Over 90% of seniors say they should get discounted membership

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 17, 2017 13:27

New research has found that more than 90 percent of senior golfers believe that they should get some sort of incentive or discount on golf club membership fees, while more than 80 percent of golf clubs do not offer this.

Senior discounts are a hugely contentious issue as most golf clubs are trying to attract younger golfers who typically have less disposable income than their older peers. However, most golf clubs also rely on elderly golfers for the majority of their income, and clubs’ decision-making committees usually have a high age profile.

Last year, for example, Stockwood Park Golf Club in Luton ended its practice of offering concessions to elderly members, which resulted in some negative local press for the golf club.

Golf club ends concessions for elderly golfers

The research by GolfSupport.com finds that 92 percent of seniors believe they should get some sort of incentive or discount on golf club membership fees, while over 80 percent of golf clubs do not include seniors in their membership prices.

In total 244 golf clubs were reviewed in 15 towns and cities across the UK. Less than seven percent of London’s clubs have senior membership discounts / incentives, while, at the other end of the scale, more than 40 percent of Leicester’s clubs do.

Mick, 68, from Coventry said: “I have kept my eye on the membership prices of those golf clubs accessible to me but unfortunately their rates have consistently remained too high for me to be tempted. It’s a huge shame they don’t offer any discounted rates for seniors like they do with other age categories.”

Reginald, 73, from Bristol said: “I used to be part of a golf club in Bristol up until my late 50s but due to numerous commitments constraining my time, I couldn’t justify renewing. I am in my 70s now and with more time than ever, I have been looking to rejoin a golf club. Prices in comparison to when I was a member in the past are significantly higher, hence I am finding it difficult to convince myself to join. I personally believe that golf clubs should be making more of an effort to offer discounts and incentives entirely for seniors. It will not only ease my intention to join but also other seniors facing the same dilemma.”

 

Seamus Rotherick
By Seamus Rotherick February 17, 2017 13:27
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2 Comments

  1. Sabre March 26, 13:02

    I am a 73 year old and have played golf regularly for forty years . I have never yet seen a golf club in Leicestershire offering concessions in membership or golf lessons.

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