What is a Golf Society and How Do They Work?

The Basics

A golf society is a group of golfers who meet up regularly to play at different courses. Think of it like a book club, but instead of reading, you're hacking your way around 18 holes and arguing about who had the best stableford score.

Societies are usually informal. There's no constitution, no joining fee (in most cases), and no obligation to play every event. You show up when you can, pay for that day, and enjoy the round. That's it.

They're one of the most popular ways to play golf in the UK, and once you've been on a society day, you'll understand why.

How Do They Actually Work?

Most societies follow a pretty simple format:

Organisation

One or two people run the show. They pick the courses, negotiate group rates, set up the tee times, and collect the money. It's a fair bit of admin but most organisers enjoy it. Some societies rotate the organiser role. Others have one person who's been doing it for 20 years and wouldn't have it any other way.

Frequency

Most societies play once a month, though some play every couple of weeks and others do quarterly events. The big society days (captain's day, end of season, Christmas) tend to be the best attended.

Format

The most common format is individual stableford, where everyone plays their own ball and scores points based on their handicap. But societies mix it up:

• Stableford is the go-to for most regular society days
• Texas Scramble is popular for bigger events because it's inclusive and quick
• Better Ball pairs people up, which is great if you've got a mix of abilities
• Medal (strokeplay) is less common in societies because it can be slow and demoralising for higher handicappers

Handicaps

Some societies maintain their own handicap system. Others ask you to use your official WHS handicap. A few don't bother with handicaps at all and just play for fun. It depends on how seriously the group takes it.

What Does It Cost?

This is one of the best things about societies. Because you're booking as a group, courses offer significant discounts.

A typical society day might cost between £30 and £60 per person, which usually includes:

• 18 holes of golf
• A meal (bacon roll on arrival, two-course dinner after, or something in between)
• A competition with prizes

Compare that to paying 40 to 50 quid for just a green fee as an individual visitor, and the value is obvious. Some courses include coffee on arrival and a range of balls too.

The organiser collects the money upfront (usually a week or so before the event) and pays the course directly. Most societies use bank transfer these days, though some still pass an envelope around.

Who Joins Societies?

Everyone, really. You'll find:

• Workplace groups where colleagues get together monthly
• Pub and social groups who organise through their local
• Friend groups who've been playing together for years
• Open societies that welcome anyone who wants to join
• Retirees who play during the week when courses are quieter
• Beginners who want to play different courses without committing to a membership

The mix of people is half the fun. You'll play with people you'd never normally meet, and the social side of a society day is just as good as the golf.

How to Find a Society Near You

Finding a society used to be word of mouth only. That's changing, but here are the best ways:

• Ask at your local course. The pro shop or bar staff will know which societies play there
• Search Facebook. Type "[your area] golf society" and you'll find loads of groups
• Ask at work. Workplace societies are everywhere
• Check Golf Match UK. We're building a society directory where you can browse local groups, see their upcoming events, and request to join

Starting Your Own Society

If you can't find one that fits, starting your own is easier than you think:

1. Get 8 to 16 people together. That's enough for two to four groups, which is the sweet spot for a society day
2. Pick a name. Keep it simple. Most are named after the workplace, pub, or area they come from
3. Set up your society on Golf Match UK. It handles RSVPs, payments, and communication in one place, so you're not chasing people across WhatsApp and spreadsheets
4. Choose your first venue. Pick somewhere affordable and easy to get to for your first event. Build from there
5. Collect money upfront. This is the golden rule. Never book a society day without having the money in hand first. No-shows cost the organiser otherwise. Online payment tools make this much easier than chasing bank transfers
6. Sort out handicaps. Decide early whether you're using official handicaps, society handicaps, or just playing for fun
7. Book quarterly. Plan three or four events at a time so people can get the dates in their diaries

You can list your society on Golf Match UK for free, which helps attract new members and makes it easy for people in your area to find you.

The Social Side

The golf is great, but the social side is what keeps people coming back. The meal after the round, the prize giving, the stories about the shot that nearly went in on the 12th. It's a proper day out that combines exercise, competition, and good company.

Some societies organise bigger events too. Golf weekends away, charity days, an annual dinner. The more established societies can feel like a proper community.

The Bottom Line

Golf societies give you group rates, variety, competition, and a ready-made group of people to play with. If you're not already in one, you're missing out.

Browse societies near you on Golf Match UK or start your own and list it for free.