Southern California offers plenty of courses to choose from when looking for a home course. You can go for a local public course that offers memberships or you can join a private club if that is of interest to you.
Here are some ideas to help you choose a home course in Southern California.
Private or Public
If you have the money to spend, joining a private club is probably the best option for you. Private clubs offer the best way to play golf on a worry free basis because you can head out to the course whenever you want. Private clubs also offer reciprocals with other courses that allow you to play some great tracks.
Semi-private and public courses are also a great option because you don't have to commit a lot of money and you still have the luxury of playing golf whenever you want. Joining a golf club at a public course is a great way to meet new people, while still getting to play great golf.
Location
Living in Southern California is always about location. The same can be said for golf. Make sure you are looking at courses that suit your location first. There is no point in joining a golf club that is an hour drive from your home because you will end up spending more time and money getting to the course than it actually costs to be a member of it.
Join a local course that you can easily get to without having to worry about sitting in traffic. Being able to get to a course quickly can open up the rest of your day when you finish your round.
Difficulty Level
Figure out what type of golfer you are and join a club that suits your needs. Playing golf is about having fun and the course you pick should accommodate your skill level. Courses will usually let you play a round or two if you are thinking about joining so you can get a feel for the toughness of the course.
Talk to Members
The best way to get to know a course is to speak to members of the club. Ask them what it's like to be a member of the club on a daily basis. See what perks they offer to their members. Another big issue to consider is whether or not you are looking for a family oriented club.
Some golf courses are more geared towards junior and family golf, so check with the membership director or golf professional to see what they offer.
Rules Policies
Country clubs are known for having strict dress codes and no cell phone policies. Find out what rules and policies a club has before joining. If you are a business professional and you need to be in constant contact with your clients, make sure the club will allow you to use your cell phone anywhere on the grounds.
A good guest policy is also very important. You don't want a club that charges over $100 for a guest fee, so make sure to ask about that.
Food
Chances are if you are joining a golf club, then you will most likely be eating there too. Meet with the food and beverage director of the course and ask what they offer. Most courses have a dining area where you can bring your family for dinner or host a party.
