The Chartered Accountants Golfing Society (CAGS), one of the oldest golf societies in England and Wales, is celebrating its 125th anniversary in May with a match and lunch at The Berkshire Golf Club.

Founded in 1898, the society has 400 members, but is keen to welcome newcomers, particularly women and those from an ethnic minority, so it can better reflect the diversity of the profession today – and continue into another century. 

ICAEW President Julia Penny will be playing in the anniversary event on 24 May and speaking at the meal afterwards. She is keen to promote the benefits of CAGS membership beyond networking, as a great way to boost mental health through socialising and exercise. 

“The society provides excellent opportunities to play golf on interesting courses with fellow ICAEW members. I know many members, like me, love their golf – although it has to be the most frustrating game in the world – and being able to play with other ICAEW members and share a meal provides a great networking opportunity.”

With membership at £30 per year, or £300 for life, joining CAGS is an affordable way to access these benefits, as well as the chance to play on some of the highest-regarded golf courses in England and beyond. Membership is open to all ICAEW members who have an official golf handicap.

Matches are also held against other professional bodies’ societies. There are no restrictions on golfing ability, with golf handicaps ranging from low single figures to 30+ and across a wide range of ages. CAGS hosts 12 meetings and 15 matches a year at venues including Worplesdon, Moor Park, Woking, New Zealand in Addlestone, Walton Heath, Wildernesse in Sevenoaks, Porters Park in Radlett, Tandridge and Royal Mid-Surrey, as well as in El Jadida in Morocco and Belek in Turkey. 

The CAGS Annual General Meeting includes a two/three-day golf meeting and is often held on one of England and Wales’ great links courses. In recent years, CAG has visited Rye, Royal Cinque Ports, Saunton, Formby, Royal Porthcawl, Royal Liverpool and Royal St George's.

Penny recently led the President’s Team in the annual President’s Team vs CAGS match. Several past Presidents, including Paul Druckman and David Matthews, contributed to the President’s Team’s victory – the first in 10 years.