Society golf and venues

[Dave1980]

I’m looking at starting up a new golf society with friends, work colleagues and family – plus others who wish to attend. Just wanted to tap into the knowledge of others who have done the same. The society at the moment is looking at being between 24-30 regular players. I know that people generally have problems with people dropping out at the last minute, so was thinking or charging a membership fee for the year, to cover prizes and deposits. Then making everyone pay upfront for each day, therefore only giving refunds if the club allows for us to adjust numbers of we find replacements.

If possible would some of you be able to suggest venues, I’m looking at about an hours drive from Junction 4 on the M25 and what type of competitions I could run, I know the standard nearest the pin and longest drive but wondered if anyone had some different or more interesting suggestions? I am planning on having 4/5 days a year each costing around the £45/50 mark with possible on overnight break.

Any tips or comments would be much appreciated

 

[Bratty]

Hi Dave,

East Sussex National (36 holes with accommodation on-site), Hever (27) and Dale Hills (36 with accommodation on-site), are all within range and good for societies. A little further you'd get Brockett Hall and Forest of Arden.

 

[richart]

Hi Dave,

East Sussex National (36 holes with accommodation on-site), Hever (27) and Dale Hills (36 with accommodation on-site), are all within range and good for societies. A little further you'd get Brockett Hall and Forest of Arden.

Those courses for £45/50 ?

 

[Bratty]

Forest of Arden do some good deals if you stay over, as do Dale Hills and East Sussex National, and you can often get 18 holes and food for cheap enough. Brockett Hall would be pushing it though, you're right.

 

[User20205]

I play in a society around there. we play 6 events a year

the normal format is 18 singles stableford in the AM and 18 greensomes/Foresomes/4 ball better ball/5 club challenge in the PM. It's a good way of mixing it up.

Is junction 4 Bromley? if so there are loads of courses less than an hour away for that kind of money.

we have played; Broke Hill, Austin Lodge, Lullingstone, high elms these are OK, cheap nothing special.

Dartford/Wrotham Heath are well worth a visit, as is Woldingham which is a good society course.

Nizels and Sweetwoods are a bit further down the A21 and for a bit more cash you could play Chislehurst/Sundridge Park.

Chart Hills is about £90 a day, and Dale Hill slightly less.

the main thing is getting a deposit from people early so they are committed and sorting out a fair handicapping system

 

[Evesdad]

A bit out of the way but price comparison for you. Every year we have a day out at the Warwickshire, bacon cobs and coffee on arrival, 18 holes with buggies, lunch of sandwiches and chips, second round. All this for £60. Each chuck in an extra £5 for prizes etc. must be plenty of decent courses your way would do similar.

 

[macca64]

My local pub has one,not in it much,but definatly get a deposit,last one they had only 3 turned up and the course was'nt amused,

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think a non refundable deposit for each even is more viable than an annual fee. Plenty of good courses to look at around the M25 as well as further afield but you need to try and negotiate some bargains over and above what the brochure says. Smiffy is the man to talk to on that front

 

[Smiffy]

Hi Dave,

East Sussex National (36 holes with accommodation on-site), Hever (27) and Dale Hills (36 with accommodation on-site), are all within range and good for societies. A little further you'd get Brockett Hall and Forest of Arden.

I doubt if you'd get any of those courses for £45/£50.00 for a Society Day Bratty. Even the likes of Cooden or Crowborough Beacon/Nevill in Tunbridge Wells would charge in excess of that mate.
I'd be looking at places like Chartham Park (who are always doing deals) or Pedham Place by Brands Hatch. Pedham isn't a bad course, and like Chartham is an ideal venue for Society golf as there isn't too much trouble around.
As for an annual fee??? I wouldn't bother personally. I would choose a venue and then put it to the Society asking for a non refundable deposit up front, around a tenner usually does the trick. Balance either payable on the day, or possibly a week in advance. You will still get "no shows" but these, unfortunately, are a hazard of organising golf days.
Depending on numbers, just add about a fiver on top of the cost of the day to get some prizes. Don't have to be fantastic. Even winning a sleeve of 3 golf balls (decent ones!) is reward enough for a nearest the pin or longest drive competition. The bragging rights are usually of more value than the prize anyway!
As for prizes for the main comp? Cash. Every time. Then whoever wins can either pee it up the wall at the bar or go in the pro shop and buy something they really want.

 

[bladeplayer]

pick courses that suit members abilitys , i joined a new society near home , because they are playing great courses , mount juliet , k club , druids, etc .. great idea on paper but not when alot of the guys are social golfers .. 3h 10 min to the 12th tee on sunday ..

 

[GeneralStore]

A mate of mine and I tried to get a society going and the amount of guys who are no shows are ridiculous. Maybe its just this bunch of guys. From my experience, everyone is big talk when they dont have to check with their wives and when the sun is shining, but they end up dropping like flies in a pesticide advert

A group of 30 often ended up with 6 showing up

The other issue as clearly identified is finding a course that will take societies on a saturday morning when everyone wants to play.

I have heard that Austin Lodge (take buggies apparently) is a good bet in that area

 

[duncan mackie]

there are loads of courses in that area - loads... the issue for you relating to the size of group, when you plan to play and how much notice you are goin gto be able to give. Generally courses take bookings for individual visitors from between 7 and 14 days, some having member booking at 14 as well, but society slots can be made over a year ahead. you generally get what you pay for in these packages, with additional costs reflecting higher underlying green fees (which in turn generally reflect better courses - but not always)

Smiffy has IMO covered the key issue for you and that is matching up the deposits with the clubs needs ie collect from people what has to be paid even if no-shows. However, if it was me starting up I would probably work to larger deposits initially. Overlaying an 'admin annual charge' may be appropriate if and when it all gets established.