What Golfers Think About Club Membership in 2025: 10 Key Topics

With golf participation on the rise and data from our most recent survey indicating a potential boom year in 2025, we now take a look at more detailed insights into golf club membership - and what golfers themselves are saying about it. Our survey of club members from across the country reveals a mix of satisfaction and concern, highlighting both the enduring appeal of club life and the persistent issues that continue to frustrate many players.  

While members still value the social aspect, competitive opportunities, and sense of belonging that come with club membership, the feedback also surfaces familiar pain points. Concerns around rising fees, lack of flexible membership models, and course availability during poor weather are still widespread. There’s also a growing call for more inclusive and responsive club environments, as golfers’ expectations shift in line with modern lifestyles.  

Strikingly, many of these frustrations mirror those raised in a similar survey back in 2019. Despite the game's resilience and growth, it appears some clubs and parts of the wider industry have struggled to fully address longstanding issues—particularly those related to value, accessibility, and member engagement.  

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As the game continues to evolve, this latest feedback provides both a snapshot of member sentiment and a clear challenge to clubs and governing bodies: adapt meaningfully, or risk being left behind. Here are the 10 most common themes raised by golfers in the survey—highlighting exactly what matters most to today’s members.

Value for Money

Many members feel that their membership offers good value, especially if they play frequently. Comments highlighted the cost-effectiveness of membership compared to paying green fees for each round. However, there are concerns about increasing fees and whether the cost justifies the benefits, particularly for those who play less often.

"Golf club membership is the best and cheapest way for any golfer who plays 2 or more times a week."

Fee Increases

There is a widespread concern about the annual increases in membership fees. Some members understand the need for increases due to rising costs but worry about the sustainability of these hikes. There was a sense that fees are becoming too expensive, especially for those who play less frequently.

"A reasonable increase in fees is more than acceptable. Cost of everything is increasing and need to be met for clubs to be viable."

"Fees are getting to the stage where will have to start thinking twice before rejoining."

Weather and Course Conditions

Poor weather conditions, especially during winter, are a significant issue. Members often feel they do not get full value for their membership due to course closures or unplayable conditions. The impact of climate change on course availability was a recurring concern.

"Due to climate change and wetter winters choosing points over a full membership is attracting more members away from the traditional membership as over the past few years the course has closed regularly in winter and the range for approximately 4 months minimum."

"Course has been fully or partially closed for over 4 months. It drains poorly and therefore becomes unplayable."

Flexibility in Membership Options

There is a demand for more flexible membership options, such as seasonal memberships, points systems, or pay-as-you-go models, which cater to different playing frequencies and personal circumstances. The ability to choose a membership type that suits individual needs was seen as a positive.

"For the amount of golf I play, full membership is not financially viable. Clubs need to offer more flexible memberships."

"A full membership costing over £1000 is just not worth it for myself. But I pay £283 which gives 50% discount Monday to Friday and 25% discount for weekends. Also 10% range, food and beverages. For me this is a good value membership as I don't play every week and only have to play 26 times a year to break even."

Communication and Management

Members who felt that their club communicated well and engaged with them positively noted this as a strength. Some comments expressed frustration with the communication and decision-making processes within their clubs, feeling that their input is not valued and that decisions are made without adequate consultation.

"Communication is poor regarding club issues/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 younger players, families, and diverse groups. Some members feel that current membership structures are outdated and do not cater to modern needs.

"A more inclusive family membership would encourage a wider audience." 

"Golf clubs should reduce their rates so as to encourage a lot more people to get into golf."

Facilities and Services

Members appreciate well-maintained courses and good facilities and appreciated efforts to keep the course in good condition and invest in upgrades. However, there were complaints from some about the lack of investment in course maintenance, clubhouse upkeep, and other amenities at some clubs for the fees they paid, and some felt that the quality had declined over time.

"Club continually having to cut costs, e.g., removing bunkers, less work on course and very little upkeep of outdated clubhouse. In the 1950s, 150 bunkers approx, 2000s, 80 bunkers. Now approx 65 bunkers."

Social Aspects

The social side of golf club membership is important to many members. They value the camaraderie, competitions, and social events that come with being a member.  The sense of community and belonging was frequently mentioned as a positive aspect of membership.

"Being a member is more than playing golf."

Handicap and Competition Issues

There are concerns about the World Handicap System (WHS) and the impact of nomadic golfers on club memberships. Some members feel that the handicap system is unfair and that non-members should not have access to handicaps.

"Dislike WHS system as cheaters charter. How can members not playing in club competitions have active handicaps?"

"WHS isn't working as it should why are we still using 95% and 85% for comps. WHS handicaps, course handicaps just use one."

Financial Challenges

Golf clubs face financial challenges, including rising costs and the need to balance income from membership fees and visitor green fees. Members recognize these challenges but also expect transparency and accountability in how their fees are used.

"Golf clubs are facing a very difficult time. Many F&B staff are part-timers and on zero hours contracts. Their pay will be going up and will attract NICs disproportionately."     

"Golf clubs need more members to survive."

This time it was interesting to read very little feedback in relation to the food within golf clubs, dress codes and etiquette but two other issues received some commentary albeit less so than in previous years; slow play and course accessibility.

"Slow play is putting me and other members off when you book. 5 hours or more per round is ridiculous."

"Slow play is a massive problem, if the issue does not get better in a couple of years I will most likely cancel my membership."

"Tee times are like hens teeth. All reasonable times are taken within 1 minute of opening."

"Due to membership numbers it’s increasingly difficult to get a tee time at peak hours."

The feedback from members highlights a stark reality: many of the issues that golfers are raising today—rising fees, course conditions, membership flexibility, and communication—are the same concerns voiced back in 2019. While these challenges may be a constant part of the golfing landscape, it’s crucial for clubs to recognise that evolving and adapting is not just an option but a necessity. The needs and expectations of today’s golfers continue to shift, and clubs must continue to innovate and respond to ensure they stay relevant and provide true value. No matter how much the game grows, the ability of clubs to address these ongoing concerns will be key to fostering long-term member satisfaction and loyalty.

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