Thanks to MMM I bought a golf club membership

[teacherwithamustache]

Because of this blog I have really started to value my family time better and really have a better balance between work and family time.  I read these forums and what really jumps out at me is the family time spent with the kids leading to a higher quality of life.  Secondly what jumps out at me is looking for bargains and really looking at the value of every purchase in terms of cost, substitute products, and convenience.  I am letting you know this because not everyone on the forum wants a life of washing cloth diapers to save $4 a week.  Also not all of us find that planting a vegetable garden to make your own biodiesel very appealing.  Just because you are looking to retire early does not mean you do not spend money.  Sometimes I think this idea is forgotten in these forums.

So here are the numbers for my family of 4 membership...

$250 a month includes everything (cart, greens fees, driving range, etc) I also get to play on the 12 other courses in the area twice a month for $20 each time.  Have not done the other course part yet.

$0 initiation fee (they were running a special)

The cost of a round of golf at the course is $70 if I did not have a membership

GAS N/A we walk

Clubs N/A hand me downs

Other Bonuses

4 free family lunches over the past 4 months for various reasons

28 free ice cream sundaes for the kids


So far in 125 days we as a family have played 38 rounds of golf, and 44 trips to the driving range.  We as a family have spent over 1,000 hours at the golf course (4 of us playing for 4 hours would equal 16 hours at the golf course).  This is about 12% of our quality family time.  My 7 year old literally asks me if we can go play golf after school when I wake him up every morning.  It is great.

Yes, my kids do other activities
Yes, my wife and I max out our IRA's  (we are both in education so Retire Early for us is 53 due to pensions, even though we both think we can both go part time starting at age 45 and be fine).
0 debt
12 years left on mortgage.
About 200K in assets not including pension or home value.


So MMMers I know I am not the only member that has a golf course membership right?????

[Schaefer Light]

Congrats.  I don't have a membership, but that's one of my future goals.  I'd probably get my money's worth on range balls alone.

[LiveLean]

Because of the declining popularity of golf, it's never been cheaper. We have friends with kids 12 and 9 and the local club and program here in Florida all but pays the kids to play.

[Bracken_Joy]

Many people on the forum have their "thing". That one non-negotiable. There are horse people (no one would claim horses are cost-effective). There was a case study where the person refused to give up their martial art (BJJ). There was a couple with a sailing habit. For me, it's high quality ethically sourced foods. We all have those things we just won't give up. I think it's important to know the true cost though. Put it into other terms. How many years will this delay retirement? How many hours of extra work is that? How many pounds of bacon could that buy? (The bacon index is awesome, IMO).

As long as you know the true cost, and can compare that to the true value, it's totally fine. It's a conscious and well informed decision. And that is mustachian.

[Pylortes]

Good for you finding a hobby to enjoy with your family that you can make good use of.  I agree with a previous poster as long as you're going into it with your eyes wide open and figured the opportunity costs and you have still determined this was a quality of life thing that you value highly then you're doing it right. 

Question, is the monthly fee locked in for say a full year or can you drop at any time (say later in the year when you've either got your fill or the weather turns bad)?  Just curious.  If you could drop it I'd be all over it for 3-4 months then id probably wear out and figure that's a good time to move on. 

[Ricky]

Bu...buttttt....parks are free. ;)

I think that's a good price. although don't treat it like most people treat a gym membership. Most people who have gym memberships rarely even go. Around here, I'd spend $250 for 10 rounds of golf, give or take. So $250 for your family is very good provided it's a well rated course.

"4 free family lunches over the past 4 months for various reasons

28 free ice cream sundaes for the kids"

Well, technically not free, but not a bad deal :)

[SMCx3]

Just stay away from the money games at the club, you will be fine.

Enjoy!

[Cougar]

 i plan on getting one when i go fire because of this.

Because of the declining popularity of golf, it's never been cheaper. We have friends with kids 12 and 9 and the local club and program here in Florida all but pays the kids to play.

seriously, except for the elite clubs; golf clubs need members badly. i expect i'll be able to haggle and save a great amount when i decide to join.

[Chris22]

 i plan on getting one when i go fire because of this.

Might be worth looking into a "job" at a course that includes free golf instead.  Lots of guys retire and then work the pro shop, starter, etc, which is a cushy job paying minimum-ish wage and includes free golf. 

[teacherwithamustache]

Rates are locked in for 3 years.  I can quit at any time (I just need to pay original $500 initiation fee that got waived if I quit within first year).

Negotiate away at these courses.  They are desperate for members.

[CommonCents]

 i plan on getting one when i go fire because of this.

Might be worth looking into a "job" at a course that includes free golf instead.  Lots of guys retire and then work the pro shop, starter, etc, which is a cushy job paying minimum-ish wage and includes free golf.

My uncle did this.  Apparently it is a source of contention he somehow spends more money with the "job" than otherwise.

[I'm a red panda]

My uncle did this.  Apparently it is a source of contention he somehow spends more money with the "job" than otherwise.

Most people with hobby jobs do this. 

But the overall value of what they receive vs. out of pocket cash is better.

(I worked at an ice rink for free ice time and group lessons- but had thousands of out of pocket on private lessons, skates, sharpening etc.)

[BBub]

Sounds like fun.  I disagree that people around here are averse to spending money on pleasure and hobbies.  I've had quite the opposite experience.  Most people around here are intentionally saving up and cutting out BS spending, so they can perpetually enjoy the activities that bring them joy.  It's just a matter of knowing the true cost, weighing it against other options then making thoughtful spending decisions.  It sounds like you didn't make the golf club decision blindly, and you clearly derive much joy and satisfaction out of the purchase.  Kudos.

[Bob W]

Hmmm, I may consider this.   My son just did the same and I was thinking "
how freaking wasteful"    But then I shelled out $400 for an amusement park that we will probably use 7 times.   We live in an area with lots of golf courses so I can see that if the one 5 miles up the road has a deal like this,  that that maybe a pretty good deal for us.  Especially if we can have guests occasionally.   Oops, I forgot,  I suck at golf.  Damn!

[jmusic]

Most people around here are intentionally saving up and cutting out BS spending, so they can perpetually enjoy the activities that bring them joy.  It's just a matter of knowing the true cost, weighing it against other options then making thoughtful spending decisions.  It sounds like you didn't make the golf club decision blindly, and you clearly derive much joy and satisfaction out of the purchase.  Kudos.

Reminds me of this...

Rule #25
// The bikes on top of your car should be worth more than the car.
 

Or at least be relatively more expensive.  Basically, if you’re putting your Huffy on your Rolls, you’re in trouble, mister. Remember what Sean said.

http://www.velominati.com/the-rules/

[mtn]

My uncle did this.  Apparently it is a source of contention he somehow spends more money with the "job" than otherwise.

Most people with hobby jobs do this. 

But the overall value of what they receive vs. out of pocket cash is better.

(I worked at an ice rink for free ice time and group lessons- but had thousands of out of pocket on private lessons, skates, sharpening etc.)

I referee hockey--since I've moved, the perks aren't as much, but when I was in a small town it was great--$3 sharpenings from another ref who worked at the rink, all the icetime I wanted (and got paid for it!), I could write off my skates on my taxes... Sadly that last one won't work this time since I would replace my skates every few years, and the old ones would become my new playing skates--this year, I think I've broken down the reffing skates too far to safely play on.

[mtn]

If I had more free time I would probably be interested in a "membership" (really, it is usually just a season pass). I miss playing golf for free though back when I was a caddy. I look forward to the FIRE job of a starter or ranger.

[dplasters]

I need to FIRE and get out of the DC area faster.

Those prices are unbelievable.  The best I can do is about $35 a round here.  The initiation at the one closest to me (I could bike!) is north of 60k.

[CommonCents]

My uncle did this.  Apparently it is a source of contention he somehow spends more money with the "job" than otherwise.

Most people with hobby jobs do this. 

But the overall value of what they receive vs. out of pocket cash is better.

(I worked at an ice rink for free ice time and group lessons- but had thousands of out of pocket on private lessons, skates, sharpening etc.)

I referee hockey--since I've moved, the perks aren't as much, but when I was in a small town it was great--$3 sharpenings from another ref who worked at the rink, all the icetime I wanted (and got paid for it!), I could write off my skates on my taxes... Sadly that last one won't work this time since I would replace my skates every few years, and the old ones would become my new playing skates--this year, I think I've broken down the reffing skates too far to safely play on.

I'm sure it makes sense for many people.  For these people, who don't really earn enough (or spend too little - I'm only privy to the complaints and not the actual finances), it's a significant issue.  I mostly meant it as a warning that you can sometimes get sucked into hobby spending.  Like the foolish people that work part-time at their favorite clothing store and then spend their paycheck plus more at it.  It's a great idea - as long as you restrain yourself.

[TheRedHead]

We belong to a club as well. My son takes soccer, tennis, exercise and golf lessons. I use the gym with a trainer. My husband golfs and works out. And we all use the pool. We are up there several times a week, it's wonderful.

[whydavid]

Hmmm, I may consider this.   My son just did the same and I was thinking "
how freaking wasteful"    But then I shelled out $400 for an amusement park that we will probably use 7 times.   We live in an area with lots of golf courses so I can see that if the one 5 miles up the road has a deal like this,  that that maybe a pretty good deal for us.  Especially if we can have guests occasionally.   Oops, I forgot,  I suck at golf.  Damn!

The "suck at golf" thing applies to me.  I used to play in fits and starts...would golf for about a month or two, perceive that I wasn't improving, then would get frustrated during a round and park the clubs for another year or so.

After a couple of years in the corporate world, I found recently that my demeanor has changed so much that I can really enjoy sucking at golf.  I'm able to appreciate much better how awesome it truly is to be out there in the sun enjoying the greenery instead of wasting away in a cubicle.  When I top the ball and fail to get it past the ladies' tees, my laughter is now genuine :)

I like this thread.  A golf membership on its surface might appear to be very unfrugal, and I bet for a lot of folks they are, but it sounds like the OP really takes advantage and gets what he pays for.

[Maxman]

We live in a retirement community in Florida (The Villages). We own one car and 2 golf carts (mine does 30mph). Golf here is moderately priced. I average $500 per month. I have played golf for over 40 years, and don't know what I would do without it. I don't believe that it fits in with our otherwise frugal lifestyle. The camaraderie with my golfing buddies is great. I play 3 times a week and practice once a week. So I say you are getting a great rate to play golf for you and your family. Life is short enjoy.

[russianswinga]

Before MMM, I had a $500/month average ballroom habit. 2 private lessons per week, competitions, tuxedoes, travel - it adds up.
It wasn't MMM that made me give it up, but family life. I got married. Just had a kid. Now I'd rather spend my time with them than in the ballroom. It sure was fun though...