You love golf and want to play more, so what’s keeping you from taking the plunge and joining a golf club? Maybe you’re concerned a golf club won’t have enough other things (outside of golf) for your family to do? Maybe you’re worried about the investment? Perhaps you’re worried about not being a good enough golfer or you simply think joining a club sounds too pretentious? 

Today golf clubs are a much different place than they were even 10 years ago. 

While golf remains a strong part of the club’s identity, it’s also a great place to meet new people, enjoy quality family time and be a part of a community where you belong in this increasingly superficial world.

Much like your first day at a new school, joining a new club can be a bit intimidating. Everyone walking the halls--or in this case, the greens--seems to already know one another and knows what's going on. But just like school, learning the ropes of a new club isn't nearly as intimidating as it seems. 

With plenty of social and golf groups to join, family activities to get involved in and lessons to help you improve your skills (not to mention the ability to play the course as much as you'd like) you'll get settled in in no time! Keep reading for a few tips to help make your adjustment go even more smoothly.

When it comes to investing in your family's future and well-being, certain decisions, like whether or not to start a college fund or to supplement your retirement account, are easy to make. But what about the decisions that can start benefiting your family today, rather than years down the line?

Many families find themselves considering making an investment in how they choose to spend their time together. Two popular options are to purchase a cabin getaway or join a country club. While both certainly have their pros, there are also plenty of cons that you need to be aware of to help you make an informed decision. Keep reading to learn what you can expect when you buy a cabin or join a country club, and why one might be the better choice for your family.

At North Oaks Golf Club it has been a year filled with opportunities to “Play with the Pros” at the club and at destination courses. In May, a group of members and professional golf staff made their way to Central Wisconsin for a leisure getaway to Sand Valley, named Best New Course in 2017 by Golf Digest.

North Oaks member Vid Kath explains, “as we’re driving through Wisconsin and about 10 miles away, I can’t believe there will be a golf complex because we’re in the middle of nowhere.” “Immediately upon getting to the peak of this property, our entire group was wowed by the views and vistas covered in natural sand,” says General Manager, Phil Anderson.

The architect of Mammoth Dunes, David McLay Kidd, was known for narrow and difficult courses.  His goal behind Sand Valley was different. This time his intent was to “remind people that golf could be fun again.” Phil Anderson couldn’t have agreed more, “we heard fairways were 100 yards wide and they truly were, what an enjoyable and playable golf course for all.”

If Marci Marrone has learned anything about golf this summer it's that a) you don't have to be a scratch golfer to enjoy yourself on the course, and b) all golf teachers are not created equal. In fact, that's the reason she's learned a lot about golf this summer!

After 24 years as a social member, Marci decided to give golf a try. And when Marci tries something, she really tries it, so she signed up for the two-month trial golf membership, attended a bunch of Ladies Clinics, and scheduled ten private lessons with Director of Instruction Grant Shafranski. 

"My friends all said, 'that's a lifetime of lessons,' but I really knew nothing about golf, and getting the trial membership inspired me to really try to do it right. Ten lessons taught me what I needed to know." 

She's also played about 15 times so far this summer, mostly with boyfriend Nick Alfano. And the results are both a happy golfer and a more engaged member.  

"I have really just enjoyed the whole thing," she says. "I spent more time in the club this year than I have in the past 24 years. 

When most people think about North Oaks Golf Club, the first thing that comes to mind is the golf. But Scott and Stephanie Paul have a different reaction. They think about all the great experiences their young children are having.

Frankly, they also think about the golf, but with three kids under 7, they were too busy to play much golf this summer, so they decided to start with a social membership. “We’ll probably look into a golf membership next year,” Stephanie explains, "but this was such a good decision for us and the boys and the whole family. All the activities have been wonderful for the kids, so it's just been great."

In fact, in their first half-year as members, the family has already discovered a number of must-do kids activities, turned the club into an extra place for family fun, and oldest son Archie even found the hidden prize at the club's annual winter medallion hunt – which he traded in for an epic Nerf Wars birthday party. "The boys just love it," Stephanie says, "and they haven't even gotten to go to the Halloween party or Christmas events yet."

The turf is a thick, luscious, and dazzling green. You and the course are bathed in bright sunlight, yet the cool breeze provides a perfect balance. The leaves on the stately oak trees framing the course have begun to turn, providing breathtaking pops of yellow, orange, and red that make the landscape panorama nothing short of majestic.

These postcard-worthy scenes are par for the course during the fall months at North Oaks Golf Club, making it arguably the best time of year to be a member. And even though the golf season is on its back nine, this is also arguably the best time of year to join – because golf is just the beginning when it comes to a North Oaks membership.

Yes, you’ll enjoy the priority tee times and unlimited golf, too. But joining North Oaks means becoming part of a tight-knit community. You meet friends and neighbors who share similar interests and enjoy spending time together. North Oaks facilitates these social connections with year-round events you’ll come to value just as much as – if not more than – the time you spend on the course.

Looking for ways to socialize with other parents or couples? Would you like to spend time with people beyond your partner, parents, kids, colleagues, and a few close friends? No need to worry! You're in the same boat as most responsible and busy adults. If you're hankering for some adult socialization or creating new connections for your kids, a private club community may be the perfect answer. Not only are there activities for you and your partner, but your kids have plenty to do, too.

Golf clubs provide a unique opportunity to meet people who live in your community and enjoy the same types of activities. Golfers get a chance to meet other golfers through tournaments and leagues. Adults can socialize at special dinners and events. Families with children can meet other families with children at activities designed specifically for kids. And the kids can make new friends at golf or tennis lessons. The club is a venue where friendships can grow and last a lifetime. The built-in activities, dining options, and events make going out and  socializing a breeze.

If you love golf, you probably understand the most obvious benefits of belonging to a private club. Who wouldn't want to hone their game on a scenic course like North Oaks, work with our excellent instructors, and meet other people who love the game as much as you do? Throw in a place for family gatherings and the opportunity to host friends and business associates at the club, and you understand why private golf clubs are so popular.  

But there are also some hidden perks to private golf club membership that aren't quite as well known. The perks that can best be described as "you've got a guy for golf."

What do we mean? It seems like everybody has at least one friend who has "a guy" for everything. An insider who has all the connections. Suits? He's got a guy. Hookups for tickets? He's got a guy. A great mechanic? He's got a guy. And when you belong to a private golf club, it feels like you've got a guy. Or, more exactly, multiple guys for golf.

Joining a private golf club is a great experience. It's exciting to have a club to call your own, a course to host friends and business contacts, and a special place to spend time with your family. For many golfers, joining a private club is the dream of a lifetime. But what happens when you find the right club and your family still needs some convincing?

That’s ok. Not everyone has had experience with a golf club or understands the opportunities and programming available. Here at North Oaks Golf Club, we provide great value to families no matter what their main interests.

Here are a few examples of where to get started when sharing details about our club.

Where to Start

The benefits of a golf club membership go well beyond golf, which is easier to understand if you really take a look at the club. This could mean showing your partner a brochure, checking out the website, or even taking a tour of the property. If they see all of the activity in and around the clubhouse – and even meet some of the staff – it becomes much easier to see themselves as members and understand why you're so excited about becoming part of the membership.