When you join a golf club, you join an organisation with its own structure, traditions and decision-makers. Understanding how your club is run helps you know who to talk to, how decisions are made and how you can get involved. Here's an overview of how golf clubs are typically organised.
Types of golf club
| Type | Ownership | Decision-making |
|---|---|---|
| Members' club | Members | Elected committee or board, annual general meeting |
| Proprietary club | Company or individual | Owner, with member input in some cases |
| Municipal or public course | Local authority or trust | Authority or operator |
| Resort club | Resort or hotel company | Owner |
Read golf club membership guide.
Key roles
Captain
In many clubs, especially in the UK and Ireland, the captain is an elected member who leads the club for a year, represents it at events, hosts visitors and presides over competitions. Some clubs also have a women's captain, junior captain and seniors' captain.
President and chair
A president is often an honorary or senior role; a chair leads the board or management committee.
Committees
| Committee | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Management or board | Overall direction and decisions |
| Finance | Budgets, fees and investments |
| Greens | Course policy and maintenance priorities |
| Competitions | Fixtures, formats and results |
| Handicaps | Handicap administration |
| Membership | New members and categories |
| Social | Events and functions |
| Juniors | Junior section and coaching |
Staff
- General manager or secretary: day-to-day operations.
- Club professional: pro shop, lessons and golf operations. Read how to become a golf coach.
- Head greenkeeper or course manager: course maintenance. Read how to become a greenkeeper.
- Hospitality staff: bar, catering and events.
Annual general meeting
Members' clubs usually hold an AGM, where members:
- Receive accounts and reports.
- Elect officers and committee members.
- Vote on major decisions, such as fees and rule changes.
Finances
Income often comes from subscriptions, green fees, societies, catering and events. Spending covers course maintenance, staff, facilities and investment.
How members can get involved
- Attend the AGM.
- Volunteer for committees, junior coaching or events.
- Give feedback through official channels.
- Help the course: divot parties and work days. Read golf course maintenance explained.
Club traditions
Captain's days, drive-ins, honours boards and inter-club matches are part of club life. Read golf traditions and customs.
Frequently asked questions
What does a golf club captain do?
Leads the club for a year, represents it, hosts events and presides over competitions.
What is a members' club?
A club owned and run by its members through elected committees.
How do I join a golf club committee?
Express interest to the secretary or manager, and stand for election at the AGM.
Who runs the golf course itself?
The head greenkeeper or course manager, guided by the greens committee or management.
The bottom line
Golf clubs are communities with structures for leadership, decision-making and day-to-day running. Understand the roles, attend the AGM and consider getting involved: clubs thrive when members contribute. For more on club life, read clubhouse etiquette.