My Experience Using the ClubCorp Travel Membership for Free Dinner

About 2 months ago, Gary at View from the Wing, alerted folks to an outstanding deal – for about $50 a month, you could receive free 4-course dinners around the country, in addition to rounds of golf.

It almost sounded too good to be true, but I enrolled.

ClubCorp, the largest owner and operator of golf and country clubs, now offers preferred access to clubs nationwide when you travel. With ClubCorp Travel, you’ll enjoy exciting benefits and access to more than 200 golf, country and business clubs:

• Tee it up at 200+ private country clubs with two free* green fees per club, each month
• Dine at private business clubs in more than 50 cities across the country with two free* 4-course meals per club, each month
• And so much more!

I was in San Antonio this past weekend, and decided to try my first free meal.

To make the reservation, I simply had to email ClubCorp with the date and time preference, and they set me up at the Plaza Club in San Antonio, a short walking distance from the River Walk.

I arrived and a receptionist had my name and reservation all there, and asked where I wanted to dine – whether in the more formal dining room or the more casual lounge area, both with the same menu. I chose the more casual option, and was allowed to pick a seat anywhere.

The views were absolutely fantastic, 21 floors up. I was given a menu and was advised that my meal would include an appetizer, soup or salad, main course, dessert and coffee/soda/tea all inclusive. The only thing I would pay is a 20% gratuity on the cash value of the meal.

Here was the menu:

Service was really terrific, with the floor manager coming over to introduce himself, and the way staff constantly refilling drinks.

I ordered a crab cake platter to start, followed by a caesar salad, followed by a shrimp pasta and finally bread pudding for dessert.

The food was actually really decent – would I say it’s the best food I’ve ever had? No, but it was perfectly fine and worth the membership.

Speaking of membership, you’re allowed one visit a month per club, and are allowed one companion meal a month, too. My tip ended up costing about $12, and the total fee a month is $50. So, if you make multiple club visits a month for dinner, the savings can really add up. Sure, it isn’t “free” but if you think about the monthly cost and what you’d otherwise pay for this food, you’re at a substantial savings.

I’d highly recommend checking out this membership – it seems worthwhile and I got fantastic value out of my first visit.