Country Club Questions

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never got the appeal of country clubs. They're great if you want to hang out with "money" and feel important and socially superior.

Otherwise join a good church, club, or other group where you share actual interests with the people you hang out with.

The folks I know think clubs are a hilarious throwback - completely awesome if you want to pretend to be Don Draper - but just be aware you're 50 years too late.

I realize YMMV, and my point of view is not necessarily "correct."

I grew up as a member of country clubs. I like your post. But tell me, what are some specific examples of what you do instead? I am not religious. I live in DC so don't have a neighborhood pool. I have three young children. I feel like my children need a pool and place to go in the summer, etc. So I guess I'm looking for some suggestions other than clubs!

[Anonymous]

We belong to a cc and while I had my reservations, we really are enjoying it. My husband loves to golf, my son is learning, the social events are fun, people are generally very nice, kids love going there, great pool, good food, etc. Yes, it is expensive, but we have found it a very nice addition to our life and friendships as well as family time. Fwiw

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Cell phones, laptops, and pdas are not allowed to be used on the club grounds except for laptops to be used for children's homework in one location.

How is this communicated to members? Does everyone just know? Is it honored?

[Anonymous]

You receive a handbook and newsletters. There are also websites.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You receive a handbook and newsletters. There are also websites.

Thanks. Is it ever (forgive the crudeness of this question) posted?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I never got the appeal of country clubs. They're great if you want to hang out with "money" and feel important and socially superior.

Otherwise join a good church, club, or other group where you share actual interests with the people you hang out with.

The folks I know think clubs are a hilarious throwback - completely awesome if you want to pretend to be Don Draper - but just be aware you're 50 years too late.

I realize YMMV, and my point of view is not necessarily "correct."

I grew up as a member of country clubs. I like your post. But tell me, what are some specific examples of what you do instead? I am not religious. I live in DC so don't have a neighborhood pool. I have three young children. I feel like my children need a pool and place to go in the summer, etc. So I guess I'm looking for some suggestions other than clubs!

That's a good question - I wish I could help more. I've always used (1) friend's houses, (2) the university gym (indoor & outdoor pools), (3) and....well, that's mostly it, if you don't own your own pool. I think there are public pools, too, but I don't know anything about them. It does sound like you have a good set up for your kids; if the club fills that niche and you don't mind paying for it, then I won't knock your choice.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up as a member of country clubs. I like your post. But tell me, what are some specific examples of what you do instead? I am not religious.

These are just ideas. Rock climbing, hiking, camping, kayaking, golfing with friends and business associates (at public and private courses, including the occasional country club), dance lessons (salsa, swing, line-dancing, take your pick), fencing lessons, private gym membership, including pool (way cheaper than a country club), private art class, school sports, music lessons...

What can you do at a country club? Eat, swim, play tennis, play golf, and hang out with educated people in the same socio-economic class? I admit, it does sound appealing..

[Anonymous]

Re: question as to how members are advised not to use cellphones, computers, etc. I believe it is in their rules/bylaws/whatever. But beyond that, signs are posted in entry locations and staff and club officers are directed to politely approach people violating the rule and ask them to obey the rules. I have seen exactly that happen more than once.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up at clubs and loved him as a child - great swimming, etc. But I've always been a little secretly amused by "tennis ladies" who walk around OUTSIDE the club in tennis whites. Even as a child I found it sort of pathetic and wondered why they seemed to love wearing whites to the supermarket and while running errands.

Agreed! Dress like an adult in public!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up at clubs and loved him as a child - great swimming, etc. But I've always been a little secretly amused by "tennis ladies" who walk around OUTSIDE the club in tennis whites. Even as a child I found it sort of pathetic and wondered why they seemed to love wearing whites to the supermarket and while running errands.

Agreed! Dress like an adult in public!

Why can't a lady go shopping after playing tennis, in their tennis gear, just like others go shopping after work on their work clothes or after the gym in their gym gear? You need to grow up!

[Anonymous]

I grew up a member of a country club, and I would never impose such an restricted experience on my children. We've been asked to join by friends, and we've always said NO! Now DH has a new job where all the top people belong to a certain club, and he may have to cave and join. I hope he can find a way to avoid this. There is so, so, so much to do outside of a country club, I can't imagine why they continue to exist at all, except for people who can't bear to spend time around the, gasp, hoi polloi. Anachronism doesn't begin to describe the country club life. We joined a public pool, we play tennis on public courts and at a public tennis club, we eat with our friends in restaurants or in their or our homes, we don't golf (but if we did, we'd play on public courses), and we get along just fine without a country club. I don't want to go back to the 50s. Have you read The Help? That's what country clubs mean to me.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up a member of a country club, and I would never impose such an restricted experience on my children. We've been asked to join by friends, and we've always said NO! Now DH has a new job where all the top people belong to a certain club, and he may have to cave and join. I hope he can find a way to avoid this. There is so, so, so much to do outside of a country club, I can't imagine why they continue to exist at all, except for people who can't bear to spend time around the, gasp, hoi polloi. Anachronism doesn't begin to describe the country club life. We joined a public pool, we play tennis on public courts and at a public tennis club, we eat with our friends in restaurants or in their or our homes, we don't golf (but if we did, we'd play on public courses), and we get along just fine without a country club. I don't want to go back to the 50s. Have you read The Help? That's what country clubs mean to me.

I like you!!! I echo your thoughts.

[Anonymous]

good lord, that kind of $ shouldbe spent travelling the world instead and exposing your family to the different realities
out there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:good lord, that kind of $ shouldbe spent travelling the world instead and exposing your family to the different realities
out there.

Glad to know you know best how our family should spend our money. Our kids travel regularly, we have friends and neighbors of many (and no) faiths. I work in international development, so our kids also learn a fair amount about related issues in an age appropriate manner. And we belong to a club.

[Anonymous]

i am so happy you have such a fulfilling life, pp. you must get great satisfaction in helping out the less fortunate in this world while enjoying such a lifestyle. interesting life choices you have there. yes i am being judgmental - my country of origin could do without such "help".