Golf is a wonderful game to play with other people. A good group makes every round more fun, keeps you motivated to play and practise, and often turns into lasting friendships. But finding people to play with is not always easy, especially if you have moved to a new area, taken up the game as an adult or have friends who do not play. The good news is that golf has more ways to meet playing partners than almost any other sport.
Join a golf club
A club membership is the best way to find people to play with regularly.
- Roll-ups. Many clubs have informal sessions where members turn up at a set time and are drawn into groups. They are perfect for meeting new people.
- Club competitions. Medal and Stableford competitions put you in groups with different members each week. Read your first golf competition.
- Sections. Most clubs have women's, men's, senior and junior sections, each with their own events.
- Social events. Quiz nights, dinners and club matches help you get to know people off the course.
- New-member events. Many clubs run welcome days or buddy schemes.
Read our golf club membership guide to find the right club.
Golf societies and social groups
A golf society is a group of golfers who play together regularly at different courses, often monthly. Societies are common in some countries and are formed by workplaces, pubs, alumni groups, friends or online communities.
- Pros: regular golf, variety of courses, group green-fee rates and a ready-made social group.
- How to find them: ask at local courses, search online, or check notice boards in clubhouses and pro shops.
- Start your own: gather a few friends or colleagues and plan a monthly round. Read how to organise a golf day.
Leagues
Many public courses and golf facilities run leagues: weekly nine-hole evening leagues, team leagues, or seasonal competitions. They suit golfers with busy lives who want regular, structured golf with the same people. Read fitting golf into a busy life.
Book a single tee time
Many public and pay-and-play courses pair single golfers with others to fill tee times. You might join a couple, a group of friends or other single players. It is a great way to meet local golfers, and many regular games start this way.
- Ask the starter or pro shop if you can be paired with others, or which times are good for joining a group.
- Quieter times are often better for single golfers if you prefer to play alone. Read playing golf alone.
Use apps and online groups
Golf apps and websites can help you:
- Find open tee times with spaces you can join.
- Connect with local golfers of a similar standard.
- Join online golf communities that organise meet-ups and society days.
Read golf apps and online tools.
Lessons, clinics and beginners' groups
Group lessons and clinics are ideal if you are new to the game. You meet other golfers at your level who are also looking for partners, and many coaches organise on-course sessions and beginners' competitions. Read golf lessons: choosing an instructor and golf for beginners: the complete guide.
Specific groups
- Women's golf groups. Women-only clinics, sections and social groups are a welcoming way into the game. Read golf for women: getting started.
- Senior golfers. Many clubs and courses have daytime senior sections and leagues. Read golf for seniors.
- Juniors and families. Junior programmes and family golf events help children make golf friends. Read getting kids into golf.
- Adaptive golf. Many regions have groups and programmes for golfers with disabilities.
- Business golf. Networking events and corporate days connect golfers with professional interests. Read our business golf guide.
Other places to meet golfers
- Driving ranges and practice areas. Chat to regulars, and ask the coaches about local groups.
- Golf entertainment venues. Social golf venues are relaxed places to play with friends and introduce others to the game. Read golf entertainment venues.
- Workplaces. Colleagues who play golf are often keen to form a group.
- Golf trips and schools. Group golf holidays and golf schools bring together golfers from different places. Read golf schools and golf camps.
How to be a golfer people want to play with
Finding partners is one thing; being invited back is another.
- Keep up the pace. Be ready to play, and pick up when you are out of a hole in a casual game.
- Know the etiquette. Stand still and quiet when others play, repair pitch marks and divots, and look after the course. Read golf etiquette 101.
- Be positive. Nobody wants to play with someone who sulks after every bad shot.
- Be honest about your scores and your handicap.
- Be flexible about formats, tees and the occasional side game. Read golf side games: skins, Nassau and wolf.
- Offer to buy the first drink after the round.
Do not worry about your standard. Most golfers are happy to play with anyone who is friendly and keeps the game moving.
Frequently asked questions
How do I find people to play golf with?
Join a club roll-up or competition, look for golf societies and leagues, book single tee times at public courses, join group lessons, and use golf apps and online groups.
Is it normal to be paired with strangers on the golf course?
Yes. Courses often pair single golfers or small groups to fill tee times, and it is a common way to meet new playing partners.
I am a beginner. Will better golfers mind playing with me?
Most golfers are welcoming if you keep up the pace and know the basic etiquette. Beginners' groups and clinics are also a good place to start.
What is a golf society?
A group of golfers who play together regularly, often at different courses, usually without owning a course of their own.
Do I need to join a club to find golf partners?
No. Societies, leagues, public-course pairings, lessons and online groups are all good alternatives.
The bottom line
There are plenty of ways to find golf partners: club roll-ups and competitions, societies, leagues, single tee times, group lessons and online communities. Pick one or two, turn up regularly, be friendly, keep the pace and respect the course, and you will soon have a group of golfing friends to share the game with. For tips on getting started, read golf for beginners: the complete guide.
Ready to organise your own group? Read how to start a golf society, or play with your partner with golf for couples.