Is the Club Built for Your Lifestyle?

If you’re a single golfer focused on course quality and competitive play, your priorities will look different than someone seeking a full-family club with social events, fitness amenities, and youth programs. Don’t just tour the clubhouse—ask how the club supports your lifestyle.

What Amenities Beyond Golf Matter to You?

Modern private clubs are about more than just 18 holes. Consider whether you’ll use:

• Tennis and pickleball courts
• Pools and wellness centers
• Dining venues for both casual and formal meals
• Kids’ camps and holiday events
• Social or wine clubs
• Business and event hosting spaces

Make sure the club offers a well-rounded experience that fits how you actually live and spend your leisure time.

What Type of Membership Access Is Offered?

Understanding how privileges are structured is key—especially for couples and families. Some clubs designate only one household member as a full member, limiting the other’s access to golf or dining. Others offer tiered junior programs or specific age-related usage policies. Ask how your homeownership impacts your access and if extended family or guests can enjoy privileges when visiting.

How Important Is Game Improvement to You?

For passionate golfers, instruction and practice facilities are non-negotiable. Look for:

• A spacious driving range with grass tees
• Short game practice areas and bunkers
• PGA-certified instructors available for lessons
• Golf simulators or indoor tech for year-round training

Ask about the teaching philosophy and whether there’s support for beginners, juniors, or advanced players looking to shave strokes.

What’s the Club Ownership Model?

Private clubs are generally either equity (member-owned) or corporate-owned. With equity clubs, members shape the vision, budgeting, and experience. You’ll likely have more say in club decisions—and a sense of shared ownership and community investment.

Corporate clubs often offer convenience and streamlined operations, but with less member input and potentially greater variability in long-term plans or dues structures. Decide which approach aligns better with your expectations for involvement and control.

What Are the Real Financial Commitments?

It’s not just about initiation fees and monthly dues. Be sure to ask about:

• Capital improvement assessments
• Cart and caddie fees
• Food and beverage minimums
• Locker and storage fees
• Guest policies and associated costs

Ask for a full cost breakdown and compare it with your usage habits to make sure it’s a fit for your lifestyle and budget.

What’s the Long-Term Vision for the Club?

Ask leadership what’s on the horizon. Are new facilities in the works? Is there a master plan for updates or expansions? You want to know if you’ll be walking into a well-maintained club—or a series of assessments.

How Does the Membership Process Work?

Some clubs are easy to join with minimal process. Others require formal applications, referrals, interviews—or even a vote. If you’re exploring through a vacation rental or extended visit, check whether that gives you access to preview the club’s amenities and engage with current members.

What’s the Vibe from Current Members?

Spend time with the people who know the club best. Ask current or former members about:

• Club culture and friendliness
• Responsiveness of leadership
• Whether promises made during onboarding were kept
• How involved the community is in shaping the club’s direction

A candid conversation will reveal more than any brochure.

It’s the Little Things

The quality of a private club often comes down to details: service, maintenance, management, and culture. Are staff members warm and consistent? Is the property meticulously cared for? Does the general manager know members by name?

At a well-run private golf club community, those details are more than finishing touches—they’re part of the experience.

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Spotlight: Burlingame Country Club

Located in the scenic town of Sapphire in North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Burlingame Country Club is a private, member-owned club community set on 1,450 pristine acres. The club offers a variety of luxury real estate options—including cottages, villas, condos, and custom homes. Membership is typically tied to homeownership, providing a strong sense of investment and connection among residents.

While Burlingame does not offer short-term accommodations, vacation rentals within the community are available for those looking to experience the lifestyle before making a purchase. Certain amenities may remain reserved for full members, preserving the exclusivity and value of the club.

Final Word: Live the Club Life—Fully

Choosing a private golf club community isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision. It’s about finding a community that aligns with your lifestyle, your values, and your vision for the future.

If you’re exploring a move to North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains and looking for a private club that offers more than just exceptional golf, Burlingame Country Club should be on your list. With its luxury real estate offerings, close-knit member community, and natural beauty, it’s more than a golf club—it’s a place to live, connect, and belong. Click here to learn more.

Short Game is Everything

Calcavecchia emphasizes the importance of putting in the work around the green. He recommends focusing on chipping out of bunkers and learning how to consistently get down in two putts from just off the green. Sharpening this part of your game can make a significant difference in scoring and consistency.

Think Your Way Around the Course

Course management is another pillar of his philosophy. Driving the ball in the fairway is essential—but so is caution on the greens. Putting from above the hole? Tread carefully. A smart approach can save strokes even when your swing isn’t perfect.

Start Strong

The first few holes often dictate the rhythm of a round. Calcavecchia stresses the importance of a solid opening stretch—especially the first four holes—as a way to build confidence and momentum.

Confidence is Key

Calcavecchia underscores the value of believing in your game, especially when the pressure is on. Confidence, he believes, is a critical ingredient for playing well—whether you’re competing in a major or just trying to finish strong in a casual round. A positive mindset can go a long way in helping golfers perform their best when it counts.

Practice with Purpose

Instead of spending endless hours hitting balls on the range, Calcavecchia recommends quality over quantity. Young golfers, in particular, benefit more from focused, thoughtful practice than mindless repetition.

Play Often at Burlingame Country Club

Finally, there’s no substitute for time on the course. He advises playing at least once or twice a week to keep your skills sharp and instincts fresh.

At Burlingame, Mark continues to enjoy the game he loves as part of the club’s vibrant golfing community. Whether you’re chasing birdies, aiming to follow in the footsteps of players like Calcavecchia, or simply looking to sharpen your skills and keep your handicap in check, there’s no better place to play, learn, and grow your game. Click here to connect with us and discover how you can become part of the Burlingame experience—where exceptional golf and unforgettable moments go hand in hand.