If asked to define governance in golf clubs, there will be as many different answers as there are golf clubs in the United Kingdom. This is entirely understandable, as each members’ club is governed by their own constitution, traditions, practices and ambitions.
Strategic decisions are taken by club Management Committees or Boards, made up of volunteers elected by their fellow members to lead the club. These bodies are often referred to by different titles, but we have used the term Board in this guide. There are not many industries in which strategic decisions are made by the customers, but that is the peculiar nature of governance in members’ golf clubs.
This guide to good club governance, now in its second edition, is the result of collaboration between the industry partners listed below. They all recognise the crucial role that good governance plays in success for our sport and our industry.
The guide is not a replacement for one-to-one support from partners, neither does it provide specific legal or accountancy guidance. But it does provide tools, activities, discussion points and best practice for clubs to consider.
It sets out 9-holes of Excellent Governance for Golf Clubs as a blueprint for you to follow, starting with questions that will quickly tell you whether you can improve.
How to use the guide
We encourage you to:
- Commit to and work through the principles and advice set out in the guide.
- Seek one-to-one support from your membership bodies to adopt best practice.
- Provide feedback on additional governance topics you would like help with.
We hope this guide will provide you with the knowledge, insight and tools to help you improve your governance and secure a successful future for future generations at your club.
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