10       What happens if you get married?

     It’s congratulations and farewell!  We’re a singles organization.  Not that we have anything against married people, in fact that’s a goal for a lot of our members.  But we preserve our uniqueness by keeping it a singles club.  Your bylaws will offer more details about this policy.  Also, see www.SinglesGolf.com/policy

9         Do you have to be a good golfer?

     No, just a good person.  Our average handicap is 25.5 nationally.  So for every 15 handicapper, there’s a 35 out there, and for every 5 handicapper, there’s a 45.  We encourage beginners to join because learning through friends can be very unintimidating.  We want members to become good golfers, but chapters are not allowed to select only low handicap golfers to join.

8         I’m divorced.  Am I allowed to join?

     Absolutely.  Single, by our definition, is anyone who has never married OR is legally separated OR is divorced OR widowed.

7         How often do you play golf?

     Each chapter plays as often as it wishes.  Most chapters, when the weather cooperates, have official chapter outings as often as each weekend!  And once members come to know each other, they’ll put together impromptu golf outings of smaller foursomes.

6         Where do you play?

     Anywhere you like.  All chapters use a number of local courses, including municipal and semi-private clubs.  The national organization sponsors many multi-chapter weekend golf trips.  Some chapters have a “home course,” where members receive a regular discount for individual/group play.

5         Is there anybody my age in the chapter?

     Visit our chapter and see for yourself.  All chapters have a variety of ages, however, nationally, it is estimated that 75 percent of our membership is between 50 and 65.  When younger people join, it causes other young people to join so it’s important to have a chapter with all ages involved.

4         How much does it cost and what do I get for my dues?

     Dues are set by the national organization, however, local chapters may raise additional monies by adding a few dollars to each person's golf outing fee, socials, or even collecting a dollar or two for things like a 50/50 raffle at the monthly membership meeting.   National dues are paid annually at $99 per year.  Of this amount, your chapter will receive $10 for each member.  You receive a monthly newsletter of all of your chapter’s activities, a membership kit upon joining with an ASGA bag tag and other materials, and an opportunity to play in ASGA’s multi-chapter golf weekends throughout the year.  Your dues support the national organization, which has expenses like any other business, e.g. personnel, office rental, computer and copier leases, etc.  Expenses at the local level should be kept at a minimum and each event, whether it is a golf outing, social, Christmas party, etc. should be borne by the participants of each event.

3         Do you provide golf lessons for the members?

     Most medium and large chapters have one or two members who join the chapter but also instruct golf professionally at a local golf course or driving range.  These individuals may provide group instruction and clinics at a nominal rate.  It is not uncommon for the chapter to offer clinics at local driving ranges.  All it takes is for one individual to contact the range, seek a qualified instructor and establish a group rate or discount.

2         What do you do at your membership meetings?

     We generally socialize for the first hour, then the meeting is called to order.  A typical scenario is for the social hour to last from 6:00 - 7:00 pm, then a meeting is called to order.  Everyone takes their place, some chapters have dinner, some simply have hors d’oeuvres.  Every other month, or so, you may want to bring in a guest speaker.   But at every meeting, announcements of upcoming events must be made and sign-up sheets of these events should be passed around.  Each of the committee heads should briefly discuss what is going on in their area.  All business should be transacted at the Board of Director’s meeting, which may occur on a different evening than your membership meeting, or may occur before or after your membership meeting.

And the Number One Question You’re Bound to Be Asked . . .

1        Am I likely to find "Mr. Right" or "Ms. Right?"

We're neither a dating club nor an internet matching service.  We're real people meeting each month, typically at a local restaurant, for social purposes.  Then, we play golf when we decide to do so as a group.   Chapters don't provide "match-making" services.  You sign-up for golf and if you find someone special you'd like to play golf with, ask for that to be arranged by the person running the golf outing.  But don't expect to find the love-of-your-life your first time out.  Take your time.  Enjoy the friendships you make through your local chapter and then . . . see what happens!