Are you comparing golf club memberships as you plan a second home in Scottsdale? With high season play and a wide range of clubs, the right choice can shape your daily rhythm, from tee times to social life. You want great golf, clear costs, and flexibility that matches how often you are here. This guide breaks down equity and non‑equity models, typical costs and waitlists, and how to pick a membership that fits your winter schedule and lifestyle. Let’s dive in.
Equity vs non‑equity explained
How equity memberships work
Equity clubs are member‑owned. You usually pay an initiation that represents an ownership share, then monthly or annual dues for operations. Members elect a board and have a voice in major decisions. When you leave, you may recover part of your initiation through a resale or refund, subject to club rules.
How non‑equity memberships work
Non‑equity clubs are owned by an operator or developer. Your initiation buys access, not ownership. The owner sets policies, fees, and capital plans, and may change programs within contract terms. There is no equity to resell when you exit, though some operators offer limited transfer options.
Pros and cons at a glance
- Equity pros: Member control, long‑term culture stability, potential partial recovery of initiation.
- Equity cons: Possible capital assessments, resale timing and price depend on club rules and demand.
- Non‑equity pros: Predictable capital investment by the owner, fewer surprise assessments, flexible membership tiers.
- Non‑equity cons: No equity recovery, policies can change at the owner’s discretion, value tied to operator decisions.
Scottsdale club landscape
Private member clubs
Scottsdale offers a wide spectrum of private clubs with golf, dining, fitness, and social calendars. Both equity and non‑equity models exist, often with several membership classes. Tee time priority and guest access are common differentiators at the full golf level. Social and limited‑golf options serve members who play less.
Gated community clubs
Some golf communities connect club access to home ownership. Membership may be required, tied to a property, or offered as an optional upgrade. Rules on transfer and resale vary, so review HOA documents and club bylaws before you buy. This structure can be appealing if you want a turnkey community lifestyle with easy access to the course.
Resort and semi‑private options
Resort and semi‑private clubs provide flexible programs, which can work well for part‑time residents. These often blend paid daily play with optional memberships. If you value variety or are easing into the market, a seasonal or associate tier can deliver solid access without a full commitment.
Municipal courses as a supplement
Public courses in Scottsdale offer quality play without a membership. Many second‑home owners pair a social or limited membership at a private club with pay‑as‑you‑play rounds at public courses. This can be cost‑effective if you golf only a few times a month outside peak season.
Seasonality and demand
Peak season runs October through April, when tee sheets tighten and social calendars fill. That seasonal surge affects perceived value, waitlists, and booking windows. If winter is your main window, confirm how your membership class books times during high demand.
Costs to expect and compare
Initiation fees and refundability
Initiation fees in Scottsdale range widely. For full private memberships, expect costs from the low five figures at many clubs to six figures at the most exclusive. Some equity initiations are refundable in whole or part on resignation or resale, while many non‑equity initiations are non‑refundable. Ask for the written refund policy and any transfer fees before you apply.
Dues, minimums, and extras
Monthly dues vary from a few hundred to several thousand dollars depending on facilities and service level. Food and beverage minimums may apply, and there can be separate fees for carts, lockers, storage, and practice facilities. Review what is included versus billed a la carte so you can compare apples to apples.
Assessments and capital projects
Equity clubs may fund major improvements through special assessments or dues increases. Operator‑owned clubs may also change dues or charge fees when upgrading facilities. Ask about the club’s recent capital history and whether reserves are in place for planned projects.
Availability and waitlists
What drives wait times
Membership caps, peak‑season demand, and resale activity influence availability. In-demand clubs can see waitlists that stretch months or longer, while other classes may be open now. Timing matters, especially for winter starts.
How to join or hold a spot
Most clubs require an application and deposit to join a waitlist. Deposits can be refundable or applied to initiation upon acceptance. Clarify deposit rules in writing and ask for the current estimated timeline for your membership class.
Resale and transfer markets
At some equity clubs, memberships are resold by departing members, often with club approval and transfer fees. Operators may handle reassignments directly. If you are on a tight timeline, ask whether a resale membership can speed up your start date.
Match membership to your usage
If you are a snowbird (2–4 months per year)
- Consider seasonal or snowbird memberships designed for winter access.
- Look at non‑resident or associate classes with tee time limits that fit your stay.
- Pair a social membership with public play to manage costs.
If you play several rounds a week
- A full golf membership with tee time priority and full amenities likely fits best.
- Choose equity if you value governance and potential resale recovery.
- Choose non‑equity if you prefer predictable capital planning and flexible tiers.
If you play a few rounds a month
- Limited, weekday, or nine‑hole memberships can fit your pattern.
- Social memberships with occasional guest rounds keep costs lower.
- Public and semi‑private play can fill gaps during busy weeks.
If you have family or non‑golfers
- Focus on clubs with strong fitness, pools, dining, and children’s programs.
- Confirm guest policies so visiting family can enjoy amenities.
- Check school‑break calendars against peak member events and booking rules.
If you may rent your home
- Review guest and renter policies in writing. Some clubs require member accompaniment or limit renter access.
- Understand any fees or registration steps required for renters.
- Factor policies into your property selection if rental income is part of your plan.
Buyer checklist for club tours
- Membership structure: Equity or non‑equity? Ownership interest or use license?
- Fees and dues: Current initiation, monthly dues, and any planned increases.
- Refund and resale: Refundable portion of initiation, transfer fees, and resale rules.
- Availability: Waitlist length for your class and deposit terms while you wait.
- Seasonal options: Non‑resident, associate, or seasonal programs for winter stays.
- Tee time access: Booking windows during peak months and priority rules by class.
- Guest policies: Daily limits, fees, and rules for unaccompanied guests.
- Reciprocal play: Access to other local or national clubs and any blackout dates.
- Financials and governance: Bylaws, reserve studies, assessment history, and who manages the club.
- Trial options: Tour, trial membership, or play‑day opportunities before you commit.
Verify and protect your decision
- Contact membership directors to confirm current fees, classes, and waitlists. Ask for disclosures in writing.
- Review membership agreements, bylaws, dues history, and any capital plans before placing a deposit.
- Compare total cost of ownership, including initiation spread over your expected membership period, dues, minimums, and travel.
- If the membership is a significant asset or tied to property, consult legal and tax advisors for guidance.
Local guidance that saves time
Choosing a club should enhance your Scottsdale lifestyle, not complicate it. If you are weighing neighborhoods, membership types, and seasonal timing, you do not have to do it alone. For aligned advice and access to homes that fit your preferred clubs, connect with Artie Baxter. Book an appointment to map your criteria, shortlist clubs and communities, and move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What is the difference between equity and non‑equity golf club memberships in Scottsdale?
- Equity means member ownership with potential partial initiation recovery; non‑equity is operator‑owned with no ownership interest and typically no refund of initiation.
How much do Scottsdale private golf club memberships typically cost to start and maintain?
- Initiations often range from the low five figures to six figures for top clubs, with monthly dues from a few hundred to several thousand depending on amenities and access.
Are there seasonal or non‑resident golf memberships for winter visitors in Scottsdale?
- Many clubs and resort operators offer seasonal, associate, or non‑resident options tailored to snowbirds who are in town October through April.
How long are waitlists for popular Scottsdale golf clubs?
- Wait times vary from immediate openings to months or years based on membership caps, demand, and the season you plan to join.
Can I resell or transfer my Scottsdale golf club membership if I leave?
- Equity memberships often have resale or refund pathways set by the club, while non‑equity memberships are usually non‑transferable except under operator rules.
What documents should I review before joining a Scottsdale golf club?
- Ask for the membership agreement, bylaws, dues and assessment history, capital plans or reserve studies, and written policies on booking, guests, refunds, and transfers.
