NEIL SEYMOUR - ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Having been a member of the S.W.T.G.S for almost 30 years, I can’t recall a time when the future of our society has felt so uncertain—especially due to decisions made without consulting the membership.

Such a departure from our inclusive traditions is not only troubling but risks weakening the very foundation upon which the society has thrived. The irony of the proposal to increase membership by fixing the cost at £50 per meeting is striking. The more successful we are in attracting members under this model, the more quickly we seem to be steering toward financial instability. It’s a strategy that appears unsustainable and misaligned with the long-term interests of the group.

Speaking personally, both Stephen and I dedicate significant time and energy to ensuring our meetings are enjoyable and worthwhile. On top of that, I travel further than any other member possibly excluding Andy John—to support the society. Attending the Rushmoor meeting requires a 220-mile round trip and at least 4.5 hours of travel, while even the “local” course at Woodbury Park in Devon involves a 94-mile journey.

Quite simply, the prospect of a round of golf, snack-style food, and only one prize doesn’t justify the time, effort, and cost involved in attending most meetings. A golf society day should offer opportunities for as many members and guests as possible to participate and win something—even if it’s just a raffle prize. That inclusivity has always been a hallmark of our events.

Back in the 1990s, our society days were priced between £30–£35 (approximately £84 in today’s terms) and have only modestly increased—about £5 per decade. In real terms, attending is now more affordable than ever. The raffle, a longstanding tradition, offers light-hearted enjoyment at the cost of less than the average pint of beer,

It may be fashionable today to cater to the minority over the majority, but in practice, most golf clubs don’t expect to host groups larger than 12. In fact, they often remark on how unusual it is to see 18 or more. In my view, the more pressing concern isn’t the numbers—it’s the lack of younger members stepping in to carry the society forward.

Should it come to a vote, I will be firmly in favour of retaining the current structure: a day with prizes,on-course competitions, and a reasonable cost of £60 per meeting. This would allow us to continue visiting popular courses such as Sherborne and Bridport. If our average attendance drops from 21 to 17 this year, so be it.

What matters most is maintaining the society’s ability to serve the majority of its members who still see £60 as a fair and worthwhile investment in a day’s golf.