Hacienda's Golf Blog

Just as there are those who drive Fords and those who Ferraris, golf club members come in varied types. That’s as it should be: With so many types of clubs available, there is a place for seeking to get into the game or looking to progress in the game.

That being said, there are some traits that will typically identify those who choose membership in one of the more distinguished clubs – elements of style and substance that set them apart from other players.

Before looking at the common traits among the members of distinguished clubs, it’s helpful to understand the clubs themselves. What exactly constitutes a truly “distinguished” golf club?

We've all heard the adage "Golf mirrors Life", but you might be surprised how true that saying really is. Golf is a great game, but it’s a fickle game; and the avid golfer knows all too well that the lessons learned in golf can almost always be applied to successful living, whether it be dealing with adversity, improving abilities, or social interactions. So let's take a look at what some of the world's greatest golfers and scholars (and Chuck Norris) have to say about it. You might be surprised by the similarities.

"Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots — but you have to play the ball where it lies." ~ Bobby Jones

As an avid golfer, you probably have a pretty good idea what constitutes proper golf etiquette on the golf course. Things like slow play, failing to repair your divots, or throwing your clubs in frustration are some of the obvious no-nos. A key aspect of private golf club culture is the respect for and adherence to proper etiquette including but not limited to:  

Golf club membership brings with it more than simply an opportunity to tee it up, lob a few on the tennis courts, maybe swim a few laps. Every club has its own unique membership culture, and joining the club means becoming a part of a special community and environment.

The club culture defines the membership experience, helping to set the tone and create the atmosphere. Choosing a club means, in part, learning to discern the cultural differences and finding the one that feels most right.

What makes for a membership culture? Here are a few differentiators, with the caveat that no one culture is better or worse than any other. There are differences, that’s all, and the savvy player will find the version that fits the best.