Golf Membership Types Explained So You Can Pick the Right One
There are three main kinds of golf memberships: full, social, and limited-access.
- Full memberships let you play as many rounds as you want and use all the facilities.
- Social memberships are more about the clubhouse and dining, with a few rounds each month.
- Limited-access or weekday memberships let you play on certain days or times for a lower price.
A lot of courses here in the valley also have family plans and seasonal add-ons that work well with our high-desert weather.
If you just moved to the Grand Junction area or you've been here awhile and are ready to join a club, it helps to think about how often you actually play. Choosing the right golf course in Grand Junction CO starts with knowing what kind of experience fits your game. The Redlands Mesa side of town draws golfers who want big elevation changes, a championship layout, and those jaw-dropping views right below the Colorado National Monument. Courses closer to Tiara Rado pull in players who like a shorter round near the mesa trails.
A full membership is a good call if you're out on the course three or more times a week. Social memberships work if you like the food and the people but only play a handful of rounds a month. Weekday, junior, and senior options give you a way to get started without going all in right away.
How To Tell if a Golf Membership Saves You Money Over Pay-Per-Round
Here's the easy way to figure it out. Add up what you spend on green fees in a year. Then look at what a membership costs. If you play twice a week or more, the membership almost always wins.
And in Grand Junction, you come out ahead even faster. Our mild falls and early springs give you extra weeks of golf that players in Denver or up in Summit County just don't get. More rounds for the same price.
Let's say you pay $45 a round and play twice a week from March through November. That's about 70 rounds and over $3,100 just in green fees. A membership that covers unlimited rounds, the driving range, and league play often costs less than that — and you get to book your tee times first.
If you're on the fence, keep track of your rounds for a month or two. Most golfers in the Grand Valley hit the break-even point quicker than they think.

What To Expect During Your First Month as a Golf Member
Signing up is simple. You can fill out a form online or swing by the pro shop and take a look around. Staff will show you how to book tee times, where the practice areas are, and what member events are coming up.
In your first few weeks, spend some time getting to know the course. Clubs out toward the Clifton and Fruita corridor often set up welcome rounds for new members so you can learn the layout before you jump into league play or a weekend group.
This is also a great time to get to know the other members and the staff. Golf in Grand Junction is a community thing. The guys and gals you meet in your first month are usually the ones you end up playing with for years. Ask about men's or women's club play, scrambles on the schedule, and any clinics that come with your membership.
Seasonal Perks That Make Grand Junction Memberships Stand Out
Grand Junction gets 245 or more sunny days a year. Our high-desert weather means way fewer rained-out or snowed-out rounds than courses up in the mountains or along the I-70 corridor. While golfers in Vail are putting their clubs in storage by October, you're still out on the fairway here in the valley.
Memberships here usually come with access to events, leagues, and clinics all season long. Men's and women's leagues run from spring through fall. Community events like the Rotary Club's "Readers Become Leaders" scramble and the Friends of GJ Union Depot tournament bring folks from all over Mesa County out to play for a good cause.
Group clinics and seasonal lessons give you a chance to work on your swing alongside other members. All of that adds up to a lot more value than green fees alone. If you're looking at golf memberships anywhere in Colorado, the number of days you can actually get out and play in Grand Junction is tough to beat.
Key Factors To Compare Before You Commit to a Golf Club
Price matters, but it's not the only thing to look at before you join a club.
- Course condition: Walk the fairways. Check the greens. Out here in Mesa County, water rules can affect how well a course keeps its turf. If the grass looks good, that tells you the club is putting in the work.
- Practice areas: A solid driving range, a practice putting green, and a short-game area make your membership go further. You want somewhere you can work on every part of your game — not just play rounds.
- Guest policy: Find out how many guest rounds you get each month. If you like bringing your buddies or out-of-town family along, this is a big deal.
- Family access: Some memberships let your spouse and kids play too. Others charge extra. Ask up front.
- Event calendar: A packed schedule of tournaments, leagues, and social events means the club has an active group of members. That's the kind of place where you'll feel at home.
- Pro shop and lessons: PGA-qualified instructors, custom club fitting, and a well-stocked pro shop are extras you'll use all year.
Play a round. Take the tour. Talk to a few members. The right club should feel right from the first time you pull into the parking lot.
How Members Keep Their Game Sharp Year-Round in the Grand Valley
One of the best things about a golf membership in Grand Junction is that you can practice almost all year. The Bookcliffs block the cold north wind, and that keeps the Orchard Mesa side of the valley playable later into winter than most folks expect.
Members who stay active during the slower months hold onto their skills instead of starting over every spring. Hit the driving range to keep your swing loose. Spend time on the practice putting green when the afternoon warms up. Use the chipping areas to keep your short game tight.
Winter clinics and small-group sessions help you stay sharp when the days get shorter. Some clubs offer reduced golf rates and fees during the off-season, making it easier to take advantage of simulators and indoor practice options even when it's cold outside.
The golfers around here who get better year after year are the ones who don't take three months off. They treat winter like part of the season — not a reason to stop.
Ready to Book a Tee Time
We Look forward to serving you at Redlands Mesa Golf Course.
