Golf, The Ryder Cup And Club Membership.

[10ClarionSt]

In the wake of the Ryder Cup victory and Rory McIlroys' successful year, sections of the press have been asking if this will give a boost to golf club membership. As club secretary of 14 years, I would say it won't because people just want to play golf and not be part of the snobbery, arrogance and hierarchy that goes with membership. Not to mention other financial levies that are suddenly thrust upon the members. People don't want any of that. So no. It won't boost club memberships.

[Baldric]

Ah, ok, thanks!

[Sqad]

\\\So no. It won't boost club memberships.\\\

Well that's that settled then.

[cazzz1975]

I agree, I also find that there is inevitably a "clique" within most clubs that not only hampers progress for the club itself but it also deters newbies.

[grumpy01]

In the area where I live the membership of both clubs has fallen quite a lot among working age males.However,Seniors golf at both clubs is thriving.

[-Talbot-]

I would say it won't because people just want to play golf and not be part of the snobbery, arrogance and hierarchy that goes with membership

Exactly why I don't play golf.

[ChillDoubt]

I agree that there can be a certain snobbery and a lot of it goes too far. One club in Cheshire wouldn't let me go round in light grey ankle socks on the hottest day of the year, had to be white or wear long trousers! That to me is off the scale.
I do however agree with wearing trousers/shorts with pockets, a polo shirt with a collar(as opposed to a tee shirt) and shirts tucked in.
There has to be a line drawn, otherwise as a mate of mine said before you know it there'll be a 5-ball in football shirts strolling up the first fairway!

[cazzz1975]

I have no time for the pomp of club membership, I use municipal courses on a pay and play basis, in fact some municipal courses are in as good a condition as private courses

[-Talbot-]

I forgot to mention that I find it too..er. (Careful Caz is watching) boring!

Love the Ryder cup though.

[Khandro]

We could do with a few more members, http://www.gcsw.de/ even snobs accepted, though not preferred.

[ChillDoubt]

So what do we do 10ClarionSt?
Let standards drop, allow people to turn up in cut-off denims and a vest? It is indeed a fine balancing act and if clubs need more members and their coffers swelling then maybe the R&A should step in and set a country-wide standard i.e. apply those I've mentioned(you can get trousers and a polo shirt from Sports World for roughly £10/11 quid for both) but get rid of the silly ones I mentioned too.
Given the unique rules of golf and the standards set there has to be a minimum standard, that way it's easier to instill etiquette, good manners and golf rules/laws.

[Khandro]

Clarion; Yes, for 8 years, drop by if you ever can. Actually the Germans are nothing like as snobbish as the Brits, though the women seem worse than the men. As an Englishman I have been made to feel very welcome and everyone likes practicing their English.

[ChillDoubt]

Actually, they do allow trainers. Ironically, footwear is never an issue, they only advise spikes for foot traction when swinging. My Spanish colleague whom I play with plays in bog-standard trainers!
It is actually very relaxed where I play, nothing like the Cheshire snobs! LOL
There are reminders about wearing a top with a collar and shirts to be tucked in on the locker room doors though. We consider ourselves smart but not overbearing.

[ChillDoubt]

Forgot to add the link:

http://www.henllegolf.co.uk/home.html