Well, I finally pulled the trigger on the golf membership. Our club had a pretty reasonable junior associate initiation and reduced monthly dues if you are 35 or less. For those who are curious you can check out Raindance National. I pulled the trigger right before my 35th birthday. We did the family membership, we have two boys 4 and 5.
I will say, I was on the fence for several years. The monthly dues are pretty steep, and playing in Colorado you are really only guaranteed golf for 7 months out of the year, with a few rounds sprinkled in the off season.
Bottom line, it has been life changing. My 5 year old will start kindergarten next year, and preschool ends at 10:30. So as far as “babysitting” goes, golfing is about as good as it gets. In the past month my 5 year old and I have golfed 16 times and practiced several other days. We have gone out as a family a few times too. My 5 year old has become a straight up addict. He gets pretty upset when we only get to play 9 holes. The first thing he asks after I pick him up from preschool is, “Are we going golfing?” We pack a lunch, and snacks. I let him play from most of the forward tee boxes (5000yds) or tee up on the fairway. He has carded his first par and he couldn’t be more proud. He has learned a ton of etiquette about the game. It has also been nice to expose him to more adult interactions.
Although it wasn’t necessarily the goal, my health has improved. I have lost 10lbs in the past month. Golfing with my son has taught me a ton of patience. I have had to significantly change my vocabulary on the golf course and demonstrate resiliency to set a good example for my kids.
Another perk at my course is that my guests get 50% off. Which makes playing this course extremely competitive with the other courses in the area. Additionally, I can book an early morning Friday/Saturday tee time on the same Friday or Saturday morning. I love not having to book tee times 10 days in advance.
Feel free to use any of my points if you are debating a membership with your significant other. Worth it.