joining a club

I started golf lessons in 2005 had a few say 10 and played a few rounds then work got in the way.
Want to take golf up again and was thinking about joining a club, thing is i ll only be able to play after work so say starting at 5:30 or at the weekend, i hered that most clubs have compertitions at the weekend, would there be time to go out after these?

There is a club bout 2 minutes drive away from me that im kinda thinking of joining but looking at the membership form it says i need 2 current members to propose me and i also have to put my golfing experience on. im not to good so would it be hard for me to join there.

The cource i have played on was a minisipul one, would i benifit from joining a club? and how much better is a club course to a minisipul one?

Matt,

I don't think every weekend would be taken up by club competitions and on weekends you should be able to play at some point even if a competition was arranged. But I think that you should ask this question to the club secretary before handing over your hard earned cash.

Most clubs have the proposal rules but there must be a way around this - again, I would ask the club secretary about this.

As for the experience angle - just put a true indication of your ability, I doubt that you are the only 28 handicapper there.

Is it Bishop you are joining..? Crook could be worth a look - cheaper membership fees.

I think Crook is about £350 to £400 not certain though.

Municipal courses are available to anyone whereby private clubs have thier own restrictions.

Don't think you would go far wrong joining Bishop - streets ahead of Oakleaf..

Now thats getting your moneys worth !!  lol

Ps If ever I win the euromillions wayne you'll be banned froim my 9 hole pitch n putt golf course...lol

No Matt,

The secretary will show you round, explain what members get ie comps leagues etc etc - he will probably ask if you have any questions and you might ask:

How do I get a handicap

What is the clubs winter policy

Is it okay to book a 9 holer for after work

Can I bring a non member for a round and at what cost

Are lockers available to store my clubs

What is the dress code

Is there a notice board where I can maybe ask for playing partners of similar ability

Just to mention a few...

Remember - your interviewing the secretary in order to decide whether the club is right for you - but I am sure you will be fine and remeber every player there today will screw up on some shots..

Whatever happens though - let us know how it went...

Dont worry Matt once you play there a few times you will get used to the greens there im sure.  Do they have a practice green on where you can spend a little time? that should help you judge pace etc (oh my god listen to me sound like a right geek).....

I find the same happens tho when I play my usual municipal courses I can now judge the greens quite well and then when I go to another course it does get tricky.  Dont wanna state the obvious but its all about practice and the more you do so aoround putting Im sure you will be sinking loads in, after all, thats probably one of the biggest differences between us and the low single figure handicappers, they're short game is just deadly.

Practice practice and a bit more practice and when you have done that practice what you have practiced....

Crook is a good challenge - different league to Oakleaf.  But you will get a feel for it after a few rounds and your scores will start coming down.

I was also told that the pro there is very good if you fancy a few lessons...

Glad it went ok for you