A golf society is a group of golfers who play together regularly, usually at different courses through the season. Societies are a brilliant way to play new courses, enjoy group rates, compete for trophies and build friendships, without the cost of a full club membership. Many societies start with a few friends, colleagues or neighbours and grow from there. Here's how to start and run one successfully.
Step 1: Decide the purpose
- Social: relaxed golf with friends, fun formats and a meal afterwards.
- Competitive: order of merit, trophies and handicap competitions.
- Mixed: most societies combine the two.
- Specific groups: workplaces, alumni, sports clubs, couples or beginners.
Step 2: Find members
- Friends, colleagues and family.
- Local social media groups and community boards.
- Golfers you meet at ranges and courses. Read how to find golf partners.
Aim for enough regular players to fill a few tee times for each event.
Step 3: Set up a committee
A small committee shares the work:
| Role | Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Captain or chair | Leads the society, chairs meetings, presents prizes |
| Secretary | Fixtures, bookings and communications |
| Treasurer | Fees, payments and accounts |
| Handicap or competition secretary | Handicaps, results and the order of merit |
Step 4: Write simple rules (a constitution)
Cover:
- Membership: who can join and how.
- Fees: annual membership and event fees.
- Handicaps: what is required for competitions.
- Competitions: formats, tie-breaks and prizes.
- Conduct: etiquette and dress expectations.
- Meetings: an annual general meeting and elections.
Step 5: Handicaps
For handicap competitions, members usually need an official handicap. A society can't normally issue official handicaps on its own, but members can get one through a golf club, or through clubs without a course or national schemes in some countries. Read the World Handicap System explained.
For members without handicaps, use formats that don't need one, such as team scrambles, or a society handicap for internal events only.
Step 6: Plan a fixture list
- Frequency: monthly is common.
- Variety: mix local courses with a few special venues and an annual trip.
- Season: plan spring to autumn, with occasional winter events.
- Book early: popular courses fill their society slots months ahead.
Read how to plan a golf trip.
Step 7: Booking society days
Many courses offer society packages, which may include:
- Green fees, often discounted for groups.
- Coffee and a bacon roll or breakfast.
- A meal after the round.
- Practice balls, buggies or prizes.
Ask about minimum numbers, deposits, cancellation terms and handicap requirements. Read how to book tee times.
Step 8: Formats and competitions
- Stableford is popular for societies because it keeps play moving. Read Stableford strategy.
- Team events: scrambles, fourballs and Texas scrambles. Read golf scramble strategy.
- Order of merit: points for finishes across the season.
- Novelty prizes: nearest the pin and longest drive. Read golf trophies and prizes.
- Major events: an annual championship or matches against other societies.
Step 9: Finances
- Collect fees in advance to secure bookings.
- Keep clear records and share a simple summary with members.
- Use a dedicated bank account if the society grows.
- Consider insurance: check whether members have personal liability cover through their golf memberships or other policies.
Step 10: Communication
- A group chat, email list or simple website for fixtures and results.
- Send reminders with tee times, dress codes and directions.
- Publish results and photos after each event.
Keeping members happy
- Welcome newcomers and pair them with friendly members.
- Mix up groups so members get to know each other.
- Keep costs reasonable.
- Listen to feedback at the end of the season.
- Celebrate: an end-of-season dinner and prize-giving.
Read golf traditions and customs.
Frequently asked questions
What is a golf society?
A group of golfers who play together regularly, usually at different courses, without owning a course of their own.
Do golf society members need handicaps?
For handicap competitions, usually yes. Social events can use formats that don't require one.
How many members does a golf society need?
There's no minimum, but enough to fill a few tee times per event, often 12 to 30 members, makes it viable.
Do golf courses offer discounts for societies?
Many do, through society packages that may include food and extras.
The bottom line
Starting a golf society is simple: decide your purpose, gather members, form a small committee, write clear rules, plan fixtures and book early. Keep finances transparent, communicate well and make everyone welcome, and your society can become the highlight of many golfers' year. For event ideas, read how to organise a golf day.