Estate Planning is not fun to think about . It is not something most think is important, especially when you are younger. The problem? When we actually need it, it's too late to get it started . I cannot emphasize this enough. it is SO IMPORTANT. I have seen the impact in my own

RT @matt_gottshall: After 12 years of applying, I finally got it . It’s a good day

After 12 years of applying, I finally got it . It’s a good day

Scottie interviewing before the tournament talking about how golf brings him little fulfillment and preaching life lessons…. To dusting the field with a blowout win and another major has to make some people feel not too good about themselves.

RT @matt_gottshall: As a golf fanatic, I knew I always wanted to join a country club, which I did in 2022. But the perception of a club alw….

Toy for the weekend!

RT @bryanhasling: I’m somehow at the point in life where I’m interested in Country Clubs. Who am I??. But pricing is a completely mystery….

That’s a wrap! . I’d love to hear peoples thoughts on this, and happy to answer any and all questions - I’m an open book! . The beauty of X, I’m just here to share info and educate and do my best to help out someone else who may face this decision in their own life 🙌🏼.

I’ll end with the fact that I definitely was surprised with how many costs there were I was not expecting . All added up for me, it’s probably a $12-15k annual cost and I’d say I’m on the fairly low end . But I love it, and won’t give it up unless circumstances change!.

All in all, if you are able to find: . - A course you love playing (very important). - Amenities good enough for you . - A great junior membership . - A club of great people (friendly and not snobby) . And can afford it… I think it is an awesome thing for the right person.

- Conditions being top notch . - A community of people who are all there for similar reasons, and an easy way to meet great people . - If you have a family, an abundance of activities and things to do/get involved in . - Access to pool and great food . - Networking (had to).

So while I just rambled on about cost, what can make it so great? . - Access to a course you love that can’t be played by the public . - Being able to play at the drop of a hat without booking tee times a week in advance . - Pace of play rarely eclipsing 4 hours (huge benefit).

8. Additional Items. Some other things I thought about:. - Don’t underestimate taxes. you get taxed on everything. If your dues are $350 in Ohio, add 6.8% sales tax! Cart is $30? Add 6.8% and it’s now $32 . - Guest fees - who doesn’t want to bring people out? Know this cost.

These assessments could be as small as $1-3k, but I’ve seen clubs come to members with a $20k assessment and even more…. That’s a massive cost that you need to decide to pay, or leave . It’s part of it, and something to know going into it.

Well… let’s just say that banks don’t love lending to country clubs. They’re not typically profitable and get terrible loan terms . So, when they need these funds, they may take a partial loan, and come to the members for the rest of the money. or all of it. Lucky you!.

Maybe all of the sprinklers need replaced. Or the cart paths are falling apart. A clubhouse rebuild is needed…. Or a full course re-design is going to happen. Who pays for this?.

7. Assessments . This is a huge one that many would never consider . Luckily, I have not had to face this yet . Essentially, most clubs rely on their membership costs to fully function and run . But what happens when a major project needs done?.

6. Locker/Handicap. Not sure how common this is, but I’m sure it is . I have a few hundred dollar cost each year for locker room costs, my handicap, and a few other small things.

5. Capital Reserve Costs . At a lot of places, members have additional costs for a capital reserve fund . These are general maintenance projects the club will have that get paid for by members . Think tree removals, new kitchen equipment, minor renovations. I pay around $100/mo.

Also, if you have Caddies at the course, you likely can’t walk on weekend prime times . I personally love walking with a caddy as that is how I grew up working in golf . But add anywhere from $60-$100+ to pay your caddy at most places.

Another one. if you take a cart to play you usually pay for that separately . I see this between $30-$40 at most places, but you pay that every round you play if you take a cart . Sure, you can walk, but the course may have restrictions on that based on timing of your round.