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Behind the Scenes: The Unpaid Heroes of Golf Clubs

By Charlotte Ibbetson on April 6, 2025

From competition organisers to committee leads, the women volunteering at golf clubs keep club life thriving and connected.

Our (Female) Club Golfer series is all about shining a light on the real experiences of women golf club members today; the contributions they make to club life and the influence they have on shaping the future of the sport more widely.

One of the things I don’t think anyone talks about enough is the enormous amount of voluntary work women do behind the scenes at golf clubs.

And I’m not just talking about the women who give up their time to sit on the committee or put themselves forward for Captain (though that deserves a medal in itself).

I’m talking about the woman who always knows what’s going on, who turns up early to set up the clubhouse and welcomes new members with a smile. The women behind the noticeboard updates, the open day flyers, and the competition results. The one who champions the Women in Golf charter and keeps the club accountable. Even the one who sets up the WhatsApp group so everyone else stays up to date.

These women are the beating heart of the club, and this article is to celebrate them.

A Genuine Passion to Grow the Game

At a lot of golf clubs, the women’s section is small – I think the latest figure is something like only 12% of members are female.

But when numbers are tight, everyone pulls together. From setting up buddy systems for new members to helping out at academy days and working closely with the club pros, there’s a whole team of women stepping up because they care.

It’s not about recognition or rewards. It’s about growing the game. They want more women to play golf, to feel welcome, and to stick around.

That kind of support makes a real difference at golf clubs. These women are bringing people together, boosting morale, and making the club feel like home.

The women’s section at my own club is a great example of this in action. There’s a WhatsApp group to stay connected, they always make sure new members get a warm welcome, and post about team matches to rally support. It means there’s always a game to join, someone to cheer you on, and a sense of belonging that can be hard to find elsewhere.

The Committee Women

Being on a committee is a serious commitment. These women are shaping club policies, fighting for inclusivity, and making decisions that affect the whole membership – from tee time allocations to course improvements.

They’re often the voice of reason, the champions of change, and the glue that holds it all together.

Running the Show

Many women take on key roles like Competition Secretary, Handicap Secretary or Ladies’ Captain. They manage entries, track scores, coordinate with staff, and sometimes even deal with the awkward complaints – all on a volunteer basis.

It’s not glamorous, but it matters. These roles make club golf what it is: Organised, fair, and fun.

Why it Matters

The unpaid work these women are doing keeps club golf welcoming and member-focused. It allows clubs to thrive on more than just paid staff and offers members the chance to shape the experience for everyone.

When women volunteer, they help create spaces that are more inclusive, better organised and – let’s face it – a lot more fun.