Despite everything golfers still love playing in open competitions

Our latest Golfshake survey reveals that golfers continue to embrace Open competitions. While expressing concerns over handicap manipulation and slow play, you point to the chance to play great courses for bargain prices.

Despite growing debate around handicaps and the World Handicap System, Open competitions remain one of the most popular ways for golfers to experience new courses and enjoy competitive golf.

More than 700 golfers responded to our survey and revealed that the appetite for Open competitions remains as strong as ever, with just 16% of respondents saying they don't currently play in Opens or amateur events.

More tellingly, almost 80% of respondents play at least two Open competitions each year, while 36% play in seven or more annually, demonstrating that competitive golf continues to be a significant part of many golfers' calendars.

So, if concerns around handicaps and competition fairness continue to dominate discussion, why do golfers keep coming back?

The answer appears to be simple: because Open competitions offer something much bigger than just the chance to win.

Playing Great Courses Remains The Biggest Attraction

Open Competitions at Golf Clubs

(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)

When asked what influences their decision to enter an Open competition, the quality of the golf course was easily the biggest factor.

Nearly eight in ten golfers (78%) said the course itself was the primary attraction, ahead of playing somewhere new (53%), distance from home (44%), entry fee (34%) and even the competition format (30%).

The survey also shows golfers are remarkably adventurous in the courses they choose to play. While parkland courses remain the most popular (87%), more than two-thirds actively seek out links courses (68%), while heathland venues (57%) continue to attract strong interest.

Interestingly, only one in five respondents specifically target Top 100 ranked courses, suggesting golfers are looking for enjoyable, memorable venues rather than simply ticking famous courses off a list.

One respondent summed up that feeling perfectly:

"I always enter an Open competition because I think I'll enjoy the golf course, not to win."

Another added:

"Always very enjoyable, a chance to play new quality courses at a reasonable price."

Golfers Continue to See Excellent Value

With rising costs affecting golf clubs across the country, pricing has become an increasingly important topic. However, the survey suggests golfers remain largely comfortable with Open competition entry fees.

Around one-third typically pay under £40, while another 51% regularly pay between £40 and £70. Only 16% usually pay more than £70. Perhaps more significantly, 71% believe Open competitions represent good value for money, despite almost half of respondents saying food is not included in the entry fee.

This reinforces the idea that golfers place greater value on the overall experience than simply what's included in the package.

As one golfer commented:

"Treat them as fun. You often get to play good golf courses for less than the standard green fee."

Another echoed that sentiment:

"I feel they're normally great value to play. We just enter them to play different courses and events, not really expecting to win. It's all about the day for us."

There Are Still Challenges to Solve

Of course, the survey also highlighted areas where golfers believe Open competitions can improve.

Slow play remains the biggest frustration, cited by 74% of respondents, narrowly ahead of concerns around handicap manipulation (70%). I have had personal experience of this - you need to accept that if you are playing in a fourball in an Open competition then it is probably going to take you the thick end of five hours so make sure you have plenty of supplies in your bag!

Course conditions (29%), high entry fees (18%), poor organisation (16%) and slow prize presentations (14%) were all mentioned considerably less often.

The findings suggest golfers are not turning away from Open competitions because of these issues, but they do expect clubs to continue improving the overall experience.

A Healthy Future For Open Golf

The survey paints a far more positive picture than many might expect. Yes, there are ongoing debates around handicaps, fairness and the World Handicap System, but those concerns have not diminished golfers' enthusiasm for Open competitions.

Instead, Open golf appears to have evolved.

Today's golfers are increasingly motivated by the opportunity to discover new courses, enjoy good company and experience competitive golf in welcoming environments, rather than focusing solely on the prize table.

For golf clubs, that's an encouraging message.

Investing in excellent course presentation, efficient organisation and enjoyable event experiences may ultimately prove more valuable than simply reducing entry fees or increasing prize funds.

After all, while winning is always welcome, Golfshake's survey suggests that for many golfers, the real reward is spending a great day playing somewhere memorable.

Handicap Manipulation Remains The Biggest Integrity Issue

Although slow play edged the survey, handicap integrity was never far behind.

Seven in ten respondents listed handicap manipulation among their biggest frustrations, while the wider survey painted an even clearer picture:

53% don't believe the World Handicap System creates a fair playing field.
58% have witnessed or suspected handicap manipulation.
51% say concerns over handicaps have put them off entering competitions.

The written comments showed just how emotive this topic has become.

One golfer wrote:

"Playing less due to excessive scores winning, very suspect."

Another commented:

"No point entering, due to ridiculous winning Stableford points totals, especially in pairs events."

Perhaps the most telling response simply read:

"There's bandits in them all. Never be able to stop it."

While not every golfer shared that view, the consistency between the survey results and the written responses shows that confidence in handicap competitions remains a significant issue for many amateur golfers.

Most Frustrations Are Actually Within a Golf Club's Control

One of the more encouraging findings from the survey is that, beyond slow play and handicap concerns, the remaining frustrations were comparatively minor.

Golfers cited:

Poor course conditions (29%)
High entry fees (18%)
Poor organisation (16%)
Poor value for money (16%)
Slow results or prize-giving (14%)

Considering that 71% of golfers also believe Open competitions represent good value for money, these figures suggest clubs are generally delivering enjoyable events.

Instead, golfers appear to be asking for refinements rather than wholesale change.

Golfers Aren't Asking For Perfection

The comments also revealed something important.

Many golfers still see Opens as one of the highlights of their golfing year and recognise that no competition will ever be perfect.

Several respondents focused less on problems and more on practical improvements.

Suggestions included:

more handicap categories
stronger pace-of-play management
quicker prize presentations
improved communication before events
greater transparency around handicaps

Others felt clubs should continue to prioritise the overall experience rather than simply improving the prizes.

What it Means For Open Competitions

Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the survey isn't that golfers are frustrated. It's that they're still turning up.

More than 80% of you regularly play Open competitions, most believe they represent good value for money, and many play several events every year.

That enthusiasm exists despite the challenges.

For golf clubs, that's an encouraging message.

The fundamentals of Open golf remain strong. Golfers clearly enjoy travelling to new courses, experiencing different clubs and spending a competitive day with friends.

However, the survey also offers a clear checklist of improvements.