Over 100 years old, Temple Golf Club, with its classic Willie Park Jnr course and boasting Sir Henry Cotton as a past Club Professional, heads in a groundbreaking new direction by dismantling its equally venerable membership categories.
Seeing the systemic shift facing golf and golf clubs everywhere, Temple has embraced change and launched new schemes to attract and retain all ages and abilities. Inclusive, democratic and recognising the challenges facing golf and golfers in Britain, this is a brave step that many other members’ clubs may feel inclined to follow.
Club Captain, Hugh Ferguson says, “In 2007 we introduced a highly successful Associate membership for time-poor men and women golfers and our Lifestyle membership aimed at today’s golfer is building on the success of our Associate model. With five categories to choose from, there really is something for all and members will be in full control of their golf spend as their fees will be based on usage. Rounds can be used on any day of the week, including weekends and to participate in competitions.”
Jason Plummer who joined the Club as an Associate member in 2010 is delighted with the new membership structure. “I have a very busy working life as well as full on family commitments, as do most of my friends,” he said “so I love the fact that I can play golf at Temple on my terms. It is great to be a member of a club which has 100 years of history and is moving with the times … my family are always welcome, I can participate in competitions and I can even use my iPad discreetly in the clubhouse!”
“The view from the 1st tee at Temple is breathtaking and despite the awful weather last winter we did not lose a single day’s play. I am very excited to be a member of the “New” Temple,” says Jill Dean, Board member and Ladies’ Captain, “come and see for yourself!”
Temple Golf Club www.templegolfclub.co.uk