Paul Harbor and his family were well aware of Greystone Country Club’s reach in the Birmingham area. For them, it was just minutes away, and the Harbor children attended the Christian school across the street.
Still, Paul waited for the right moment in life to maximize their Membership–and their story illustrates the thoughtful approach many families take when making this lifestyle investment.
"I wanted to feel we could get the most benefit out of it," Paul explained. The family maintains an active lifestyle, including frequent lake house visits and water sports. But as they approached 50, Paul and his wife recognized a natural transition point–and they foresaw an eventual empty nest while supporting their children's evolving interests.
Several factors aligned to make Membership particularly valuable now. Paul’s son began scaling back on travelling baseball and developed a growing interest in golf, while their older daughter embraced tennis clinics.
"We're at the time of our lives where I see us slowing down soon," Paul reflected. "We know it's coming, and I'm welcoming the slowing down of life."
Although the Harbors live close to Greystone, they still took the time to compare it with other local clubs. Greystone, however, quickly distinguished itself.
"The golf courses outshined all of them," Paul exclaimed. The numbers told a compelling story: "You have 36 holes, divided by 830 golf Members. It's a no brainer," he explains. "Other courses have 18 holes, and you can't get a tee time."
Greystone's flexible policies also tipped the scales. While other clubs require walking or caddy services, Greystone accommodates varied schedules. "I'm too busy to set aside time to walk," he noted, appreciating how the Club adapts to Members' time constraints, while keeping the standard 4-hour pace of play.
Though golf facilities drew Paul to Membership, it’s Greystone's broader offerings that continue to impress.
"For the non-golfer, the community feel and the activities for all age levels is top notch," he shared. Youth nights, tennis programs, and cooking events transform the club into a hub for family activity and social connection.
The club's prestige delivers professional advantages, too.
"I need it to be a club that's prestigious enough that I can draw out-of-town clients," Paul added. Greystone's reputation, strengthened by hosting the Regions Tradition, meets this need perfectly.
Paul offered clear insight to those considering Membership.
"What you get for your dollar is worth it," he asserted. He emphasized that paying for reliable access to quality facilities outweighs saving money only to face limited availability.
The community aspect also exceeds expectations, as Paul noted, "You know three times more people than you thought you did." This natural expansion of their social circle enhances their experience beyond the physical amenities.
The Harbor family now embraces all aspects of Greystone life. Their kids dive into golf and tennis programs, Paul enjoys regular Wednesday rounds, and the family discovers a true community. As they transition to a more measured pace of life, Greystone serves as more than a country club–it becomes a place where each family member thrives.
For families weighing membership, Paul's journey offers a clear message: while timing matters, Greystone's comprehensive benefits–from world-class facilities to vibrant community life–make Membership especially valuable when it aligns with your lifestyle.