Society Golf
Welcome to our Society Golf section, ideal for group trips, club outings, and golfing tours. Find courses that are well-suited for society bookings, away days, and memorable rounds with friends.
These venues are selected for their hospitality, course quality, and strong society appeal. Use this page to plan your next group golf adventure in the UK.
Golfing societies
Golfing societies (also called golf societies) in the UK are groups of golfers who organise regular outings, events, competitions, and trips to various courses—often without being tied to a single club membership. They range from large national/international ones to regional, profession-based, school/old boys, military, charity, or purely social groups.
There isn’t one official exhaustive “top 100” list, as many are informal or invitation-only. Here are some of the most prominent, active, or well-regarded ones, plus resources for finding more (especially useful if tying into top UK courses, as in the previous query).
Prominent National/UK-Wide Golf Societies
- Golf Society of Great Britain (GSGB): Founded in 1955. Large membership (over 550 from 120+ clubs). Organises 5 UK two-day meetings per year at top courses, plus international tours. Welcomes new members; offers privileged rates at many fine courses.
- Senior Golfers’ Society: Established 1926. Over 1,000 members across 100+ clubs. Focuses on matches (often foursomes), UK tours, and international visits. Invitation-based initially for ages 55-64. Strong history with notable golfers.
- International Golf Club London (IGC London): Welcomes all standards (ladies and gentlemen, scratch to beginners). Organises events at many Top 100 UK courses (e.g., Sunningdale, Swinley Forest, St George’s Hill, Hankley Common, Stoke Park). Pay-as-you-play; membership is optional for discounts. Great for social/corporate days.
- The Social Golfer (TSG): One of the largest online golf communities/societies in the UK (thousands of members). Helps find local partners, organise events, track handicaps, and join majors/trips. Very accessible for new or occasional golfers.
Other Notable or Themed Societies
- Pirates Golfing Society: e.g., Edinburgh area and similar regional ones.
- Profession or interest-based: Press Golfing Society, Motor Trades Golfing Society, etc.
- High-standard/older player groups: Leatherjackets (Burnham & Berrow), Warwickshire Bears, Wighorns, Moles GS, NARWAL GS.
- School, university, military, or charity societies: Many exist; e.g., London Welsh Golf Society.
How to Find or Join More Societies
- golfsocieties.uk.net: Directory and guide to society-friendly venues across England, Scotland, Wales, etc., with packages and offers.
- National Club Golfer (NCG) Society Golf Guide: Helps find courses welcoming societies.
- Golf club websites: Often have dedicated “Society Golf” or “Visitors/Societies” sections with packages.
- Forums: Golf Monthly or Golf Club Atlas for recommendations.
- Local searches: Many counties/regions have their own societies, e.g., Surrey, Kent.
Tips
- Many top courses (links/heathlands) welcome societies but require booking and minimum numbers. Packages often include coffee/bacon roll, 18/36 holes, and lunch.
- Handicaps are usually required for competitions; some societies help with that.
- Joining can be by invitation, application, or open (especially online ones).