If you look around social media and online, golf content has been increasingly tailored to a younger audience, while manufacturers and even the governing bodies have focused their marketing efforts to attract this demographic into the game.
That might be understandable – and we undeniably need to ensure that golf remains relevant to a youthful crowd – but the fact remains that the majority of players you see at the average course will be somewhat older than your typical TikTok user.
Time constraints mean that retired golfers have more opportunity to play than those who are working during the week, while financial considerations are also a factor when it comes to some younger adults not regularly engaging with the game.
It’s also true to say that this is a game for a lifetime, able to be played and enjoyed by all ages, which is something that more could be made of, especially when trying to appeal to those people who have been active in other sports and are looking for a less athletic alternative to keeping fit as they get older.
Golf shouldn’t be shy to market itself to this demographic, it might not be fashionable, but those middle aged and above golfers remain an integral part of the game and are arguably the lifeblood of golf clubs.
That was demonstrated in our recent golf membership survey with 55% of respondents being aged over 64.
These golfers have a loud voice, but it’s one that probably isn’t listened to enough. What is it that seniors want from their golf clubs, what are their chief concerns and worries, and are there tensions with younger golfers?
Let’s take a look at the responses we received.
Golf club membership means so much to senior golfers
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Through the health, social and activity benefits, golf means a great deal and is a life changer to many seniors, some of whom do feel valued by their clubs, with several reporting the discounts and initiatives that they benefit from.
Let’s take a look at some of the comments that showcased just how positive an impact a golf club membership makes to the lives of older players, especially those who are retired:
“After taking it up again after a 40 year break and as someone who has just taken early retirement, it has given me a fresh new way to live.” “I am retired so I play three times a week weather permitting which makes my golf membership good value.” “I’m 85 and my club offers reduced rate for over 80s and over 20 year membership.” “Being retired, golf club membership is great value, as I average three rounds a week.”
These are encouraging stories, however, it would be remiss to ignore the negative side of the coin as some senior golfers feel that their clubs could do more for them.
Some senior golfers don’t feel they are getting value for money
They might have the chance to play more regularly than those who are younger and working full-time, but senior golfers do face challenges of their own related to their health, the weather, and mobility issues that can stop them from getting the most value for their membership.
These golfers would love to see further discounts or a fee that reflects their ability to play. Several of these concerns – particularly related to winter closures – are also spoken by younger players who don’t feel like a 12-month membership is value for money:
“The course gets very wet and muddy in winter and as I need a buggy I can’t play. The membership fee should reflect this but they only care about money!” “Too expensive subs with the cost of living increases, being in a golf club is now a low priority as a pensioner.” “We have just heard that two of the directors who are millionaires have apparently got rid of a special reduction for the over 78 year olds.” “The club has no financial resilience to support over 80s or seniors who can’t play full time.” “As a senior, I feel the club doesn’t cater enough for our needs – fewer senior comps and fewer tee times.” “Senior competitions are mostly stroke play, played from the back tees – there are no seniors categories and no specific seniors competitions.” “I’m 77 and play three times a week, but sometimes feel seniors aren’t valued by the club committees.” “More flexibility is needed – some months we can’t play at all due to weather or health, but there’s no discount.” “I am a senior member age 74. Unfortunately I need my sit on buggy. If we have a wet winter buggies are banned. It means I’m paying for a year’s membership and am only getting maybe 9/10 months golf.”
Last year, Golfshake’s Derek Clements made the argument that senior golfers should pay less for their memberships, which proved to be a controversial perspective, but it’s clear that a number of other older members feel the same way.
Is there conflict between seniors and younger golfers?
Sticking with a contentious theme, we have detected some simmering animosity between seniors and younger golfers that were expressed in a number of the comments we received.
One person replied to us: “Seniors golf should be celebrated, I am 77, play three times a week, regularly get comments from younger golfers who think they are somehow better.”
It’s clear that – in a minority of cases – there is a divide between older players and those from other generations, with negative perceptions being shared in the responses to our survey, which typically related to slow play and entrenched attitudes.
This is what some younger golfers thought of seniors at their clubs:
“Slow play and older players not letting you through is frustrating.” “Older members act as if they own the golf club.” “Too many old farts who won’t budge or have a problem with the truth.” “Senior golfers can be resistant to change and dominate decision-making.” “Some seniors seem to think they own the tee times.” “Older players not letting faster groups play through is a constant issue.” “A lot of the old members make new ones feel unwelcome.” “Senior roll-ups take over mornings – hard for working members to get out.” “Slow play by older members is a major frustration.”
We’ve covered pace of play concerns extensively, which itself is a topic with conflicting views, but some of the complaints above feel uniquely personal to the commenter and are perhaps reflective of an individual perspective rather than something widespread and fundamental.
Tensions do exist between seniors and younger golfers, and in some cases that needs to be managed in clubs to ensure that both groups are able to enjoy the game fully, but we believe that while there may be a gap in terms of age, everyone loves the sport and many general concerns are unified across all demographics.
No matter your age, golfers have common thoughts on the cost of membership, the general pace of play, and the way certain committees conduct themselves.
Many people have come into the game in recent years, which has been fabulous to see, and some older players have positive thoughts on that development:
“It’s good to see groups of younger individuals playing, despite the fact they are sometimes not particularly good at the game yet, it gives me encouragement for the future of golf.”
As golfers, let’s embrace what unites us rather than petty issues that can prove to be divisive.
Why senior golfers are the lifeblood of clubs
We need new and younger golfers joining clubs and taking up the game, but seniors should be viewed as a foundational lifeblood for most clubs. They play throughout the week, use the clubhouse and spend money on food and drink, keeping things ticking over when working golfers aren’t able to play.
They make up a substantial proportion of memberships and likely always will – and that’s something the sport shouldn’t be afraid of celebrating as it’s one of the more unique qualities that make golf a game for life.
Yes, there are some tensions that exist between groups, but that needn’t be the end of the story.
We’re all fighting the same battles and want the same thing. Loyal, passionate, and deeply invested in their clubs. That describes not just seniors – but all golf club members.
Kieran Clark is the Digital Editor of Golfshake. He oversees editorial content, community engagement, forums, and social media channels. A lifelong golfer from the Isle of Bute in Scotland who has now lived in St Andrews for a decade, he began playing at the age of five and maintains a passion for exploring courses, with a particular affection for historic layouts. Kieran regularly contributes in-depth opinion pieces and features, drawing on his enthusiasm for the game and its culture.
