Massimo - I completely understand your situation as I have been there myself many years ago and now once again just recently. I was a member at a semiprivate club and joined a brand new private course 23 years ago. Despite leaving some good friends behind, I never regretted the move. I quickly made new friends and found the golf experience was different given how close all the members became. Then a couple of years ago our private course hooked in with a larger company that manages golf courses and has memberships across Canada. We essentially became a semiprivate course and we all noticed a distinct change in attitudes amongst the staff as well as the members. A number of the long time members left searching for a new home. I too was put in a position like you where the cost of the private club is higher, but over all I feel that it is a great opportunity to get back that feeling I had many years ago when I first made the move to a private club. Of course - every club is different, but it is up to the members to make it special. If you get involved in club events and make a concerted effort to try and play with as many different members you can through the year, it will likely be a decision you will not regret ! Hope that helps...
PS: Another benefit of being in a private club is that the members take pride in membership and typically try much harder to look after the facility. ie: raking bunkers, replacing divots, and focussing on golfing not partying...

I got 3 mini memberships this year. You have to work out how much rounds you play vs the cost of the membership. I don't play enough with work and kids getting in the way to justify the cost of a full membership. Most full membership places also have a food and beverage minimum so thats an additional cost.

Another thing is, I cant give up my golf trips!!!!!!

Hey Massimo, for me I like playing semi-private clubs. I like getting out to different clubs. The different challenges of each course, but like Darius said with a private club you have members who care.