6 months into golf - looking to join

Bromavinci

Hi Guys,

I read through a few threads regarding this and some were quite helpful but didnt answer my specific query. I took up golf about 6 months ago (had hacked now and then throughout my youth, but taking it seriously - ish now) and am now hitting a consistent 95 - 100 strokes per round, steadily reducing, with the odd birdie helping an average 4-5 pars per round. Its the lost balls and occasional scores of 7-8 which are my problem!

Anyway I am looking to join a course, happy to go about 1 hour out in any direction (prefer South, Wicklow etc) from Dublin, to get a handicap. I would like something cheapish, 18 holes, and not too busy. I can only play weekends (Sat or Sun) - Any recommendations?

Also - being a member of a particular course - can I play other courses cheaper???

Sorry for the long post but its my first one so please forgive me!!!

stooge

I'm more or less in the same boat as yourself. Would like to join a course near south dublin for a reasonable fee and play for a year.

The best I can see is Dublin Mountain out past Tallaght:

http://www.dublinmountaingolf.com/index_membership.htm

Elmgreen is ok but would suit people looking to play during the week.
Most others are too expensive.

Another thing is that memberships mostly run from jan-jan so unless you get a good deal, it could be better to wait until dec/jan before signing up.

To get reduced rates on some golf courses you need an official GUI handicap. You get this by joiing a course that is affiliated with the GUI.

Some of the other guys on here can give more info as I dont have an official handicap!

Bromavinci

Yeah I saw that one...800 quid for 6 months though???

stooge

yeah its a bit steep for the rest of the year but they had that offer up on the website for a few months.

To be honest there isn't that much affordable around south dublin, but there seems to be plenty in the north of the city and west. I need a golf course closeby so that I can play after work during the week. Elm green would be ok if the traffic wasn't so bad getting there from work.

Bromavinci

Bloody expensive past time....LOL...I think Grange Castle is pretty reasonable..anyone have info on that one by chance?

John32c

Did you join anywhere yet? Im in the same boat so considering my options along these lines too (similar type scores as well)!!

Admiral

How much are you all looking to spend on membership?

ShriekingSheet

South County is 1,939 per year to lease a membership. No joining fee. Full 7 day membership - the only difference between a share owner (12k) and a leasing member is a vote at the AGM.

The 1,939 includes 300 euro bar levee which you can spend over the course of the year on food and drink in the bar.

Online booking system, no problem getting tee-times but there's a good size playing membership.

Membership runs from April.

It's a championship course with a good pro, full driving range with grass bays.

neckedit

Must agree with the Sheet, South County is a fine Club, with, IMO, a very solid back 9, great varition in each hole. Played there quite a bit with his younger brother( a very fine player indeed), its a very welcoming club to visit and play, As for Grange Castle, I'm a member there, Par 72 and in the region of 6,700yds in length. not Championship length, but the course is kept to the highest standard, with on going plans to make it into a championship track in the not so distant future. County Councill owned they offer membership for €400 with reduced greenfees to all members and a full competion schedule thruogh out the year. Can get very busy at weekends, but most clubs are the same. Contact the reception for any more details.

Mister Sifter

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

South County is 1,939 per year to lease a membership. No joining fee. Full 7 day membership - the only difference between a share owner (12k) and a leasing member is a vote at the AGM.

The 1,939 includes 300 euro bar levee which you can spend over the course of the year on food and drink in the bar.

Online booking system, no problem getting tee-times but there's a good size playing membership.

Membership runs from April.

It's a championship course with a good pro, full driving range with grass bays.

Just out of interest, does that include competition fees? If not, how much would they be roughly?

Admiral

Here's what I got from South County a couple of weeks ago...

South County Golf Club
Shareholding: Annual sub E1,600, Bar Prepayment E300, Insurance E20, GUI E19, Total E1,939. Entry fee is E17,500.
7 Day: Same as above, Entry Fee E12,500
5 Day: Annual sub E850, Bar Prepayment E150, Insurance E20, GUI E19, Total 1,039
Annual: Annual sub: E2,100, Bar Prepayment E300, Insurance E20, GUI E19, Total E2,439.

Hope this is helps.

Admiral


Think I might be taking this offer up next Feb/March

Bromavinci

I guess its a case of what you want to get out of the membership. Im not sure whether I want to be paying 2 grand for a game that leaves me entirely frustrated and yet, somewhat perversely, coming back for me.

Grange Castle seems to be the best value for what I want, either that or a club out the country....at this stage though I think i will leave it until next year, unless someone finds a belter of a deal somewhere...

ShriekingSheet

Graeme1982 wrote: »

Just out of interest, does that include competition fees? If not, how much would they be roughly?

No. Do some clubs include comp fees in the subs??

It's 7 euro, 2 of which is optional and goes into a 2's comp.

downthemiddle

Take yourself down to Boystown, between Blessington and Valleymount. It's a beautiful golf course in excellent condition. Membership from now to next March will cost you 800 euro, great value for the quality of the course.