My club are, as far as I am aware, still charging the full amount and want paying or signing up for the year by 10th April No mention of any credits or rebates. I say as far as I am aware as I appear to have been taken off the mailing list when I advised that I was not renewing a few weeks ago despite being a member until the end of April.
This is going to be an issue for no end of people. They are going to be paying for something that they cannot use for an unspecified period and to commit for a year at a time when their own income may be uncertain. I think that the clubs who are looking to proceed as normal with subs may be taking a narrow view on this and missing a bigger picture. Whether they can afford to look at the bigger picture is another issue.
One of my concerns would have been the cost next year. As a private members club, the committee wanted an 8.5% increase this year to take into account increased salary costs, maintenance costs and the losses over the wet period. I can see that being a 20-25% increase next year to make up for the lost income from all revenue streams over the lockdown period. That would take golf out of the price bracket that many would be willing to pay.
I know that people shoot down the analogy but I do not see too much difference between my golf club and my gym. Both have rent, rates, wages, utilities, staff, suppliers etc to pay but the gym has stopped all direct debits whilst the club still wants paying. The gym are helping in the community, the PTs are on Instagram every day for no cost giving members at home fitness sessions etc. The golf club have not done anything. How hard, for example, would it be for the pro to work out some home drills for everyone to put on social media.
I am different as I have only ever seen a golf club as somewhere to play golf and appreciate my views differ from most on here.