A phrase you will hear haughtily spouted at golf club AGMs up and down the country is that “golf clubs must be run like businesses.” It’s normally received with positive exhalations and nods of approval. But I don’t think it’s wholly correct.
In many cases, member-owned golf clubs remain as unincorporated associations. The members have set the rules and the operating procedures in a constitution. Their objective is not to make a profit, and surpluses go back into the club.
