Welcome to the Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design podcast, where we, um, uncover the fascinating world of golf clubhouse design and its profound influence on member lifestyles. Join us as we delve into the realms of architecture and interior design, unveiling the concepts and, you know, the specific details that really contribute to the success of a golf clubhouse and resort. Together, we’ll explore the intricate aspects of golf pro shop design, fitness facilities, and, of course, the dining experiences, and discover how all these elements really shape the ultimate golfing experience. So, when we talk about golf clubhouses, it's, um, it's more than just a building, right? It's really, I think, a symbol. It represents a lot of things for people. Yeah, absolutely. And, you know, I think pop culture, for better or worse, has played a *huge* role in crafting what that "ideal" clubhouse image is in our minds. I mean, from those really lighthearted comedies to, like, serious dramas, it's all over the place. Oh, for sure. When I, when I think about it, my mind immediately goes to some classics. Like, remember *Caddyshack*? I mean, that movie just totally portrays the club as this, like, elite, almost quirky social arena. It's, it's kind of a free-for-all, but it's also got that very specific look and feel. Yeah, totally. And then you have something completely different, like *The Legend of Bagger Vance*, where, you know, the clubhouse is depicted as this very nostalgic, almost sacred space. It’s got that, that historical weight to it. It really sets a mood, you know? Right, exactly. And then there's *Tin Cup*, which, you know, really showcases that aspirational element of club membership. It's like, oh, if you make it, you'll be hanging out at places like this. These movies, they really, they plant these ideas in our heads. They do, they really do. And I think the big problem with that, though, is that these portrayals often, um, they cement these kind of outdated or, like, really exaggerated expectations in members' minds. You know, they see something on screen and they expect that in real life, which isn't always the case. Yeah, that's such a good point. It’s like, when you, when you imagine a golf clubhouse, are you picturing something you've actually visited, or, or is it something you've seen, you know, on a screen? I mean, I think for a lot of people, it's probably more of the latter. Yeah, I mean, that's such a critical point, isn't it? Because these images, they really, uh, they stick with us. And when you think about those common tropes in media portrayals, they're everywhere. Like, you know, the grand staircases, these huge, oversized ballrooms that feel like they're only used for one or two fancy events a year. Oh, and don't forget the mahogany bars. Always, always the dark, rich mahogany bars, right? Like, a certain kind of dim lighting. It's very specific, the vibe. So specific! And it creates this, um, this perception, you know? It's either the country club snobbery, where it's all about exclusivity and, like, knowing the right people. Or it's, it's that very casual camaraderie, but even that has a very particular, almost, like, old-school feel to it. The space always sets the tone in those films. Totally. And, and then there's the pro shop, right? In the movies, it's almost always just, like, a tiny little room off to the side, maybe a couple of shirts, a few hats. It's, it's just a retail footnote, if that. It's certainly not portrayed as, like, an essential revenue engine, which it is in reality. Exactly! It's an afterthought, almost. And these tropes, they really influence member expectations, like, profoundly. When new members walk in, they might expect this intense formality, this exclusivity, because that's what they've been, um, fed by the media. Yeah, they've, they've seen it on screen so many times that they just assume that's what it *should* be. And then you get existing members who, bless their hearts, they might resist any kind of modern updates. They want to preserve that "movie version" of the club, you know? They want it to feel like *Caddyshack* or something. They really do! They're like, "No, this is how it's always been, this is how it should be." But the reality, I mean, let's be honest, today's clubhouses are so different. They're multi-generational, for one. You have, like, grandparents and grandkids all using the same space, maybe not at the exact same time, but they expect it to cater to them. Right. And they're much more wellness-driven now, too. It's not just about golf and, like, a formal dinner. It's about fitness, it's about healthy food, it's about, um, you know, a different kind of social interaction. And, crucially, they're so much more inclusive than those old movie portrayals ever suggested. So true. And I think that's where architects and interior designers, they really have a tightrope to walk, don't they? They're trying to balance that nostalgia, that classic feel, with modern functionality. They can't just ignore what people expect, but they also have to make it work for today's members. It's a delicate dance, for sure. You're trying to evoke a feeling, maybe, without being slave to a design that's just, frankly, not practical or relevant anymore. It's like, how do you keep the *spirit* of the old, but with, you know, new materials, new layouts, new purposes? It's a constant challenge. It really is a delicate dance, and I think that leads us perfectly into, um, looking at some case studies, right? Like, clubhouses that really do challenge that Hollywood narrative we've been talking about. Because it's not all mahogany and grand staircases anymore. Yeah, definitely. I mean, you see a lot of clubs now, they're really moving towards, like, a minimalist approach. Think about places like, um, Sand Valley or Streamsong. When you see those, they're so different from what you might expect, aren't they? They're really, uh, they've moved away from that traditional grandeur. Oh, absolutely. They're all about, like, raw materials, sustainability, blending into the landscape, like, very intentionally. And I always wonder, how do members who, who grew up watching *Caddyshack*, you know, react to walking into a space that's so pared down, so focused on, like, the natural environment? Does it, does it disappoint them? Or does it, does it surprise them in a good way? That's a great question, because I think, for some, it probably is a little bit of a surprise, maybe even, uh, a shock. But for others, it's probably really refreshing. Like, "Oh, okay, this isn't my grandpa's clubhouse." But then you've also got the lifestyle-focused clubhouses, which are another huge departure. Mmm, yeah. Those are fascinating because they're not just about golf anymore. It's about, like, the whole family, the whole experience. You see, like, open-concept lounges, right? And, um, co-working spaces, which is just wild to think about. And then, like, all these tech-forward amenities. It's not about, you know, a stuffy cigar lounge with heavy drapes anymore. No, not at all! It's bright, it's airy, it's flexible. You know, you can have, like, a morning coffee meeting there, then switch to lunch, and then maybe, uh, someone's doing a yoga class later. It's designed for, like, multiple uses throughout the day, which again, is so different from that single-purpose, formal space we often see in movies. Yeah, and I think that's where designers are really leaning into making spaces that are versatile. They're thinking, okay, this isn't just for, you know, the 19th hole. This is for, like, your life. And it really does push against that old trope. And then, you have the regional interpretations, which are, I think, some of the most exciting. Oh, absolutely. I mean, if you're in, uh, Hawaii, for example, your clubhouse might look totally different. It could be, like, a series of open-air pavilions, designed to take advantage of the climate, the breezes, the views. It wouldn't make any sense to build a traditional, like, brick-and-mortar English-style clubhouse there, would it? Exactly! Or if you go to, like, Scandinavia, you're gonna see glass, steel, like, very clean lines, super eco-friendly materials, because that's their aesthetic, that's their culture. And it just highlights how designers have to navigate this tension between what members expect, based on, you know, pop culture, and what actually makes sense for the location, the climate, the local culture. It's a huge challenge, trying to, um, like, push the boundaries, be innovative, but also not completely alienate a member base that might have very ingrained ideas of what a clubhouse should be. They're constantly trying to find that sweet spot, aren't they? Between the familiar and the fresh. Yeah, that's such a great way to put it, finding that sweet spot. And it really makes me think of designers as almost like... story editors, right? Like, they're taking this existing narrative, this "movie version" of a clubhouse, and they're choosing what elements to, um, keep, to honor, and what parts to revise, to modernize, to make relevant for today. Oh, absolutely. That's a perfect analogy. Because they're not just, like, ripping everything out and starting from scratch. They're carefully curating. So, you might, uh, still see, for example, a trophy display, right? Which is very traditional, very much a part of that old-school clubhouse vibe. Yeah, but it's not going to be, like, the dusty, cluttered case in the corner, is it? It's probably, like, a really clean, backlit display, maybe with fewer, more iconic pieces, almost like a museum exhibit. It's a nod to the past, but it feels so, so current. Exactly! Or take the bar area, for instance. In the movies, it's often, like, super dark mahogany, very heavy, maybe even a little imposing. And designers, they might still use rich wood tones, because that, you know, still feels luxurious, feels clubby. But the lines are cleaner, the upholstery is lighter, maybe the lighting is more contemporary. Right, and the layout feels more open, too. It’s not just a place where you sit and have a stiff drink; it’s a place where, like, families might gather, or people are having, like, a casual bite. It just feels, I don't know, more approachable. Yeah, totally. It's about, like, retaining that sense of, um, established elegance, but making it more welcoming, more functional for how people live now. They’re really helping clubs transition from that cinematic fantasy, you know, that idealized version, to something that’s genuinely functional and appealing for today's members, without, like, completely turning them off. It's a huge psychological game almost, isn't it? Because you have members who've probably dreamed of belonging to a club that looks exactly like, you know, the one in *Caddyshack*. So how do you introduce these new concepts, these modern elements, without making them feel like their dream is being, like, dismantled? And that's where the subtle touches come in, the reinterpretation. It's like, "We're keeping the essence of what you love, but we're just updating the script a little bit." It shows respect for tradition but also a clear vision for the future. It’s, um, it’s a true art form, I think. It really is. It's like they're saying, "Look, we get it. You love the classic. We do too. But we can make it even better, more comfortable, more relevant, without losing that soul." It’s about evolution, not revolution, in a way. That's so true. It's about evolution, not revolution, in a way. And you know, we've talked a lot about, like, traditional cinema, Hollywood movies, but what about, like, the *new* media? Like, how are things like social media, YouTube, streaming content… how are they starting to influence clubhouse expectations, differently, maybe, than Hollywood did? Oh, that's a *huge* one. I mean, it's already happening, right? People are, um, consuming content so differently now. It’s less about, like, a two-hour narrative film, and more about, like, quick snippets, beautiful visuals, things that are shareable. Yeah, like, "Instagrammable moments." That's a phrase you hear everywhere now, isn't it? Like, members, or potential members, they're not just looking for comfort or luxury. They're looking for, like, that perfectly lit sunset terrace, or a really cool wine wall display, or curated golf art that just looks amazing in a photo. Absolutely. It's, like, the aesthetics are almost as important as the function, in some ways. Because if it looks good, people will share it, and that’s, you know, free marketing for the club, essentially. They want that, um, that vibe that translates well onto their feed. And, you know, beyond just aesthetics, there’s the whole tech side of things, too. Oh, for sure. Like, I’ve heard of clubs, um, considering things like esports lounges. Like, not just a traditional TV room, but a dedicated space for, like, competitive gaming, or even, like, virtual reality golf simulators that are super high-tech. Exactly! That totally shifts what a clubhouse needs to be, right? It’s not just about the dining room or the pro shop anymore. It's about creating spaces that cater to a much broader range of interests, often driven by, um, what people are seeing online. Like, if they see someone else’s cool VR setup, they’re gonna want that in *their* club. And it's not just, like, the young generation, either. I think a lot of people are just, um, more tech-savvy now. So, the expectations for seamless Wi-Fi, for charging stations, for spaces where you can, like, work remotely or just connect with friends online, that’s, like, non-negotiable now. Yeah, totally. It's no longer just a golf club; it’s a lifestyle hub that has to keep pace with, you know, digital trends. So, I guess it makes us wonder, um, what will the "cinematic clubhouse" look like in the next decade? Right? Will it be driven by, like, TikTok aesthetics, or drone footage showing off the whole property, or even, like, full-on VR golf experiences influencing, like, how people perceive the space? It’s, um, it’s wild to think about. It really is. I mean, it's constantly evolving, isn't it? From those big screen epics to, like, the snippets we see on our phones every day. Yeah, absolutely. And that brings us, you know, to the end of our conversation today about how film and media, whether it's, uh, old school Hollywood or new media, have really shaped what we all expect from a golf clubhouse. Exactly. We've gone from those iconic, sometimes exaggerated, portrayals in films like Caddyshack and Tin Cup, to understanding how designers are, you know, subtly navigating those expectations, blending nostalgia with the practical, modern needs of today's clubs. And it's not an easy job, right? Like, they're the story editors, trying to, um, balance that cinematic fantasy with the reality of multi-generational, wellness-driven spaces. It’s a delicate dance. It truly is. And what a fascinating topic it’s been. Thank you so much for joining us on this episode of The Experience in Golf Clubhouse Design podcast. Yeah, thanks for tuning in! We really hope you've gained some valuable insights into how these elements, whether seen on screen or in person, contribute to that ultimate golf clubhouse experience. Definitely. And remember to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you don't miss any future episodes where we continue to explore the intricate world of golf clubhouse design. And, hey, we'd love to hear from you. What are your favorite clubhouse scenes from movies, or maybe, um, design elements you've seen influenced by media? Share them on social media, or even send us your questions or design challenges for a future episode! We'd love to explore those. Until next time, keep enjoying the beautiful game and its equally beautiful spaces.