We’re honored that you’ve taken this next step with The Armchair Collective.
Our Membership Team will personally review your application. You can expect to hear from us within two business days to arrange a private conversation and answer any questions you may have.
The Armchair Collective team
These Traditions and Rules contain the Armchair Traditions, our Operational Rules, and the Penalty Phase Details. If you follow the Traditions and Rules, you won’t ever have to worry about the Penalty Phase.
The Traditions and Rules (collectively, the “Rules” as provided in your Membership Agreement) may be amended by the Club as needed from time to time, to address added facilities, updates in operations, or compliance with legal requirements.
While we tried to have fun with the Traditions, these Rules are actually serious and enforceable conditions of membership. Please read them.
The Club is owned and operated by Armchair Collective LLC (“Armchair”) which is the Club Owner. All references herein to the Club means Armchair.
THE ARMCHAIR VIBE
Here’s how we see it, we’re all adults here. You didn’t join a stuffy country club where you need a PhD in etiquette to order a sandwich. The Armchair Collective is about killer golf, great food, really comfortable beds, and leaving your ego in the parking lot next to your Maserati.
We’ve got golf course properties that’ll make you forget about all of life’s #!$!$?&$!!# challenges (temporarily), each with its own completely unique architectural design elements indicative to the land. Whether you’re crushing drives in New York or California or anywhere in between, the vibe stays the same: welcoming, laid-back and focused on making every visit awesome.
Here’s the deal - we’re keeping these Traditions shorter than your backswing. We trust you know how to behave like a decent human being.
The Golden Rule
Treat our Staff like gold. We mean it.
We built The Collective for people who love golf and good times. Don’t overthink it. Be cool, treat people well, play good golf (or at least try), and enjoy the experience.
If you can’t handle these simple guidelines, The Armchair Collective may not be the right environment for you.
All disciplinary actions, including suspension or termination of membership, are exercised by the Company according to the process outlined below.
Cottage Check-in:
2pm (ish…. we get it…life happens
Cottage Check-out:
Noon (this is non-negotiable - housekeeping has lives too)
*Operating hours are subject to change at any time in the Company’s discretion due to weather, maintenance, events, staffing, or other operational considerations. Call the golf shop if you’re unsure – they love talking to Members
The “Unaccompanied Guest” Thing:
Yeah, we allow it, so don’t abuse it:
Use Of The Club Facilities By The Family Of A Member
A Member’s immediate family may use the Club Facilities, subject to limitations set forth from time to time in the Rules. A Member’s immediate family (“Family”) includes the Member’s spouse and the Children and dependents of either spouse. “Children” shall refer to unmarried children under the age of twenty-six (26) who are living at home, attending school on a full-time basis or are serving in the military. An unmarried Member may apply to have an unmarried adult companion who is equivalent to the Member’s spouse in a marriage and who is qualified as a “Significant Other” under terms adopted by the Club Owner from time to time or set forth in the Rules. Every Member shall promptly provide written notice to the Club of any change in the Member’s Family due to death, divorce, separation, or any other circumstance.
Accompanied or not, no more than 3 visits at any one facility per year per Guest. (Member-Guest events or similar do not count toward the 3 visits)
Unaccompanied Guest visits per Member annually (by Membership Category)
Guests can pay with credit cards, or we’ll happily stick it on your tab. The Member remains fully responsible for the conduct and financial obligations of all guests, whether accompanied or unaccompanied.
*Access to Club Facilities is subject to availability, capacity management, and operational discretion. Guest access limits may be modified or waived by the Company in its discretion.
BOTTOM LINE
Dress like you’re going somewhere “nice,” not like you’re cleaning your garage.
4 hours expected. Seriously. We don’t care if you’re having the round of your life – keep up with the group in front of you. Slow play kills the vibe for everyone. Don’t be that group.
We do an annual gratuity pool instead of daily cash tips (less awkward, more fair). F&B gets automatic 20% gratuity because our Staff rocks. Take care of your Caddie as you see fit!
We do an annual gratuity pool instead of daily cash tips (less awkward, more fair). F&B gets automatic 20% gratuity because our Staff rocks. Take care of your Caddie as you see fit!
*All events are subject to availability, staffing, and Company approval.
*The Company is not responsible for the acts or omissions of independent contractors.
*Members supervision and recommends consultation with a physician prior to participation in any fitness activity.
PENALTY PHASE
(The Lawyers made us do this!)
Annual Dues and Monthly Use Fees. Dues are due annually in advance on January 10 for the calendar year. Use fees (for food and beverage, guest fees, etc.) are charged monthly in arrears and are due before the last day of the month in which the statement is issued.
Late Fees and Interest. Any Financial Obligations that are not paid when due will incur an administrative late fee of $150.00 (or the maximum allowed by law) and will accrue interest until paid at 1.5% per month (or the maximum allowed by law.
Expenses. The Club may charge a Member’s account for all expenses incurred by the Club as a result of that Member’s (or Family’s or guest’s) behavior or actions, including without limitation any damages, liabilities, fees and expenses incurred that result from such behavior or actions, without regard to any conduct by the Club contributing to such expenses, other than conduct by the Club deemed to constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
A membership may be suspended or terminated by the Club if, in the Club’s sole judgment, the Member:
The Club reserves the right to suspend and/or terminate membership privileges for failure to pay dues, fees, charges or any other amount owed to the Club in a proper and timely manner. The Club may, in its sole discretion, determine not to seek the termination of membership privileges. Such a determination shall not be deemed a waiver of its rights to seek the termination of membership privileges at a later date or against any other Member of the Club.
The Club may restrict, suspend, or terminate any Member’s privilege to use any or all of the Club Facilities. No Member shall be entitled to a refund of any Initiation Fee, joining fees, dues, fees or any other charges on account of any such restriction, suspension or termination of membership privileges. During the restriction or suspension period, all dues, fees and other charges shall continue to accrue and must be paid in full prior to reinstatement as a Member in good standing.
A Member shall be notified of any suspension or termination disciplinary action and shall be given an opportunity to have a meeting with a Club management representative to explain why the Member believes they should not be disciplined in accordance with these Rules. If the Member desires to attend such a meeting, the Member must provide a written request for the meeting to Club management within five (5) days after the date of the Club’s notice to the Member of the proposed action. Upon receipt of the written request for the meeting, the Club shall set a time and date for such meeting, which shall in no event be less than five (5) days after such request. While the complaint is being considered by the Club, the Member shall enjoy all membership privileges the Member was entitled prior to the complaint.
Notwithstanding the process above, the Club may immediately suspend a Member, a Member’s family or guest if it determines that such person’s conduct, if repeated or continued, would pose a threat to the welfare and safety of the Club or its Members, or that the time period involved in complying with the hearing procedure set forth above would render such hearing procedure ineffective to avoid safety or liability concerns, or the Club cannot prevent a recurrence of such person’s conduct prior to the meeting. Such suspension shall remain in place only through the process described above.
Any Member whose membership has been terminated for any reason shall not again be eligible for membership nor admitted to use the Club Facilities, either accompanied or unaccompanied, unless expressly permitted by the Club senior management.
Issues and Dispute Resolution
Each and every dispute, claim or other matter of disagreement concerning the rights, obligations or remedies among the Club, Armchair, the Released Parties and their affiliates on the one hand, and any Member or candidate for membership on the other hand shall be subject to the alternative dispute procedures described in this section including, without limitation, each and every dispute, claim, disagreement, obligation or remedy and relating to or arising out of this Agreement or related to the Club Facilities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Club shall have the right to (i) collect, through a court proceeding, if necessary, any amounts owed to the Club by a Member, or (ii) if the relief the Club seeks is declaratory or injunctive in nature, then the Club may in its sole discretion seek any declaratory or injunctive relief against any Club Member or candidate for membership through a court proceeding.
Meet and Confer
The Club and Members agree to work together in good faith to resolve or address any issues or concerns that may arise relative to the Club or to any membership. Therefore, the parties involved shall meet and confer informally as needed to facilitate resolution so that formal legal action can be avoided or expedited whenever possible. Any issue that has not been resolved by the meet and confer process within thirty (30) days after the date it was first communicated by one party to all involved parties shall be considered a dispute, claim or other matter of disagreement (“Dispute”). Each and every Dispute shall be decided only by mediation and, if necessary, arbitration. The dispute resolution procedures described herein shall be the sole remedy available to any Member. Any Dispute shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Arizona, without regard to its choice of law principles. In the event there is any such Dispute, the same shall be resolved as set forth below.
Mediation
If the parties are unable to resolve the Dispute within such 30-day meet and confer period, they shall retain a mutually acceptable mediator to assist them in resolving the Dispute within ten (10) additional days, failing which they shall each retain a mediator within ten (10) additional days and the two mediators thus chosen shall together act as the mediator for the purpose of this section. If any party fails to appoint a mediator as required hereunder, the mediator appointed by the other party shall be the sole mediator. Within thirty (30) days after the mediators (or such single mediator) have been retained, the parties shall appear at a mediation in Maricopa County, Arizona, during which the mediators (or such single mediator) shall, on a non-binding basis, advise the parties of their views. Every mediator must be an attorney or other licensed professional with extensive experience in the private club industry. The fees and expenses of the mediators (or such single mediator) shall be borne equally. If the parties are still unable to resolve the Dispute within such 30-day period, the parties shall resort to the arbitration procedures set forth below.
Arbitration
A party that desires to submit a Dispute to arbitration shall promptly so notify the other parties in writing. The Dispute shall be submitted for arbitration to the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with the AAA Commercial Arbitration Rules then in effect, or such other alternative dispute resolution organization as the parties may mutually agree.
A. Such arbitration shall be conducted in Maricopa County, Arizona.
B. The decision of the arbitrator shall be final, conclusive and binding on the parties and may be entered and enforced in any court having jurisdiction and the parties agree that (a) any party may submit such decision to any court having jurisdiction over any party or property that is the subject matter of the dispute and that (b) the parties agree such court shall enter a binding order consistent with the decision.
C. All proper costs and expenses of such arbitration including, without limitation, witness fees, attorney’s fees, and the fees of the arbitrator shall be awarded to the prevailing party in such amounts as the arbitrator shall determine at the time of the award.
D. In the resolution of any Dispute as set forth in this section, each party hereby irrevocably waives any right and claim to exemplary or punitive damages in any jurisdiction. The parties each agree to indemnify, defend and hold harmless the other from and against any and all damage as a result of the resolution of any such Dispute other than by arbitration.
E. Except as may be required by law, neither a party nor the arbitrator[s] may disclose the existence, content or results of any arbitration without the prior written consent of both parties, unless to protect or pursue a legal right.
Arbitration Award
Simple interest on any amount due on any final arbitration award shall be based upon the statutory rate of interest allowable under Arizona law and shall be paid from the date that the Dispute was submitted or from the date payment would otherwise have been due if such date is later than the date the Dispute was submitted.
Legal Action
This provision shall not restrict third-party complaints or cross claims between the parties within the context of litigation initiated by third persons.
I acknowledge receipt of The Armchair Collective Traditions and Rules and agree to be bound
by them, and acknowledge they may be amended from time to time by the Company.
The Club currently owns and operates the following golf properties. Every 18 holes is a Golf Property and
they are, collectively, the “Golf Properties” and collectively with the other Club assets available for
Member use and used in connection with the Golf Properties, they are sometimes herein the “ Club
Facilities:”
Additional Club Facilities
The Club intends to, but is not obligated to, acquire or develop additional Golf Properties in the future. If the Club acquires additional golf facilities, Member will have access to those added Golf Properties without payment of any additional Initiation Fee. Dues will be increased annually as determined appropriate by Club for operational, maintenance or business reasons, but dues will not be increased solely as a result of adding Golf Properties.
Number of Memberships
The number of memberships available for issuance by the Club will be determined by the Club from time to time depending on the number of Golf Properties owned, Member usage and agronomic requirements. Initially, Club intends to issue not more than 300 memberships for each Golf Property, with no more than 100 Premium Resident Members per Golf Property. If the Club adds golf facilities, the Club initially intends to issue not more than 300 memberships for each Golf Property added. The final number of memberships will be set in the Club’s discretion based on usage and agronomic practices. Member acknowledges that access to tee times, lodging, dining, events, and other amenities is subject to availability, capacity management, maintenance schedules, and Club operational discretion. Membership does not guarantee access to any specific facility, time, or experience.
Operation of Club Facilities
The Club is owned and operated by Armchair Collective LLC (“Armchair”) which is the Club Owner. The Club Owner will adopt and amend from time to time rules, policies and other requirements for membership and for the use of the Club Facilities (collectively the “Rules”), and all memberships shall be bound by such Rules.
Membership Classifications
The Club currently offers a National Membership, with several classifications currently available.
Use Of The Club Facilities By The Family Of A Member
A Member’s immediate family may use the Club Facilities, subject to limitations set forth from time to time in the Rules. A Member’s immediate family (“Family”) includes the Member’s spouse and the Children and dependents of either spouse. “Children” shall refer to unmarried children under the age of twenty-six (26) who are living at home, attending school on a full-time basis or are serving in the military. An unmarried Member may apply to have an unmarried adult companion who is equivalent to the Member’s spouse in a marriage and who is qualified as a “Significant Other” under terms adopted by the Club Owner from time to time or set forth in the Rules. Every Member shall promptly provide written notice to the Club of any change in the Member’s Family due to death, divorce, separation, or any other circumstance.
Guest Of A Member
Members may invite guests to use the Club Facilities upon payment of the applicable guest charges and in accordance with the Rules. The Club reserves the right to limit the number of guests and the number of times a particular guest may use the Club Facilities during each membership year. Members are responsible for payment of all charges incurred but not paid by their guests, including any applicable daily guest fees. Members will also be responsible for any damage to the Club Facilities or any portion thereof caused by their guests and for the deportment of their guests.
Initiation Fee
Member is required to pay nonrefundable Initiation Fee as set forth above. The Initiation Fee is fully earned by the Club upon the Club’s acceptance of Member for membership and is paid in consideration of admission to membership and the non-equity license and privileges granted under this Agreement and the Rules. The Initiation Fee is not a deposit, security deposit, advance dues payment, equity contribution, capital account, or refundable membership deposit, and is nonrefundable under all circumstances including, without limitation, upon resignation, expulsion, death, disability, transfer, change in dues or Rules, or failure of the Club to acquire additional properties, except to the extent expressly required by non-waivable law or expressly stated in a written addendum signed by the Member hereby waives and releases any and all claims seeking the refund, return, disgorgement, or restitution of the Initiation Fee after the Club’s acceptance of Member, except to the extent mandated by non-waivable law.
Dues, Fees, And Charges
The Club will determine the amount of dues, fees, and charges (collectively, “Financial Obligations”) to be payable by the Members each year. Dues are due annually on January 10, unless otherwise determined by the Club from time to time. A Member who joins mid-year will pay prorated dues upon acceptance of membership. The current dues, fees, and charges are indicated on the Schedule of Financial Obligations. Financial Obligations are subject to change from time to time by the Club in its sole discretion. If any Financial Obligations are not paid by Member on a timely basis, Member may be charged interest and late fees in accordance with the Club’s Rules and shall be subject to suspension of privileges or expulsion for repeated delinquency.
Expenses
The Club may charge a Member’s account for all expenses incurred by the Club as a result of that Member’s (or Family’s or guest’s) behavior or actions, including without limitation any damages, liabilities, fees and expenses incurred that result from such behavior or actions, without regard to any conduct by the Club contributing to such expenses, other than conduct by the Club deemed to constitute gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Resignation
Membership may be resigned by submitting to the Club a fully executed Resignation Notice on a form provided by the Club not later than October 1 of any given year of Member’s intent to resign at the end of the calendar year.
Transfer on Death
Upon the Member’s death, and provided Member has executed and delivered proper paperwork confirming Member’s intention, Member’s membership may be transferred to the Member’s then-current Spouse or Significant Other provided that such individual is qualified for and has been approved for membership.
Memberships At The Club Are Offered Only For Recreational Purposes
Member represents and warrants to the Club that Member is acquiring the membership solely to enjoy the social and recreational privilege and benefits of membership, including use of the Club Facilities and social interaction with other Club Members. Acquisition of membership is not made as an investment or with the expectation of obtaining a profit from the membership.
Member Is Not An Owner
Membership in the Club is a license to use the Club Facilities and does not represent an ownership interest in the Club, the Club Facilities or the Club Owner. Members will not have a vote or any right to control the Club’s operations. The Parties agree that membership does not confer upon Member any ownership, interest, or rights of any nature in the Golf Properties, Club Facilities or any other Club assets or assets owned by Club Owner, as further provided in the Rules.
Assumption of Liability
Member understands that any use of the Club Facilities by Member, Family or guests is done at their own risk, and the Club is not liable for personal injury, theft, or loss of personal property, as further provided in the Rules.
Membership is subject to the Member’s compliance with the Club Rules, with all posted rules and with staff instructions. If a Member violates the foregoing, or conducts themselves in a manner that is inappropriate to the Club surroundings, or is detrimental to the Club in Club management’s sole discretion, the Club may suspend or expel the Member. The Club’s process for giving notice of violation and the opportunity for a Member to be heard before being suspended or expelled is set forth in the Rules, as they may be amended from time to time. Member acknowledges that no refund of Imitation Fee or deferral or refund of Financial Obligations will be given if the Member is suspended or expelled.
Activities and Risks
The use of the Club Facilities (including, without limitation, golf course, fitness room, cottages, food and beverage outlets, clubhouse, restrooms, showers, various buildings, driveways, parking areas, and the driving range), and participation in golf, golf instruction, and other activities, services and programs or events organized by the Club, including the game of golf (including the risks of errant golf balls, use of golf equipment and golf carts) (the “Club Activities”), exposes Member to numerous inherent, latent and/or obvious risks that could result in serious physical and emotional injury, death, property loss and other damages (collectively, the “Risks”). The Risks may be increased by Member’s state of fitness and health (including physical, mental and emotional) Member’s consumption of alcoholic beverages, Member’s medication, and the amount of skill, care and attention Member brings to the Club Facilities and Club Activities. These Risks are inherent in Member’s participation in Club Activities and they cannot be eliminated without altering the nature of the experience or altering the event. The Club and its employees, contractors, visitors, guests, and other persons present may act carelessly, negligently or engage in other wrongful conduct. Equipment may malfunction. The Club may fail to, or inadequately, warn Member of certain risks. Member understands the Risks associated with participation in any use of the Club Facilities and/or participation in Club Activities.
Assumption of Risks
Member, to the maximum extent allowed by applicable law, understands, acknowledges and assumes all Risks involved in using the Club Facilities and/or participating in any Club Activities whether explicitly described in this Agreement or not. Member understands the Risks and chooses to participate. Member’s participation is voluntary.
Release
In exchange for the Club granting Member, and any guest or minor child present under or through Member’s membership, access to the Club Facilities and Club Activities, Member personally and on behalf of Member’s Family (including any minor child under or through Member’s membership) hereby, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, releases the Club and each of its agents, officers, owners, managers, employees, representatives, instructors, contractors, and affiliates (collectively, the “Released Parties,” or “Released Party” when singular) from any and all liability whatsoever including, without limitation: (a) for claims, rights, demands, causes of action, or liability for personal injuries, emotional injury, physical or mental illness, death, economic losses, property damage, and/or other damages that may result from participating in the Club Activities and/or the use of the Club Facilities and/or equipment; (b) for any or all Released Party’s negligence; and (c) any of the Risks. The foregoing is limited only to the extent that it shall not bar non-waivable consumer-protection claims or gross-negligence claims.
Disclaimer of Liability
HE CLUB EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS LIABILITY FOR ANY INJURIES SUSTAINED BY USE OF THE CLUB FACILITIES OR WHILE ON CLUB PREMISES AND/OR BY PARTICIPATING IN CLUB ACTIVITIES. MEMBER FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR GUESTS, ACKNOWLEDGES AND ACCEPTS THESE RISKS.
Waiver of Liability
IN CONSIDERATION OF THE BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE ENJOYMENT OF EXPERIENCES AND EVENTS OF THE TYPE AND NATURE CONFERRED BY MEMBERSHIP, MEMBER (FOR THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILY AND THEIR GUESTS) EXPRESSLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY CLAIMS AGAINST THE RELEASED PARTIES ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO ANY INJURIES SUSTAINED BY USE OF THE CLUB FACILITIES, ENGAGEMENT IN CLUB ACTIVITIES, OR WHILE ON CLUB PREMISES, AND EXPRESSLY WAIVES, TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE APPLICATION OF ANY STATE STATUTE OR COMMON LAW THAT OTHERWISE COULD APPLY TO VOID, NEGATE OR LIMIT THE ASSUMPTIONS OF RISKS, WAIVERS AND RELEASES SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT.
Indemnity
MEMBER AGREES TO INDEMNIFY, DEFEND AND HOLD HARMLESS EACH OF THE RELEASED PARTIES FOR, FROM AND AGAINST ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, CLAIMS AND DAMAGES ARISING IN ANY WAY FROM MEMBER’S USE and/or ANY GUEST’S OR FAMILY MEMBER’S USE OF THE CLUB FACILITIES and/or PARTICIPATION IN THE CLUB ACTIVITIES TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT ALLOWED BY APPLICABLE LAW, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT CAUSED BY THE GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONAL MISCONDUCT OF THE CLUB. MEMBER EXPRESSLY ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS PROVISION OBLIGATES THEM TO (A) RETAIN AND TIMELY PAY FOR DEFENSE COUNSEL SELECTED AND RETAINED BY THE RELEASED PARTY OR PARTIES DURING ANY ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE ANY DISPUTE, WHETHER PENDING IN ANY COURT, BEFORE ANY ONE OR MORE ARBITRATORS, AND/OR DURING INFORMAL DISPUTE RESOLUTION EFFORTS, AND (B) TO PAY ANY AWARD OR JUDGMENT ISSUED AGAINST ANY RELEASED PARTY OR PARTIES.
Public Policy
If any of the provisions herein are deemed unenforceable as contrary to public policy, the Parties hereto nevertheless intend for the remainder of this Agreement to be enforceable, and enforced, by its terms.
By signing below, Candidate agrees to all the terms and conditions stated above for the membership of Armchair Collective.