Trying to decide on value, if it's there. Have a chance to join Sugar Tree golf club in Lipan for $1k initiation and $305 a month special they have for active military members. For that I get unlimited golf, range, clubhouse, and par 3 access. Membership extends to myself, spouse, and kids. Kids like to play and right now if two of us go it's about $120 in green fees. We live about 5 miles from the course. There's not a lot of closer courses to us and Sugar Tree is very nice for where it is. Never had a membership before and wondering pros/cons.

Two biggest questions that you need to answer to determine if it's worth it.

Does that include cart fees?
Is there a monthly food and beverage min?

Those will likely determine whether it's a good deal for you personally.

Do you get access to the tee sheet before non-members? If so, this is a no brainer.

100% yes a deal

another overlooked aspect that feeds off how much will you use it...

if you pay normal rate you defintely want to get 18 holes in. But what about the days/times you only have a couple of hours and would like to go hit balls. is the range public? if so, whats the cost?

or do they offer a 9 hole rate?

don't just factor in getting full 18....factor in would you use range more? would you just go play 9?

Don't overthink this one. That's as good of a deal you will find for a decent to good 18 hole course near the metroplex. Only downside is JJ Killeen is the pro and a Horned Frog.

terradactylexpress said:

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Agreed, the value comes from being able to jump on at almost any time the day of or day before, and also being able to consistently play rounds under 4hrs imo


It's almost never a good deal from just a pure number sense

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You forgot not having to worry about some jackass picking up your ball on an errant shot.

EDIT: FORGOT THIS COURSE IS SEMI-PRIVATE. STILL APRETTY GOOD DEAL THOUGH IF FAMILY PLAYS.

98Ag99Grad said:

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I have never seen the value in joining a place that was semi-private and still allowed public tee times/public play regardless of how far in advance a member could make a tee time, which is typically 2 weeks in advance. Its still going to get a lot of traffic and be crowded. Looks like the weekend rate is $69 plus tax for public play; so basically playing every Saturday of the month is the same as being a member. I'd pass on the membership personally.

The Busta Jack guys played here recently and it does look like a fun layout.

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I have no idea of the normal traffic, but we played there this past Sunday and it wasn't busy (3.5 hr round and minimal people on the range/practice green). It may be isolated enough to never get too busy.

I think one of things I also considered was being able to run out there with my son on late afternoons and take in 9 holes a few times per month as well just because I could. Not sure how often members to clubs actually do this though.

Teslag said:

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I think one of things I also considered was being able to run out there with my son on late afternoons and take in 9 holes a few times per month as well just because I could. Not sure how often members to clubs actually do this though.

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I do a lot of after work golf when we're on Daylight Savings Time. As others have mentioned and as you say here, to me there's a lot of value in just being able to go out and play golf any time, even if it's not a full 18 holes. Being able to do it with kids is an added bonus. If they're only into it for 4 or 6 holes, that's fine. Enjoy it and come back another day. I think it looks like a good deal for you.

I'll say this though. You're going to spend more out there than you think you will. Cart fees, afternoon drinks, burgers by the pool, pro shop purchase here and there, etc. They all add up.

Remember that Kate evening stuff only works part of the year bc it gets dark. Also in evening in August too hot

Just ask them how many round s they did last year and how many were public vs private. They'll know

Also....vast majority of memberships to golf clubs are negotiable. The covid years and popularity still is hindering that a little but but it's coming down. Especially if not a high density or traffic area ..or Houston Dallas or BCS

Based on their initiation rate I'd bet they'd give you a better deal

Gotcha
Thanks for your service. But you guys should get more!

98Ag99Grad said:

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I have never seen the value in joining a place that was semi-private and still allowed public tee times/public play regardless of how far in advance a member could make a tee time, which is typically 2 weeks in advance. Its still going to get a lot of traffic and be crowded. Looks like the weekend rate is $69 plus tax for public play; so basically playing every Saturday of the month is the same as being a member. I'd pass on the membership personally.

The Busta Jack guys played here recently and it does look like a fun layout.

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I somewhat agree. Except if they have additional practice facilities for members and other amenities for the family.

I've seen semi private or places with 2 courses where 1 is private and 1 is public where there is a separate range and short game practice area only for the members that the public can't access or have an equivalent to. If the kids just like to play, that probably doesn't matter. If they're actually trying to play competitively, it can matter.

Of course private gym, pool, etc. from the social side also matters.

Teslag said:

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This is a military only deal that's considerably less than their current regular deal (their membership prices on the website are out of date). I don't feel comfortable pushing them further when I'm already getting discount for my service.

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I hear you, but if done politely and respectful the worst they can say is "that's the deal".

This is business, not a friendship.

Be prepared to tell them what you would agree to and be ready to sign.

AgLA06 said:

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Teslag said:

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This is a military only deal that's considerably less than their current regular deal (their membership prices on the website are out of date). I don't feel comfortable pushing them further when I'm already getting discount for my service.

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I hear you, but if done politely and respectful the worst they can say is "that's the deal".

This is business, not a friendship.

Be prepared to tell them what you would agree to and be ready to sign.

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Things to ask for that they might include.
- Locker's, they can run $100-350/year,
- Will they throw one in 1 year maybe 6 months of a cart plan.
- 1 month free
- if they charge for range balls (i hope they dont) include those

I'd look at adding perks versus trying to drive the cost down, worst they can say is no.