Taking a pass on golf memberships
A golf membership has its privileges, but the trouble is it often comes with a steep initiation fee.
That doesn’t have to be the case, however, as some Metro Vancouver area courses are now offering annual passes that can provide solid value to golfers who log lots of rounds.
The West Coast Golf Group has recently introduced an annual pass that is good for play at all four of its courses — the Resort and Links courses at Swaneset Bay in Pitt Meadows; Belmont in Langley; and Hazelmere in Surrey.
It costs $3,000 and is good for a year from the date of purchase. There are no restrictions. You can play as much as you want, whenever you want.
If you play 75 rounds in a year, that works out to $40 a round. Squeeze in 100 and your price per round drops to $30.
Troy Peverley, general manager of the West Coast Golf Group, says the annual passes have been a huge hit with golfers. “We have had lots of interest. People are looking for one fee to play all four of our golf courses. It’s a nice variety of golf at a very competitive price.
“Our annual pass-holders are getting the benefits of membership without the large commitment of an expensive entrance fee.… It’s tremendous value. I think people are willing to pay a reasonable fee for a little bit of variety and four great courses. We are trying to grow the membership and the annual pass is being very well received.”
Aquilini Properties has also just introduced an annual pass that is good for play on all three of its courses — the North and South courses at Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows and The Falls in Chilliwack.
“You are starting to see more of these,” says Jamie Baxter, vicepresident of golf for Aquilini Properties. “I think people’s lifestyles and wanting that ability to not be tied into something long term is an attraction.”
The Golden Eagle-Falls annual passes sell anywhere from $1,100 to $2,500 a year. The prices include a power cart at The Falls, which closes over the winter.
“This is the first year we have done something like this,” Baxter says. “You join as an annual member and it is good for 365 days from when you join. So if you join May 1 it is good until April 30 of next year. And it gives you playing privileges on all three courses at both properties.
“Which membership you purchase determines your access. If you join as a weekday member you have weekday access. If you are a no restrictions full-play member you can play any of the courses at any time. Twilight membership is the most inexpensive at $1,100 and full play goes up to $2,500.”