Recessional Times

TradeSecrets

In the light of the recent downturn in the economy, do you think that the saturation of golf clubs in the greater Dublin area will lead to the closure of clubs and the major reduction of fees? I have heard that a few of the major clubs around the Lucan area would be closed if it wasn't for golf societies. Will being a member of a golf society pave the way for the future of the ordinary golf player?

stockdam

I think golf clubs will suffer. People will not want to spend so much all at once and will move towards pay as you play.

bigtimecharlie

Blarney (John Daly) golf resort is up for sale in Cork. Sign of the times I'm afraid.

As I'm on shift work, I play alot during the week and some courses are very empty.

callaway92

Thurles in Tipp is also in big trouble after getting the new nine holes...They are losing more business than they are gaining..They asked for €30 per person for a society outing..The society said no way..Went to Cahir intead and got €15 per person..Good price

The_Kew_Tour

TradeSecrets wrote: »

In the light of the recent downturn in the economy, do you think that the saturation of golf clubs in the greater Dublin area will lead to the closure of clubs and the major reduction of fees? I have heard that a few of the major clubs around the Lucan area would be closed if it wasn't for golf societies. Will being a member of a golf society pave the way for the future of the ordinary golf player?

I think it will alright. I think fees for some of the major courses will go down but that can only be good thing I suppose really isnt it?

callaway92

Oh ya..And a lot of courses are taking away the new member levy's now...

Mister Sifter

Courses have perhaps been getting away with it for too long. A lot of them are now going to have to really change their membership and green fee systems to keep afloat. I'd imagine more than a few of the share membership clubs will now need to consider offering no rights annual membership.

Interesting times. As much as i hope it brings reduced fees and more membership options, i really hope clubs don't go under. I don't think any golfer would wish that. A kick up the rear end for many who deserve it all the same.

Would never wish to be a society golfer only myself, but i think alot of golfers will look to this route instead of full membership. Particularly those who don't play too much and are looking to save a few quid in tighter times. many will no doubt give their memberships up and look to societies / pay as you play courses. The ones i feel sorry for are those who paid thousands to join a club. Some of them will have lost a fair chunk of money no doubt.

stockdam

Graeme1982 wrote: »

Courses have perhaps been getting away with it for too long. A lot of them are now going to have to really change their membership and green fee systems to keep afloat. I'd imagine more than a few of the share membership clubs will now need to consider offering no rights annual membership.

Interesting times. As much as i hope it brings reduced fees and more membership options, i really hope clubs don't go under. I don't think any golfer would wish that. A kick up the rear end for many who deserve it all the same.

I think too many courses think that golf is about big club houses and facilities. I think that will have to change and the focus on basic but adequate facilities.


I hope none go under cos I love playing them all (well nearly all).

The large joining fees stopped in N.I. a while back and I was glad to see that. It should allow golf to be more affordable.

TradeSecrets

So its a Win Win situation ?? Maybe its one upside to a downturn !!

ShriekingSheet

Funny that a lot of people seem to be suggesting many will turn to societies instead of club golf. I've heard that many societies are beginning to dwindle.

It's logical when you think of it. There are all different types of societies but I've had a good bit of experience of Dublin ones, being a member of 4 over the years and a guest at many more. And it seemed to me the the vast majority of society members were also club members.

The logic I guess is if these guys have paid up entrance and annual subs, given the times, the trade off is 7 euro in their home club for a weekend comp versus 20-70 euro on a society day (just for golf) which is probably followed by dinner, drinks etc and if it's midweek will require a day off work...

For me, societies are a great way to stay in touch with ex school mates, football teams, work collegues or local pub regulars. But it's not cheap.

I can see why it's becoming (as it used to be) the best first step for a beginner as opposed to joining a club but I don't agree with the theory that we'll see regular golf club members leaving clubs in favour of society golf. But of course, some people may not be able to afford a fee so there's cases where priorities must be checked - but this wouldn't constitute a major trend IMO.

The UK are a little bit further dwn the line from us, having started their recession earlier. And the general rule has become entrance fees are still present but only x2 the annual subs. The golf club industry has stabalised at that level.

copacetic

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

The UK are a little bit further dwn the line from us, having started their recession earlier. And the general rule has become entrance fees are still present but only x2 the annual subs. The golf club industry has stabalised at that level.

wouldn't have said that was the case. Most clubs I know in the UK really stuggle for members and have no joining fee at all. They are just happy to get someone in willing to pay a yearly sub. I guess it depends on a lot on where the club is.

Mister Sifter

copacetic wrote: »

wouldn't have said that was the case. Most clubs I know in the UK really stuggle for members and have no joining fee at all. They are just happy to get someone in willing to pay a yearly sub. I guess it depends on a lot on where the club is.

That would be my experience too. Similar to here, courses in the cities still have their joining fees, whereas those in the rural areas don't. In saying that my own club at home is in the arse end of nowehere, with a population around 3-4 thousand and it is only now looking to remove the joining fee.

ShriekingSheet

copacetic wrote: »

wouldn't have said that was the case. Most clubs I know in the UK really stuggle for members and have no joining fee at all. They are just happy to get someone in willing to pay a yearly sub. I guess it depends on a lot on where the club is.

Yeah maybe so. I mean, my point wasn't exactly fact - just something I'd heard anicdotally from one or two guys over there - could be off the mark. And like you said, prob no different to here where places further from population densities struggle more.

I don't see as much doom and gloom as many seem to be though. Like, around 95% of clubs are 10 years old or more with relatively full memberships. Their business model is established and depends only on 1) annual subs, 2) green fees and 3) societies.

I think it is unlikely people who've ploughed in €XXX over the years will look to save the 1k or 2k a year subs and cancel membership. Some will need to for financial reasons but this is rare IMO.

As people have suggested, societies could be on the up. If this is the case, ditto with clubs income from societies.

Green fees may suffer but these are probably a small enough factor for non-top 10 clubs.

If I'm right in my logic, 95% of clubs are safe enough - even if they can't afford luxuries like course development.

Out of the other 5% of courses built in the last 10 years, many are actually doing well, like my own place. I hate to say it but I do feel there is a certain rumour-mill factor that means "financial difficulty" can frequently be hugely exaggurated around clubs. It's not a nice part of human nature but guys can be inclined to jump on board any kind of rumour about "them accross the hedge are in serious trouble".

Golf, as a game that is still growing in popularity at a good rate and will continue to get little boosts given Harrington's performances and McIlroy could be something of a rock star embassador if he realises what potential he seems to have. Especially being so young and (dare i say it) cooler than Harrington A country having a world star is a key catalyst in the growth of any sport in that region. A new influx of interest will create memberships - even if it's just a trickle.

what2do

TradeSecrets wrote: »

I have heard that a few of the major clubs around the Lucan area would be closed if it wasn't for golf societies. Will being a member of a golf society pave the way for the future of the ordinary golf player?

Interesting this - what are the major courses around Lucan??