Golf Membership - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Rautakallio · 03-21-2011, 01:18 PM

Am thinking of purchasing a golf membership at either Elbow Springs or River Spirit golf club. I would appreciate any input, especially from existing or former club members. I have enjoyed golfing at both courses but understand the lower part of River Spirit was damaged by the Bow River during the floods a few years back.

arloiginla · 03-21-2011, 01:26 PM

River Spirit has been re-done a bit, the river has completely changed its course after the flood and what used to be a raging river is now really just a trickling creek.

It's a nice course still but not the kind I'd get a membership to.

The Goon · 03-21-2011, 01:32 PM

I never really liked the pro shop staff at Elbow Springs, in two years of dealing with them as a vendor. Of course, that was five years ago, so hopefully they've all been fired. I never wanted to golf there as a result of those guys.

edit: Don't forget, PGA show this weekend!

Flabbibulin · 03-21-2011, 01:57 PM

River Spirit hands down. Elbow springs is ok, but way overpriced imo. Both are equity memberships, but I believe they sell a small number of annuals every year. Around 3300 for River Spirit- not sure about elbow springs.

Redwood meadows isn't much further west, and is arguably better than both.

Vansmack · 03-21-2011, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flabbibulin

River Spirit hands down. Elbow springs is ok, but way overpriced imo. Both are equity memberships, but I believe they sell a small number of annuals every year. Around 3300 for River Spirit- not sure about elbow springs.

Redwood meadows isn't much further west, and is arguably better than both.

This. A lot of people got turned off of RW in the 90s. But they have made some incredible improvements and the greens keeper (Heath) does an incredible job.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ268896994 One year "test drive" membership at redwood is $2,950.
There are also people selling their memberships on kijiji for $12,500 which is $5,000 less than what the club is selling them for.

daredevil · 03-21-2011, 04:12 PM

Since Redwood came up... I'll give a shout out to Innisfail (only an hour north of downtown).
I think for about $1500/year (for non-shareholders) you can get a full membership.

Flabbibulin · 03-21-2011, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daredevil

Since Redwood came up... I'll give a shout out to Innisfail (only an hour north of downtown).
I think for about $1500/year (for non-shareholders) you can get a full membership.

There's no doubt that the best value memberships are in the courses 30 minutes (or more) out of the city- water valley, Sundre golf club, Turner valley, and carstairs come to mind... along with innisfail they are all under 2000.

Problem for most people is they are too far to drive on weekdays after work. Otherwise, I would love to be a member somewhere like water valley.

Dion · 03-21-2011, 05:20 PM

Golf memberships out at Nanton are really cheap. $3,200 for a share and $708 in annual dues. I hope to have my membership in a month or so.

Rautakallio · 03-21-2011, 05:35 PM

I finally got approval for a membership but only if it's close. River and Elbow fit the criteria. Thanks for the responses so far.

Northendzone · 03-21-2011, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daredevil

Since Redwood came up... I'll give a shout out to Innisfail (only an hour north of downtown).
I think for about $1500/year (for non-shareholders) you can get a full membership.

i cry every time i thinkl about this price - one day i want to retire to innisfail for this very reason.......and the fact that the mad butcher is also in innisfail....

rj* · 03-21-2011, 08:06 PM

IMO River Spirit is a far better course than Elbow Springs, but what are you looking for in your membership? How important is the social element to you? Tournaments? I think Redwood is a better course than both, and the membership there is solid- good leagues and tournaments etc.

Rautakallio · 03-21-2011, 09:50 PM

The social aspect and tournaments is not as important as getting out and golfing with my family. My wife would like to get involved in a Ladies league which they all seem to have. River seems to be a good walking course as well.

DuffMan · 03-21-2011, 09:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vansmack

This. A lot of people got turned off of RW in the 90s. But they have made some incredible improvements and the greens keeper (Heath) does an incredible job.

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-s...AdIdZ268896994 One year "test drive" membership at redwood is $2,950.
There are also people selling their memberships on kijiji for $12,500 which is $5,000 less than what the club is selling them for.

I had a friend who bought a membership there about 15 years ago, for $2500. I think the guy that sold was desperate for some $$$ at the time.

malcolmk14 · 03-22-2011, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rautakallio

The social aspect and tournaments is not as important as getting out and golfing with my family. My wife would like to get involved in a Ladies league which they all seem to have. River seems to be a good walking course as well.

If the family aspect is important to you, go with River Spirit. No question.