Rio Verde Country Club has announced the introduction of a new membership program designed to attract new members to the club, as well as provide better options for current members.

In a letter sent to members last week, RVCC President Peg Zarlengo outlined "The Time is Now" membership options with new benefits available to current members.

Zarlengo said that the program was created by a Golf Membership Options subcommittee within the long range planning process. The GMO was assigned to identify and evaluate new membership options.

The plan is designed to attract new golf members, retain current golf members and increase annual revenues.

The subcommittee gathered input from more than 540 golf and community members responding to a recent survey. There was significant support for the new program.

Key elements to the program include:

*No initiation fee for those joining by the deadline of Oct. 31, 2013, with the option to activate the membership any time before Jan. 1, 2014.

*Additional renter privileges for full members. Those holding a full membership and rent their home may allow their renters to use their golf privileges when the members are not at home, with a few restrictions.

*There is a lottery based opportunity for current members to step down to a lower level of membership more suited to their current needs and desires.

*There is a new lower priced individual membership.

*New limited membership with half green fees for less frequent golfers.

*There is also the opportunity for former members to return without penalty by signing a two-year commitment to pay dues.

The full membership for couples is the highest level membership and includes the most benefits including participating in all golf leagues and events and the ability to make tee times three days in advance.

Full members also have the renter privilege allowing a couple renting their home to use the golf benefits of their membership for up to 30 days per year. The member may not be in residence within 50 miles of the club when the renter privilege is being used.

Current annual dues for a full membership are $7,992 or $666 per month.

The individual membership is designed for those with a single household or those with a spouse who rarely plays golf.

This membership allows the individual to participate in club leagues and events and allows tee times to be made two days in advance.

The spouse of an individual member would have the same playing privileges as community member.

Current annual dues for the new individual membership class are $5,594 or $466 per month.

A new limited 50/50 membership is now being offered for a limited time to less frequent area golfers and those living in Rio Verde.

A 50/50 member will be allowed to participate in golf leagues and events, plus the 50/50 member must pay 50 percent of the guest fee for each round of golf.

Current annual dues for the 50/50 membership are $3,996 or $333 per month, plus the 50/50 member will pay 50 percent of the guest fee for each round of golf.

The lottery based step-down program is for those members who no longer play as often or have a spouse who no longer plays.

Members must sign up for the lottery and one name will be drawn for every two new members who join under one of the other programs.

All of the described programs require a two-year commitment.

There are additional details related to the membership options as well as a Q&A included with the mailing sent by the club.

The package of membership information is available at Rio Verde Country Club on Four Peaks Boulevard in Rio Verde. The package may also be mailed by contacting Jo Lewis at the membership office, 480-471-7010, ext. 31, or jlewis@rioverdecc.com.

Questions or comments regarding the new program may be directed to Zarlengo at pegzarlengo@comcast.net or to interim general manager Ken Kelley, kkelley@rioverdecc.com.