In the UK, golf clubs have long been set up around members that may not have a permanent home course. This is different than the American model, where we join a club and have playing privileges at only one course. A few industry disruptors have imported the UK model to the US in the form of experience-based golf clubs that play courses all over the country. Many of these are private and have very limited access.
These clubs join together like-minded golfers that enjoy travel, camaraderie, and playing great courses. The network allows access to some great courses and the opportunity to meet some similarly afflicted golf nuts.
I know of at least three of these clubs. The Outpost Club, The Friars Golf Club, and The Eighty Club.
They all have application processes and varying levels of pricing. I have provided links to the clubs above. Hopefully, you can check them out and see if they interest you. It’s always my goal to spread the word on any cool golf travel tidbits I come across. Enjoy!
The Outpost Club
From what I have been able to see, this is the most expensive of the three. It is quite active though with 70 events/dinner matches throughout the year. They focus on playing architecturally significant courses,
Members come from all over the globe. They also have access to select home and partner clubs where they can play some during the year. All of this comes with a decent initiation fee and yearly dues.
The Friars Golf Club
Based on the website, this club seems quite laid back. Their only rule is “no assholes allowed”! I can certainly get behind that.
Initiation and dues are quite affordable and the trips go all over the world. I know a few people that are members of this group and they’ve all been enjoyable to play with.
They seem vigilant about making golf super fun. It would be hard not to enjoy joining them. While they play many awesome courses, the focus seems to be on fun.
The Eighty Club
Full disclosure, I know the founder, Sean, from my travels. He seems to have built a mix of the prior two clubs. The participants are members of private clubs that enjoy hosting others and showing off their course.
This is the newest and smallest of the three. As such, the number of events is currently less but they are hoping to grow. I know a few members here and have had great experiences.
That’s it for experience-based golf clubs today! Know of any more of these clubs? Sound off in the comments to let me know and share any other thoughts you might have.