Have golf clubs reinvented themselves?

Is the old school tie pride of place on the tie rack or ‘orf’ to Oxfam?

When I became a member of Prenton Golf Club (Merseyside) as a junior in 1976, the most daunting aspect was the interview. To get to this stage, I’d been proposed by my friend’s father and he’d asked one of his playing partners, another full member, to second me. With the paperwork in place, it was a matter of waiting for the next membership committee sitting when I would be invited to attend an interview. Nick, my friend, told me not to worry and it was all a formality.

It happened mid-week, an evening appointment in the clubhouse, after my tea. It meant keeping my school uniform on and a cursory check that I looked presentable by my mother. Ironically, my blazer was a hideous billiard green colour. Not that I knew at the time, but it would never be marked down as inappropriate for an interview at a golf club.

Nick’s Dad was waiting outside. After a quick pep talk, tie straight, I knocked on the door. This had to be done alone. 3 older statesmen sat in front of me, lined up on a long table with a dark green baize cloth cover. They each had a copy of my application along with others presumably arranged for later on. 10 of them could have sat opposite me if they’d wanted. I perched on the lowly, upright, high-backed, old oak dining chair placed near the centre of the room.

The conversation was friendly enough. They stuck to school and sport. I’d played the course a few times so we discussed my favourite hole, which was the most difficult and how I’d played? I assured them that I wasn’t a complete duffer.

Junior membership was good value provided you played regularly. The best time was during the school holidays when we had the course to ourselves. We had no standing on the course which meant giving way to members whether there was slow play or not. I don’t remember ever playing much at the weekend.

Why did I decide to join a golf club again at the ripe old age of 58? Although I’d only remained a member of Prenton until university, I carried on playing a couple of times a year with friends. It’s a great sport. On a good day, the challenge is met and you win, on a bad one, you got some exercise. Maybe joining Ealing is unfinished business now I have time? I’m fully aware of the cliche. The words ‘retirement’ and ‘golf’ are not comfortable bed fellows.

I started online and was soon exploring web sites (Ealing’s is particularly good). We’d only recently moved back to London and I was unfamiliar with which courses were nearby.

I also wasn’t sure what to expect from a golf club in 2019. When you play occasionally you miss what goes on as a member. If there was no interview did I still need to meet someone and explain myself?

No, was the short answer. It seems that golf membership has declined over the years. People have chosen to take up other sports like cycling which needn’t take up 5 hours of your day on a weekend or require an old school tie to fit in nicely. A ‘welcome all’ culture is more normal and a change for good. This is also reflected in the price of golf. There is no joining fee or debenture to pay and annual subscriptions offer more choice. Juniors are encouraged to join and get a lot of support when they do. Many become very good players and a few go on to play collegiate golf in the US with the hope of turning pro.

After my enquiry, Lorraine suggested the Rabbit’s roll-up on the following Monday to enjoy a round. Any course is only as good as the people playing it and I got a warm and friendly welcome on a cold, bright sunny day, the frost receding as we stood on the first tee. The greens were every bit as good as the web site suggested and the course challenging. What’s not to like?

I joined as a full member* two days later and started the process of meeting others through roll-ups. Just turn up and you’ll get a game, more like the old municipal mentality. There has never been an interview unless you count the general banter on the course getting to know players who take an interest. There’s no requirement to wear a jacket and tie. The only vestige to another era are the fading pictures of ex-captains high-up on the walls of the Lounge Bar.

History and tradition should still have their place. I witnessed my first Captain ‘putting out’ and the new one ‘driving in’. It was fun and they even had a sweepstake on how far the Captain’s drive would go. I’ve seen Brian, our current Captain, resplendent in his green jacket (not quite as bright as my blazer) and played in plenty of his weekend ‘dinks’. Another chance to socialise and play golf.

While many clubs have adapted to survive, some have done the opposite, their success based on remaining exclusive. The barrier to entry is more likely to be money and the need for lots of it as opposed to anything else. If you want to play the West Course at Wentworth, you’ll need to know a member as it’s not open to the public. Your friend is likely to have paid a debenture of £100,000 plus an annual membership fee of £16,000 (proposed figures in 2016). For a cheaper option, Royal Mid Surrey’s 2020 debenture was £8,550 and membership £2,960. They also have a waiting list.

If you’re more interested in playing great courses it’s still possible. Royal St Georges which is hosting the 149th Open Championship in July 2021 is £250 for 18-holes or why not play the home of golf, The Old Course at St Andrews for £195.

Golf is now going through a significant resurgence. With a global pandemic and the need for social distancing, it’s one of the safest sports to play. There are no rakes in the bunkers anymore and no one needs to touch the flagsticks. After the last lockdown it was 2-balls only which proved very popular because you could play 18 holes in 3 hours. Memberships have blossomed. I know Ealing is currently full which is good to see. In London, churn rates are higher so to reach capacity is impressive. There are lots of courses out there and nearly all will give you a warm welcome even if you are sporting your favourite tie.

• full membership of Ealing GC is £2021