A new online golf club, Ready Golf, has been launched to provide nomadic golfers in the UK access to a range of high-quality courses for a single membership fee
With the pent-up demand for golf triggering green fees hikes and more waiting lists at clubs, the launch of Ready Golf, a new online scheme that offers the chance to play different golf courses around the country for a one-off payment, is looking like a timely idea and great value option for thousands of golfers throughout the UK.
Without having to pay multiple green fees, Ready Golf members can play as much golf as they like over a group of different golf courses in return for an annual subscription, negating the need to have a home club.
Ready Golf’s list of affiliated golf clubs is currently concentrated in the South East of England, with dozens of clubs to choose from in Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Hertfordshire and Essex, although it has ambitious plans to expand its portfolio of clubs on a national basis as it establishes itself in the golfing market.
With quality venues such as Littlestone, The Warren, West Kent, Broome Park, Bletchingley, Gatton Manor, Mill Green, Pyrford, Hampton Court Palace and Cowdray Park on board, golfers are spoiled for choice, whether they enjoy rolling parkland venues or seaside links.
Another key attraction for golfers not affiliated to a club is that Ready Golf tracks scores played at its member courses, which it then uses to offer members an accurate handicap index, in accordance with the new World Handicap System (WHS), which members can use when playing with other members. Playing statistics for each member will be recorded and displayed online, as will each member’s current playing handicap, which will be managed by the Ready Golf team.
Tom Bishop, Ready Golf’s founder and director, said: “As a keen golfer, I have always enjoyed playing a variety of courses every month and, over the last couple of years, I realised that there was a significant number of golfers like me who want to experience playing different courses throughout the year. So I looked into a way of providing access to quality golf courses on a regular basis without having to spend a lot of money on rising green fees and came up with the Ready Golf concept, which delivers by giving golfers the opportunity to play a range of good courses for a reasonable annual fee. And, of course, right now, it’s an excellent way to get back into golf immediately after it has been off the agenda for several months.”
Ready Golf membership, which costs £895 per year, is ideally suited to anyone who plays 20 or more rounds per year at courses with green fees that range from around £30 to £80. Ready Golf also allows members to bring guests at special rates to any of the member clubs, while individual members also can link up with each other on existing bookings and meet fellow golfers and potentially, make new friends. Further down the line, once Covid restrictions allow, Ready Golf is planning to host social events and members-only competitions.
“During lockdown we have worked hard to extend our reach and add to the number of clubs in the Ready Golf family,” added Bishop. “With the new clubs now on board and dozens of others keen to join, we believe we have a great golf offering for nomadic golfers who like to tee it up at a range of different courses.”
For more information, visit www.readygolf.co
Ready Golf member benefits include:
- An accurate handicap index, in accordance with the new World Handicap System, which members can use when playing with other members and managed by the Ready Golf.
- Ability to bring guests at special rates to any of the member clubs.
- Linking up with other members and meeting like-minded golfers.
- Social events and members-only competitions.