Golf Societies London: How to Find One, Join In, and Play More Golf (Without Knowing Anyone)
London is full of golfers. What London isn’t full of is free weekends.
So if you’re searching “golf societies London”, you’re probably after something specific:
More golf in the diary. More familiar faces. Less “who’s free?” admin.
This is your field guide.
Not theory. Not fluff. Just the most reliable ways to find a friendly golf society in London, what to expect on a society day, and how to join even if you’re starting from zero golf mates.
Quick answer (for people who want the shortcut)
The fastest way to find golf societies in London is to:
ask pro shops at courses within your travel radius which societies play there regularly,
search local Facebook groups using “London golf society” + your area, and
check “society days” and open calendars at courses around London and the Home Counties.
If you want the easiest “no awkwardness” route, join a local community first and go to your first society day with someone.
Before you start: “London golf” usually means Home Counties golf
Most London golfers play across a practical ring around the city. Your best results come when you choose your radius first.
Pick your travel radius (this changes everything)
30–45 minutes: quickest repeats, after-work 9 holes, easier to build momentum
60–90 minutes: best choice of venues, more society days, good weekend options
90+ minutes: bucket-list vibes, less regular, more “big day out”
A simple rule: if you want regular golf friends, prioritise repeatability over prestige.
The 5 best ways to find golf societies in London (in order)
1) Call 3 pro shops and ask one question
This is the most effective, least glamorous method. It works because pro shops know exactly which societies:
are friendly
welcome guests
have spaces
actually show up reliably
Use this script:
“Hi, I’m based in London and looking for a friendly golf society. Do any societies play with you regularly, and do they take new members or guests?”
Ask a follow-up:
“Which one would you recommend for someone new / returning / high handicap?”
Do that with three courses and you’ll get better leads than hours of scrolling.
2) Search Facebook the smart way (London-specific terms)
If you search only “golf society London” you’ll get noise. Use combinations that reveal real groups.
Try:
“London golf society” + your area (e.g., “South West London”, “East London”, “North London”)
“golf buddies London”
“social golf London”
“beginner golf London”
“midweek golf London”
Then look for signals that it’s active:
recent posts in the last 7–14 days
people replying with tee times (not just likes)
posts about society days, scrambles, roll-ups, or opens
If it’s all gear sales and memes, it’s not your answer.
3) Check course calendars for society days and opens
A lot of London-friendly courses run:
society day packages
open competitions
charity scrambles
winter series events
Even if you don’t join a society immediately, these events are a perfect “first contact” with golfers who play regularly.
Your aim is simple: meet two people, then play again.
4) Use simulators and ranges as the “winter society”
If you live in London, winter golf can turn into “I’ll start again in spring.”
Sim venues and ranges fix that.
Ask staff:
“Do you run leagues, socials, or regular groups that welcome singles?”
Why this works:
after-work friendly
repeat faces every week
low pressure, fast formats
easy to turn into weekend course rounds
This is one of the best ways to build a golf circle in London without needing perfect availability.
5) Look for “society-adjacent” gateways (the underrated route)
Some societies don’t advertise as “societies.” They look like:
a weekly roll-up group
an improver series that ends with a social round
a workplace / expat / local area golf group
a charity scramble circuit
These are often more welcoming than “serious-only” setups.
If you want a beginner-friendly entry point, your next stop is a scramble or a roll-up.
(You can link internally here to your roll-ups guide and your “finding someone to play with” post.)
How to choose the right London golf society (without wasting weekends)
Not all golf societies in London feel the same. The trick is to match the society to your style of golf life.
If you want relaxed, social golf
Look for:
scrambles and team formats
“all abilities welcome” language
meals and social time after
a consistent organiser who replies quickly
If you want structured, competitive golf
Look for:
stableford-heavy calendars
handicap requirements
clear rules and pace expectations
regular fixtures
If you’re time-poor (classic London)
Look for:
midweek twilight societies
9-hole leagues
consistent start times
venues close to rail lines or your drive corridor
If you’re new or nervous
Look for:
beginner-friendly wording
“guests welcome”
team formats first
organisers who answer questions without attitude
What a London society day usually looks like
If you’ve never done one, here’s the typical flow:
Arrive and check in with the organiser
Pay (or confirm payment)
Tee times and groups are shared
Quick briefing: format + scoring
Play
Scores in
Food, prizes, chat
Most “awkwardness” disappears after the first tee shot. Your only job is pace + good vibes.
What it costs (and what to ask so you don’t get stung)
Society days vary a lot, so ask early.
Common cost setups
Pay per event: green fee + optional prize pot
Small annual fee: admin + end-of-season prizes
Bundled day: golf + bacon roll/meal + prizes
Ask this before you commit:
“Is food included?”
“Are prizes optional?”
“Do I need a handicap to enter?”
“What’s the pace/vibe like?”
You’re not being awkward. You’re being normal.
Do you need a handicap to join a London society?
Sometimes, but not always.
Many societies will:
let you play as a guest without entering prizes
put you into team formats (scrambles)
treat beginners and returners sensibly
Use this line:
“I don’t have an official handicap yet. Can I still come along and get involved?”
Friendly groups say yes or give you a clear path to yes.
What to say when you want to join (simple, not cringe)
You only need one message.
DM / message template:
“Hi, I’m based in London and looking for a friendly golf society. Do you take new members or guests? I’m [beginner/returning/around X handicap] and usually play [days].”
That’s it.
The “London hack”: how to turn one society day into real golf mates
The difference between “nice day” and “new golf friends” is one sentence at the end.
Say:
“Really enjoyed that. Fancy another round in the next couple of weeks?”
Or:
“Want to swap numbers in case we book a London twilight 9 sometime?”
Golf friendships are repetition. London golfers are busy. Make the next step easy.
If you want the easiest route: join the community first
If you don’t know anyone yet, the simplest path is:
join a local community
meet one or two golfers nearby
go to your first roll-up or society day together
That removes the only hard bit: the first arrival.
(Internal link suggestions: your Find Golf Partners pillar + your Golf Society Near Me post.)
FAQs (good for SEO + rich results)
Are there golf societies in London itself?
Some exist, but many London golfers play across Surrey, Kent, Essex and Hertfordshire because it’s easier for courses and tee times.
How do I find beginner-friendly golf societies in London?
Start with scrambles, roll-ups and societies that say “all abilities welcome” and “guests welcome,” then ask the pro shop who they recommend.
Can I join a golf society if I don’t have golf friends?
Yes. Many societies exist specifically for people who want regular golf and new playing partners.
Can I join a society if I’m not a member of a golf club?
Often yes. Many societies are made up of independent golfers and visitors.
What’s the best option if I’m time-poor?
Midweek twilight 9 holes, simulator leagues, or societies that play the same slot each month.
Wrap-up
If you’re searching golf societies London, you’re already doing the right thing: you’re looking for a system that turns “I’d play more” into actual rounds.
Start with the fastest route (pro shops + local groups), choose a society that matches your lifestyle, and focus on repeatability. That’s how a one-off society day becomes a proper golf circle.
