Knowledge Bank

This paper analyzes the pricing structure of private golf clubs. These institutions operate under a two-part pricing model in which there is a large one-time initiation fee and monthly dues. These figures were spread over ten years to calculate the effect of borrowing estimated present discounted value (EPDV) upfront costs and paying this cost across annual pay periods. In this paper, I will show how unrealistic the pricing structure for golf clubs is for Middle-class America. I will explore how even though country clubs are objectively less discriminatory than they were in the 1900s, the current two-part pricing model is just as big a hurdle for individuals with no prior connection to the sport of golf. Finally, I will show figures involving the use of EPDV to prove that realistic solutions to this economic barrier to entry do exist.