Trevor Ng
Joining a golf society is a great way to get into the game of golf. Golf societies are groups of enthusiasts who get together to visit golf clubs and play golf, often with a negotiated 'visitor rate' that includes food. Golf societies can be as small as eight people or sometimes over 100 golfers, all enjoying some relaxed but friendly competition. Golf societies are beneficial for beginners as they provide the chance to learn rules and etiquette without the expense of joining a club with annual subscriptions. Golfers can find societies and new golf partners through online communities such as The Social Golfer (TSG), which also offers newsletters with tips and advice from qualified PGA Golf Pros. Golfers can also create their own societies by gathering like-minded friends, deciding on a course, and giving their group a name.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of members | A golf society can comprise a few people or over 100 golfers. |
| Handicap requirements | Some clubs require members to have a minimum handicap level. |
| Registration | There is no national register of golf societies. |
| Benefits | Golf societies can be a great way to learn the rules and etiquette of the game, find people to play with, and enjoy the camaraderie of a group. |
| Resources | The Golf Society of Great Britain (The GSGB) and Golfsocieties.uk.net are useful resources for finding clubs that accept societies. |
| Packages | Golf clubs offer a range of packages for societies, including the number of holes and meal options. |
| Booking | It is advisable to book popular venues in advance and be flexible with times and dates. |
| Costs | There may be a fee to set up a golf society, and members typically pay a deposit when booking a course. |
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What You'll Learn
Golf societies for beginners
Golf societies are a great way for beginners to get into the game. They are a welcoming community of golfing enthusiasts united by a shared passion for the sport. Joining a golf society gives you the opportunity to try out courses in your area and meet new people to play with.
Golf societies are not tied to a specific course, so members can explore various golfing venues. This flexibility means beginners can nurture their passion at their own pace, without feeling tied to one golf club. Societies operate on a pay-as-you-play basis, so there are no fixed annual fees, making them an attractive option for casual golfers.
If you're looking to join a golf society, you can find one through online communities such as The Social Golfer (TSG), which helps golfers find groups, meet other golfers, and arrange games and events. You can also search for golf courses by location on websites like Golfsocieties.uk.net.
When starting a golf society, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, ensure you have enough support, and establish regulations and rules for members to follow. Societies can be as small as eight people or over 100 golfers, so decide on a number and discuss how many events you'd like to hold. It's also important to elect officials, such as a Treasurer, Secretary, and Captain, and to keep collected monies in a secure, jointly-managed account.
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Finding a golf society
Joining a golf society is a great way to meet other golfers and try out courses in your area. There are several ways to find a golf society. One way is to use an online community such as The Social Golfer (TSG), which allows you to find new golf partners and societies, join local golf games and events, and connect with golfers in your area. TSG also offers features such as tracking your scores, establishing a handicap certificate, and joining forum discussions.
Another resource for finding golf societies is Golfsocieties.uk.net, where you can search for golf courses by location and find clubs that accept societies. Additionally, The Golf Society of Great Britain (GSGB) is a non-profit organization with the aim of promoting goodwill and friendship through the love of golf. They have approximately 750 members and offer various activities for golfers.
You can also try asking around in your local community, as golf is a popular sport, and you may be surprised to find golfers among your neighbours, friends, or colleagues.
Lastly, if you are based in the US, the USGA collaborates with 57 Allied Golf Associations (AGAs) to enhance the golfing experience in each state. These collaborations aim to deliver services to clubs and foster increased engagement and enjoyment among golfers.
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Golf society registration
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game, meet other players, and try out courses in your area. To register a golf society, you'll need to follow a few simple steps.
First, gather a group of like-minded friends who share your interest in golf and decide on a name for your society. This can be as informal or formal a process as you like—some societies are more competitive than others. You and your friends are now a society!
Next, you'll want to book a course under your society name. Most golf clubs' websites will show packages available for societies, usually under the 'visitors' tab. Check what's available and book your chosen course. Some clubs have specific days for visiting societies, and the more popular venues can be booked months in advance, so plan ahead.
Now, you can start to grow your numbers. Invite friends along and ask around your local community—you might be surprised by who turns out to be a golfer! You can also use online communities like The Social Golfer (TSG) to find new members and societies, join local games and events, and track your scores.
Finally, you may want to consider registering with the English Golf Union (EGU) or England Golf. While this is not a requirement, it does bring benefits such as access to high-quality courses and discounts. To register with the EGU, societies must have a minimum of 20 playing members, with at least 10% being members of EGU-affiliated golf clubs. There is also an annual registration fee of £41.13 (including VAT).
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Golf society costs
Initiation Fees
Initiation fees can vary significantly, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more. These fees are typically a one-time payment and tend to be higher for prestigious clubs that host professional tournaments or have a rich history. For example, the initiation fee for the renowned Old Head Golf Links in Ireland is $30,000, while the exclusive Merion Golf Club in Haverford, Pennsylvania, charges $70,000 for initiation.
Monthly or Yearly Dues
In addition to initiation fees, most golf societies charge monthly or yearly dues. Monthly dues can range from $300 to $700 or even higher, depending on the club. Some societies, like Links Golf, offer annual memberships for $1,499, plus an additional $50 to $150 per round of golf.
Membership Types
The cost of membership can also depend on the type of membership offered by the golf society. Common types of memberships include:
- Single membership: Standard membership with no add-ons or discounts.
- Junior/senior membership: Age-based memberships with discounts for golfers under 40 or over 65.
- Social membership: Provides access to social events and facilities but may have restricted course access.
- Family/corporate membership: Extended privileges for family members or work functions.
- Non-resident/flexible membership: Designed for out-of-towners with lower prices for intermittent use.
Additional Costs
Golf societies may also charge additional fees for access to certain events, tournaments, or social functions. Some clubs include these in the cost of membership, while others may have separate fees for participation. It's important to note that some golf societies, like Lord's Taverners, offer memberships for as little as £20 per year, focusing more on the social aspect and fun matches rather than exclusive course access.
When considering the costs of joining a golf society, it's essential to research the specific fees and membership options offered by different societies in your area.
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Golf society rules
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game, especially for beginners. They are a fantastic opportunity to learn the rules and etiquette of the game without the expense of joining a club with annual subscriptions.
When forming a golf society, it is important to note that you do not have to follow a long list of rules and regulations. However, there are some guidelines and considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, decide on the name of your society and its objectives. Will it be a casual society for beginners to learn the game, or will it be more competitive with regular tournaments? This will help outline the membership limitations, fees required, and committee structure.
Handicapping is an important aspect of golf societies. While it is not mandatory, having a handicap system can add a competitive element to your society. Handicaps can be obtained in various ways, and it is up to the society to decide how it approves handicaps for its members. These handicaps are unofficial and only used for society gatherings. If your society golfers hold handicaps with online golf clubs, it can be beneficial to understand the playing abilities of your members from the start.
To gain access to high-quality courses and facilities, it is advantageous to conform to the Rules of Golf and the Rules of Amateur Status as laid down by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. Any breach of the Rules of Amateur Status, such as offering prizes exceeding £300, may result in the cancellation of EGU registration. To join the EGU scheme, your society must have a minimum of 20 playing members, with at least 10% being members of EGU-affiliated golf clubs.
Lastly, consider using online platforms such as The Social Golfer (TSG) to find golfers in your area, create groups, and arrange games and events. Golfsocieties.uk.net is another great resource to find clubs that accept societies and search for golf courses by location.
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Frequently asked questions
Joining a golf society is a great way to meet new people and find others to play with. It's also a good way to try out different courses in your area without the expense of joining a club with annual subscriptions.
Ask around your friends, neighbours, and colleagues to see if they are part of a golf society or know of any in the area. You can also use online resources such as The Social Golfer (TSG) or Golfsocieties.uk.net to find societies, join local games, and track your scores.
First, find some like-minded friends who want to play as a group and decide on a name for your society. You can then book your chosen course under your society name and invite more friends to join. It's a good idea to meet with your members in advance to discuss and approve rules, as well as decide on the location and number of events for the golf year.
