Country clubs are privately owned establishments that provide their members with a variety of opportunities, such as entertainment, food, facilities and more. In Kansas City alone there are over 196 country clubs, with more than ten belonging just to the Overland Park area. Many students at BVN belong to them, and a few shared their experiences.
Sophomore Will McQueary shared the details of his country club experiences.
“I go to Hallbrook Country Club,” said McQueary. “When I was three [my family] joined, and then we left for a couple of years, and then about three years ago, we went back.”
McQueary said that some of the things he enjoys the most at the club are the services Hallbrook provided.
“I think the food there is really good, their gym is pretty nice and [there is] a nice tennis setup for my family,” McQueary said. “I mostly just go there for dinner or lunch, and I also work out there.”
Junior Ellie Vukas also talked about going to and working at a country club.
“I go to Country Club of Leawood,” Vukas said. “All my friends go there, so it’s a good community and super fun.”
Vukas has been going to Country Club of Leawood for multiple years, and has even worked at a different country club.
“I [worked] in the snack bar at Blue Hills [Country Club],” Vukas said.
Vukas shared similar thoughts to McQueary about the benefits and services provided by her country club.
“I use the gym. I try to go every day, especially in the winter when you can’t use the pool,” Vukas said. “I also go to dinner with my friends there a good amount of times.”
When asked if there were things they didn’t like about their country clubs, Vukas mentioned her experiences.
“I think sometimes the kids can be a little snotty or stuck up,” Vukas said. “They’re all very fortunate, obviously, so you definitely see that, especially working at [a country club].”
Similarly, both students were asked about negative stigmas about country club members.
“There definitely are [stigmas]. I think if you go to a country club, you’re kind of seen as snooty,” McQueary said. “Everyone thinks that you think you’re above everyone, even though it’s not true.”
Vukas agreed that there was a negative connotation associated with those who belong to country clubs.
“The people who can afford to go to a country club are very fortunate. And yeah, maybe people could assume you’re stuck up,” Vukas said. “I’m very grateful that I’m able to go to a country club, because I know a lot of people aren’t. I get a lot of opportunities from it. I spend my entire summer there. It’s really fun and I’m grateful that I’m able to go.”
