Bundled Golf Communities are communities where the golf club membership is included or “bundled” with the home purchase. Essentially, all homeowners in the community are members of the club. Typically there is no large upfront initiation fee but all homeowners are usually required to pay annual club membership dues, often called a Master HOA Fee. The annual club membership dues usually cover golf privileges and access to the club’s amenities such as tennis, the pool, fitness center, and clubhouse. Compared to more traditional private clubs, “bundled” golf communities tend to offer a more affordable golf membership option.
Another plus is that since the club membership is included with the sale price of the home, homeowners in a sense recover their membership “equity” upon resale. However, If you’re an avid golfer, a “bundled” golf community may not meet your desire to play as much golf as you would like and your tee time choices may be limited. Also, it is important to understand that if you own a home in a “bundled” golf community, you will most likely be required to pay annual club membership dues until the home is sold. If golf isn’t your game or you don’t plan on utilizing the club’s facilities very much, this type of community might not make the most financial sense for you.