Member disciplinary cases are ‘surging at golf clubs’

Enquiries regarding member disciplinary cases at British golf clubs have surged recently, according to a golf club legal advisory association.

The National Golf Clubs’ Advisory Association (NGCAA), which handles more than 1,600 queries a year from both proprietary and private members’ clubs across Great Britain, says requests for legal guidance are now dominated by member discipline and misconduct. These cases range from etiquette breaches and pace-of-play frustrations to more serious incidents of verbal and physical aggression, alongside a noticeable rise in inappropriate conduct on WhatsApp groups and social media.

The organisation puts the trend down to a shift in the social landscape of the modern club, driven partly by golf’s continued rise in popularity and the resulting demand for memberships and tee times.

The NGCAA is stressing that clubs must follow the correct procedure when handling such issues, and that having a constitution and disciplinary procedures properly reviewed and drafted before a problem arises is essential. Proper due process, it says, is no longer optional – it’s necessary to resolve matters fairly and avoid costly, complex court claims.

Alistair Smith, chief executive of the NGCAA, said: “Clubs are increasingly finding themselves in difficult positions where a member has behaved in a way that goes against expectations. It’s really important that clubs are operating with clear disciplinary procedures that conform to the principles of natural justice. Following a correct internal disciplinary procedure, with accompanying advice, will help a golf club to deal with these matters correctly.

“Our role is to ensure that golf clubs have the robust framework and legal support necessary to handle these cases fairly and decisively. Whilst the vast majority of golfers are respectful, even a small number can cause significant reputational and financial damage to a club if disciplinary matters are handled incorrectly.”

The NGCAA is urging club managers, secretaries and committees to review their articles of association, rules and disciplinary policies to ensure they are prepared to manage these processes effectively.

Since 1922, the NGCAA has provided support, advice and guidance on legal matters affecting golf clubs, with all services included in the annual subscription fee and no hidden charges. The association provides member clubs with unlimited advice and guidance as part of that support.