How to Play Private Golf Courses
I'm not a member at a private club but I LOVE to play them whenever I have the chance. From the moment I am invited out to the moment I pull out of the driveway, I'm sure to take in as much as possible because it's usually a special experience.
What Makes Private Clubs Great
Don't be mislead by what I'm about to write. There are plenty of public courses I would rather play than some country clubs. If you're from the Pennsylvania area, Glen Mills comes to mind. However, private clubs offer a few things I personally enjoy.
- Tradition: I love the tradition of a private club. I enjoy arriving as a guest and learning about the history. Whether it's the clubhouse or locker room, each course has a tradition that makes it unique. I always ask questions when I go so I can learn and usually members love to tell me about their club. I learned recently I was in a foursome with a 7 or 8 time club champion... yes, he was very good.
- Course Conditions: People pay a lot of money (in some cases more than my annual salary) to join these clubs so they expect the best. They hire some of the best groundskeepers around and it's understood the course is to be in great shape at all times. The thing I notice most between public and private course is the greens. They are usually immaculate at these private clubs.
- Pace of Play: If you're a "weekend warrior" like me, you know what it's like to play a 5+ hour round. It's frustrating. I can only think of one time I was waiting on a tee box at a private club and it didn't happen until the 16th tee. They usually have less people on the course and members know their course so it plays quicker.
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