“I had to have someone check for club membership.” “It’s pointless and outdated” – Why golf’s elitist culture needs to change

I was recently asked to introduce a new female member to my hometown club. It’s one of those long-standing traditions of private members’ clubs, established decades ago, ostensibly to “screen” individuals to ensure they are the “right type” for membership. My interpretation of this is to make sure they can hit a golf ball well enough to move around the course without doing dozens of air shots or divots!

In reality, it is more of a pointless, outdated institution. The poor woman is usually afraid of making a wrong shot, especially on the first tee, saying something wrong, or making a rule or etiquette mistake. I think it would be better for prospective members to get checked by the club professional at the driving range and then have an informal coffee in the clubhouse with a member who acts more as an “introducer” to the club and helps them learn the ropes Meet some new friends and are invited to a friendly game with new faces.