We are coming to the end of another golfing year, one that has been notable for the incredible summer weather we enjoyed.
But our latest membership survey reveals that although most of us took advantage of the long sunny days, our sport still faces many of the same old issues. You will not be surprised to learn that these include rising costs, pace of play, the handicap system, course conditions, lack of communication and tee-times.
Rising Costs & Affordability
(Image Credit: Kevin Diss Photography)
Those of you who responded to our survey consistently voiced concern that the game is becoming too expensive and increasingly exclusive. You say that rising membership fees, visitor green fees, and equipment costs are pricing out ordinary players and discouraging newcomers. Many of you believe clubs are chasing profit rather than participation, leading to fears that golf is returning to its perceived elitist roots.
These comments sum it up best:
“Courses seem to be getting more expensive and pricing out possible new players.” “The price of everything golf related is becoming ridiculous.” “Visitor green fees at most clubs seem to have increased significantly. Members seem to be less important than visiting parties.” “Green fees are rising too rapidly.” “Golf 50 years ago was considered elitist. It sure is now.” Pace of Play & Etiquette Decline
There is continued frustration about slow rounds and a perceived lack of etiquette on the course. Golfers report long waits and a lack of consideration for others, often linking this to newer or less-experienced players. Many feel clubs are not enforcing etiquette or marshalling effectively.
The following is typical of your responses:
“Pace of play is appalling now. I’m 60+ yet our fourball can get round comfortably in 3.5 hours, yet so many groups take close to five hours to get around and refuse to let much faster groups through.” “Basic golf etiquette should be mandatory information provided to each new member – raking bunkers, pitch marks repaired and letting faster groups through.” “Slow play and older players not letting you through is frustrating.” “Golf etiquette is decreasing: pitch mark repairs, divots, trolleys on greens, hats back to front, club sharing, shouting, swearing – modern life in a nutshell!” “Slow play is worse year on year, lack of etiquette.”
Speaking from personal experience, I cannot actually remember the last time a slower group invited me to play through. It seems to me that standards of etiquette have definitely deteriorated – and that most golf clubs are reluctant to address this.
World Handicap System (WHS) Frustration
The WHS provokes some of the strongest and most emotional responses. Golfers view it as unfair, too complex and open to abuse, especially by high-handicap players who dominate competitions. Long-standing members believe the old system rewarded improvement and honesty, whereas the WHS “rewards mediocrity.” The sentiment is overwhelmingly negative and reflects a loss of trust in competitive integrity, which could undermine participation in club competitions if left unaddressed.
“The handicap system is not working. It should respond much faster to very good and bad play.” “The new handicap system is shocking, there are members who have been given handicap certificate but have not played in any medal counting competitions for years.” “World Handicap system has left a lot to be desired. Fed up of players protecting higher handicaps for competition and matches.” “The current handicap system needs revising. There are too many golfers on handicaps above 30, this prevents low handicappers entering comps.” “Golf has been ruined now by the WHS. As a single figure golfer along with my friends we play for a two in the two’s sweep on competition days as we have no chance of being in the overall winners due to inflated handicaps by so many.”
All of the above accurately reflects exactly what I hear at my own golf club and there is no doubt that the WHS is open to abuse. But here’s the thing – every handicap system has been open to the same abuse. I have always played golf with the aim of trying to lower my handicap and, thankfully, the majority of club golfers seem to do the same. We all know golfers who do not submit cards when they should – it is up to us to take them to task. It is also worth noting that your golf club’s handicap committee has the power to reduce handicaps.
Course Conditions & Climate Impact
There has been plenty of praise for green staff during what has been an especially challenging year. Equally, many of you have expressed your concerns about the impact of extreme weather on your courses. The hot, dry summer and wet winter are cited as major challenges, with golfers noting that not all clubs have adequate irrigation or drainage. While many acknowledge the efforts of staff, others feel conditions no longer justify high fees.
“The fairways have been very dry this year but the greens have been very well maintained.” “Course generally too dry in 2025, whereas in 2024 we had flooding.” “Lack of rainfall during the summer severely impacted on the condition of the course.” “Most of the courses I’ve played have been in poor condition and they can’t justify the price they are charging.” “Just about every club has suffered from unusual weather conditions, mainly lack of water.”
This is a huge problem for many golf clubs. We all want proper irrigation. We all want affordable green fees and subscriptions. But if your course requires serious investment to improve irrigation and drainage, who is going to foot the bill?
Club Management & Communication
Golfers want their clubs to be transparent, consultative, and member-focused. Many of you express your frustration about poor communication, perceived profiteering and decisions made without consultation. There is a sense that management and committees have become detached from members’ priorities. However, a few clubs were praised for good communication and investment. The tone is largely critical, indicating a need for stronger dialogue, accountability, and financial openness between clubs and their members.
“Communication from the club poor. Extensive drainage work 2024 but no update in this year’s renewal about success or outstanding holes.” “As a member I feel like my club has gone backwards and to quite a degree. Members club yet they rarely consult the members.” “Disconnect between management and members. No sense of being part of a club.” “Stop treating members as a cash cow.” “Club is struggling for money and think putting membership price up is the answer. I’m not in agreement as think members will leave if not competitive with other local clubs.”
Communicating with your members is not rocket science. I am lucky enough to be a member of a golf club that is incredibly proactive when it comes to keeping us informed as to what is happening. And we received a detailed email explaining exactly why our annual subscription was being increased.
Changing Club Culture & Behaviour
Your comments reflect a cultural shift within clubs, with tension between traditionalists and a newer, more casual membership. Some lament cliques, elitism, or poor manners; others criticise outdated attitudes and lack of inclusivity. The social glue that once defined club life – camaraderie, respect, shared standards – feels weaker. Many of you want to see a better balance between preserving golf’s values and embracing modern, inclusive attitudes.
“Members still act like they own the course (they don’t!), they are slow and bigots… All that is wrong with golf!” “The club is run by the clique for the clique and everyone else doesn’t matter.” “Standards of etiquette have fallen dramatically since COVID.” “A lot of members think they own the golf club.” “Too many clubs have old farts who won’t budge or have a problem with the truth or use their power to oust those that rock the boat.” Nomadic & Flexible Golf Preference
A growing group of golfers are moving away from traditional memberships in favour of flexible or pay-as-you-play models. These golfers value variety, freedom, and affordability over belonging to one club. Nomadic and digital memberships (like PlayMoreGolf) are praised for fitting modern lifestyles. This shift signals a structural change in golfing participation, where loyalty is giving way to flexibility – and it’s a challenge and opportunity for clubs seeking to retain relevance.
“Nomadic golfing is the way to go. Try loads of different courses.” “I continue to enjoy playing golf on a pay and play basis.” “Joined PlayMoreGolf flexi points. Excellent.” “I was a member for over 30 years and last year decided to give it up because of price and the handicap system.” “I’m not into paying golf clubs £1,000+ for full membership. Enjoy playing away courses and on holiday courses / comps, etc.”
Although there may be a perception that golf is an expensive sport, it is still possible to find some great value courses. If you doubt it, check out our comprehensive course guide. My own preference is to be club member but that is because I play a lot of golf. However, I can totally understand why so many of you opt for nomadic golf.
Booking & Access / Tee Time Frustrations
Many golfers complain that computerised tee-time systems and overbooking have made access harder, particularly for groups and members. Societies and visitors are seen as crowding out regular players, while automation has weakened the social side of arranging rounds. These frustrations reveal tension between technology, revenue generation, and member experience, suggesting clubs must find better ways to balance accessibility, community, and commercial interests.
“Computerised tee booking retained since COVID makes getting tee times as a swindle group impossible in the winter months.” “Sometimes tee times are hard to get.” “Working from home has made tee times more difficult to get.” “Too many societies, not enough money spent on the course.” “Selling more tee times to non-members and social players that are placed slap bang in competition day results in less than conducive conditions to play your best golf.”
It’s that old conundrum once again – how do clubs successfully accommodate visitors and societies while keeping their members happy? Without the additional income these people bring in, there is little doubt that we would see higher increases in annual subscriptions, and I do not know a single club golfer who would be happy with that.
General Enjoyment & Positivity
Despite the negative comments, it is obvious that most of you still love the game. Many describe 2025 as a great year, highlighting good weather, camaraderie, and the pleasure of being outdoors. For some, golf remains a vital outlet for health, wellbeing, and friendship. This positive core – love of the sport and appreciation for greenkeepers – stands out as the emotional anchor of all feedback, offering hope that, with the right adjustments, golfers’ passion can be sustained.
“I’ve golfed for 52 years and I love it.” “Fantastic club and facilities.” “Loved it, got back in after 14 years not playing.” “Love the game and my club.” “Had a great year, course excellent, but we need more members to survive.”
While golf can be an incredibly frustrating game, its benefits are obvious – there is nothing to beat being out in the fresh air with like-minded people. You only have to stand back and listen to the banter and laughter on the course and in the clubhouse afterwards to know that this is a very special sport. Of course there are things that can be improved, but can you imagine yourself doing anything else?
Derek Clements is a seasoned sports journalist and regular Golfshake contributor, specialising in tour coverage, opinion pieces, and feature writing. With a long career in national newspapers and golf media, he has reported on the game across Europe, the United States and Australia. A passionate golfer, he has played and reviewed numerous renowned courses, with personal favourites including Pebble Beach, Kingsbarns, Aldeburgh, Old Thorns and the K Club. His love of the game informs his thoughtful commentary on both professional golf and the wider golfing community.
