Golf clubs still struggle to shake off the image of being stuffy and cliquey. But is the reality as problematic as the perception, and what do we need to do about it?
Golf clubs are often lauded as community hubs, fostering camaraderie and shared passion for the sport. Yet, they also face criticism for being insular, with a clique culture that acts as a barrier to inclusivity.
This idea that it’s therefore difficult to “fit in” at a golf club – which I’ll add isn’t unique to just women’s sections – can discourage newcomers or even cause friction within the club itself.
But is the reality as problematic as the perception?
And how can clubs work to ensure all members feel welcome?
The perception vs. reality of cliques
The idea of cliques conjures images of closed-off groups resistant to change or new faces.
The women who took part in our recent focus group discussion, however, suggested a more nuanced view. While tightly-knit groups do exist – often formed over years of shared play –they are rarely exclusive.
“You’ll always have groups that define themselves by their preferences – whether that’s playing nine holes or just enjoying a long lunch afterwards. But it’s rarely about actively excluding anyone. In my experience, it’s completely the opposite.”
Preferences in playing style can naturally lead to divisions: Some women gravitate toward competitive golf, while others enjoy the relaxed pace of social or shorter games. These distinctions, rather than signalling exclusion, often reflect individual priorities.
Still, the stigma of cliques remains, making it crucial for clubs to address this issue proactively.
New cliques among new members
Interestingly, the conversation amongst our focus group also highlighted a lesser-discussed aspect of the clique conundrum: The formation of new groups among recently joined members.
Some participants noted that these newer cliques can unintentionally isolate themselves from the wider women’s section, creating a parallel barrier.
While it’s natural to bond with the people you feel most comfortable with, fostering integration across all groups of members – new and established – is essential to building a cohesive club culture.
The role of club structure
If cliques (or at least the perception of them) stem from comfort and familiarity, how can clubs encourage inclusivity without forcing integration? For me, the solution lies in a bit of thoughtful structuring, but also, again, taking the time to understand what members want (I know I really am starting to sound like a broken record!).
For example, if a lot of your female members prefer nine holes of social golf and a cake afterwards, don’t run an 18-hole medal or Stableford every Tuesday (or whenever your “ladies day” is). By offering a variety of formats that cater to different preferences, you encourage broader participation in club activities, making it easier for members to engage and connect.
Here are a few other easy-to-action solutions that were discussed in our recent focus group:
Drawn competitions: Randomly pairing players for competitions is a great way to encourage members to interact beyond their usual circles.
Buddy systems: Pairing new members with existing ones for their first year helps ease the transition into club life. Buddies act as guides, answering questions and providing a friendly face at the club.
“When new women join, they’re assigned a buddy for a year, which makes it easier to ask all the silly questions and find their place,” one focus group participant told me.
Academies and social events: Beginner academies and social evenings are invaluable for building confidence and creating opportunities to meet people outside regular playing groups.
Mixed competitions: Opening up more club competitions to both men and women is a powerful way to break down barriers and foster a more inclusive environment.
In our recent focus group session, one participant commented: “Having mixed competitions has been a game-changer. It’s improved the dynamic at our club.”
Education and support: Workshops on golf rules and etiquette not only boost new members’ confidence but also signal that the club values their inclusion.
Inclusivity beyond gender
Like I mentioned at the beginning of this article, the perception of this clique culture isn’t exclusive to women’s sections. Men can also struggle to integrate into well-established groups or golf clubs. In some ways, I’d imagine it is actually more difficult for men.
My brother and dad recently joined a new club. My brother, who’s a bit more outgoing, definitely found it easier to fit in. But my dad was shy and unsure how to join existing groups. It made me realise that while women might reach out to welcome new members – because there tend to be so few new members – men don’t always do the same.
This broader perspective highlights that inclusivity is a universal challenge. Clubs that actively foster welcoming environments benefit all members, regardless of gender or experience.
Breaking down barriers
To tackle the clique conundrum, golf clubs must prioritise inclusivity as a core value. This involves recognising and addressing the barriers – perceived or real – that hinder integration.
By embracing diverse opportunities, implementing structured integration methods, and fostering awareness of newcomers’ experiences, clubs can create communities that are both welcoming and supportive. As one participant of our focus group aptly put it:
“It’s about creating opportunities for everyone – whether they want to play competitively, socially, or something in between. That’s how we start changing breaking down barriers.”
Enjoyed reading this one? You'll love this from our Levelling the Fairways series: The importance of modernising golf club policies and rules
