Belton woods v's Belton Park.

Apologies for the long post but there are not many subjects on here I can be knowledgeable about.
I will start out by saying that there is nothing that I would call an ideal solution for golf club membership in Grantham. There are decent courses but all of the options lack something when it comes to club spirit and atmosphere. None of the courses that I have been a member of have anything in the way of weekend roll ups so there is an effort needed to get integrated.
We can start with Belton Park where I play now. It is, to my mind, the best course option of the three though Stoke Rochford runs it close. There are 3 loops of nine that are played in various connotations for comps to keep it varied. Outside of competitions there are no tee bookings so you can turn up and play. There will always be one loop of 9 that is open for general play when the others are closed for comps or bookings. There are no societies at weekends, members and guests only. There is little in the way of queuing as the 3 starting points are near the clubhouse and you just pick the quietest.
The downside, depending on what you are looking for, is the club side of things. It can be a bit stuffy, there is a dress code in the clubhouse (trousers, collared shirt, shoes) and the social side is definitely aimed at the older member. The new pro is doing wonders in getting juniors in but the bulk of the membership is over 50. This does not really suit me but it will suit others.
There is now online tee booking for comps which does help with integration as you can sign up to another group but people tend to stick to their usual 3 balls.
Stoke Rochford is similar to Belton Park in the lack of clubhouse atmosphere. That is mainly due to the location as it is on the A1 and you have to drive on the A1 to get there. With that in mind even a pint after is a risk. I like the course a great deal but the one starting point means you can queue for half an hour or more to get out. When I was a member there comps were a case of turning up with you group, signing in and off you go. The tee was not shut for comps so general play was still allowed. That is great if you have group but otherwise it is a case of hanging around the tee box waiting for a 2 ball with a space. There is an excellent half way hut by the 10th green.
Never been a member of Belton Woods but know a few who are. Certainly those who do not like the sometimes inherent nature of private members clubs play there as it is relaxed. I am not a massive fan of the courses but if I played them more then maybe they would grow on me. The clubhouse is the hotel so, again, not much atmosphere and the food and drink is expensive. They do, however, seem to be focusing on the golf a bit more now. The course, however, is always busy and you do get some very mixed ability levels which can slow things up.
Sadly, quite a few people I know have decided that there is no ideal golfing option in Grantham and so have joined the 9 hole course at Sudbrooke to maintain an handicap and then play opens or go nomad.
Pity I cannot say anything more glowing. Grantham has some good courses but has not got what I would call a good golf club. Again, bear in mind that I am in my 40s so my age group is under represented at both private members club and those who are older or like things more traditional may find them far more to their liking. Me, I have to go with where I enjoy the golf most and forget the rest. My playing partner and I tend to head back to the pub in Ropsley for a beer after.
If there is no objection to travelling a bit I could throw out a few more options. As always, if you want to DM me I can give you some contact details if your mate wants a round at Belton Park to test the waters.