The Southworth Way: Starting the Season the Right Way (Yes, That Includes a “No A$$holes Policy”)
APRIL 13, 2026
As the golf season begins, there’s renewed energy across every Southworth club. The first tee shots of the year, the return of familiar groups, the sound of laughter carrying across the course, are a reminder of why we’re all here in the first place.
At Southworth clubs, we believe great golf is more than the game itself. It’s about the experience you have while playing it, and the people you share it with.
You may have heard the phrase that’s gotten some attention: our so-called “No A**holes Policy.” It’s meant to be a little tongue-in-cheek, but the idea behind it is simple and important — golf should be fun, welcoming, and respectful for everyone, from the first tee to the final putt to the 19th hole.
Officially, we call it “The Southworth Way.” “It’s not a set of rules,” Southworth President Tommy Southworth shared with MyGolfSpy. “It’s just a commitment to respect each other.”
That commitment is something we take seriously, and the start of the season is an ideal time to refresh and renew that shared promise as we head back out onto the course. While excitement is high and everyone is eager to return, golf will inevitably test our patience—through rusty swings, missed putts, and the pace of play—but how we treat one another in those moments is what truly defines the experience.
That’s why our approach is simple and refreshingly straightforward:
- Respect the game, and the people playing it
- Support your fellow members, on good days and bad
- Appreciate the staff who make every round possible
- Bring a spirit to the club and course that makes others glad you’re there
Because the best rounds aren’t just about scorecards, they’re about who you play them with and how you feel while you’re out there. That’s what turns a club into a community.
“Building a community is what gets us out of bed,” Southworth says. “There’s research that says human connection is the No. 1 source of happiness and longevity. You’ll live a longer and happier life if you have warm, positive human connection.”
It’s the barefoot rounds by the beach in Abaco, the unmistakable competitive spirit and camaraderie of Renaissance’s annual member Ryder Cup, and the champagne celebrations on the island 18th green during the Keene Cup at Willowbend. These are the moments that define the season far more than any single round.
As we kick things off this season, our focus is simple: create and promote environments where everyone can enjoy the game, be themselves, and be part of something bigger than the game itself.
Golf should be fun. Respect should be the standard. Belonging is a part of the experience. That’s the kind of culture we believe defines a Southworth club.
