Golf Communities

What is the difference between private and daily fee golf?

A private club limits play to members and their guests, controls membership count, and charges an initiation fee plus ongoing dues and often a food and beverage minimum. Course conditions and tee time availability are generally better, and the cost is substantial and recurring. A daily fee club sells tee times to the public, which means no initiation and no mandatory dues for homeowners, but also outside play and less exclusivity.

Grayhawk Golf Club is the notable daily fee option among North Scottsdale master plans. DC Ranch, Silverleaf, Troon and Desert Mountain operate private clubs.

Does buying a home include the golf membership?

Almost never automatically. Some clubs allow a membership to be transferred or reissued to a buyer under defined terms, others require a new application with no guarantee, and some maintain a waitlist that can run years. Treat any seller statement about membership as unverified until the club confirms it in writing.

Is a golf course lot worth the premium?

Frontage on a well maintained hole with an open view generally holds its premium at resale. Frontage that comes with errant ball exposure, cart path noise, maintenance equipment at dawn or a view of a tee box wall often does not. Walk the lot at the time of day you will actually use the yard, and ask which direction play runs.

What else affects cost in a golf community?

HOA dues and any sub association dues, community facilities district assessments on the tax bill, and in some communities a mandatory social membership even for non golfers. Add all of it up before comparing two communities on home price alone.