Private Means Private...sort of

There is the long standing comment about Britain and America being divided by a common language. Golf contributes it's fair share to this confusion. Case in point, "Private" golf clubs.

In the British Isles "private" golf clubs imply they have a membership. In the U.S., a club that is designated as private probably restricts access to the course and facilities to members only. The British "private" does not, indeed most "private" courses in the British Isles welcome and are somewhat reliant on visitors for revenue.

I played at the Dunes Club in Myrtle Beach recently. The previous round was in 1984. Who needs repeat guests like me! The Dunes Club is probably one of the nicest facilities in Myrtle Beach and certainly one of the oldest. The clubhouse is on the beach and a great spot to have a drink or dinner. The course most recently hosted the Senior Tour Championship a few years ago. They have a manned security gate to protect their members from the outside world. The set up is typically that of a private club.

The twist to the story is that the Dunes Club accepts outside play. If you are a resident at one of 4 or 5 hotels you have the opportunity to play the Dunes Club on the hotels membership at a healthy greens fee. The members apparently accept this arrangement as the revenue infusion more than offsets any annoyance at unrepaired ball marks or slow play from non members. If the Dunes Club were located in virtually any other part of the U.S. the members would be appalled at this outside play...but this is Myrtle Beach and the way things are done. Which just goes to confirm you are a product of your environment.

I had not realized before how similar Myrtle Beach golf is to British golf!