pdb1:Does any of it apply to the players personal advantage at all ?
A cut and paste from the NEWS
For example, at Country Club Level 2, all Country Club members get free unlimited Putter Pal, and at Level 4 all members get free unlimited Shot Pal. Additionally, members can now earn more personal XP, run more tournaments and add more members as their clubs level-up, all for free.
So, if more XPs is a personal advantage, you decide.