Heath Taylor had not been a member of a country club in four years when he joined Aiken's Houndslake Country Club a little more than two months ago.
No initiation fee and deep discounts -- the same creative measures that are attracting new members to area clubs in an uneasy economy.
In February, Houndslake eliminated its $2,500 initiation fee and reduced its monthly dues, which ranged between $78 and $270, to $52.50.
From there, members pay for activities on what the club calls its a la carte menu.