What is a letterbox club in golf?

A letterbox club in golf is a type of membership where the golfer becomes a member of a golf club without necessarily having access to a physical golf course. The term comes from the fact that these clubs often once only had a letterbox as an address and lacked an active facility. Today, letterbox clubs offer a cost-effective alternative for golfers who want to play golf without committing to a specific club or course. Membership typically provides a golf ID and the ability to play at different golf courses for a green fee, making it flexible and affordable for those who play sporadically or want to try different courses.

How letterbox clubs work and their benefits

Loan clubs operate by offering a green fee membership, which means that members pay a low annual fee and can then play at different golf courses for a green fee. This differs from traditional golf clubs where you often pay a higher membership fee to play for free or at a reduced price on the club's own course. The advantage of mailbox clubs is the flexibility and cost savings, especially for golfers who don't play very often or who travel a lot and want to play at different courses. Membership also often includes insurance and access to the Swedish Golf Federation's digital services, providing a complete golf ID.

Development and importance of letterbox clubs in Sweden and internationally

Mail order clubs have evolved from a controversial and sometimes contested phenomenon to become an accepted and popular option in Swedish golf. They have made golf more accessible to a wider audience by offering lower costs and greater choice. Internationally, similar concepts exist under names such as 'remote memberships' in the UK, 'virtual memberships' in the US and 'Fernmitgliedschaften' in Germany. These flexible memberships have helped modernise golf's membership system and adapt it to today's needs, where many golfers are looking for simplicity and variety rather than traditional club involvement.