Harper Lin
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game, offering a more flexible and accessible alternative to traditional golf clubs. They are not tied to a specific course, allowing members to explore a variety of golfing venues. When creating a golf society, it's important to assess local demand and identify any unmet needs to establish a unique identity. Key considerations include selecting suitable golf courses, determining membership criteria and financial protocols, and deciding on rules for allocating and adjusting handicaps. While registration with a governing body is not mandatory, it can provide benefits such as credibility and access to affiliated courses. Overall, golf societies promote camaraderie and a shared passion for the sport, making them an appealing option for golfers of all skill levels.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of members | There is no national register of societies, but some sources suggest a minimum of 20 playing members. |
| Registration | Registration with the English Golf Union Society Scheme is recommended, but not required. Registration provides credibility and access to affiliated golf courses. |
| Rules and regulations | Societies should establish rules and regulations governing operations, including membership criteria and financial protocols. |
| Handicaps | Handicaps can be allocated and adjusted based on society rules. Some societies include access to handicap monitoring and certification services. |
| Course selection | Select courses that are appropriate for the standard of golf being played, considering factors such as accessibility, affordability, and scenery. |
| Payment | Collect monies in advance of events to avoid financial loss due to no-shows. Appoint a treasurer to manage finances. |
| Events | Organise events such as skill-building workshops, training sessions, and golf days to enhance the member experience. |
| Packages | Choose from various packages offered by golf clubs, including options for 18 or 36 holes with meals. |
| Funding | Funding sources may include membership fees, sponsorship, and subsidies from sports and social clubs for corporate societies. |
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What You'll Learn
Choose a course and book it under your society name
Choosing a golf course is one of the most important aspects of planning a golf society event. Factors such as accessibility, affordability, and the course's landscape should be considered when selecting a venue. It is also beneficial to choose a course that offers packages suitable for your society's needs. Most golf courses and clubs have events teams that can help arrange golf days, and many clubs offer discounted green fees for societies.
When deciding on a course, it is important to check the availability and book well in advance, especially for popular venues. Be mindful of the number of attendees when making a booking, as some courses may require a minimum number of players, and provide a final headcount to the club a few days before the event to avoid being charged for no-shows.
Once you have found a suitable course, book it under your society's name. This usually involves providing a deposit, and the course may ask for a credit card number. It is worth noting that some courses may require registration or affiliation with a golf organisation, such as the English Golf Union Society Scheme, which can offer benefits like discounted rates and access to affiliated courses.
When booking, consider the rules and regulations of your society, including any handicap procedures. While there are no standard rules requiring the use of official club handicaps, having members with official handicaps can be advantageous. If your society does not have official handicaps, you can allocate them based on members' self-assessment of their playing abilities.
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Decide on rules and regulations
When creating a golf society, deciding on a set of rules and regulations is essential for maintaining order and transparency among members. Here are some key considerations for establishing the rules and regulations of your golf society:
Membership Criteria and Financial Protocols
Define the criteria for membership, including any requirements or expectations for prospective members. This could include factors such as skill level, commitment to attending events, or payment of membership fees. Additionally, establish financial protocols, such as membership fees, event costs, and payment procedures.
Handicapping System
Determine how handicaps will be allocated and adjusted within your society. Some societies choose to use official handicaps, while others may opt for a system based on self-reported skill levels or 'unofficial handicaps'. It is important to establish rules around handicap adjustments, such as how often they will be updated and what factors will influence these changes.
Event Planning
Decide on the guidelines for selecting golf courses and planning events. This includes considerations such as course accessibility, affordability, and suitability for the skill level of your members. Establish any preferences or requirements for the format of events, including the number of holes, scoring methods (e.g. Stableford or medal), and any additional activities or prizes.
Rules of Golf and Amateur Status
Consider whether your society will adhere to the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as laid down by the governing bodies, such as the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews or the English Golf Union (EGU). While following these rules may provide benefits, such as access to certain courses, it is not mandatory, and some societies choose to operate independently.
Society Management
Establish a management structure for your society, including roles such as treasurer, secretary, and committee members. Define the responsibilities of these roles and any procedures for decision-making, record-keeping, and financial management.
Remember, the rules and regulations you establish should reflect the unique characteristics and goals of your golf society. They should be clear, concise, and communicated effectively to all members to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
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Determine membership criteria
Golf societies are a great way to bring together golfers of all skill levels, offering a flexible and accessible platform for golfers to connect and improve their game. When determining the membership criteria for your golf society, here are a few key considerations:
Membership Fees:
Golf societies typically operate on a pay-as-you-play basis, which sets them apart from the fixed annual fees of traditional golf clubs. This flexibility makes golf societies attractive to both casual and avid golfers. Membership fees for societies can vary from a small yearly fee to simply paying the green fees for the courses visited.
Handicap Requirements:
Handicaps are an important aspect of golf societies, providing a framework for competitive play. While some societies may require members to have official handicaps, others may choose to allocate handicaps based on self-declared abilities and adjust them as needed. If you wish to play on certain courses, you may need to meet their minimum handicap requirements.
Membership Numbers:
Consider the size of your society and whether you want to keep it intimate or expand to a larger group. While there is no national register or strict requirement, some societies have suggested a minimum of 20 playing members to gain recognition and access certain benefits.
Member Engagement:
To foster a sense of community and engagement within your society, consider the frequency of events and the variety of courses you will play. Offering a mix of challenging and enjoyable courses can keep members interested and committed.
Rules and Regulations:
Establish a clear set of rules and guidelines that govern the operations of your society, including any expectations of members. This provides transparency and makes it easier to address any issues that may arise, such as members disrupting the experience for others.
When determining membership criteria, it is essential to assess local demand, identify any unmet needs, and define the unique characteristics of your society. This will help attract members who align with your society's values and goals.
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Manage events and finances
When it comes to managing events and finances for your golf society, there are several key considerations and strategies to keep in mind. Firstly, it is essential to select suitable golf courses that align with the interests and skill levels of your society members. This involves considering factors such as accessibility, affordability, scenic value, and the challenge presented by the course. Most golf courses and clubs have events teams that will assist in arranging golf days, so be sure to communicate your plans with them.
To streamline event management, you can utilise online tools like "Your Golf Society," which enables you to manage events, players, and calendars for away day events. This platform also offers features such as a notice board, member chatter, and the ability to upload pictures and link them to the clubs you've played at.
Regarding finances, it is recommended to collect monies in advance of an event to avoid any financial losses if members fail to turn up. It is also important to keep collected funds in a bank account with multiple signatories and appoint an auditor to ensure financial transparency and accountability. When booking events, be mindful that some golf clubs offer packages that include meals and holes played, so choose options that align with your society's preferences and budget.
Additionally, consider electing a treasurer to oversee the society's finances and ensure compliance with financial protocols. While not mandatory, registering your society with the English Golf Union (EGU) Society Scheme can provide credibility and easier access to EGU-affiliated golf courses. This registration costs £41.13 annually and requires a minimum of 20 playing members, with at least 10% being members of EGU-affiliated clubs.
Finally, remember that golf societies are often welcomed by golf clubs as they bring in potential new members and generate revenue. This mutual benefit can lead to more opportunities for your society, so don't hesitate to reach out and collaborate with golf clubs to create enjoyable experiences for all involved.
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Consider registering with the EGU
While it is not mandatory to register your golf society with the English Golf Union (EGU), there are certain benefits to doing so. Firstly, registering with the EGU gives your society credibility and makes it easier to access EGU-affiliated golf courses. Your society will be listed in the EGU Yearbook and on their website with a unique membership number, making it widely accepted at these courses.
However, there are certain conditions that must be met to register with the EGU. Your society must have a minimum of 20 playing members, with at least 10% of those members belonging to EGU-affiliated golf clubs. Additionally, your society must have a constitution and rules, as well as keep records of all members' details. There is also an annual registration fee of £41.13 (including VAT), which may be a consideration for smaller societies.
It is worth noting that some people have expressed that the EGU is restrictive due to these conditions. However, registering with the EGU is not a requirement, and many societies choose to operate independently without any issues. Ultimately, the decision to register with the EGU depends on your society's specific needs and goals. If having access to high-quality courses is important to your society, then registering with the EGU may be a worthwhile option. However, if your society is more casual and you are happy with the courses you have access to, registering may not be necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game for beginners, as they offer a chance to learn rules and etiquette without the expense of joining a club with annual subscriptions. They are also more flexible and accessible than traditional golf clubs, allowing members to explore various golfing venues.
It is important to assess local demand and existing offerings to identify unmet needs and niche preferences. This will help you establish a distinctive identity for your society. You will also need to set out rules and regulations governing its operations, including membership criteria and financial protocols.
The selection of suitable golf courses is key. Factors such as accessibility, affordability, and the availability of packages are important. Most golf courses and clubs have events teams to help arrange golf days. You can also enhance the golfing experience through skill-building workshops and training sessions.
It is important to collect monies in advance of events and keep them in open bank accounts with multiple signatories and an appointed auditor. You should also decide on how handicaps will be allocated and adjusted, and always use the Stableford method of scoring for speed of play.
