The stock-market will be a lot firmer in the months ahead than it has been in recent months or so, say many analysts. What goes down will go up, and vice-versa. But from now to the end of the year, I don't think the market wil be aggressive. Clubs such as Orchid Country Club are going the extra mile to keep members happy. General manager Dennis Tan says the club is retrofitting it's driving range, popularising favourite activities such as country line dancing and soical dancing, and even introducing the satellite-based global positioning system so golfers know the exact distance to their targets.
Some observers are however less optimistic about the longer-term outlook for club membership prices.
Aside from competition from clubs in neighbouring countries, looming over the market is also competition from within the ever-rising suppy of condominiums To many people, the facilities that condominiums offer make it unnecessary for them to join social clubs. And condominiums come with the added advantage of convenience. Such practical considerations, however, miss the point of club membership by a wide margin, say some diehards in despair. I enjoy being in the club because my friends are there. I don't have to make appointments with friends.