The Rise of Golf-Only Clubs

As someone who has spent decades immersed in the world of golf and high-end golf course development, I’ve been fascinated to see the resurgence of golf-only clubs. These exclusive spaces, focused solely on the game, are making a strong comeback, offering something uniquely pure and deeply connected to the roots of golf.

What Is a Golf-Only Club?

When people think of private golf clubs, they often picture full-service facilities that include tennis courts, swimming pools, banquet halls, and an extensive food and beverage operation. At their core, though, these clubs have always revolved around the golf course, which serves as the anchor and main attraction.

A golf-only club takes that concept and distills it down to its essence. There are no tennis courts, no pools, no large-scale catering operations—just golf. It’s a singular focus on the game itself, and for many golfers, that’s exactly what they’re looking for.

Golf’s Historical Roots

To understand the appeal of golf-only clubs, you have to go back to where it all began: Scotland, the birthplace of golf. The Royal and Ancient Golf Club at St. Andrews is perhaps the purest example of this concept. Founded nearly two centuries ago, it has always been about the game and nothing else.

Over time, clubs began adding amenities to broaden their appeal, turning into multi-purpose facilities that catered to families and social activities. That shift made sense for a lot of reasons, but for me, this return to golf-only clubs feels like a throwback to the roots of the game—a focus on the course, the camaraderie, and the experience of playing.

Why Golf-Only Clubs Are Growing in Popularity

There’s no single reason for the rise of golf-only clubs, but I see it as a combination of practical and emotional factors.

From a business perspective, golf-only clubs make financial sense. In traditional country clubs, amenities like pools and tennis courts are often financial drains. They don’t generate revenue, and the costs of maintaining them are covered by membership dues. By focusing exclusively on the golf course, you remove those financial liabilities while retaining the primary revenue driver.

On the emotional side, golf-only clubs appeal to those who are deeply passionate about the game. Golf has a unique way of getting into your blood, and for many of us, it’s more than just a hobby—it’s a way of life. When people have the means to build or join a golf-only club, it’s often about fulfilling that passion.

COVID-19’s Unexpected Impact

I can’t talk about this trend without mentioning the impact of COVID-19. The pandemic brought a surge of interest to golf. It was one of the few activities people could safely enjoy outdoors, and as a result, the number of players and rounds played skyrocketed. For the first time in years, new golf courses are being built, and existing ones are undergoing significant renovations. COVID didn’t just reignite interest in the game—it redefined its role in many people’s lives.

Designing for the Passionate Golfer

At Kawonu Golf Club, we’re embracing the golf-only concept fully. Our course, designed by Andrew Green, reflects the minimalist, pure approach that today’s passionate golfers crave. We’re fortunate to have an exceptional site, and Andrew’s philosophy of letting the land dictate the design is a perfect fit for what we’re creating.

Golf-only clubs also tend to attract highly skilled players, which can influence course design. While Kawonu will be accessible to a range of players, it will naturally appeal to lower-handicap golfers who appreciate a more challenging course. The absence of residential real estate—another hallmark of many traditional clubs—frees us to focus entirely on creating an unforgettable golf experience.

A Sense of Community and Camaraderie

One of the things I love most about golf-only clubs is the sense of community they foster. Golf is a game of camaraderie, and these clubs provide a space where people can bond over their shared passion for the sport. Whether it’s a group of friends traveling to play historic courses in Scotland or a foursome coming together at Kawonu, the connections forged on the course are unlike anything else.

The Future of Golf-Only Clubs

The rise of golf-only clubs is more than just a trend—it’s a reflection of the evolving priorities of golfers. In the past, clubs often relied on celebrity architects or real estate development to attract members. Today, the focus is shifting back to the course itself and the quality of the experience it offers.

At Kawonu, we’re embracing that shift. We’re not just building a golf course; we’re creating a place where people can immerse themselves in the game they love. For me, that’s what golf has always been about—unforgettable experiences, shared with others who feel the same way about the sport.

If you ask me why this trend is gaining traction, I’d say it’s because golf-only clubs speak to something fundamental about the game. They strip away the distractions and bring us back to what matters most: the challenge of the course, the beauty of the surroundings, and the joy of playing a game that truly lasts a lifetime.