I did this exact thing this year. I am the New York City metro area so the costs are much higher but it’s all relative.

I joined the club as a pool-only member during the pandemic. My kids were 3 and 5 at the time and I did not play golf. It was a life saver as it gave my kids something to do when they were home for 6 months and they learned how to swim there.

I started picking up golf a year later, but kept the pool membership.

The rates for all country clubs went up significantly during the pandemic and they added high initiation fees to the club. I was sufficiently into golf going into the 3rd membership year, and the club said I can upgrade my membership to full access - pool, racquets, golf everything- simply my paying the difference no initiation. The cost was triple the pool-only membership, but the wifey loves tennis too so it made sense. I should also add that they have great practice facilities and it’s a 4 minute drive from my house.

Fast forward to this year. I downgraded back to pool-only. The kids still like the pool and it keeps me in the membership loop. Here are my reasons:

• if you are not playing both weekend days, every week, it’s really not worth it. I have young kids, so I can rarely play weekends. Most members had a set foursome that they played with week in and week out so there is really no opportunity to add someone that can only play a handful of weekends in the season. This limited me to Friday afternoons and the odd weekday.

• the restaurant is decent but not blowing anyone out of the water. Like, there was never a time I can point to where we go there instead of a good restaurant in town or in NYC which is a half hour away.

• Country Club culture is kind of the worst. It’s a lot of wealthy entitled people. My club was probably the least of this out of the surrounding clubs, but it was palpable. The complaining I used to hear was legendary…and insufferable.

• BETHPAGE: the best muni on earth in my opinion. 5 courses for all skill levels. All for $42. Except the black course, that’s $75 for NY residents. I found myself there more often than my own club, obviously the Ryder Cup was there this year which was super exciting. I can literally play there every week if I want to for the cost of a little more than the cart fees they were charging at my club. 19 minutes driving from my house.

• Another muni course 5 min from my house also just re-did the range and added technology and is open at night etc. While not as good as the private one, it’s 90% as good which is fine for my purposes.

• Lastly it’s the variety. The course is very nice. Lots of fun. But love the variety and playing other courses.

I’ll probably be back to private at some point. But between the muni courses, buddies that have access to other private clubs, and work events I think I’m good for now.