With the participation in the golf in the rise and data of our latest survey indicating a year of potential boom in 2025, we are now examining more detailed information on membership of the golf club – and what the golfers themselves say. Our survey of club members across the country reveals a mixture of satisfaction and concern, highlighting both the lasting attraction of club life and the persistent problems that continue to frustrate many players.
While members always appreciate the social aspect, competitive opportunities and the feeling of belonging that accompany the club membership, comments also surface familiar pain points. The concerns concerning the increase in costs, the lack of flexible membership models and the availability of courses in bad weather are always widespread. There is also an increasing call for more inclusive and reactive club environments, because the expectations of golfers transform according to modern lifestyles.
Surprisingly, many of these frustrations reflect those raised in a Similar survey in 2019. Despite the resilience and growth of the game, it seems that some broader clubs and parts of the industry have struggled to fully solve long -standing problems, in particular those linked to the value, accessibility and commitment of members.
While the game continues to evolve, the latter comments provide both an snapshot of the feeling of the members and a clear challenge for clubs and guiding bodies: adapting significantly or risking being left behind. Here are the 10 most common themes raised by golfers in the survey – the lightening exactly what matters most to today’s members.
Value for money
Many members believe that their membership offers good value, especially if they play frequently. The comments highlighted the profitability of the membership in relation to the payment of green costs for each round. However, there are concerns about the increase in costs and if the cost justifies the advantages, especially for those who play less often.
“Membership of the golf club is the best and cheapest means for any golfer who plays twice or more per week.”
Increase in fees
There is a general concern concerning the annual increase in membership fees. Some members include the need to increase due to the increase in costs but are concerned about the sustainability of these increases. There was a feeling that costs become too expensive, especially for those who play less frequently.
“A reasonable increase in costs is more than acceptable. The cost of everything increases and must be respected so that the clubs are viable.”
“The costs come to the stadium where you will have to start thinking twice before joining.”
Weather conditions and courses
Bad weather conditions, especially during winter, are an important problem. Members often believe that they do not obtain full value for their members due to lesson closings or unplayable conditions. The impact of climate change on the availability of courses was a recurring concern.
“Due to climate change and more humid winters that choose points rather than a complete adhesion attracts more members of traditional membership, because in recent years, the course has closed regularly in winter and the range for about 4 months.”
“The course has been entirely or partially closed for more than 4 months. It drains badly and therefore becomes unplayable.”
Flexibility in membership options
There is a demand for more flexible membership options, such as seasonal subscriptions, points systems or remuneration models, which are aimed at different game frequencies and personal circumstances. The capacity to choose a type of membership that suits individual needs has been considered positive.
“For the amount of the golf I play, complete memberships are not financially viable. Clubs must offer more flexible subscriptions.”
“Complete membership costing more than £ 1000 is not worth it for myself. But I pay £ 283, which gives a 50% discount from Monday to Friday and 25% reduction for weekends. Also 10%, food and drinks. For me, it’s a good value subscription because I do not play every week and that I only have to play 26 times a year to break.”
Communication and management
The members who estimated that their club communicated well and signed up with them positively noted it as a force. Some comments expressed their frustration in the face of communication and decision -making processes within their clubs, saying that their contribution is not assessed and that decisions are made without adequate consultation.
“Communication is poor regarding the club’s problems / decisions. A monthly newsletter to all members would be useful.”
Inclusion and diversity
There is a call for more inclusive membership options to attract a wider audience, including young players, families and various groups. Some members believe that current membership structures are obsolete and do not meet modern needs.
“More inclusive family membership would encourage a wider audience.”
“Golf clubs should reduce their prices to encourage many more people to get into golf.”
Installations and services
The members appreciate the well -maintained courses and the good facilities and appreciated the efforts to maintain the course in good condition and invest in upgrades. However, there have been complaints of some concerning the lack of investment in the maintenance of courses, the maintenance of clubs and other amenities in certain clubs for the costs they paid, and some estimated that the quality had decreased over time.
“The club must continuously reduce costs, for example, by removing bunkers, less work on the course and very little obsolete clubhouse interview. In the 1950s, 150 bunkers around 2000, 80 bunkers. Now around 65 bunkers.”
Social aspects
The social side of golf club membership is important for many members. They appreciate the camaraderie, competitions and social events that accompany being a member. The sense of community and belonging have been frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of membership.
“Being a member is more than playing golf.”
Handicap and competition problems
There are concerns about the global disabilities system (WHS) and the impact of nomadic golfers on club subscriptions. Some members believe that the handicap system is unfair and that non-members should not have access to disabilities.
“Help the WHS system as a cheatter charter. How can members not play in club competitions have active handicaps?”
“Whs does not work, why we always use 95% and 85% for the Comps. Whs Disabilities, disability courses Use.”
Financial challenges
Golf clubs are faced with financial challenges, including the cost increase and the need to balance income for membership fees and visitors’ green costs. Members recognize these challenges, but also expect transparency and responsibility for how their costs are used.
“Golf clubs face a very difficult period. Many F&B staff are part -time and on zero hours contracts. Their salary will increase and attract nics disproportionately.”
“Golf clubs need more members to survive.”
This time, it was interesting to read very few comments compared to food in golf clubs, dress codes and label, but two other problems received comments, although less than previous years; slow game and accessibility of the course.
“The slow game puts myself and other members when you book. 5 hours or more per turn is ridiculous.”
“The slow game is a massive problem, if the problem does not improve in a few years, I will probably cancel my members.”
“Tee times are like chicken teeth. All reasonable time are taken within 1 minute depending on the opening.”
“Due to the membership numbers, it is increasingly difficult to get a TEE time during rush hour.”
Members’ comments highlight a harsh reality: many problems that golfers are raising today – radiation costs, course conditions, flexibility of members and communication – are the same concerns expressed in 2019. Although these challenges can be a constant part of the golf landscape, it is crucial for clubs to recognize that evolution and adaptation are not only an option but a necessity. Today’s needs and expectations of today continue to change, and clubs must continue to innovate and react to ensure that they remain relevant and offer real value. Regardless of the growth of the game, the capacity of clubs to respond to these current concerns will be the key to promoting the satisfaction and long -term loyalty of the members.
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