Castleknock ???

Dublin Spur

Booked a 4-ball there in a few weeks.
Looks fantastic from the pics on their website.

Anyone played it ??
Is it as good as it looks ??

copacetic

I like it, have played a lot there this year. Been a few threads on it too. Nice course, plenty of water to think about and some tricky tee shots. Well kept also. Only issue at all is that imo it is a bit short. Also hate the 10th tee shot as the fairway crosses the road at driving distance but cars can't see you so it is hard to get settled.

Top tip - on the first, an 8 iron off the tee will leave you around the same to the green. To get your round off to a good start with a par. Have seen many a round off to a disaster on that hole. There are a few holes like that, begging you to do something silly off the tee, or to try and cut too much off corners.

03mcgs0

Saw a stand from Castleknock golf course in Mc Guirks, Blanchardstown today.

I didn't enquire but I could see from a display sign that they were selling green fees for €40, a type of special and if you were that interested I'm sure they would have spoken about memberships.

Hate to say it but they must be desperate to sell a few green fees, I for one do not have any sympathy for them as they are charging €30,000 for membership plus a €1,500 for the annual sub. That is really making golf accessible to the masses….!

copacetic

green fees have been €40 for a while now..

Dublin Spur

copacetic wrote: »

I like it, have played a lot there this year. Been a few threads on it too. Nice course, plenty of water to think about and some tricky tee shots. Well kept also. Only issue at all is that imo it is a bit short. Also hate the 10th tee shot as the fairway crosses the road at driving distance but cars can't see you so it is hard to get settled.

Top tip - on the first, an 8 iron off the tee will leave you around the same to the green. To get your round off to a good start with a par. Have seen many a round off to a disaster on that hole. There are a few holes like that, begging you to do something silly off the tee, or to try and cut too much off corners.

Thanks for that, sounds interesting.

bigeasy

Played there the weekend. Greens are a little hard, difficult to stop the ball on the green specially coming fron the rough. So keep it on the short stuff. 6 th and 10th par 5's you could use an iron off the tee also on a couple of the par 4's. Overall nice course. Enjoy!!

1916

2 x €20 green fee vouchers arrived for this course in junk mail this morning. The serial numbers are in the 'ooo's so guess things aren't so busy in this course. Wonder has the €30k membership dropped yet

1916

Golferx

copacetic wrote: »

green fees have been €40 for a while now..

The fekkers. I brought three guests there during Ryder Cup week and was charged €400 for the fourball.

Nice course but not worth €100 a head. I haven't been back and am unlikely given the choice out there and the fact that I now know they ripped me off. I don't forget these things.

Mister Sifter

Not surprising that they're stuggling to be honest. There seems to be an incredible number of multi-million euro courses around. I played the K-Club recently on a corporate day and the place (aside from our party) was pretty much dead.

Within an hour of dublin there's so much choice and with Killeen Castle on the way it's only gonna get harder for all the clubs to compete.

Interest rates, unemployment and inflation on the rise means Irish golfers will generally pull back on what they spend on green fees. The American trade must be drying up too.

uberwolf

playing there this weekend. I enjoyed it a 3 months ago with work.

Kinda place that could reduce it's membership to 8-10 and I'd consider it. But like a lot of the new places, you'd have to give it a few years for the failures to happen before you'd part with your cash

who_ru

ya i think the next 12 months will see a few clubs built in the last 5 years or so go to the wall as there simply isn't enough business to go round and given what was mentioned earlier (4x100e in castleknock) people will try to drive as hard a bargin as possible in relation to green fees.

i myself am heading to cork this weekend and there is a new course outside Blarney there designed by John Daly and green fees are 49e which is high enough if you ask me, but they have some decent offers on if you want to stay overnight in the hotel.

there are a load of golf resorts after springing up all over the place - isn't there a place called the heritage in county laois, designed by Seve i think, well a brother of mine played there about a month ago on a work day out and said the place is gonna be a complete white elephant as there was no one there.

The climate here must be driving investors in these places mad - two dire summers in a row - forecast for august is poor also i hear. i don't care what type of offer they have on if it's lashing down i'm not up for it.

uberwolf

who_ru wrote: »

there are a load of golf resorts after springing up all over the place - isn't there a place called the heritage in county laois, designed by Seve i think, well a brother of mine played there about a month ago on a work day out and said the place is gonna be a complete white elephant as there was no one there.

played my first ever round of golf there last year, and enjoyed the experience, it was also one of the earlier types of its kind. I'd say the houses sold reasonably well there at the time, so cash should be in the bank. But without a local population it'll never work IMO, not given the range of options.

slingerz

who_ru wrote: »

ya i think the next 12 months will see a few clubs built in the last 5 years or so go to the wall as there simply isn't enough business to go round and given what was mentioned earlier (4x100e in castleknock) people will try to drive as hard a bargin as possible in relation to green fees.

i myself am heading to cork this weekend and there is a new course outside Blarney there designed by John Daly and green fees are 49e which is high enough if you ask me, but they have some decent offers on if you want to stay overnight in the hotel.

there are a load of golf resorts after springing up all over the place - isn't there a place called the heritage in county laois, designed by Seve i think, well a brother of mine played there about a month ago on a work day out and said the place is gonna be a complete white elephant as there was no one there.

The climate here must be driving investors in these places mad - two dire summers in a row - forecast for august is poor also i hear. i don't care what type of offer they have on if it's lashing down i'm not up for it.

Muskerry golf club is just about 4 miles away from the Blarney Golf Resort and offers a much better challenge than the Blarney resort IMO

uberwolf

played today, course empty. leaving at 13.30 there was a 1 ball on the back 9, and we'd seen maybe 3 groups teeing off in the hour we'd spent grabbing a bite too eat!

Form down in reception, asking if you'd join if joining fee was 'reasonable', and what sub you'd pay.

Track was in good nick though, and would def play there again (if it stays open long enough).

Out of curiousity I span down to Lutrellstown to compare. carpark certainly fuller, but didn't seem hectic - so maybe it was the bank holiday vibe?

1916

Survey on their web site also. One of the questions is.. If joining fee was €1,000 or less what would you consider and acceptable annual sub?

If it was that level, I'd even forgo the stuff on 'a membership share'. If its dropped from €30k to a 'considered' €1k, looks like no one wants the share scheme. www.fairway.ie has membership at 150, seems a crazy low number for the competitions their to be 'humming'. It seems to get positive replies from people who have played it, guess they have to move the joining fee to a reasonable level, whatever that means

1916

Mister Sifter

€30k is totally out of touch, so glad to see they've realised this. There's a huge number of golf courses in the area so they have to compete. Within 20 minutes of it there are at least 5 or 6 nice courses with a joining fee of a third the cost (and even they are coming down!).

Will be interesting to see how they change it. Alot of clubs will soon go odwn the route of non-share memberships i think.

Admiral

I've just completed the 2 minute survey on the Castleknock website. Does anyone really think there gonna open up membership for €1000?

copacetic

possibly but would imagine the yearly sub would be 1500 or something. Its a nice course and they seem to be very proactive about trying to make it a runner, tokens, dropping fees etc. I would expect they will offer some kind of yearly fee to play as often as you like with no rights apart from GUI. Something like hollystown have. Personally I'd be interested in that, but one of the nice things about Castleknock is that it is quiet and when if it gets busy like hollystown it wouldn't be half as much fun to play.

A lot of other courses appear to have their head in the sands or to be offering cheap deals if you are in the know but advertising more expensive ones so hopefully it will work out for castleknock, they are putting in the effort.

uberwolf

yeah, the quiet up there is appealing, even with a 4 ball in front of the pair of us, we got around in sub 3 1/2 hrs.

What's more, it's a tight course, some mis hit shots would play havoc on a full course.

I'd def play there for a year if they offered that play only style membership - but I'd be worried how many others would

1916

Value, or way over priced?? Its still circa €3,400 p.a as a sub

Castleknock Launches New Membership Packages

Castleknock Golf Club Membership

Castleknock Golf Club is delighted to invite applications for limited, exclusive membership packages. This is your chance to become part of this outstanding golf club with exceptional greens, superb all year round playability and an unrivalled location situated on the edge of Phoenix Park, just 15 minutes from the very heart of Dublin. But don’t take our word for it come and tee it up and make up your own mind.

Membership Rates

Option 1
Option 2

Membership Type
Option 1 = €30,000 preference share
Option 2 = No Joining Fee

Annual Subscription Fee (Individual)
Option 1 = €1,500 + VAT
Option 2 = €2,750 + VAT

Annual Subscription Fee (Husband & Wife)
Option 1 = €3,000 + VAT
Option 2 = €5,000 + VAT (save €500)

VAT is payable at a rate of 13.5%. There is a bar levy of €250 per person.

A limited number of junior, student and intermediate memberships are available. Full members of the club are entitled to nominate their children for the below memberships

Membership Type
Cost per annum

Junior Membership (Up to 18 years)
€260 + VAT

Student Membership (19-22 years)
€800 + VAT

Intermediate Membership (23-25 years)
€1,940 + VAT

* Certain restrictions will apply at peak times for junior and student members. Student members must be in full time education

Benefits of membership

· No joining fee
· Unlimited playing rights on the golf course and access to clubhouse facilities
· The ability to purchase up to 24 guest green fees per annum at a reduced rate of €30 each. (A saving of €1,080)
· Special members guest rates of €40 midweek & €50 weekends when playing with member
· Ability to nominate your children for junior, student & intermediate membership
· All new members receive a complimentary welcome pack
· Preferential members tee times
· Exclusive members online booking facility
· GUI Handicap
· Inter club competitions
· Preferential buggy & trolley hire rates
· Facility to receive bar & restaurant discounts
· Receive discounts on selected pro shop items

Terms & Conditions

All prices quoted are subject to change
The granting of membership licence is at the discretion of Castleknock Golf Club Plc and will only be granted to applicants subsequent to an interview.
Castleknock Golf Club Plc reserve the right to refuse renewal of golf club licences

Mister Sifter

Still way too dear for what else is within a 20 minute drive if you ask me. Certainly wouldn't sway my mind and make me join.

For 3,400 euro per year - playing one round a week that works out at close on 65 euro per round.

copacetic

still a bit steep alright, however a lot better that it was! not that much on top of what the annual sub was anyway with a 30k joining fee.
It you played there a lot, wanted gui, maybe it'd be worth your while. Personally it is 1 - 1.5k too dear still.

03mcgs0

Still far far too expensive, was hoping that they were going to take it down more.

I feel with the economy at the moment E1,500 is about right for a yearly golf membership, Castleknock is still over priced.

Har44

Played there yesterday, good course and very reasonable at €30. Had somebody with us who would not know much about Dublin memberships, he nearly died when we told him the proposed fee. All felt about €1,500 was most to pay. The other thing I was thinking about with the €3k+ sub, was how much would you have actually played this year with the weather?

copacetic

got the email re this today, vat is low enough so it is 3k a year, but you get rest of this year free also if you sign up for 09. Nearly reasonable value with 4 months of this year thrown in as well.

uberwolf

hmmm, I guess we'd interpreted that it was coming. Take Elm Green - €500 to join. 30 a week - €2k total. That's bargain basement golf in Dublin afaik.

I'm going to think about it

Sionnachster

Graeme - Uberwolf

You mention other courses nearby that might be more worthwhile and better value? Any suggestions?

Based in Celbridge and been looking for a deal all year. I am still convinced that the offers in January 2009 should dwarf everything so far. I'm basing this theory on clubs doing their 2009 projections and budgets over the coming months and realising 200 members at €1500 beats 50 members at €4000 no to mention the increased bar and food revenues where I am led to believe they are losing heavily....

markie4

uberwolf wrote: »

hmmm, I guess we'd interpreted that it was coming. Take Elm Green - €500 to join. 30 a week - €2k total. That's bargain basement golf in Dublin afaik.

I'm going to think about it

Uberwolf,
While Elmgreen may have it's limits, you can play every weekend (Sunday) for €11, so that could be €500 to join and €550 for 50 weeks play...so for me €1K is better overall value than €3K for castleknock. If you're already paying €2K per year to play elmgreen, then maybe it suits you. Still a bit rich for my blood

03mcgs0

Why dont Elm Green put in a different type of membership, say €1,200 (that’s just a ball park figure) or something for unlimited golf.

I’m not saying they should not keep their original offer of €500 and than pay every time you play but why don’t they offer unlimited yearly membership as well?

Mister Sifter

3 grand for a year's golf and nothing to show at the end of it is a hell of a lot of money in my book.

I'd much rather take out a loan and buy a share membership somewhere just along the road. Makes far more sense financially.

The share option at Castleknock is also disappointing. As far as i know 30k is the going rate at the likes of Carton House which has two courses and is of a much higher standard.

I'd much sooner join the likes of Headfort too which has the two courses and is -10k to join.

Mister Sifter

03mcgs0 wrote: »

Why dont Elm Green put in a different type of membership, say €1,200 (that’s just a ball park figure) or something for unlimited golf.

I’m not saying they should not keep their original offer of €500 and than pay every time you play but why don’t they offer unlimited yearly membership as well?

Not sure exactly why, but the club only effectively rent the use of the course from the council. I'd imagine they council dictate what they can/can't do with membership.

Member numbers are still decent there, but they might have to do something if they start falling after what happened with the 'missing money' earlier this year.

markie4

Graeme1982 wrote: »

Not sure exactly why, but the club only effectively rent the use of the course from the council. I'd imagine they council dictate what they can/can't do with membership.

Member numbers are still decent there, but they might have to do something if they start falling after what happened with the 'missing money' earlier this year.

As you say, it's not the same as either a fully commercial club or a member's owned club. From what I've heard it's one of the busiest courses for green fees in Ireland, so I'm sure it's a nice earner for Fingal CoCo and Carr Golf. Probably wouldn't want to jeopardise the availability of the course by offering any scheme that gave a number of people unlimited access to the course.

Definitely think membership numbers could be affected next year if other courses offer decent deals, though don't think the average elmgreen member would be in the market for castleknock membership, based on the current offers.

03mcgs0

Does anyone think Hollystown might pull an amazing deal out of the bag for next year?? (Suppose they are already quite cheap €1,400 a year, it can be closed a fair bit though cause of the weather), with memberships going down in price they might follow suit.

Any thoughts???

Bettyboo2u

Har44 wrote: »

Played there yesterday, good course and very reasonable at €30.

We played Castleknock last week, had to pay €60 per person. How did you get it for €30? In the past we have paid €90!

On the course itself I have to say it’s a joy to play. Greens are in great shape. A society was out in front of us and we were not really held up. It’s about my fifth time playing there, I really enjoy the place and without doubt one of the best courses around.

On the membership, it’s good to see they have got rid of a €30k joining fee as I think in today’s climate that’s far too much. I like the idea of yearly membership, 3k is a little steep but I would consider joining up as I live not too far from it and would get to play it regularly as I do not have far to travel. Will I join up? No, not this year, as cash is tight and big work commitments coming up next year so probably will not be around much. I will certainly consider joining in 2010

1916

Bettyboo2u wrote: »

We played Castleknock last week, had to pay €60 per person. How did you get it for €30? In the past we have paid €90!

Betty, I'd say €30 was GF's with a member

Har44

we played in an open competition, €30 is the fee they charge, they have more opens coming up I believe, which are on their website but not on the GUI listing.

Bettyboo2u

Har44 wrote: »

we played in an open competition, €30 is the fee they charge, they have more opens coming up I believe, which are on their website but not on the GUI listing.

I don't have a GUI so i take it i would not be allowed to play in these competitions at these prices?