Nina Caldwell
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game and are often started by groups of friends or colleagues. They can help golfers take advantage of special rates and enjoy a day out with friends. Golf societies are also a great way to generate funds for golf clubs. When starting a golf society, it is important to consider factors such as membership fees, handicaps, and course selection. Additionally, societies may want to register with the English Golf Union Society Scheme, which provides credibility and access to affiliated golf courses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of members | 20+ playing members, with at least 10% being members of EGU-affiliated golf clubs |
| Registration | Register with the English Golf Union Society Scheme for credibility and easier access to EGU-affiliated courses |
| Annual fee | £41.13 |
| Handicap | Not mandatory, but can be allocated for society events |
| Prizes | Nearest Pins, Nearest Pin in Two, Longest Drive, Straightest Drive |
| Scoring method | Stableford |
| Payment | Collect in advance |
| Courses | Competitive but not too hard |
| Growth | Invite friends, advertise in local golf magazines, utilise Golfscoretracker |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a course and packages
Choosing the right course and package is essential for a successful golf society. Here are some tips to consider when making your selection:
First, decide on the number of players in your society. Most golf clubs offer discounts for larger groups, with some requiring a minimum of 12 or 20 players to qualify for group rates. Having a larger group can also increase your negotiating power and provide more opportunities for socialising and competition within the society.
Next, research the golf courses in your desired location. Consider the standard of the course and select one that matches the skill level of your society members. You can also look for courses that offer packages with additional amenities, such as meals or accommodation. Check the golf club's website for package options and availability, as some courses have specific days for visiting societies and may be booked well in advance.
When evaluating packages, consider the number of holes included and any additional benefits. For example, some packages might offer 18 holes with a meal, while others might provide 36 holes with meals in between. Be mindful of the timing and duration of the package to ensure it aligns with your society's preferences and availability.
Additionally, look into potential discounts and special rates. Golf societies can often receive reduced green fees at certain courses, especially if meals are included. It is worth inquiring about group discounts, and you may also consider registering your society with a golf union or association, which can provide access to affiliated courses and additional benefits.
Finally, be flexible and adaptable. When working with the golf club, show flexibility regarding dates and times to increase your chances of securing your preferred course. Remember that popular venues may require advanced booking, so plan accordingly.
By following these tips, you can choose a course and package that suits your golf society's needs, ensuring an enjoyable and successful outing for all participants.
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Rules and handicaps
Golf societies are typically formed by groups of golf enthusiasts who gather at a pre-booked venue to take advantage of special rates. They are also a great way for beginners to learn the rules and etiquette of the game without the expense of joining a golf club.
Golf societies are not bound by England Golf or R&A rules, but they must conform to the Rules of Golf and Rules of Amateur Status as laid down by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews. For instance, any breach of the Rules of Amateur Status, such as offering prizes exceeding £300, may result in the immediate cancellation of EGU registration.
Handicaps are an important aspect of competitive play in golf societies. While some societies choose not to use handicaps, they can add an element of competition and fairness to the game. It is at the discretion of the society to approve handicaps for its members, and these handicaps are unofficial and can only be used for society gatherings.
There are various ways to determine handicaps for society members. Some societies use the average of a person's best and last scores on society days, giving them a handicap equal to the difference between that and the course par. Other societies use the World Handicap System (WHS), where players with official handicaps have them adjusted course-by-course.
The iGolf scheme, unveiled in 2021, allows non-club members to obtain a Handicap Index through the WHS. For £40 a year, 'nomadic golfers' can subscribe to the scheme via the England Golf website and input scores that count towards their WHS Handicap Index. This index can then be used by society organisers to create fair and accurate competitions.
Additionally, the My EG app for iGolf helps society golfers calculate Course Handicaps, ensuring that all competitions are administered properly. A Course Handicap represents the number of strokes a player receives, before handicap allowances, from a specific set of tees as determined by the Slope Rating.
Handicap allowances are applied to ensure equity in different formats of play, such as 9 or 18 holes. They are determined by the National Association or a Regional Golf Association and are designed to give all players a similar chance of winning or finishing in the top 10%. For instance, in match play formats, the player with the lowest Playing Handicap plays off zero strokes, while other players receive the difference between their Playing Handicap and that of the lowest.
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Membership and fees
Golf societies are a great way to get into the game, and they also provide much-needed funds for golf clubs. They are usually formed by a group of like-minded friends who decide on a course and book it under their society name. While there is no national register of golf societies, registering with the English Golf Union (EGU) scheme is recommended as it gives credibility and easier access to affiliated golf courses. The EGU requires a minimum of 20 playing members and at least 10% of members from EGU-affiliated clubs. The annual registration fee is £41.13, and societies may charge a membership fee to cover administration.
Golf societies can receive discounts on green fees, especially if 12 or more players are involved, and further reductions may be available if meals are included. It is important to collect monies in advance of events to avoid the society being out of pocket if members fail to turn up. Societies can also benefit from reduced fees by taking advantage of packages offered by golf clubs, which may include meals and a set number of holes.
Handicaps are an important consideration for golf societies, and while they are not mandatory, they can add a competitive element to the game. Handicaps can be self-declared or based on honesty, especially if members do not have official handicaps. It is up to the society to decide how it approves and adjusts handicaps, and these can be managed through systems like Golfscoretracker.
Overall, golf societies provide an excellent opportunity for golfers of all skill levels to come together, enjoy the game, and access a range of benefits, including discounted rates and access to high-quality courses.
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Prizes and competitions
Golf societies are often formed by groups of friends, colleagues, or enthusiasts who want to take advantage of special rates and discounts. These societies can be a great way for beginners to learn the rules and etiquette of golf without the expense of joining a club.
When it comes to prizes and competitions, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it is important to select courses that are competitive but not too difficult, ensuring that all players will enjoy their day. You can also offer prizes for things like Nearest Pin, Nearest Pin in Two (shots), Longest Drive, and Straightest Drive to make the day more enjoyable and exciting.
It is also worth noting that the handicapping scheme within golf is essential to competitive play. Handicaps can be used to level the playing field and make the game more accessible to players of all skill levels. As the organiser of a golf society, you can decide how to approve and adjust handicaps for your members.
In terms of prizes, it is important to be mindful of any rules and regulations that may be in place. For example, offering prizes in excess of £300 may result in the cancellation of EGU registration. It is also worth considering the cost of prizes and ensuring that your society can cover any expenses.
To keep your members engaged, you can also offer competitions and leaderboards. This could include seasonal or individual leaderboards, as well as variations in the types of competitions you offer, such as singles and doubles matchplay.
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Growing your society
Growing your golf society is about more than just increasing numbers; it's about creating a community of like-minded golfers who can enjoy the game together. Here are some tips to help you expand your golf society:
Start with a Solid Foundation
Begin by gathering a group of friends or like-minded individuals who share your passion for golf. Give your group a name and decide on a course to play as a team. You can book your chosen course under your society name, and this will give your group an official feel.
Invite Others to Join
Encourage your founding members to invite their friends to join. Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool, and by starting with a core group of enthusiasts, you can ensure that new members share your passion and values. This organic growth strategy helps maintain a cohesive group dynamic.
Be Inclusive
Golf societies are often a great way for beginners to get into the game. Embrace players of all skill levels and assign handicaps accordingly. This inclusivity will make your society more welcoming and encourage growth.
Offer Competitive Advantages
Golf societies can benefit from reduced green fees and other discounts. Pass these savings on to your members, and consider subsidising events for society members. This financial incentive will attract new members and keep existing ones happy.
Flexibility and Variety
When booking courses, be flexible with dates and times to increase your options. Offer a variety of courses and packages to keep things interesting. Some members may prefer 18 holes with a meal, while others might enjoy 36 holes with meals in between.
Registration and Credibility
Consider registering your society with the relevant golf union or association. This gives your society credibility and may grant you access to more prestigious courses. Registration can also provide a sense of official recognition for your group and may be a requirement for some courses.
Manage and Engage
Use online tools and leaderboards to manage your growing society. Keep track of handicaps, results, and society news. Engage your members with seasonal leaderboards and golf blog updates. You can also create society-managed accounts for those who don't want a personal golf-tracking account.
Treasurer and Secretary
As your society grows, consider electing a treasurer and secretary to handle finances and administration. This will help keep your society organised and ensure smooth operations as your numbers increase.
Remember, growing your golf society is about creating a fun, inclusive environment that encourages participation and camaraderie. By following these tips and adapting them to your society's needs, you can foster a thriving and passionate golfing community.
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Frequently asked questions
Find a few like-minded friends and decide where you want to play as a group. Give your group a name and book your chosen course under your new society name. Invite friends along and your society will grow in numbers.
Collect money in advance of an event so that you're not out of pocket if anyone fails to turn up. Use the Stableford method of scoring for speed of play. Make sure you have prizes like Nearest Pins, Longest Drive, etc. to make the day more enjoyable.
The handicapping scheme is the essence of competitive play and makes the game unique. It is at the discretion of the society as to how it approves handicaps for its members. If you want to keep things casual, you don't have to use handicaps at all.
Most societies are formed by groups of friends, work colleagues, or people who meet at pubs. You can use word of mouth to invite others along or advertise in local golf magazines and on websites like www.societygolfing.co.uk. You could also consider registering with the English Golf Union Society Scheme to gain access to their golf courses and be listed in their yearbook and on their website.
