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I agree with Flagstick's analysis that private golf isn't cheap. I worked one fall season a few years ago at Salem Country Club. It's on and off Golf and Golf Digest as one of the nations top 100 courses. For reference, the membership there paid about $50 dollars per day just to have about 80 sand traps raked and groomed each day. I know because I did it. As I recollect, the initiation fee there was about $60,000. Then each year an annual membership ran about 10 grand and you had to spend at least $600 per month on food and drink from the clubhouse. Every once in a while Dwight Evans and Carleton Fisk would show up and play a round. Most or, at least some, of the really old private clubs are comparably economical compared to the newer private courses. But I'd say FS is right in that they are selective as to who will be considered for membership. I would say a lot of the newer memberships and courses are geared for noveau riche philistines who are one step up from Candlewood caliber in playing ability, and one step down from John Daly in social graces. Lots of business is conducted on the links, and I suppose joining a private club could be helpful in that regard...ie entertaining clients etc... but that whole atmosphere is unappealing to me.