When COVID-19 arrived in the United States, it didn’t skip over country clubs (often known as the “CC lifestyle”). Their occupants, who were mostly elders, were really among the most vulnerable. This essay attempts to present membership experience (MX) perspectives on Boca Raton country club living during the pandemic, as well as the influence of the latter on views in this distinct segment of American society.
Pre-pandemic country club living
You’ll pass four historic country clubs on your way between Glades and Linton in Boca Raton/Delray Beach, South Florida: Addison Reserve, Broken Sound, Woodfield, and Boca West. The “country club mile” is a common nickname, however, the true distance is seven and a half miles. Over the years, club governing boards have lost no time in outdoing each other with multi-million-dollar clubhouse and facility enhancements that will leave you speechless.
Let’s take a look at Addison Reserve as an example.
It is the smallest of the four, with only 653 acres. The sensation of vastness with thick, tropical, groomed greenery that hides the 717 homes off the main road in 19 independent villages hits you the instant you reach either of the two secured entrances. Salvation, Redemption, and Trepidation are the three nine-hole championship components of the Arthur Hills-designed golf course that wound their way around twisting lakes.
Everything is based on resort-style living. It all starts with the large health and wellness facilities, which feature cutting-edge equipment that is strategically placed to complement the various studio themes. It also includes the Aquatic Center, which features a large beach entry pool with lap lanes, a whirlpool, and a children’s pool. Finally, there is a magnificent spa, a tennis facility, and a variety of casual and fine dining restaurants. Eleven Har-Tru hydro-courts with lights for evening play, a basketball court, and four pickleball courts make up the latter.
Gourmet and pastry chefs, professional personal trainers, educators, and physical therapists are among the people who keep the wheels turning. Nutritionists, maître d’s, valets, waiters, security guards, pruners, and groundskeeping personnel are also employed. You might imagine that living in a country club-like Addison comes with a hefty maintenance bill. As a result, yearly club membership and HOA fees are exorbitant, as is the six-figure equity membership entrance cost (for golf privileges) when purchasing a home there. Nonetheless, there have been plenty of takers, particularly among the baby boomers.
Overall, it appears to be bliss on earth, provided you can afford it. Is it, however, capable of withstanding a disruptive juggernaut like COVID-19?
The age-group demographic (over 55)
In many country clubs, the age of members steered them to get vaccinated and boosted quickly. Although somewhat removed from the CC lifestyle, the horror stories coming out of assisted-living care facilities struck a chord. Club management and members rapidly got on the same page, trusting Dr. Fauci and other medical experts. Indeed, they led by example, thus beating a relatively smooth pathway through the confusion and dissension.
Cash flow pressures
Every day, restaurants, bars, gyms, and hotels compete for tooth and nail for new and returning customers in a fiercely competitive market. COVID-19 reduced the latter’s size to less than half of its normal size. This crisis blindsided the hotel industry.
In contrast, whether COVID-19 or not, a membership system covers the same amount of families. Furthermore, it is based on guaranteed recurring revenue, which eliminates concerns about a dwindling market and increased competition. It’s also usual to impose special assessments from time to time, which members accept as the standard. In other words, it’s a subscription model that caters to a set number of customers who pay monthly with yearly costs paid regularly to ensure a steady stream of services. membership system, like Netflix, is a perfect illustration.
Businesses hotly contested the benefits and drawbacks of subscription models before the health crisis. However, when the solution greatly improves the customer experience during a pandemic, all the benefits speak for themselves.