Do people still join country clubs?

I'm thinking of joing one with my partner. Im 35 and he's 38. I'm Latino and he's not jewish but Italian-American (essentially the same thing) and our combined income is around 85k. Would we be let in. Oh and we live in The NW Burbs of Chicago if that means anything.

Combined income is 85K?

Oh, honey. I don't care what your backgrounds are.

Do you want fries with that?

Are OP and his friend going to join the wait-staff of this country club?

Because that might be a step up.

I think it's sad that you would want to join a country club, time for some serious introspection.

Umm - do you know how much a country club is? It's usually $25K-$50K to become a member, then several thousand a year in dues (depends on membership) and a minimum amount of food you have to eat there.

And you won't be accepted - you're gay.

I think people who enjoy golf are still joining country clubs.

Where else would they hold the finals of our Ping-Pong Tournament?

Maybe a nice palmy country club in Cambodia?

income is too low for chicago. In the south, yes. Buy season tickets to the theater, way more interesting. And you support the arts too. Or do the National Parks spree, they can really use the money.

Most desirable clubs have lengthy waiting lists, I believe. There are also initiation fees involved as well. When my dad died a couple of years ago my mom dropped their membership in the golf club, which had meant a lot to him even though he could no longer play. Dues ran roughly $2,000 year.

I'm not sure it's so much that high end clubs would refuse gay couples membership, as that a gay couple wouldn't really be all that comfortable in such a straight environment?

Join Marelago and watch Collusion in action.

There's no need to feel down.

If it's a WASPY country club. You're not getting in. They hate anyone who isn't a WASP!!!!! Never try to force yourself onto people who are not willingly welcoming of you and others. And never go anywhere you're being tolerated in stead of excepted.

[quote] Buy season tickets to the theater, way more interesting. And you support the arts too.

Including Northwestern's Drama department:

Italian and Jewish are most certainly not the same thing.

If it's a waspy club, the others will keep mistaking you two for the staff. ("I'll have a gimlet"), but I think those clubs are rare today. I say this as a Tex-mex friend of mine in Palm Springs dresses more-casual for formal affairs. If he wears a tie, everyone thinks he's a waiter, he says.

There's a country club in my home town. My brother in law is a member, so he must think it's a status symbol, as he's all wrapped up in that shit. However, it's a very low quality golf course with a lousy restaurant/club house, so I can't imagine it being expensive. So, there must be clubs in your $ range.

OP, I'd say, join your club if you like golf, or whatever they feature, and think you might make some friends there. One critical thing missing from your post is "why" you'd want to join one? A city like Chicago must have a Gay golf group. I'd prefer to look for that. Also, they must have a gay softball group, and bowling group, is my guess. Maybe other stuff, like a bridge group.

OP Being Italian American and Latino are not "no goes" and being gay is not either. Being black or Jewish can be depending on the exclusivity of the club.

I'm sorry to say that your income appears to be the biggest impediment. There are some country clubs in the south for which you might qualify, and if you both love golf I can understand your interest. Otherwise, not so much.

As someone else said, initiation fees run from 25K to 100K for most "good clubs," and monthly fees plus dining minimums will run you in the neighborhood of 2,000 and up. While you don't have to pay greens fees as a member, you still have to pay for a cart(unless you own one and it's a golf club community.)

As far as waiting lists go, exclusive clubs don't have them. Membership is approved in a similar fashion to fraternities in college. The great majority must approve you, and no one can black ball you. Money matters, but status matters more.

For instance, I am a member of The Everglades Club in Palm Beach. Donald Trump knew he would never be approved for membership, and so he developed his own clubs(one on PB and two on the mainland.) We have a Latino member, Pepe Fanjul and his brothers, but there are no black or Jewish members. Of course there are gay men...MANY. But they are married to women. And of course everyone knows they are gay.

There are clubs in the general area which one could join for as little as 10K, with dues of <1K per month, so it is doable if you really want to have access to the facilities/activities.

Bitsy, is cocaine still a big thing down there? I'm watching Narcos, set in the 1980s, and it was huge then, especially in NYC and Miami, but I never hear about it now. All I hear now is northern Mexico becoming a Narco state but that's Meth, I think.

It's not as big a thing as it was in the Roxanne Pulitzer era.

Don't do it, OP! The others will mistake you as a waiter, and your partner as a chef.

Or maybe both of you as roofing or construction workers!

[quote]Italian and Jewish are most certainly not the same thing.

Really?

Just become a regular at your local bathhouse.

This has to be a joke post.

No one with a household income of 85k in Chicago is thinking they should join a country club. Period.

If you don't play golf, OP, don't even think about it because if you were accepted you would just be subsidizing the golfers. I would travel instead.

I grew up on Long Island and if you didn't know the last name you couldn't tell the Italian and Jewish kids apart- the same look, the same accent and their homes were decorated the same way.

R26 It is the same thing in S. FL. You really cannot tell the Italians from the Jewish snowbirds in most cases. They share a similar aesthetic in clothing and home décor.

Op you can join a country club if it's in your trailer park your income level shouldn't be a problem.

OP, why do you want to join a country club?

Yes people still join them, no you don't have nearly enough money. Maybe if you got that monthly.

But your pretentiousness is admirable.

I'm sorry that so many are sneering. Let's see their W-2s. I'll bet most of them make less than you do. That's how that mentality operates.

R32, it's not sneering at OP's income. It's sneering at OP's pretentiousness. Why in the hell would OP want to join one? I couldn't imagine being a member of a country club. They represent everything I despise about American culture. They are full of rich, snobbish Republicans. They hate gays, blacks, Jews and even Catholics. WASP only. They hate the poor and middle class.

Why not join a strip club instead?

[post redacted because linking to dailymail.co.uk clearly indicates that the poster is either a troll or an idiot (probably both, honestly.) Our advice is that you just ignore this poster but whatever you do, don't click on any link to this putrid rag.]

The cheapest one in my area is $349 a month, and I was not able to determine the initiation fee.

R33 makes an excellent point. I certainly wouldn't want to give my hard earned money to people who loathe me and my lifestyle regardless of your current income.

R33 That is patently false. People who join clubs do so in order to socialize with those with whom they feel most comfortable.

The fact that you think that rich white people hate the poor and middle class, as well as every ethnic group other than their own is indicative of your own insecurities. The "country club class" (as ridiculous as that sounds) wastes no time on thinking about other people not in their group(except when it's time to donate---which is frequently in most cases.)

You are really projecting, and it's sad.

Also to get better bridge partners

R37 = An asskisser of the rich, white Republicans. He'll be happy to clean the toilets of rich people so he can be accepted by those he considers his superiors.

Umm, no. As I stated above I am a member of The Everglades Club.

I AM rich, but I am a Democrat, though I usually keep that to myself.

[quote]I couldn't imagine being a member of a country club. They represent everything I despise about American culture. They are full of rich, snobbish Republicans. They hate gays, blacks, Jews and even Catholics. WASP only. They hate the poor and middle class.

It's very clear you "couldn't imagine it" because you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. No one "hates" gays, blacks, jews, or catholics. What they loathe is people like R33 who think they know everything about someone because they like to play golf and socialize with others who do.

Some of the members at my club are middle class go-getters---entrepreneurs. Plumbers, painters, electricians (yes, some of them POC) who worked hard for many years and are very successful. They, more than anyone, have extra free time because they've gotten to the point of delegating most of the work. Good for them. They are respected and admired (and a lot of fun). Not ostracized at all. R33 wouldn't know anything about that. He prefers to hold on tight to his bitter prejudices because it makes him feel better about his own lack of ambition.

You're delusional r41. Nearly as delusional as op.

R43 Says the man who accused someone else of being AIKC in disguise.

Country clubs generally are struggling. The decline of golfs and families too busy.

The golf club in Hyannisport has an impossible waiting list and an annual 60K fee. That doesn't include the bar. The club is also restricted. No blacks or Jews. I'm in only because I'm a "legacy" though I know I'm not the only queen.

OP you will have to learn to lock your jaw when you talk. Watch Mr. Howell on Gilligan's Island to get the hang of it.

I know R47 is only joking, but that cartoon image isn't far off from what some of you plebs have dreamed up out of ignorance and envy.

R40, so you belong to a club where you are not comfortable telling others that you are a Democrat? While I think it's admirable that you are one, why would you be part of a country club that despises Democrats, or liberals? Would they still be friendly to you?

R33

Country clubs are so awful...never mind about their exclusivity rules based on race and religion. That is bad enough. The clientele are miserable and surprisingly gauche. Why spend time with deplorables like that?

If your combined income is 85K, I'm embarrassed for you for asking this, OP. And yes, you are the definition of pretentious.

R19, What is the real reason Blacks, Jews and other POC are restricted from joining? By the way I noticed you didn't mention if Asians are allowed admittance.

I will say that having frequently attended Santa Monica's Jonathan Beach Club with a former roommate who was then a member, and in fact chose it for her wedding, that there's a certain level of conduct one is expected to maintain at all times. I've seen people behave in ways considered acceptable on the East Coast that is personally upsetting.. I'm speaking of using extreme sarcasm, swearing and improper language, and worst of all subjecting others to high pressure sales techniques and very nosy questions. Worst of all is those who continuously talk during a musical performance, lecture, or benediction or grace before meals or anything said by a member of the clergy, and especially during the National Anthem. However I think this is less a characteristic of a person's values than of their religious or cultural background.

I do think it very inappropriate to state one's religious or political views especially in a group where you know others think differently. An old saying goes that one never discusses one's personal views on religion, politics, or sex in public. Then again I assume that's one of the reasons for the existence of country clubs. They restrict boors who continuously offend others.

R37, I'm not at all surprised by the prevalence of gay members in your country club and in many, many others. I've stated repeatedly on DL that society's norm is to be married for various reasons including business and family expectations. Privately people act how they choose as long as they remain relatively discrete. Most of these marriages are fairly happy, spouses are somewhat honest with each other, and "rules and norms" agreed upon.

I also will bet you that there ARE Jewish members, or members or their spouses that were born Jewish or of part-Jewish families. They just adhere to the philosophy I have stated above that those who are well-mannered know not to discuss religion, sex, or politics in public settings. Yes I know there are many on DL that will disagree with this view. They shouldn't go to Country Club events in that case as their values wouldn't mesh. They will also find themselves barred from many places of employment for the same reasons. Country Clubs offer a lot of business and social benefits.

R37, Not surprised Donald Trump would be barred from membership in your Country Club. He is the epitome of gauche behavior, accomplishments aside.

Golf clap for R52. Spot on. It's less about race and religion and more about manners and behavior.

R41, let's say you lose all of your money. Would these "great friends" still be such? No, they would not. You'd be out on your high flown ass, once your membership expires. In the interim, you'd be ostracized and avoided because you'd be cursed. None of them want to be around a person they'd considered as a loser, who loses his money.

Also, I'm not sure if you're gay. If so, you probably "don't flaunt it" which really means that you don't want some of your "great friends" to disapprove of you. Are you out of the closet there? Do they just tolerate you, but you are so busy trying to fit in that you don't recognize it? Denial, perhaps? These "great friends" who vote Republican also pull the ballot to deny equal rights for gays and lesbians, even though they say it's just for "lower taxes".

If you are a Democrat, you certainly will keep your mouth shut. So, you'll sit there while they bash liberals or Democrats. You don't want to "make waves", by defending your beliefs. You are thence a hypocrite.

I'm a gay man, a liberal Democrat, and while I'm not rich, by any means, I own two properties and I have a good job. I work hard for my money. I'm true to myself. I also give back to the community by volunteering and donating money to worthy causes.

What do you do, other than asskiss the rich and your so called "great friends" who only value you because you have money?

R33

[quote]let's say you lose all of your money. Would these "great friends" still be such? No, they would not. You'd be out on your high flown ass, once your membership expires.

Nope, more projection from a bitter fool. It has happened. Friends who fall on hard times are invited to play and attend events as guests--if they were well liked. They also have a considerable network to draw upon to land on their feet and find a new job. People are eager to help one of their own. They also help each other's kids (recent college grads) get jobs. You can't even imagine the how powerful those alliances are.

R54, Thank you for your understanding. I was very concerned my post would be really misinterpreted on DL. I wish I had greater diplomatic skills and always prefer to be around those who do as well. I cannot tell you how many evenings out have been almost ruined by very rude people.

Don't get me started on parents who let their kids run wild and talk non-stop when others are trying to enjoy a presentation. I had a kid injure my leg by falling on top of me as she was climbing on the back of the chair in front of her. Her parents were not nearby and didn't hear her screaming fit when she fell. Yes she would have probably needed to go to ER if I hadn't been there to break her fall. I finally left, performance ruined. Ushers were useless and there was no security.

R52 Oh no, not EXTREME SARCASM! The horror.

R56

It's odd you avoid stating whether you are gay and a democrat.

Are you ashamed?

OP hasn't said why they want to join a country club, though as others have stated, their income is the biggest stumbling block because the initiation dues at a club of any sort are going to be very high for you and then there are the annual dues plus dinners you eat at the club--it's likely to be about 10-15% of your pre-tax income, even at a very low-key club.

There are clubs that don't have golf courses, just tennis and a pool, and that might be in your price range. They're not true "country clubs" but they might fit your needs. But I say "might"-- membership could still run 5-10K/year.

Your source of income may redeem you as well. If you work with tards or other favorite NGOs, you have a better chance of getting accepted than if you're simply declaring income earned from sucking off truckers at the Hinsdale Oasis.

The Everglades Club may be the most bizarre place I've ever been.

Palm Beach used to be very WASPy but has become heavily Jewish over the past 20 years. So there's a real siege mentality, as if they're some persecuted minority

Mar a Lago is not the only Jewish club, there's an older, more prestigious one (IIRC, it's called the Palm Beach Club) and it's eclipsed Everglades in terms of being where things happen. ("Happen" being relative is a town that's essentially a retirement community for very , very wealthy people.)

What was funny about Everglades was that many of the members seemed to be from Flyoverstani cities with small Jewish populations and were shocked that the NY Jews at the other club and Trump's club had their own society and didn't care what was going on at Everglades. At least that was the vibe I got, though I could just have been there the wrong afternoon.

I also have WASPy friends who won't join because they claim the level of racism and antisemitism there would make a Nazi feel at home. They told us a story about someone they knew who was blackballed for inviting someone the wife knew, a gay Jewish fashion designer to lunch.

R56,

A bitter fool? You're quite mistaken. I'm calling you out on your own bullshit. You still have not mentioned if you're gay and a Democrat. Do you have something to hide? Do you tell your other "great friends" this? Are you afraid to admit this, even on DL? God forbid should you mention this in the country club.

Spare me your country club's "kum ba yah, let's hold hands" delusions. How "nice" (condescending), they'll let you back into warmth of their moneyed arms for "special events", should you lose your money. They're only banking on a future investment should you regain your wealth. Then they'll let you back at the hearth of their fireplace. Yet, if you remain without money, they'll only tolerate you for the time being. You'll gradually lose invitations over the course of time. Your so called "great friends" will vanish while you so desperately want to be back into the "in crowd". You'll asskiss, but it won't work.

If anything, you are fooling yourself to believe those people, those "great friends " will be there for you in times of real trouble.

R33

Isn't that true regardless of whether there's a country club involved R63?

Most of us have a handful of friend who'll stick by us in thick or thin. Other friendships are situational.

Dear Bitsy, So you have no reservations about being a member of a club that dliscriminates against some ethnicities?

R56 = Billy Baldwin of the Beaumont Driving Club.

People aren't making fun of his income for the sake of making fun of his income r32, OP started a thread about wanting to join a fucking country club! People that hang out at country clubs make a lot more money than that.

Though why OP would want to join one I have no idea, you couldn't pay me to spend my time hanging out with that crowd.

A work colleague recently joined his local country club. He's 35 and it was pretty expensive. He loves to play golf which is why he did it.

He's says he's one of the youngest there. Country clubs are dying as institutions

R68, that's good news. I hope all country clubs evaporate from the face of the American landscape. They are elitist, archaic and are filled with self important, rich white (in many cases racist and homophobic) Republicans. Of course, it's filled with those who aspire to appear rich and who asskiss those of wealth and privilege (See R41 and R56).

The only non-privileged whites and people of color who a country club wants are those of service (or rather subservience.) Country club members treat them as "house slaves" who should feel privileged to clean toilets in the country club restrooms. Of course, the common workers, are paid working poor wages to keep them "in their place." Country clubs are notoriously stingy when it comes to paying their workers a decent salary.

May all country clubs fade away and die, and thus improve America by their demise. I'll be most pleased to send you a sympathy card with each passing of such, R41 and R56.

Here's a membership price comparison list in my area. Very pricey.

I think the OP should join a "cunty" club instead

We belong to Miami's prestigious Mortimer Club. They make a fabulous club sandwich you'll have to try- unless your last name is Guttman.

Maybe the two of you could afford a local swim club or Y memberships.

What about the Byram River Beagle Club?

[quote] I certainly wouldn't want to give my hard earned money to people who loathe me and my lifestyle regardless of your current income.

Plenty of people give money to political parties and especially churches that loathe their lifestyle.

[quote]A work colleague recently joined his local country club. He's 35 and it was pretty expensive. He loves to play golf which is why he did it. He's says he's one of the youngest there. Country clubs are dying as institutions.

No they aren't. Membership has always skewed older. People in their 30's don't have the money or the time to devote to golf because they have young kids.

I think the Jews had to go to court to be allowed to join the Jonathan Club. Once they were allowed, they joined in droves just because they could.

Yes they are r76.

Countrys clubs haven't been doing so hot, many articles about it.

R75, That's exactly why it would be so hard to reveal anything very personal about myself to anyone else. I so, so disagree with many of the beliefs and practices of every single institution around. That includes the religion to which I was born into as well as every other one and especially all of the practices of every single church and synagogue.

I also adamantly now disagree with both political parties, and consider myself a Moderate so I can be roughly in the middle. Anytime I have to state my current or past profession I also feel labeled in a way that's completely inaccurate.

So I've learned not to publicly reveal anything about my personal beliefs. Smart whoever coined the phrase that's it's wrong to discuss religion, politics, or sexuality in anything resembling a business setting. No matter what you say it will be misinterpreted and it will the gossip will therefore hurt your career progression.

Smiling politely when others rant about a subject with which you strongly disagree, and then changing the topic ASAP is really the best way to handle many situations. After all you will never change most people's minds if they're only business acquaintances and not very close friends.

[quote]Country club members treat them as "house slaves" who should feel privileged to clean toilets in the country club restrooms. Of course, the common workers, are paid working poor wages to keep them "in their place."

How much do you think toilet cleaners should make, R69? Should they be paid the same income as a surgeon? A lawyer? A CEO?

[quote]Country clubs are notoriously stingy when it comes to paying their workers a decent salary.

For someone with an OTT hatred of country clubs you sure act like you know A LOT about them. Obsessed much? Did you get fired from your cc job as a bus boy?

Why would you?

Bigger question : Would they want you ?

Dear Muffy,

I saw a black person on the golf course. I almost died from fear. Black people are not allowed in the club. I found out he was that golfer, Tiger Woods after I told him to bring me a glass of Chardonnay. We had to let him to play golf to show diversity, those damned Democrats and they're political correctness! I'll make sure he stays away from my daughter, Binkie. He likes young blonde white women, you know.

Love, Bambi

R80 = Trump Supporter and asskisser of rich whites.

R80 = Thinks rich white people are better than he is.

Not to get off the subject, but I've always wanted to know the REAL reason why according to odd rumors the Obamas were supposedly restricted from joining several Palm Springs Country Clubs.

R77, How did the long-term members of Jonathan club react to the large influx of Jews? It was my understanding that like Sororities certain Country Clubs served as a subtle match making opportunity where all members were considered to be pre-screened and therefore appropriate. If one found out another member had a parent who was Catholic . . . well engagements have long been broken up over differences of religious faith among the couples' families. It's difficult enough to agree among a church and how to raise the children if one is from a traditional Episcopalian family and another is say Liberal Protestant.

I suppose many resigned and went to the California Club, r86, but I think they also let in Jews now.

WASPs of means started leaving LA in the late 80s, so they probably have venues to serve their match making aims in their new areas.

According to the charmed world of R80, poor people should be glad to make poverty wages for the privilege of cleaning rich people's toilets in the country club.

country club baby..hell no but sex club.. will put you on the list *wink*

How many here on DL belong to a country club?

I know many eastern clubs have problems with Catholics, but I don't think West Coast clubs do.

They let Catholics in some country clubs????? What's happened to this world?

Billy Baldwin

Enlighten us R80. Why do you like country clubs? Are you a gay male? Are you a liberal Democrat? A Republican?

People who clean toilets should make more than lawyers or surgeons.

Does Caitlyn Jenner belong to a county club? Those rich, uppity white women go into panic mode when he enters the female locker room.

Jews want access to every organization in America, while keeping their own Jewish orgs Jewish.

Women want access to every organization in America while keeping their own female organizations all female.

Blacks want....

Gays want...

White men want...oh wait...

Continue that sentence, r99.

oh wait, it's only evil and condemned and not allowed when white men want their own orgs.

This thread is full of Jews demonizing white men as evil and elitist for wanting to gather together.

These same Jews would call you evil and anti-semitic for calling Jewish organizations racist and elitist.

It's good to be the Chosen Ones, the ultimate elitists.

Country clubs are havens for rich, racist, white Republicans and their enabling sycophants.

Who taught you to be such an unhappy bigot, R102? You probably don't like yourself either.

Gays are only welcomed in country clubs because rich women love them. Plus, they decorate their homes, style their hair and they do their make-up. They provide beautiful flowers and are excellent chefs. Their rich husbands just tolerate the gays, because they keep their wives occupied and amused. This way, their wives won't bother them. It's again, rich, white heterosexual, Republican patriarchy. Lesbians are not tolerated because they always beat the privileged, rich men at golf.

"It's again, rich, white heterosexual, Republican patriarchy."

Those dirty goyim need more Jewish control over their lives....

There was a queen at my old AA meetings who used to hang out with these two ancient white Country club cunts...they made it clear in their shares that they didn't care for minorities and tolerated on certain types of homosexuals - like him, a hairdresser who made his money from cuntrags like them. He'd do stupid ass-kissing shit like bringing them flowers - to the meeting Mary! He'd take them to coffee afterwards too. They stopped speaking to him after he relapsed. Apparently he got drunk and ran into them at an outdoor eatery and behaved like an asshat. It was just another reason for me to stop attending AA meetings...there is no cray cray like the cray cray of an ex drunk!

Dear Bambi,

I thought I'd drop you a note to let you know that Tiger Woods continued his golf tournament at another country club. Binkie is safe now and can join us at the country club fashion show. A pretty Fox News reporter will emcee the event.

I'm so glad that Tiger Woods left. I was talking to Trixie and she told me Tiger Woods refused to interrupt his golf game to get her a glass of Merlot. She was horrified by his uppityness. Don't those people know their place? That's how it is these day, those liberal Democrats with their political correctness nonsense. Thank God for Fox News, they want to make America great again!

Give me a call! I have to meet Travis. He's giving me a new hairstyle, a make over, for the fashion show. He also does my make-up now. Yes, those homosexuals have such style and taste.

Much love, Buffy

PS Byron will be redecorating the main guest room. Byron suggested an English theme with tweeds and paisley. He told me to avoid lavender as the color might offend Marc and his partner Raymond. It just sends the wrong messsge.

R102 shouldn't you be watching Bedpans and Sticks Up Your Ass for the billionth time?

can someone ask the lesbians? I want to know what they think about this

Exclusive to what and restricted to whom?

They might hire you guys to pretty up the tables with tastefully presented food and flowers.

Since when do Jewish people (stereotypically wealthy) not get invited to join a country club? 1948?

How old ARE you people? Also, look at what you've done to poor OP's world view.

In the Jonathan Club, I recall it was well into the 90s (Senator DiFi stepped in)

Dear Buffy,

Thanks for your ever so thoughtful missive. Poor Trixie! She does seem to have just about the worst luck ever. Did you hear about that hangnail that took her out of circulation for an ENTIRE week? It was ghastly, just ghastly!

Wasn't the fashion show to die for! Although, truth be told, the models looked downright anorexic. Well, we know that fags don't design clothes for a REAL woman's body. Why would they?

Must fly!

Kisses

Bambs

When I was growing up, all the Jews I knew were big commies who wanted to burn down snooty country clubs and do primal dances in the light of the flames. Then I met the other sorts of Jews who yearned to join such places, and it made no sense to me.

Well, it makes no sense to this Jew.

Those needing examples of how institutionalized anti-Jewish bigotry is in the US need look no further than this thread. Just another day of life in bigoted America.

Country clubs struggled mightily during the recession to maintain their membership levels, and now they're having a hard time attracting new members because golf isn't as popular as it used to be. I have a family friend who is desperate to offload his stake in a private golf course for that reason.

Over the past decade or so, some country clubs have tried to attract new members by offering -- horror of horrors! -- discounted yearly rates, free initiation, etc. But there's not a single club in the northwest suburbs of Chicago that would be comfortably affordable for a family earning $85,000 a year. Keep in mind that in addition to the membership fee, many clubs also require members to spend a minimum each month on (usually subpar, always boring) food and drinks in the clubhouse.

It's not worth it. If you're looking for business connections, join a professional or alumni organization. If you're looking for a sport to enjoy, take up tennis or cycling. If you're looking for a sense of superiority, tell people on the Datalounge how to spend their money.

My family belonged to a couple. One in Asia and one here in the US. The one in Asia is quite nice: it has all the requisite things like tennis, driving range, a pool, a couple of restaurants, and even a small hotel. We stayed there when i was a kid for a whole summer while the apartment was renovated. We gave that up a couple years after we moved to the US, when it is obvious that me and my sib were not planning to fly back every summer.

When we moved to the US, we moved into a gated community that has one and you are charged club dues as part of the condo fee. It wasn't bad and the food was always good. But we gave it up the moment we sold the place because the standalone membership fees and mandatory charges were not worth it.

Despite the costs, the clubs were nice. Their staff don't have as much turnover as normal restaurants so you develop relationships with the staff. They know what you like, what you dont. They greet you by name and its all nice and welcoming (for a price of course). Not planning to join one anytime soon though.

A Hebraic hint: "German" Jews = WASP adjacent, the rest = ki*es.

My mom dropped the golf club when my dad died a couple of years ago. The younger son of family friends had a legacy membership, and would qualify as a "flamer." I don't really consider a club linked to a community, no matter how expensive the homes, as the same thing as one with a general membership with a waiting list.

She kept a membership at another club, where there's an annual event with free drinks (NO guests allowed). Seeing the throng of WASPs congregating like sharks for hooch that doesn't require clipping an additional coupon is truly a sight to behold!

R117, It actually makes perfect sense. There's always been extremely diverse viewpoints towards almost everything. For example there are Jews on the Far Left, Center, and near to the Far Right. Some always vote Democrat and others consistently back Republicans. What is similar is the stress on the need to vote and to be good citizens which means being educated about politics and the political process.

Now you will see Chassidic and other extremely Orthodox groups that dis traditional Jewish values about the need for education and continuous learning, including for women. They are generally condemned by being called a polite Yiddish word for "crazy" by almost all other Jews and Jewish groups. It's always been an anathema to publicly insult another Jew, as the result is usually an increase in prejudice towards all. So you can imagine how serious it is to use such a term repeatedly and vocally.

Jews wanted to join country clubs initially due to the business contacts and the close association with the power players of the community. Others wanted to burn the place down as it was a hated symbol of extreme elitism and snobbery. There's a belief that people shouldn't be excluded from something based on their parents' occupation and status.Admittance to a club should be based on one's own individual merits. Famously the wealthy beach community of La Jolla was once restricted. Then Jonas Salk creator of the polio vaccine changed everything. The internationally famous Salk Institute is located in La Jolla.

Girl.....the food and company at those clubs aren't worth the price. I say you and your guy should just use your money to vacation and spend time together....and if you guys are doing that already.....continue to! Adventures are way better than just sitting and visiting the same space....over and over again.

R124, Interesting your evaluation. I am planning on buying a condo in the nicer, newer, West Side of Vegas near to the Downtown Summerlin mall as soon as the expected and predicted drop in RE prices occurs. I had heard a couple of smaller nearby country clubs on West Sahara and The Lakes offer "social memberships." I don't know the cost. I had expected the food would be better than average.

I know that at least used to be true of one of the oldest Vegas country clubs, with many residential members living on the golf course., located on West Tropicana.

I had no idea a country club could be compared to purgatory. I'm not even sure what you mean by that statement. I was hoping to meet a better class of people who were capable of intellectual discussion without having to sit through a college class in uncomfortable chairs. I already have my BA. Or I could join an investment group but I don't want tp endure high pressure sales pitches.

Don't worry. You'll fit right in at the club.

Dear Bambi,

Thank you for your thoughtful missive, too, dear.

I spoke to Trixie a few days ago, and her hang nail is gone. I ran into her in the powder room, and she had a beautiful manicure.

Which reminds me! Her manicurist, Inga, was almost sent back to Germany. Her work visa expired and Trixie was crushed. It's so hard to find a manicurist that isn't colored or Oriental. My hubby Cal, called his friend in INS who he met at a Reagan fundraiser. The visa was automatically renewed because Inga's white. Thank God for President Trump!

Those anorexic models were dreadful and I was shocked by their arrogance. One of them was making goo goo eyes at Cal. What a gold digging tramp! I put a stop to that and now she's banned from next year's fashion show. I talked to Mimi who said those girls only eat lettuce leaves. They were strewn on the floor and Trixie almost slipped on one! Can you imagine????

Bambs dear, I must fly. I'm meeting Mimi for cocktails and girl talk. Care to join us?

Much Love, Buffy

Oh, honey, you're not even getting in as a guest.

The first rule of restricted country club is you do not talk about restricted country club.

When my mother died we discovered that she had been a longtime member of the Morgellon Club, membership dues = $2,000/yr

[quote]membership dues = $2,000/yr

That is extremely cheap. My parents' club dues are well over $1,000/month. That doesn't include, of course, the fee to join.

I'm curious what the appeal of these places are myself. They always seem exclusive to rich white people.

I suggest watching this movie before joining a country club.

OP, you can’t even afford a membership at Costco, much less a country club.

OP, Rockford is not a NW Suburb of Chicago. Sorry!

the old ones are sort of dying out, according to friends who are members of them

It was a place where the rich white people could hobnob with other rich white people. The men would often play golf together while the women would sit above the tennis courts and drink lemonade while gossiping about the neighbors.