Country Clubs...I want facts.

[Anonymous]

We recently moved to the area from Philadelphia and wanted to join a country club. We are currently living in Chevy Chase with 2 children. We have the money set aside to join (I'm guessing the initiation fees are $50k-150k range...). My husband and I both play golf and tennis, and would eventually like to be full members, but are not opposed to the idea of being a "seasonal" or "half" member depending on wait lists. I really would like to get somewhere with a pool, especially for my 4 year old and 1 year old.

Can anyone give a rundown for me? How long wait lists are, which clubs are most competitive, initiation fees, monthly dues, etc...? We would like info on Chevy Chase Club, Columbia, Bethesda, Kenwood, Burning Tree.

Thanks in advance!

[Anonymous]

For starters, only your husband will be able to play at Burning Tree. There are no women's bathrooms or locker rooms because women are not permitted inside the club at all, not even for social events. If they didn't bend the rules for Justice O'Connor, they won't do it for you.

[Anonymous]

There is already a lengthy and current thread on this. Try the search function.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is already a lengthy and current thread on this. Try the search function.

http://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/19774.page

[Anonymous]

OP - Thanks!! I saw this thread, but it seems pretty out-dated (the original post was from 4 years ago). I'm looking for current facts and numbers....

[Anonymous]

Also, that thread, the original poster was not a golf or tennis player. We on the other hand, are very much interested in the golf and tennis aspect....

[Anonymous]

This is going to be a good one...

[Anonymous]

Anyone a member of Woodmont Country Club in Rockville? I've passed by a few times.

[Anonymous]

The kid friendliest club around is Kenwood. Check it out, beautiful facility and not pretentious.

[Anonymous]

Try Congressional.

[Anonymous]

OP, each CC has their own "feel" but all will require you to be "sponsored" by a current member and you will need letters of reference. Where you decide to apply really depends on your location preference as well as having some relationship with a current member.

Congressional's wait list for non-legacies is currently about 10-12 years, we paid about 80K initiation as a legacy about 6 years ago (don't remember exact amount but it was around that). I think it's around 120K now. Once you join, the wait for golf is 2-3 years. Of course there are monthly dues. I like Congressional but I grew up there so I'm biased.

I think Kenwood's initiation runs in the 60-70K range. Our neighbors are members and I recall them saying they pay about $600 per month. I don't think they have a waiting list at present. It is a kid friendly club and the PP was right, we've been guests of our neighbors there and everyone, members and staff, were very, very nice.

Burning Tree is indeed all male so I would cross that off the list since you seem to be looking for a family place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For starters, only your husband will be able to play at Burning Tree. There are no women's bathrooms or locker rooms because women are not permitted inside the club at all, not even for social events. If they didn't bend the rules for Justice O'Connor, they won't do it for you.

Wow! Just wow! I hope they pay property taxes up the whazoo.

[Anonymous]

Just remember when the revolution comes,the country clubs will be burned first.

[Anonymous]

There is a really nice public golf course in Silver Spring.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There is a really nice public golf course in Silver Spring.

She's asking about private country clubs. Try to keep focused. If she wanted to slum it with the masses, she would do so.