Scottish golf clubs saw a drop in adult membership numbers in the last year, according to a report.
The Scotsman states that the exact figure for the year ending September 2024 has not been revealed in the formal papers for the governing body’s upcoming AGM, but it does state that there has been a ‘slight decrease compared to the prior year’.
Last year Hirsel Golf Club and Torrance Park both closed, while a host of other clubs announced they were struggling. For example, Kirkcaldy Golf Club drew up emergency plans to survive, Scotscraig Golf Club and Musselburgh Golf Club both held EGMs over their futures and Craigie Hill Golf Club submitted a planning application to reduce its holes from 18 to nine. The threat of closure has been hanging over some other Scottish venues in 2025.
Scottish Golf says it is “acutely aware” of the financial pressure being faced by clubs around the country, which has been hammered home by a drop in membership numbers over the past year.
Helped by stakeholders giving the green light for the affiliation fee to be increased from £15.75 to £17.50 last May, a regional development team is back on the ground around the country providing ‘targeted support’.
“Income from affiliation fees experienced a slight decrease compared to the prior year, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by member clubs and the broader golf community,” says the AGM report. “On the expenditure side, the organisation was impacted by a range of wider economic factors, including inflationary pressures and rising operational costs.
“Despite these challenges, the organisation has maintained its commitment to prudent financial management, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to support the delivery of strategic objectives and sustain long-term financial stability.
“The team at Scottish Golf remains acutely aware of the financial pressures impacting member clubs, particularly in the current economic climate. Rising operational costs and the changing dynamics of the golf industry require ongoing adaptability and collaboration.
“To address these challenges, the organisation continues to engage in regular, constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders and sporting partners, reinforcing its commitment to the long-term development of golf in Scotland.
“Looking ahead, Scottish Golf is committed to building on the progress made during the year, continuing to deliver value to its members, and driving the growth and sustainability of golf throughout the country.”
Update (17/03/25):
Scottish Golf has stated that there was actually a “slight increase” in the total playing membership at Scottish golf clubs last year.
The governing body has now revealed that the number increased by just under one per cent after rising to 210,498.
“On closer inspection, it appears the decrease is confined to adult playing membership, mitigated by an increase in junior membership,” said a Scottish Golf spokesperson.
Stakeholders attending the AGM in Glasgow on Friday were told that a 1.01 percent decline in male adult membership had been calculated while adult female membership for the same period had dropped by 1.4 per cent.
However, a total junior playing membership of 25,837 represented a 15 percent rise in the number of boy members at the 568 clubs around the country and a 1.27 increase on the girls’ side.
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