Proposed Captaincy Structure
Member Consultation on Captaincy Structure
West Byfleet Golf Club
Member Consultation on Captaincy Structure
The Board is reviewing the Club’s Captaincy structure during 2026 and is inviting members to share their views.
No decision has been made. This consultation is designed to help members understand the options and comment before any proposal is taken further.
Introduction
At the AGM, the Board undertook to revisit the WBGC Captaincy structure during 2026. In March, an outline plan and timeline were shared with members.
The scope of this review relates only to the Captaincy structure. It does not cover any other aspect of governance or the wider Club.
The purpose of this consultation is to consider whether the current structure still feels right for today, and whether an alternative structure would better serve the Club and its members.
For members who would like to explore the detail further, a separate additional information paper is available via the link at the end of this flipbook.
The central question
Does the Club’s current Captaincy structure still feel right for today?
The Current Structure
The current structure is:
- A Captain of the Club, a position open to men and women, who leads the Captain’s Committee.
- The Captain’s Committee is responsible for golfing and social activities for all members.
- A Ladies’ Captain who is a member of the Captain’s Committee, chairs the Ladies’ Committee, and advises on matters relating to women.
This structure complies with England Golf guidance. However, feedback from members suggests there are different views on whether it remains the best model for the Club.
No change without member input
No change will be made without member input. Feedback will help determine whether any proposal is taken forward to a future AGM or General Meeting.
Why Review the Structure?
There are several reasons why the Board believes this is an appropriate time to review the Captaincy structure.
Good governance
Periodic reviews help confirm that roles are clear, relevant and fit for purpose.
Equality and inclusion
Governance structures can sometimes create perceptions of imbalance, even where formal barriers do not exist.
Member feedback
Last year’s AGM showed that members have differing views on the current structure.
Modernisation
The Club has evolved over time, and members are being asked whether the Captaincy structure should evolve too.
The review is not driven by a legal requirement. It is about fairness, clarity and confidence.
Option 1: Current Structure
A Club Captain and a Ladies’ Captain
This is the Club’s current model.
- The Club Captain role is open to any man or woman.
- The Club Captain is responsible for golf and social activities for all members, regardless of gender.
- The Ladies’ Captain advises on matters relating to women and chairs the Ladies’ Committee.
- The Club Captain chairs the Captain’s Committee and attends Board meetings.
- There is a single point of contact for the office and the Board.
- No rule changes or member vote would be required to keep this structure.
This option adheres to England Golf guidance.
Option 2: Two Captains
A Men’s Captain and Ladies’ Captain with equal status
This would introduce two Captains of equal standing.
- The Men’s Captain would be open to any man.
- The Ladies’ Captain would be open to any woman.
- The Men’s Captain would be responsible for men’s golf.
- The Ladies’ Captain would be responsible for ladies’ golf.
- Both Captains would be jointly responsible for mixed golf and social activities.
- Chairing the Captains’ Committee and attending Board meetings would be shared.
This option adheres to England Golf guidance, but would require rule changes and a vote at an AGM or General Meeting.
Option 3: Club Captain plus Vice-Captains
A single Club Captain with a Men’s Vice-Captain and a Ladies’ Vice-Captain
This model keeps one Club Captain, supported by two section-specific Vice-Captains.
- The Club Captain role would be open to any man or woman.
- The Club Captain would be responsible for golf and social activities for all members.
- The Men’s Vice-Captain would be responsible for men’s golf.
- The Ladies’ Vice-Captain would be responsible for ladies’ golf.
- Both Vice-Captains would be jointly responsible for mixed golf and social activities.
- The Club Captain would chair the Captain’s Committee and attend Board meetings.
This option adheres to England Golf guidance, but would require rule changes and a vote at a General Meeting.
Structure Comparison
| Feature | Current Structure | Two Captains | Club Captain + Two VCs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rule changes | None required | Required | Required |
| Single point of contact | Yes | No | Yes |
| Club Captain open to all | Yes | No single Club Captain | Yes |
| England Golf guidance | Adheres | Adheres | Adheres |
| Responsibility for all members | Club Captain | Shared by two Captains | Club Captain |
| External representation | Club Captain | Shared | Club Captain |
Any change to the Captaincy structure would require agreement by 75% of members who vote at a General Meeting to pass a resolution changing the Articles of Association.
Key Questions for Members
The Board is keen to hear members’ views on all three structures. Members do not need to answer every question and may comment on any area relating to the Captaincy structure.
Questions to consider
- Which of the three structures do you prefer and why?
- Do you believe the current structure provides fair representation for all members?
- What do you see as the main advantage or disadvantage of introducing a Men’s Captain and Ladies’ Captain?
- Do you have any comments on the proposed titles for the Club Captain plus Vice-Captains model?
- What do you see as the main advantage or disadvantage of the Club Captain plus Vice-Captains model?
Members are encouraged to share views through the online response questionnaire, although email or written responses may also be submitted.
Next Steps
| Timeline | Action |
|---|---|
| By end of June | Members to provide written responses to the questions raised. |
| July | Depending on feedback, the Board may arrange a members’ meeting for further discussion. |
| By end July | The Board may arrange a simple survey to test member appetite for taking matters further. |
| September Board Meeting | The Board will review whether to take a proposal to the AGM or a General Meeting before the end of the year. |
The Board will not respond to individual responses, but comments will be addressed generically at a members’ meeting if held, or through an appropriate update otherwise.
Further Information
This flipbook summarises the main consultation paper only.
Members who would like to explore the detail behind the review can read the separate additional information paper, which includes further background on equality, the current Captaincy structure, alternative structures and a more detailed comparison of the models.
Please share your views through the online response questionnaire.
Complete Questionnaire Read Additional Information