxxx]

I guess you must be misreading my posts Jonf. Never do imply Clublink being perfect, I would never say anyone is stupid for not joining and nor do I think anything less of non-Clublink members. What I am saying is that Clublink is the probably the best option for someone considering the purchase of a membership.

If you play a variety of courses and travel 40-60 minutes to get to any of the courses, the fact that you can play 7 courses (and not pay green fees) located within a 90 minute drive is significant. There are courses in Ottawa better than the Clublink courses and Clubhouses far more spectacular than any of the Clublink ones but in terms of getting your money's worth there is no contest.

I have played 8 rounds at Le Maitre ($105 green fee), 2 at Fontainebleau ($100 green fee), 11 in Toronto (average $120 green fee) that equates to roughly $2300 in green fees I would have paid. Not to mention the 30+ rounds I have shot at the Ottawa courses.

Am I pleased with my choice of membership? Damn right! But don't insult me by alleging that I think anyone is beneath me. That, my friend, is NOT how I think at all...



If you ask Clublink members whether or not the reciprocal play was a factor in purchasing their membership I guarantee at least 80% of would say it is number one or two on their list. Besides, if other private courses in the region are setting up reciprocal play privileges with courses in other cities it only stands to reason that their membership must be requesting they do this for them...

You're talking about CLUBLINK MEMBERS, I'm talking about the people looking to get a membership to A course like the person who created this thread.

Dewduster explains it very well. He's basically summed up my thoughts. I don't think that 80% of private course members, lets say Hunt Club or Rivermead members, joined their course because the head pro can set up reciprocal games at other courses. It's a very different atmosphere and experience compared to a public course or semi-private for that matter.

I think the other reason that ClubLink members would agree the reciprocal play was high on their list is because I can't think of one Ottawa ClubLink course that compares to Rivermead or The Hunt condition wise, or clubhouse wise, so yeah, I wouldn't want to always have to golf at that single course. It's a good deal because it combines average and a bit above average courses when you join, but if you want awesome conditions and a private course atmosphere, then ClubLink is not going to compare to a private course.

[Big Johnny69]

EG makes some good points. I was lucky enough recently to be invited out to play the Rideau View golf course and I couldn't thank the very kind member enough for inviting me out. And to sum it up in one word, AWESOME. If I had the funds to join there I can assure you I wouldn't get tired of playing that course. It is a great challenge and the conditions were phenomenal. From the staff, to the practice facility. Just a great experience. I can see the benefits of ClubLink, but I can also see how some would be more than satisfied with the private club atmosphere.

[albatrossman]

Private golf clubs have to compete with Clublink in order to survive. I believe that is the reason for the increase in reciprocal agreements at most private clubs. People who join private clubs tend to view reciprocals as a bonus, but decide to join a club based almost exclusively on the features of the course. I have not taken advantage of the reciprocal arrangements offered by my club because it costs time and money (gas, meals, etc.) to travel to these courses. Since I love my home course, I do not feel a strong desire to play these other clubs at the present time. Perhaps when I am retired and have more time to spare, then I will be more inclined to play the courses with which we have eciprocal playing privileges.

[Colby]

Again, EG is comparing courses that have been around for decades with courses that have been there less than 2, and with Greyhawk, Talon is less than 5 years old. Let's see what these courses are like in 25 years and start comparing again...

[Sakuraba]

You could be a member at renfrew for 22 years with the initiation you're quoting (DewDuster's post) for Kanata Lakes. That difference pays for a lot of gas. I reiterate my original position, Renfrew is the best for me.

[Txxxxxxx]

Again, EG is comparing courses that have been around for decades with courses that have been there less than 2, and with Greyhawk, Talon is less than 5 years old. Let's see what these courses are like in 25 years and start comparing again...

It doesn't matter how long the course has been around or not. Northern Bear is 3 years old(www.northernbeargolf.com) and it blows away Eagle Creek for conditions. It's all about how much money you have and how well you maintain the course.

That being said, the question by the thread starter again is "BEST CLUB TO BE A MEMBER AT". Why would we not compare ALL courses in this case to give the guy a good idea of what there is out there? Are you saying you can only compare courses of the same age against each other when trying to find the best one to join? I don't understand your logic...

[albatrossman]

Colby, when I shell out a significant amount of change for an initiation fee, I want a superior home course now. I may not be here in 25 years. For that matter, it is possible that Clublink may not be here in 25 years. What guarantee do you have that they will maintain/improve the courses? I don't have that guarantee either, but at least I know that my course has operated successfully for almost 100 years and I will have a say in how the course operates in the future. I also have a certain comfort level because my private course doesn't need to generate a healthy profit to keep its shareholders happy. In my opinion, Clublink is best for those like MrMulligan that are able to play lots of games at their out-of-town courses or who plan to move to the Toronto, Mont Tremblant, or Muskoka areas in the foreseeable future.

[Marcos]

I for one refuse to pay out an initiation fee that you will never get back.Club LInk
is out to make money thats it. Lots of great courses in the city to join that wont break your bank account and offer top service for your buck.e.g. Outaouais , The Canadian
Eagle Creek,and the list goes on.Save your money and invest it you will be glad you did in the long run.

[Colby]

It doesn't matter how long the course has been around or not. Northern Bear is 3 years old(www.northernbeargolf.com) and it blows away Eagle Creek for conditions. It's all about how much money you have and how well you maintain the course.

That being said, the question by the thread starter again is "BEST CLUB TO BE A MEMBER AT". Why would we not compare ALL courses in this case to give the guy a good idea of what there is out there? Are you saying you can only compare courses of the same age against each other when trying to find the best one to join? I don't understand your logic...

My logic is this. It takes a while for courses to grow in. They may have spent a ton of money on Northern Bear, who knows. The courses at Greyhawk are growing in and maturing, because that is the route they chose to go. And instead of paying $4000 a year and $1500 in food and beverage, I'm paying 2700 and 600 knowing what I can expect for conditions. And they have been improving year after year.

Albatrossman, I didn't shell out a huge initiation fee, and I have patience. I have seen improvments every year. And do you know what the initiation is at Rivermead? I see that no-one has actually posted the numbers from there, especially since that is the course brought up most in the conversation. If we are going to compare, let's see what the numbers really say...

Marcos, there are always ways to get your money back for the initiation at Clublink...

[Marcos]

Marcos, there are always ways to get your money back for the initiation at Clublink...

Can you please explain?

[DewDuster]

Can you please explain?

Pretty sure it has to do with how the corporate memberships are set up. You can "transfer" it to someone else in the same company. Probably supposed to actually work in the same company but I've believe Clublink turns a blind eye to this so you can probably sell it to anyone. Loophole maybe, but Colby's right, it is possible.

If I left the Hunt, I would end up basically walking away from my initiation. I would get a share, which would allow me to receive my portion of proceeds of the club if it was ever dissolved and sold. Very unlikely, but still some fallback in worst case scenario as we are sitting on some prime real estate.

Most private clubs in Ottawa are like this with the exception of Camelot which is a true equity club.

Even with the Clublink loophole, probably best when considering all private courses (sans Camelot) that if you left you will kiss your initiation goodbye. You can put it on hold as a non-resident for a small fee per year in case you ever move back.

[Colby]

Pretty sure it has to do with how the corporate memberships are set up. You can "transfer" it to someone else in the same company. Probably supposed to actually work in the same company but I've believe Clublink turns a blind eye to this so you can probably sell it to anyone. Loophole maybe, but Colby's right, it is possible.

That's correct...

[Marcos]

Thats funny i was told when we were thinking of joining ClubLink when we were at le Dome 4 years ago that initiation was transferable to your children only.They must have changed their policy through the years .

[BC MIST]

The quality of the golf courses at which you may play, obviously depends on your budget. For those well heeled, the private clubs are ideal, Club link sounds great for those with a little less disposable income and so on down the financial line.

I paid $12,500 for a lifetime membership at Greensmere. We have 9 good holes, 9 less than good holes and 18 more holes under construction that will be better than the back nine we now have. The practice facility is great, food poor and I have accessability to any starting time, any day of the week.

I will pay NOTHING further till the day I die, and receive 50% discount on power carts and a 25% discount on Pro shop purchases and all food, for life. Should I decide to leave in the next few years, I will get all of my $12,500 back. ALL OF IT!

If there are no deer crossing the road I can be at the golf club in 2 minutes and I don't have to be concerned about the noise from adjacent swimming pools or back yard parties while I am putting.

It may not be Rivermead or Carleton G&YC, where I was once played as a member, but it suits my Pepsi budget and I enjoy it. Find me a better deal.

[zoic]

I was not aware of these lifetime memberships at Greensmere, but if I had the disposable income to do anything big like that, I would be jumping all of that offer for sure. I think you made a good investment.

[Txxxxxxx]

The quality of the golf courses at which you may play, obviously depends on your budget. For those well heeled, the private clubs are ideal, Club link sounds great for those with a little less disposable income and so on down the financial line.

I paid $12,500 for a lifetime membership at Greensmere. We have 9 good holes, 9 less than good holes and 18 more holes under construction that will be better than the back nine we now have. The practice facility is great, food poor and I have accessability to any starting time, any day of the week.

I will pay NOTHING further till the day I die, and receive 50% discount on power carts and a 25% discount on Pro shop purchases and all food, for life. Should I decide to leave in the next few years, I will get all of my $12,500 back. ALL OF IT!

If there are no deer crossing the road I can be at the golf club in 2 minutes and I don't have to be concerned about the noise from adjacent swimming pools or back yard parties while I am putting.

It may not be Rivermead or Carleton G&YC, where I was once played as a member, but it suits my Pepsi budget and I enjoy it. Find me a better deal.

That's a great deal for sure especially because of location.

One thing that is nice about some of the courses we have out here that are public is that they are the same or better calibre than Eagle Creek without any initiation. You can join and pay a fee of $3000/year which includes use of power cart for each round and unlimited golf. It also includes signing priviledges for the clubhouse and pro shop. There are no other fees on top of that and no initiation to pay. Now THAT is a great deal if you ask me for that kind of course.

[albatrossman]

Colby, I believe that Rivermead has a full membership now and they are revising their initiation fee upwards. It is on the order of $10,000. Annual dues, locker room, and food/beverage are ~$4500/year. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but it costs money to maintain a course in excellent condition and keep a high quality food service year-round.

[Indio]

One of the main reasons I sold my share and left Outaouais was because they reduced their initiation fee down to $1500 (spouse $1000 & Corporate $2000) That kind of rendered my share that I paid almost $8000 for pretty useless. I was very fortunate to unload it for services (interlock wallway & steps, stone flowerbeds & yard paving) as well as a few thousand in cash. I understand some shares have been selling for $3500 to $4000 lately. The other reason I left was because the increased a shareholders yearly dues up to that of a regualr member and on top of that assessed all the shareholder and additional $1500! That made being members for my wife and I way to expensive for the benefits of a 'semi-private' club.

[lastplace]

One of the main reasons I sold my share and left Outaouais was because they reduced their initiation fee down to $1500 (spouse $1000 & Corporate $2000) That kind of rendered my share that I paid almost $8000 for pretty useless. I was very fortunate to unload it for services (interlock wallway & steps, stone flowerbeds & yard paving) as well as a few thousand in cash. I understand some shares have been selling for $3500 to $4000 lately. The other reason I left was because the increased a shareholders yearly dues up to that of a regualr member and on top of that assessed all the shareholder and additional $1500! That made being members for my wife and I way to expensive for the benefits of a 'semi-private' club.

I feel for you there as I had the same thing happen. However, in the long run I think you will find that Outaouais offers a lot of course for the pittance you pay for the membership (see Kanata, rideau view etc.) Last year was painful, but I am hopeful for the future. I hear there is a movement to make it fully private. That will mean increased membership rates, but I think it will increase quality.

Personally, I would much prefer a private course over a semi-private or club link style course. However, budget does play a huge part in this equation. Proximity also facors in as BC mist points out. I'm 8 minutes from Outaouais, so it makes sense.

[Indio]

I feel for you there as I had the same thing happen. However, in the long run I think you will find that Outaouais offers a lot of course for the pittance you pay for the membership (see Kanata, rideau view etc.) Last year was painful, but I am hopeful for the future. I hear there is a movement to make it fully private. That will mean increased membership rates, but I think it will increase quality.

Personally, I would much prefer a private course over a semi-private or club link style course. However, budget does play a huge part in this equation. Proximity also facors in as BC mist points out. I'm 8 minutes from Outaouais, so it makes sense.

It was too bad, cause it is a great 27 hole course. There has been a move afoot for a few years by a few of the members to make it private. The Rockland 'money' would love to take the course over and privatize it nd leave the Est course for public play to get cash. I personally don't see it happening because of the shareholders. But you never know

[Txxxxxxx]

Colby, I believe that Rivermead has a full membership now and they are revising their initiation fee upwards. It is on the order of $10,000. Annual dues, locker room, and food/beverage are ~$4500/year. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but it costs money to maintain a course in excellent condition and keep a high quality food service year-round.

That's not very much for the service and course you get.

[lastplace]

That's not very much for the service and course you get.

Could not agree more. Played there three times this year and it is phenominal. If I wasn't 1 hour away from there, my name would be on the waiting list right now! I love my course (Outaouais) but the mead is in another class. I would say the same thing about Rideau View.

[Txxxxxxx]

Could not agree more. Played there three times this year and it is phenominal. If I wasn't 1 hour away from there, my name would be on the waiting list right now! I love my course (Outaouais) but the mead is in another class. I would say the same thing about Rideau View.

I used to drive from the East end to Rivermead almost every single day to play or eat. It's worth the drive in my opinion.

Are you a member at Outaouais? I'll be in town next month for a couple of weeks and I'll be playing with another member there if you're interested in joining us. Just PM me next month and I'll get your contact details.

[lastplace]

I used to drive from the East end to Rivermead almost every single day to play or eat. It's worth the drive in my opinion.

Are you a member at Outaouais? I'll be in town next month for a couple of weeks and I'll be playing with another member there if you're interested in joining us. Just PM me next month and I'll get your contact details.

PM Sent

[BC MIST]

One of the main reasons I sold my share and left Outaouais was because they reduced their initiation fee down to $1500 (spouse $1000 & Corporate $2000) That kind of rendered my share that I paid almost $8000 for pretty useless. I was very fortunate to unload it for services (interlock wallway & steps, stone flowerbeds & yard paving) as well as a few thousand in cash. I understand some shares have been selling for $3500 to $4000 lately. The other reason I left was because the increased a shareholders yearly dues up to that of a regualr member and on top of that assessed all the shareholder and additional $1500! That made being members for my wife and I way to expensive for the benefits of a 'semi-private' club.

When I joined Outaouais, 44 years ago the cost of a share was $100. However, I could not buy a share because my name ended in "er" instead of "re." True story. I assume that things have changed.

[Txxxxxxx]

When I joined Outaouais, 44 years ago the cost of a share was $100. However, I could not buy a share because my name ended in "er" instead of "re." True story. I assume that things have changed.

Are you still a member?

[Indio]

When I joined Outaouais, 44 years ago the cost of a share was $100. However, I could not buy a share because my name ended in "er" instead of "re." True story. I assume that things have changed.

Yup, it is a true story, I lived it 12 years ago and when I recently sold my share, the purshaser had to sign a 'waiver ' agreeing that he would not make an issue over receiving 'official' documents in the language of the club.

[Colby]

Colby, I believe that Rivermead has a full membership now and they are revising their initiation fee upwards. It is on the order of $10,000. Annual dues, locker room, and food/beverage are ~$4500/year. I know it sounds like a lot of money, but it costs money to maintain a course in excellent condition and keep a high quality food service year-round.

I don't disagree, I was just looking at the numbers to compare. Thanks.