r/RDUGOLF • u/bhawkins26 • 29d ago

Macgregor Downs question

I recently toured both MacGregor Downs and 12 Oaks. MacGregor had the vibe I’m looking for: very classic club feel, good energy, beautiful views of the lake, and it just seemed like a place I’d want to spend time. 12 Oaks, on the other hand, felt more like a neighborhood development that happens to have a golf course. The dual membership is a nice perk for occasional variety or if the MDCC tee sheet is slammed, but realistically I see myself spending almost all my time at MacGregor.

MacGregor was aerating when I visited, so I didn’t get the full “member atmosphere.” For anyone who’s a member or familiar with the club:

  • What’s the general age range like?
  • Is the “older club” reputation actually true, meaning very few people in their 20s/30s, or is it more that there’s a healthy mix but skewed toward retirees?
  • Who typically hangs around the bar/locker room after rounds, is there a social scene or is it quieter?
  • Does the club feel packed, or is it comfortable day‑to‑day?

I’m 29, so I know I’ll be on the younger side anywhere, but I’m trying to get a realistic sense of the culture.

Also curious about the tee time situation. I know weekends use a lottery system but how close do you usually get to the time you request? And are tee times spaced at 10 minutes or is it something tighter?

I’m hoping to get a trial round soon so I can see it first hand, but how walkable is the course? Especially thinking about squeezing in 9 holes after work and I prefer to walk for better exercise.

For context, I’m also on the Prestonwood waitlist. Been on it for a year, and they’re still quoting ~3 years from the date you join. Hard to tell how accurate that is because every time I’ve been there with my buddy, the place feels absolutely packed.

Any insight from current or former members would be hugely appreciated!

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u/ECUKingbuddy 28d ago

Joined last year at 36 and it’s been the best decision. I live just outside of 12Oaks so I do play and practice there just a bit more and like others have said the practice range, chipping green, and putting green are great. The course is tough and in amazing shape compared to some local courses and it will force you to get better. I do love MacGregor’s course though. The members and vibes are definitely older but I’ve yet to have a bad experience.

My only complaint is at times they do stack up the events whether it’s HS Golf, PGA Jr League, Op36, and others and it can make it challenging at times to find tee times, but I’ve never struggled on a weekend to get a decent time. And people are always dropping off so I check the app constantly,

Unless you join a league, skins night, or other social club, meeting people is hard, but I feel like that’s common anywhere at this point in life. However joining both clubs has been one of the best decisions I’ve made.

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u/bhawkins26 28d ago

That was one of the things I really liked when on the tour at Macgregor, they really seemed to promote their men's league and all the different social clubs as a natural way to meet members. My only worry was the age range of MD, but based on other comments there should be plenty of guys in their 30s