One of the things I hear regularly from golf clubs is that they are struggling to get people involved in their committees — particularly younger members. But are we sure the problem is that people don't want to help?
Recently, Taranaki Golf surveyed all 18 clubs across the region to get a better understanding of how clubs are structured and where some of the challenges might be.
One statistic really stood out: 94% of our clubs still operate with a committee structure. On average, those committees have around eight men and three women, with the average age sitting somewhere between 58 and 68 years old.
There is nothing wrong with having experienced people involved in club governance. In fact, their knowledge, commitment and contribution are incredibly valuable.
But perhaps we need to ask ourselves whether the traditional concept of a “committee” is still the best way to attract new people into our clubs.
What does “committee” mean to people?
For many members, being asked to join a committee probably sounds like a significant commitment.
- Regular meetings.
- Agendas and minutes.
- Budgets and finances.
- Policies and procedures.
- Making decisions across a whole range of club issues.
And the expectation that you will be there month after month, year after year.
Now imagine asking the same person a different question.
- “Would you like to help us with a few events during the year?”
- “Would you be interested in helping with junior golf a couple of times?”
- “Could you help us behind the bar for a few events?”
- “Would you like to help organise our club's social activities?”
- “Could you give us a hand with membership or welcoming new players?”
Suddenly, the commitment feels very different.
It is specific. It is manageable. And importantly, it gives people the opportunity to contribute to something they are actually interested in.
Maybe we need to change the conversation.
This isn't about saying clubs don't need good governance. They absolutely do!
Every club needs people who are prepared to take responsibility, make decisions and help shape the future of the organisation. But perhaps not every person who wants to contribute needs to be part of a traditional committee.
What if clubs started creating different ways for people to get involved?
- A small events group.
- A junior golf group.
- A social group.
- A membership and welcome group.
- A course improvement group.
- A fundraising group.
- A communications or social media group.
People could contribute their skills, knowledge and time without necessarily taking on the full responsibility of being a committee member.
And perhaps, over time, some of those people may decide they want to take the next step and become more involved in club governance.
What if we stopped asking people to join? Maybe the question shouldn't be:
“Would you like to join our committee?”
Maybe it should be:
“What would you like to help with?”
That is a very different conversation.
Golf clubs are built on volunteers. They always have been.
But the way people volunteer is changing. Younger members, busy families and people working full-time may still want to contribute — they just might not want to commit to another regular meeting every month.
Perhaps we need to make it easier for people to say yes. So maybe it's time to rethink the word “committee.”
Peter Harold
Taranaki Golf CEO
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