Golf Society Near Me: How to Find One (And Join Without It Feeling Awkward) in the UK and Ireland
If you have searched “golf society near me”, you are probably looking for one thing: more golf, with good people, without the hassle.
Maybe your mates do not play. Maybe your club feels a bit closed. Maybe you are new to an area. Or maybe you just want regular rounds and socials without committing to full membership somewhere.
Golf societies can be the perfect middle ground. They are social, organised, and often open to players of all abilities.
This guide covers what a golf society is, where to find one near you, what it costs, what happens on the day, and how to join even if you are a beginner or returning to golf.
TL;DR
A golf society is a group of golfers who organise regular rounds and events, often at different courses.
Many societies are welcoming to visitors and new members, even if you do not belong to a club.
The fastest way to find a society near you is to check course websites and noticeboards, ask the pro shop, and search Facebook and local golf groups.
Before joining, ask about costs, handicap requirements, pace, and vibe.
If you cannot find the right one, join a community first and create a simple society style group with local golfers.
What is a golf society?
A golf society is a group of golfers who play together regularly. Unlike a traditional golf club, a society usually:
plays at multiple venues across a season
has a simple membership fee or no fee at all
runs monthly days out, scrambles, stablefords, and social rounds
is built around a shared connection (local area, workplace, friends, beginners, a charity, a pub group, an online community)
In short, a society is often the easiest way to get the benefits of “being in a club”, without the barriers.
Why golf societies are so popular in the UK and Ireland
Golf societies solve the biggest hidden problem in golf: consistency.
They give you:
regular golf in the diary (no endless “we should play soon” messages)
ready-made playing partners
low-pressure competition formats (scrambles, betterball, stableford)
access to great courses via society days and group rates
a social layer that makes golf feel less solo and more fun
If you want to play more, societies are one of the most reliable routes.
How to find a golf society near you
Here are the best places to look, in order.
1) Ask your local pro shop
Walk in or call and ask:
“Do you have any golf societies that play here regularly and welcome new members?”
Pro shops know which societies:
have spaces
are friendly
suit different abilities
have upcoming dates
2) Check course noticeboards and clubhouse posters
Many societies still recruit the old-fashioned way:
posters near the pro shop
flyer stands
sign-up sheets for society days
club newsletters
If you already play a local course occasionally, arrive 10 minutes early and have a quick look around.
3) Search Facebook for local golf societies and groups
Try:
“[your town] golf society”
“golf society [your county]”
“golf buddies [your area]”
“social golf [your area]”
“beginner golf [your area]”
A lot of societies recruit through community groups rather than formal websites.
4) Look at golf club event calendars for “society days”
Some clubs list society bookings, opens, and social events. If you spot a recurring name, you can:
message the society on social
ask the pro shop to pass on your details
attend an open day where that society is playing and introduce yourself
5) Ask at driving ranges and simulator venues
Indoor golf and ranges are packed with people who want more golf and more connection. Ask staff:
“Do any regular groups or societies meet here, or run leagues?”
You will often find beginner-friendly groups this way.
6) Search Google with better “near me” modifiers
Instead of only “golf society near me”, try:
“social golf society near me”
“beginner golf society near me”
“golf society visitors welcome”
“weekday golf society near me”
“scramble golf society near me”
“workplace golf society [your city]”
Those tend to surface more relevant options.
How to choose the right golf society
Not all societies feel the same. The best ones for you depend on vibe, pace, and how competitive you want it.
Here are the most common society “types” and who they suit.
Social and relaxed societies
Best for:
beginners
returning golfers
anyone who wants a laugh and regular rounds
Signs:
scrambles and team formats
emphasis on socials and meals
“all welcome” language
Competitive societies
Best for:
golfers who love scoring
golfers with established handicaps
people who want order and structure
Signs:
strict handicap requirements
lots of stablefords and medals
formal rules and pace expectations
Midweek societies
Best for:
flexible schedules
remote workers
shift workers
retirees
Signs:
weekday tee times
smaller groups, quicker pace
consistent monthly calendar
New-in-area or mixed membership societies
Best for:
meeting people quickly
building a regular group
Signs:
open recruitment
mixed ages and backgrounds
lots of “bring a mate” days
What does joining a golf society cost?
This varies a lot, so it is worth asking early. Common cost models are:
Option 1: No membership fee
You pay only for:
the round (often a group rate)
food if included
prizes or a small optional pot
Option 2: Small annual fee
Often used to cover:
admin, trophies, a website
end-of-season event or prizes
Option 3: Pay-per-event only
You are not “a member”, you are simply on the list and pay when you play.
Most importantly, ask what is included in the price, because society days often bundle:
green fee
bacon roll or meal
prizes
nearest the pin and longest drive comps
Do you need an official handicap to join a golf society?
Sometimes, but not always.
Many societies welcome beginners and will:
let you play but not enter the main prizes
put you in a team format
use a temporary allowance
If you are new, ask this directly:
“Do I need a handicap to play, or can I still come along and get involved?”
A friendly society will give you a friendly answer.
What to expect on your first society day
If you have never done one, here is what usually happens:
You arrive and check in with the organiser
You pay (or confirm payment)
You get your tee time and group
There is a quick format briefing (stableford, scramble, betterball)
You play
Scores go in
There is usually food, prizes, and a bit of chat after
Most of the “awkwardness” disappears after the first tee shot. Just focus on pace and being a good playing partner.
What to say when you want to join (no awkward scripts)
You only need one simple opener.
If messaging on Facebook or Instagram:
“Hi, I’m based in [area] and looking for a friendly golf society near me. Do you take new members or guests? I’m [beginner / returning / around X handicap].”
If speaking in person:
“Hi, I’m looking to play more and meet people locally. Do you have space for new members or guests?”
That is enough. You do not need to over-explain.
The 5 beginner-friendly tips that make society golf easy
If you are a beginner or high handicap, these matter more than anything:
Arrive early so you are not rushed
Keep pace (pick up on a tough hole, rejoin next tee)
Do not apologise for every shot (everyone hits bad ones)
Do not give swing advice unless asked
Ask questions about format and scoring instead of guessing
People remember how you made them feel, not your score.
If you cannot find a golf society near you, build one the simple way
Sometimes the problem is not that societies do not exist, it is that they are hard to discover.
The simplest workaround is:
join a golf community
post your area and when you play
organise one monthly society-style day
Start small:
8 to 16 golfers
one course
scramble format
meal after (optional)
a simple prize (nearest the pin)
That is how a lot of the best societies start.
If you want that “community first” approach, your next step is to join the My Friendly Golf Club WhatsApp community and post:
your area
your level
when you like to play
Then ask:
“Anyone keen to start a monthly society day near [your area]?”
FAQs
Are golf societies only for men?
No. Many societies are mixed, and more women-only and beginner-friendly groups are appearing too. Ask the organiser what the group is like.
Can I join a society if I am not a member of any golf club?
Yes, plenty of societies are made up of independent golfers and visitors.
What is the difference between a golf society and a golf club membership?
A club membership is tied to one club. A society is a group that plays across different courses and usually has lower commitment.
Will I feel out of place if I go alone?
Most people join societies to meet people. If you are friendly and keep pace, you will fit in quickly.
How do I know if a society is beginner friendly?
Look for team formats, scrambles, social language, and an organiser who is happy to answer questions.
Wrap-up
Searching “golf society near me” is usually a sign you are ready for more golf and better golf company.
The best societies make the game feel easy: regular rounds, familiar faces, and a reason to play more often.
If you want a reliable shortcut, start with community, then use it to find or build the right society-style group near you.
