By utilising a consistent and robust framework, with the fundamental elements of the operation under control, an organisation can start to look at other areas that can be strengthened as part of their wider governance responsibilities.

In Stage 4 there are various topics included all of which can contribute to the overall success of a club or facility. However, the development of any of these areas will only have true value and impact when underpinned by the more essential subjects covered in earlier stages.

All these areas will support the development and enhancement of the services provided, some of which will likely have connections to the long-term vision which has been identified within a strategic plan.


Analyse your current position using the Stage 4 checklist which helps you to perform a self-assessment, identifying areas of weakness and those that need to be focussed on as priority.


Environmental Sustainability

As the effects of climate change take hold, golf must recognise its responsibility to adapt – for the good of the game and the planet

Small wins add up to large benefits, so embedding and driving a comprehensive sustainability strategy for a club or facility is key for a modern, responsible and forward-thinking golf club. This doesn’t just apply on the golf course or other outside space, but throughout the clubhouse and all other areas of the facility.

Read more and access guidance here.

Membership Recruitment and Retention

A happy and loyal membership base is essential to the long-term sustainability of a club and sets the foundation for future growth. Members are important to any type of club, in most cases providing a regular and consistent income stream, but also contributing to the overall feel and atmosphere at a club or facility.

Focussing on the recruitment & retention of these members is key for any golf business, and by underpinning with strong governance, initiatives or activities delivered to support these areas have a much better chance of success.

Read more and access our guides to recruitment & retention here.

Additional Policies

Typically, a golf club or facility is likely to have several different other policies they use to support them in operating effectively, some may be very specific to them given their set up or size

With the numerous challenges and changes in society adding continual pressure to club leadership teams, implementing and adopting policies helps to document your approach ensuring consistency of delivery throughout the club.

Click below to visit the Resource Hub and search “Additional Policies” to see some examples of the most common.

Course and Facility

Regardless of what type of provision is being offered or the different services that are provided for members and customers, the facility for a golf business is their number one asset.

The evolvement of a club or facility is therefore directly linked to the ongoing development and enhancement of the organisation. By making sure a strategic plan is adopted, it will help to develop actions and goals which will support the growth and sustainability of the organisation.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

It is proven that having diversity within decision making groups improves business performance. Creating diversity across the workforce, in leadership roles and within the membership or customer base is challenging, but it is worth the effort for a whole host of reasons.

Golf clubs play a vital role in promoting the sport as more inclusive and accessible, and the benefits will be seen throughout all aspects of the operation. Starting by adopting an Equality and Diversity policy to document a commitment for implementing change, there are then numerous aspects of the club or facility to focus on to create an overall more inclusive environment.

Marketing and Communication

Why have a great product delivered through a well-run club or facility and not do enough to shout about it?

It’s important to establish a marketing plan which is developed in line with the overall business strategy to provide structure for the promotion of the key activities and facilities provided.

Implementing plans and policies that outline the club’s internal (members and staff) and external (your local community and visiting golfers) communications is another important function. With these agreed and approved, the club’s leaders must ensure that these are executed, reviewed, amended and updated on a regular basis as required.

Read more about the marketing support available through the Golf Marketing Hub.


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Resources