Golf society rules template: copy, edit, send

Golf society rules template (copy and paste)

Change the parts in [brackets], then copy it into your golf society’s WhatsApp group description or pin it as a message.

[SOCIETY NAME] GOLF SOCIETY RULES

1. Membership
Anyone can join. Members play off their official handicap index if they have one, or a society handicap after their first round.

2. Fees and payment
Each society day costs the club's price plus a [£10] society entry for prizes. Pay the organiser by [date]. Not paid, not playing.

3. Drop-outs
Once final numbers go to the club, a drop-out still pays unless someone from the waiting list takes the place.

4. Format
Individual Stableford off [95%/100%] handicap unless the fixture says otherwise. Nearest the pin and longest drive on every society day.

5. Handicaps
Society handicaps: winner [-2], everyone else [+1], maximum [36]. New members can't win on their first society day. The organiser keeps the record.

6. Ties
Countback on the last 9, then 6, then 3, then the 18th hole.

7. On the day
Arrive 30 minutes before your tee time, follow the club's dress code, keep up with the group in front, repair pitch marks and rake bunkers.

8. Prizes
[35%] of the society entry goes into prizes on the day. Season awards at the end-of-season night.

9. Disputes
The organiser (or committee) has the final say. Settle it in the bar, not the car park.

Why every golf society needs written rules

Almost every golf society argument is about money, handicaps or ties. Agreeing the answers before the season, in writing, means the organiser never has to make it up on the 18th green. Keep the rules short enough that people actually read them: one screen on a phone is plenty.

Rules some golf societies add

• A guest rule: guests can play but can’t win the main prize, or can win only after two society days.
• A twos pot: £1 or £2 each, shared by anyone who scores a two, rolling over if nobody does.
• A major or captain’s day with double Order of Merit points.
• A buggy rule: who gets priority for buggies on medical grounds.
• A phones rule: no calls on the course, photos encouraged.