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."

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.

Your daughter’s heartbeat is rising, but she tries to keep her breathing easy. She calms her nerves, focuses and takes aim, knowing this is the shot that could mean victory at North Oaks Golf Club.

And this time… she isn’t even on the golf course. 

It’s a common scene from our annual Nerf Night, which took place on May 5 – complete with inflatable barriers set up throughout the banquet room. It continues to be one of the most popular of the many activities that make having a golf club membership here about so much more than golf.

“This is their second home,” Membership Engagement Coordinator Jessica Bader says. “We want to make it fun.”

"This is their club, and we want them to have an amazing time here." That thought guides Jessica Bader through every day in her new role as Membership Engagement Coordinator at North Oaks Golf Club, and it's the reason General Manager Phil Anderson created the new position in the first place.

"I’m thrilled to put more resources into ensuring our members are having an amazing time every time they are on the property," he explains. "We want to continue to take our engagement to a whole new level."

Jessica has plenty of local knowledge to make that happen. Since joining our team in 2013, she worked her way up to lead server in dining and events, and also spent a summer as our social media intern. Now, she's using that combination of skills, experience, and existing relationships to promote events to the membership – both in person and via social media.

"I'm reaching out to members, trying to get everyone engaged in our events, whether that be a wine tasting or golf or tennis. Basically, I'm promoting any event at the club."

Like many young parents, Sarah and Anton Medved's lifestyle has changed considerably as their family has grown. When they moved to North Oaks back in 2011, the club was an attraction, but they didn't even join as social members for a while.

"It just wasn't the time for us," says Anton. "Our kids were so young and we had so many other things going on, we wouldn't have had enough time to be able to get on the golf course or anything like that." With a 2-and-a-half-year-old son and an 8-month-old daughter, that was understandable. But eight years later, they now have three very active children, and the Medveds are among our most active golf families. In fact, it seems that they spend most of the summer out on our golf course.

"We don't have our own cabin," says Anton, "so this is kind of our cabin. That's a big part of their summer and they really look forward to it."

If you thought your golf club membership was just for golf leagues or dinner with the family, think again. Your golf club membership can be an asset to your business, too. Need to strike a deal with a prospective client? Invite them to play a round of golf. Want to host a monthly off-site meeting with colleagues?  Reserve an event space at your golf club.

Here are five ways to use your golf club membership for business.

When John and Terri Shuman moved back to Minnesota, they knew they wanted a family membership at North Oaks Golf Club. I guess you could say it runs in the family.

"Terri grew up here," John says. "Her parents were social members. We just knew we were always going to do it."

And they knew they wanted to live in the community, as well. "There are no street lights or sidewalks," he says. "We have lakes and trails. It makes it such a peaceful and tranquil place to live. It's close to downtown, and there are homes in all price points. You're able to work in the city, but you're able to escape that and live in the middle of the woods."

Frigid temperatures outside mean you won’t be teeing off anytime soon, but there are plenty of activities to enjoy in the offseason at your clubhouse. From bundling up for some cross-country skiing to staying indoors for some fun in front of the golf simulator, we’ve got some great ideas on how you can stay busy at the club this winter.

Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing is an excellent way to get outdoors during the winter and enjoy the natural beauty around you. Traipse through a winter wonderland using your own locomotion! One benefit of cross-country skiing is its low-cost compared to regular downhill skiing, other than the initial cost of the equipment. There’s a low risk of injury and it’s a great workout and dog-friendly activity.