Golf clubs aren’t just about the back nine anymore. Today’s players are just as interested in where they grab a drink after a round as they are in their scorecard. The modern golf clubhouse has become a kind of second home for members; a social hub, a hangout spot, a quiet workspace, and sometimes even a wedding venue. So if your clubhouse still looks like your granddad’s basement, it’s probably time for a serious design refresh.
It doesn’t mean you need to throw a Baxter sofa in the lounge and call it a day (though hey, if it fits your vibe, go for it). What today’s clubhouses need is a design that actually reflects how people use the space; it’s not just about rich mahogany and hunting trophies anymore. It’s about functionality, comfort, and a real sense of identity. If your interiors don’t feel as dialed-in as your short game, members will notice, and not in a good way.
Breaking the Mold: What a Clubhouse Should Feel Like
Forget the stiff leather chairs and the dim lighting. A modern clubhouse should feel welcoming the moment you walk in. Think natural light, smart use of materials, and spaces that flow. We’re talking open-concept layouts that make it easy to move from the bar to the patio to the locker room without feeling like you’re walking through a maze of oak paneling and bad taxidermy. Designers are leaning into a more relaxed, lifestyle-forward aesthetic. That might mean clean lines, locally sourced wood finishes, or even a killer art piece by a young regional artist.
Zones, Not Rooms
Today’s golfers don’t want to just sit somewhere, they want to experience it. That means your clubhouse needs to be designed with zones, not just rooms. There should be a social space that feels like a high-end café, a quiet area with solid Wi-Fi and comfy chairs for emails between rounds, and a dining space that doesn’t feel like a wedding banquet hall from 2004.
Smart design considers how members actually live their lives. That means:
ñ a bar area that doubles as a casual lunch spot
ñ lounges with seating that invites conversation (and doesn’t trap you in an awkward corner)
ñ locker rooms that feel more like boutique hotel spas than high school gyms
You’re not just furnishing a building, you’re building a vibe.
Materials Matter
You can’t talk clubhouse design without talking materials. The trick is to balance durability with style, especially in high-traffic areas like these. Designers today are working with performance fabrics that look great but can take a beating, as well as recycled or reclaimed materials that keep things eco-conscious. Textiles like leather and wool still have their place, but they’re being used smarter: mixed with metal, stone, or even terrazzo in ways that feel fresh.
Branding Through Design
The design of your clubhouse should say something about who you are. If your club is traditional, that might mean updated classics like deep blues and crisp whites with modern detailing. If it’s more casual or younger-skewing, maybe you bring in streetwear-inspired design cues or a mural wall behind the bar. Seriously, a little edge won’t kill you. Cohesive branding doesn’t stop at the logo on the napkins. It’s in the light fixtures, the upholstery, the signage, the music playing when you walk in. Everything should connect. Otherwise, it just feels like a bunch of rooms with furniture in them.
Think like a Member, Not a Museum Curator
If there’s one thing I’ve learned playing all over JBSA and visiting clubs across the U.S., it’s this: people stay where they feel good. So when designing or renovating a clubhouse, think like a member. Where would you actually want to sit and chill after 18 holes? Where would you bring your kid for a snack or your boss for a meeting? Don’t overthink it. You don’t need marble everything or a chandelier made of tees. You need flow, function, and some damn good seating. Build a space that evolves with your members, not one that clings to a version of golf that doesn’t exist anymore.