South Herts has an active membership of approximately 700 members in a variety of categories and from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds - there is no differentiation between the fees and access to club facilities between men and women.

The members of South Herts are pleased to welcome new members into the Club with only two provisos. First that applicants are seeking to join a club where the enjoyment of golf with fellow enthusiasts - at all levels of competence - is the primary focus, but where there is a lively social side too. Secondly that they recognise that in becoming a member of South Herts they are not just buying a season ticket to gain access to the facilities; they are becoming part of a club with over a century of proud tradition and a confident view of it's long term future - a future of which they will want to be a part.

The main categories of membership are:

Full Membership (Seven Day) Full members of South Herts have unrestricted access to all the club facilities: The Vardon and Rees courses, the practise areas, the clubhouse facilities including bars and restaurant, and the opportunity to participate in social events. There are a large number of medal, stableford and match play competitions for men and ladies throughout the year, and a full programme of inter-club matches for both men and ladies. South Herts has traditionally had a strong scratch team that competes at the highest level in Hertfordshire amateur golf. Candidates for Full membership must have a handicap of at least 24 for men or 36 for ladies, and must be proposed and seconded by existing members, or alternatively be a current or recent member of another golf club. All prospective members are interviewed by two senior members of the Club as part of the entry process.

Five Day Membership Five Day membership offers all the advantages of Full membership with the exception that the Vardon course may not be used at weekends or on Bank Holidays. The entry process is similar to that for Full members, but there are no handicap restrictions - although candidates will be expected to have some golfing ability. A Five Day member who achieves a handicap of at least 24 for men or 36 for ladies may apply for transfer to Full membership.

Reduced subscription rates are available for Full and Five Day members between the ages of 18 and 27 - please ask the Secretary for details.

Provisional Membership For those wishing to join South Herts who already have some golfing ability but do not have a proposer and a seconder, or are not a member at another club, Provisional membership offers an opportunity to allow candidates to get to know the Club, and the Club to get to know the candidate. It is suitable for men who have achieved a playing standard of around 28 and ladies around 40. A club or society handicap certificate is preferred, but is not mandatory, and membership provides full access to the Vardon course except weekends and Bank Holidays, unlimited access to the Rees course and practise facilities, access to all clubhouse facilities including bars and restaurant, and an opportunity to gain an official handicap and to participate in social events. Provisional membership lasts for six months at the end of which the candidate is interviewed for Full or Five day membership.

Vardon Academy The Vardon Academy offers people a practical way of starting the game, which can also be a route to Full membership. Membership of the Vardon Academy offers 6 months unlimited play on the Rees Course, 6 lessons with our PGA qualified professionals, and use of the Clubhouse (with the exception of the restaurant). The lessons cover not only the techniques of the game, but also the common sense basis of golf etiquette, a code of behaviour designed to ensure that players do not damage the course by their actions, and conduct themselves in a way which doesn't interfere with other players' enjoyment of the game. Achievement of an adequate standard of play and demonstration of an understanding of the need to abide by the etiquette of the game will enable the professional staff to recommend candidates for Full or Five Day membership of the Club.

Junior Membership The Club actively encourages juniors to join whether or not they already have family connections. Junior members have full use of the Rees course, and may play the Vardon course at certain times. A popular event is the regular Monday 'Junior Evening' at South Herts when many Junior members meet and play the Vardon course.The Clubs PGA qualified professionals support the junior coaching scheme run in association with the Golf Foundation. Juniors who show sufficient enthusiasm to improve may be offered free coaching with the head professional. The Junior team plays in a number of competitions throughout the season, and last year one of our members represented England Schoolboys, while another is currently the Hertfordshire Schoolgirls Champion.

For further information on all categories of membership, please telephone the Secretary on 020 8445 2035, or email secretary@southhertsgolfclub.co.uk