When they're great, they're brilliant. When they are horrid, watch out. Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin evaluate the role of the committee and its key role in ensuring a successful club

How many of our clubs would survive without them? The committee, board, and the various gatherings beneath them are the hubs of our clubs – largely staffed by volunteers who just want to give something back to the place they love the most.

But should so much responsibility be placed in the hands of so few? What happens to the club when decisions aren’t being taken properly and what if they won’t let the general manager do their job?

On this week’s From the Clubhouse, a podcast from National Club Golfer, Steve Carroll and Tom Irwin, who’ve both seen their fair share of golf club committees down the years, dive into the topic with relish.

Tom relates his experiences in a marketing sub-committee, while Steve gives you the low down on how proprietary clubs do their business.

It’s not doom and gloom by any means. The pair accentuate what makes committees great and Tom puts forward a five-point plan for the perfect golf club decision making body.

So if you’ve ever hailed or heckled your committee, have a listen and join the debate.

What do you think about golf club committees? Are you on one? Are they a valued part of your club. Let us know your thoughts with a tweet.

Steve Carroll

A journalist for 23 years, Steve has been immersed in club golf for almost as long. A former captain and committee member, he has passed the Level 3 Rules of Golf exam with distinction having attended the national Tournament Administrators and Referee's Seminar. He has officiated at a host of high-profile tournaments, including Open Regional Qualifying and the PGA Fourball Championship. A member of NCG's Top 100s panel, Steve has a particular love of links golf and is frantically trying to restore his single-figure handicap.

Handicap: 10.9

Tom Irwin

Tom is a lifetime golfer, now over 30 years playing the game. 2023 marks 10 years in golf publishing and he is still holding down a + handicap at Alwoodley in Leeds. He has played over 600 golf courses, and has been a member of at least four including his first love Louth, in Lincolnshire. Tom likes unbranded clothing, natural fibres, and pencil bags. Seacroft in Lincolnshire is where it starts and ends.

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