Levelling the Fairways: The importance of modernising golf club policies and rules

The tradition of golf is what makes the game what it is; a sport cherished for its rich history and the sense of community it fosters. But as society evolves, so too must the rules and policies that govern our golf clubs – the future of the sport depends on it.

That might sound a bit dramatic, but to truly grow the game and make it inclusive for all, golf must modernise. That doesn’t mean abandoning its traditions but adapting them to better meet the needs of today’s diverse golfing population.

Outdated policies stifle participation

In our Levelling the Fairways survey, we asked women what they thought deters females from taking up or staying in golf. And one recurring theme emerged: Outdated policies and practices.

From dress codes that feel more suited to the 20th century to rigid structures that prioritise the masses (read: men) over participation (read: everyone else), many clubs unintentionally create barriers.

I’ve written recently about access to tee times. So many women still find themselves relegated to less favourable slots, particularly at the weekend – if they can get any at all, reinforcing an outdated hierarchy that has no place in modern golf.

In a recent focus group session I ran as part of our Levelling the Fairways series, one participant told me: “At my club, there are no reserved tee times for women at the weekend. Competitions are first-come, first-served, and it’s almost impossible for a woman to get a slot on a Saturday because it’s dominated by men.”

The lack of on-course toilets is also another glaring example of how outdated policies can alienate potential players.

Modernisation is more than a buzzword

Modernising policies is not about enforcing radical change for the sake of it; it’s about being reflective and responsive.

Golf isn’t just competing against other sports for people’s attention. To play regularly, golf requires a huge investment of people’s time and money. If clubs fail to meet the needs of modern golfers (and their lifestyles), they’ll continue to alienate entire demographics of players – namely, females.

As an industry, we need to focus on the simple changes that make a big difference. Like offering flexible memberships to cater to families, young professionals, or those with limited time. That won’t only help to attract and retain women and girls in the sport, but will ensure the game appeals to a broader audience more generally.

Reviewing dress codes to focus on appropriateness rather than tradition can also make the game feel more welcoming. Even something as basic as ensuring toilets are accessible and well-maintained can signal that a club takes its members’ comfort seriously.

Understanding what all golfers want

I’ve said it before, but I think golf is very good at pleasing most people (i.e. men) most of the time. But different golfers (women, juniors, seniors) want and need different things from the game. Clubs willing to listen and act on this feedback will retain their current membership and attract new players, creating a sustainable future for the game.

I really feel therefore that one of the most effective ways for clubs to modernise is to involve their members in the process.

For instance, the women interviewed as part of the Levelling the Fairways series highlighted the importance of being heard. They spoke about the need for more opportunities to play in competitive and social settings and the importance of being represented on committees where decisions are made: “We’ve got women on the board and the greens committee, which has helped ensure our needs are considered. For example, we recently addressed course setup issues where pins were consistently placed in challenging positions for women players.”

However, representation alone is not enough; active participation and advocacy from women members is crucial: “We struggle to find a lady captain some years, let alone someone willing to sit on the management committee. It’s not just about educating men – it’s about empowering women to step up.”

Leading the way

Some clubs are already leading the charge in modernisation. Take the example of venues that have embraced flexible tee time booking systems, ensuring fair access for all members.

Others have updated their junior programmes, recognising the importance of engaging young players in ways that appeal to them. Or established buddy systems to support new golfers in their transition to club membership.

Mixed-gender competitions have also been increasingly and successfully adopted to fostered greater integration and challenge gender stereotypes. In our recent focus group session, one participant commented: “Having mixed Stableford competitions has been a game-changer. It’s popular, especially with couples, and has improved the dynamic at our club. Men are now used to seeing women on the course and playing with them.”

These clubs are showing that tradition and progress can coexist. By respecting the game’s history while embracing change, they are setting the standard for others to follow.

Building a brighter future

Golf has come a long way, but there is still work to do. Modernising policies and rules isn’t just about keeping up with the times; it’s about creating a sport that welcomes everyone, regardless of their background, age, or gender.

By addressing outdated practices and listening to the needs of current and future players, golf clubs can ensure they remain vibrant, inclusive spaces for generations to come.

The question is, will your club be part of the change?

Enjoyed reading this one? You'll love this from our Levelling the Fairways series: Jan Bel Jan and the rise of Scoring Tees™