Bakersfield Life

Stoke of luck

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 Pardon the poetry — and the pun — but if you’re a golfer considering country club membership, this could be the time for a hole-in-one!
As so often happens in a tough economy, businesses must get creative — and that almost always benefits the consumer.
Such is the case in the world of private golf courses, including those here in Bakersfield, an area filled with more than its fair share of golf fanatics.
A “recession ripple effect” of sorts has led to some country club membership efforts that could entice a bargain-hunting golfer to walk the greens at one of the area’s five private courses. If that person spots a can’t-miss deal, that is.
“We have a great number of new members and a great response to our specials,” said Sarah Campbell of Rio Bravo Country Club, where several membership campaigns now offer a cost-savings of one-third or more.
And yes, those specials are a direct result of the current economy and the golfer out there who wants a private club, but is mindful of the price and value for that facility.
Over at Sundale Country Club, the Buddy-Buddy membership (two people sharing the costs of a membership package) has seen some drop-off because one person is unable to continue his/her end of the deal.
However, also because of the economy, the folks at Sundale understand this situation and wanted to offer another way for one “buddy” to remain with the club — a single membership.
“We realize that we need to have different options for people so that a membership is still appealing,” said Tricia Kincheloe, membership secretary at Sundale.
Of course, there are also certainly gads of golfers quite content with the public courses here, which continue to be popular playing spots as well.
The Links at RiverLakes, North Kern and Kern River golf courses, to name a few, each have a host of benefits of their own, including overall financial savings, no ties to any one course and no longtime commitments to membership and its accompanying rules and regulations.
To help you sort through the possibility of private club membership, however, Bakersfield Life has compiled a list of the five local country clubs, along with available membership information. (Please also contact membership directors at the various locations for additional specifics.)
Just consider us your caddy, helping to guide you to the right “club,” as in “country club.”
Like any good golfer, though, the caddy may offer a bit of advice — but it’s the person competing on the course who makes the final decision.
BAKERSFIELD COUNTRY CLUB
4200 Country Club Drive
871-4000
Web site: bakersfieldcountryclub.memberstatements.com
Membership rates:
Packages, specials, additional fees and dues vary, depending on level of membership. Please call Membership Director Judi Martin for details and availability.
Course details:
Course architect, William P. (Billy) Bell — known for using existing conditions when designing a golf course — set up the dramatic round of 18 championship holes. The course is enjoyable, yet challenging, and is said to accommodate various levels of skill. A new irrigation system ensures the lush greens and beauty found at this northeast Bakersfield landmark.
Other amenities:
• An 18-hole putting course
• Full-service pro shop, including club repair and golf lessons
•  Men’s and women’s locker rooms. Men’s locker rooms also include a steam room and sauna.
• Four lighted tennis courts along with a junior tennis program and member leagues.
• Complete dining services in the Grill Room or formal dining room.
• Banquet facilities (250 capacity) and catering staff available to members
Interesting trivia note:
There is another “Bakersfield Country Club,” but this one is an 18-hole regulation length golf course in Bakersfield, Vt.
 
RIO BRAVO COUNTRY CLUB
15200 Casa Club Drive
871-4900
Web site: riobravocountryclub.com
Membership rates:
Initiation fees vary, plus monthly dues; call for details
Specials:
• Buddy membership, a limited offer: $200 to $300 fee to join with dues as low as $186 per month.
• Weekday membership: $500 fee, dues of $279 per month.
• Month-to-month membership: No initiation fee, pay as you play month-to-month, monthly dues of $300 with no long-term contracts. This is an individual membership; guests are allowed based on availability; guest fees apply.
• Initiation fees dropped by one-third for “Family Preferred” (now $8,000) and “Business Preferred” (now $16,000)
Course details:
Rio Bravo Country Club members play on an 18-hole championship golf course designed by world-renowned golf course architect Robert Muir Graves. The course is challenging with its no flatland specification. It’s also earned a bit of notoriety for its fast greens, but golfers don’t seem to mind that one bit. In fact, Rio Bravo’s quality course has been the site of several large golf events, including the Ben Hogan Open (open qualifying) in 1990 and 1991.
Other amenities:
• 15-minute drive from downtown Bakersfield
• Driving range and practice area
• Pro shop
• Lessons
• Tournament arrangements
• Banquet facility
SEVEN OAKS COUNTRY CLUB
2000 Grand Lakes Ave.
664-6038
Web site: sevenoakscountryclub.com
Membership rates:
Packages, additional fees and dues can vary; please call Membership Director Gayle Tape for specific details and availability.
Specials:
Three-month Convertible Golf Membership, flat fee of $1,500 per person; junior version of same package for those under 38 years old, flat fee of $1,000. Upon completion of three months, members have the option to walk away or upgrade to another membership level (the flat fees previously paid will be put toward upgrade).
Course details:
The 27-hole course at Seven Oaks was designed by Robert Muir Graves. It’s considered a challenging layout with environmental sensitivity. Also a highlight is the surrounding lakes and majestic oak trees. Golfers of all levels enjoy this course.
Other amenities:
• Driving range and practice facility
• PGA Golf instruction, private lessons and clinics
• Men’s and women’s locker rooms
• Professional tournament management
• Complete dining facilities
STOCKDALE COUNTRY CLUB
7001 Stockdale Highway
832-0310
Web site: stockdalecc.com
Membership rates:
For further information, please call Membership Director and Acting General Manager Susan Greer.
Course details:
Founded in 1925, true heritage and tradition are at the root of historical Stockdale Country Club. The golf course is a local favorite with its 18 holes as well as plenty of mature trees and few water hazards. It was designed by Lloyd Tevis. The course’s three sets of tees accommodate different skill levels.
Other amenities:
• Complete dining facilities
• Pro shop
• Card rooms
• Complete fitness program
SUNDALE COUNTRY CLUB
6218 Sundale Ave.
Phone: 831-4200
Web site: sundalecountryclub.com
Membership rates:
Initiation fees, $250 to $500; plus monthly dues, $150 to $300, depending on membership package, plus applicable fees. For further details, contact Membership Secretary Tricia Kincheloe.
Specials:
Buddy-Buddy membership is for two people to share, any combination; $250 one-time initiation fee per person; monthly dues, $150 per person; minimum $30 fee for food and beverage to be spent in the clubhouse (can be split between buddies or used exclusively by one buddy). Dues cover unlimited green fees Tuesday through Sunday.
Single membership (one member), $250 one-time initiation fee; monthly dues, $175, plus $15 minimum fee for food and beverage to be spent in the clubhouse. Dues cover unlimited green fees Tuesday through Sunday.
Family membership (husband, wife and any children 21 and younger living at home) also available; $500 one-time initiation fee; $300 monthly dues; $30 minimum for food and beverage to be spent in the clubhouse.
Course details:
Surrounded by established southwest Bakersfield neighborhoods, Sundale Country Club offers a popular 18-hole championship golf course with mature shade trees spread out over a generous 167-plus acres.
Other amenities:
• Full grass driving range
• Two large putting greens
• Junior golf program
• Pro shop
• Sauna
• Home of the Bakersfield City Golf Championships for more than 20 years
• Reciprocal relationship with nearby In-Shape Health Club: Laurel Glen fitness and tennis center on Ming Avenue. Sundale members can use facilities for $10 per person.