The 19th Hole

Mister Sifter

Interesting point cropped up in the thread about falling green fees, which i think deserves a thread of its own.

What do you do after a round and how important is it that:

a) a club has good clubhouse facilities
b) members/visitors support a club not just by paying the green fee but by popping in for a drink/food after their golf
c) how important is it for a club to have a membership which actively uses the clubhouse bar etc (not for profits, but for the 'club')

conno16

remember - demand the "golf experience"

-Chris-

What?

Daithio9

Invalid poll imo, no atari jaguar option.

ShriekingSheet

I think it's both good craic to stick around for at least a coffee afterwards, and also great for club atmosphere. There's always various characters in our club playing in groups around each other on the time sheet. You might not see them from one end of the round to the other, but will have a chat and a laugh in the bar after. Handy to catch the first half of the football too and head home during half time.

For me, the day can be expensive enough without having lunch everytime afterward, but I do like a coffee or the one beer after pretty much every game at the weekend.

ShriekingSheet

Daithio9 wrote: »

Invalid poll imo, no atari jaguar option.

Think there was a big debate about that on Feedback and it the option was removed... along with the chances of anyone taking part in the debate ever having a girlfriend

PhilipMarlowe

Sometimes for me.... never depends on how good, bad or indifferent I played but more to do with time.
I often play early on a Sunday morning and need to get home to keep the family happy.
It great to have the crack though and enjoy the banter in the clubhouse afterwards.... facilities etc. all very important - well, if they were gone then you'd have no club, just a course IMO.

Mister Sifter

I'd generally be one for going in after my round for at least a coffee and natter. I see alot of guys just turning up, shoes on at the car and then off again straight after and i often think they're missing out on so much.

Nothing worse than having to rush off after an eventful round and getting home and the only person you have there to tell the tale to, is someone who only wants to know 'did you play well?' before they point to the dishwasher and tell you that it needs emptied.

ShriekingSheet

South County junior scratch was a good example - rained off at about 11am and myselft, Licksy and Sifter bumped into thegen, kevinmarkham and Mag. Especially on days like that, the craic talking golf and shyte can be as much part of the day as the golf itself.

Mister Sifter

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

South County junior scratch was a good example - rained off at about 11am and myselft, Licksy and Sifter bumped into thegen, kevinmarkham and Mag. Especially on days like that, the craic talking golf and shyte can be as much part of the day as the golf itself.

Perfect example! Especially when the host picked up the tab

jimjo

Generally speaking its straight into the car and home. Mainly due to the fact there’s no real clubhouse spirit around the club, however in time and more members joining the club I feel this will change. After a round on a Sunday I would like to be able to have a drink and watch the second half of a game and have a bit of banter...

JCDUB

Good point Licksy, a club without actively social members is nothing more than a course.

I don't think it's nice to just play golf, get in the car and bolt. Having said that, I do understand that people have family committments etc. and can't always stay back for a coffee or a quick bite to eat.

But for people to do that every time they play golf is IMO mean and unneccessary. 99% of golf clubs are struggling in the current climate, and every € that is spent on the premises is a re-investment in the club.

I do also understand that there are drink driving issues, but a pint of coke is still fully legal and above board, and probably has a higher margin than a pint of lager.

I personally have had some great craic in my club after a round of golf on lots of occasions, sometimes with more than a few pints (obviously I leave the car if it's going that way) and other times with a cup of coffee or a bottle of Ballygowan.

It's important to get involved socially, and there's a multiplier effect involved too.The more people who stay back for a drink or a bit of grub, the more want to when they come in and see a crowded convivial clubhouse.

I have already expressed my disgust at the members of my club who come up at the end of December with their €100 still fully intact on their card since January and buy wine to take away with them so their €100 isn't "wasted" in the other thread, so all I'll say is, once again, shame on them.

That is not what the money was intended for.IMO if they can't somehow manage to spend €2 a week in the clubhouse they don't deserve to have the €100 put on their card in the first place.

ShriekingSheet

JCDUB wrote: »

I have already expressed my disgust at the members of my club who come up at the end of December with their €100 still fully intact on their card since January and buy wine to take away with them so their €100 isn't "wasted" in the other thread, so all I'll say is, once again, shame on them.
.

Well said JCDUB. It's criminal!

thegen

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

South County junior scratch was a good example - rained off at about 11am and myselft, Licksy and Sifter bumped into thegen, kevinmarkham and Mag. Especially on days like that, the craic talking golf and shyte can be as much part of the day as the golf itself.

Sheet I think you hit the nail on the head, we did talk some shyte;)
I agree it is important to go in if only for a coffee, this leads to a good club atmosphere.

mag

Licksy wrote: »

I often play early on a Sunday morning and need to get home to keep the family happy.

same as that here for playing at my home course. nearly always when i play away ill usually drop in afterwards, good to check out away facilities and ive usually got a 'day pass' when travelling to play

f22

I always try to pop in after a game, always a bit of craic and banter. We also have the luxury of a really good Asian chef now too.

I agree too on the end of year buy in bulk thing to clear the card. In all fairness we have a great group of members that support the club very well midweek and at the weekends.

stumpypeeps

f22 wrote: »

We also have the luxury of a really good Asian chef now too.

:eek::eek::eek:

I'm sure if every club had an Asian chef we'd all be popping in!

The last 3 meals I've had in a club house bordered on criminal.

BigAl>>

stumpypeeps wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek:

I'm sure if every club had an Asian chef we'd all be popping in!

The last 3 meals I've had in a club house bordered on criminal.

Would tht be into the club or chef???:D

Oh and as for food! maybe try the food in Rathcore next time your out tht way.......its pretty good and they do a great pint of the black stuff to go with it.:cool:


.

stumpypeeps

BigAl>> wrote: »

Would tht be into the club or chef???:D

...they do a great pint of the black stuff to go with it


.

Therein lies the problem. The greater responsibility when it comes to drink driving means a lot of clubs down the country have suffered terribly. Thats why so many now shut for the winter.

I don't think that problem exists in clubs in a city or town.

f22

stumpypeeps wrote: »

:eek::eek::eek:

I'm sure if every club had an Asian chef we'd all be popping in!

The last 3 meals I've had in a club house bordered on criminal.

We put up with muck on a plate for years believe me!

brianrcarney

Definitely in for grub with the lads after, always great craic as we only get together as a group once a week, plus we have a side bet which usually ends up double or quits on a game of snooker!! Love my saturdays...

BigAl>>

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Therein lies the problem. The greater responsibility when it comes to drink driving means a lot of clubs down the country have suffered terribly. Thats why so many now shut for the winter.

I don't think that problem exists in clubs in a city or town.

I hear wht your saying and as a possible solution to this!

There are 3 of us that play fairly often together and when we can we try to take only one car and this allows 2 to have a pint while all 3 enjoy the food and craic after the round........ oh and we rotate each time whos driving.

stumpypeeps

BigAl>> wrote: »

I hear wht your saying and as a possible solution to this!

There are 3 of us that play fairly often together and when we can we try to take only one car and this allows 2 to have a pint while all 3 enjoy the food and craic after the round........ oh and we rotate each time whos driving.

Yeah we do it up and down, just isn't the same though. Always end up heading away home and meeting up for a few pints later.

I wonder do people with families tend to hang around longer after???

Bluefoam

JCDUB wrote: »

I have already expressed my disgust at the members of my club who come up at the end of December with their €100 still fully intact on their card since January and buy wine to take away with them so their €100 isn't "wasted" in the other thread, so all I'll say is, once again, shame on them.

That is not what the money was intended for.IMO if they can't somehow manage to spend €2 a week in the clubhouse they don't deserve to have the €100 put on their card in the first place.

A bit ott in my opinion. Lots of people have no interest in socialising in the club and only joined for the golf course. Why should they subsidise you? BTW, the €100 on their card was charged to them in advance at the begining of the year...

stumpypeeps

Bluefoam wrote: »

A bit ott in my opinion. Lots of people have no interest in socialising in the club and only joined for the golf course. Why should they subsidise you? BTW, the €100 on their card was charged to them in advance at the begining of the year...

+1

I think in a lot of cases the majority of the members are subsidising the few.

f22

Depends on your club, I actually like most of the members of my club, there's always a bit of craic in the bar.

I have two small kids but I'll still make time to at least pop in for a coke and a quick chat. I joined a "club", I play for my club and do what I can to support it, be that a coke, some lunch or a few pints the odd time.

It also makes me laugh that the same people who never support anything are the first to complain.

thegen

stumpypeeps wrote: »

+1

I think in a lot of cases the majority of the members are subsidising the few.

Stumpy, I would'nt say it is the case. I know it is €300.00 on our bar tab and I spent in excess of €600.00 last year.So no one is subsidising me.I would use it for sunday lunch with the family as well as a soup and sandwich after games on the weekend. It is really annoying when you see lads getting ready in the car park and not making any attemting to integrate into a club. Sure if all they wanted was to play golf green fees would be a cheaper option.

stumpypeeps

thegen wrote: »

Stumpy, I would'nt say it is the case. I know it is €300.00 on our bar tab and I spent in excess of €600.00 last year.So no one is subsidising me.I would use it for sunday lunch with the family as well as a soup and sandwich after games on the weekend. It is really annoying when you see lads getting ready in the car park and not making any attemting to integrate into a club. Sure if all they wanted was to play golf green fees would be a cheaper option.

Well thats fair enough and I'm sure a lot of people are in the same boat as you, so I probably shouldn't be making such sweeping generalisations.

I guess my main point is that in these difficult times, perhaps its better to let a bar/restaurant stand on its own two feet. And abandon subs and get more members in at a better rate. I think certain people will always resent being forced to pay for something. Just a thought.

Nigel Farage

I always like to go in to the clubhouse after a game for a cup of coffee and discuss the round. There is usually a few hanging around for a bit of banter which makes it all the better.

JCDUB

stumpypeeps wrote: »

+1

I think in a lot of cases the majority of the members are subsidising the few.

How do you make that out?
In what way are a majority subsidising a few by not going to the bar and spending their money which they have paid to the club?

I presume you're not trying to say that the people who are using the club facilities and spending money in their club are in some way being subsidised by those who don't use it?

stumpypeeps

JCDUB wrote: »

How do you make that out?
In what way are a majority subsidising a few by not going to the bar and spending their money which they have paid to the club?

I presume you're not trying to say that the people who are using the club facilities and spending money in their club are in some way being subsidised by those who don't use it?

Look at the poll. It seems the majority here don't use the facilities.

I'm saying the bar shouldn't be subsidised, let it stand on its own two feet. Stop charging certain members extra for a service many don't want. These are difficult times.

You were saying earlier that clubs were having a hard time attracting new members and keeping current members. I'm saying reduce subscriptions, one way of doing this is to scrap subs for the bar.

I hear so much about drainage and conditioning on courses, so much complaining. Well if you reduce the staff in the bar/restaurant, most of which don't make money as far as I'm aware, and get more staff out on the course you can improve playing conditions. Which, for me personally, is where my priorities lie. But I am a green keeper of course.

Just a thought. I am interested as to why you feel so strongly about bar/restaurant facilities?

BigAl>>

I would try to use the club facilities when time permits.... but with work and family thts not always possible:mad: But the main reason i am there is to play the course but truly enjoy the craic of sitting in the bar afterwards................. discussing the round. As was said b4! its not the same trying to explin to the wife how great a it was to cut the corner, carry the bunker and stop 2ft from the pin!!!:eek: women jus dnt get excited about stuff like we do. ( hope she gets excited about the set of clubs I bought for xmas for our son..... he's 2 lmfao)

JCDUB

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Look at the poll. It seems the majority here don't use the facilities.

I'm saying the bar shouldn't be subsidised, let it stand on its own two feet. Stop charging certain members extra for a service many don't want. These are difficult times.

Just a thought. I am interested as to why you feel so strongly about bar/restaurant facilities?

Hi stumpy,

The bar is not subsidised, it does stand on its own two feet. We are simply asked to contribute to the atmosphere by being asked to spend €100 over the course of the year.
In fairness it's a pittance when you break it down.

Also to be taken into consideration is the fact that we only have one full time bartender, light and heat are negligible as the clubhouse has to be lit and heated anyway, and as stated earlier our bar takings are going to be up on last year, due to the fact that the less frugal of us don't begrudge spending the odd €5 on soup and a sambo or €4 on a pint.

I consider it like this: we as members of a club are asked to participate in the social aspect of the club by spending a small amount of money in the bar over the course of the year. I believe that without this social contribution our golf club becomes nothing more than a golf course, with no atmosphere, no friendly welcome and eventually no members.

The social aspect of a club is what makes it just that: a club.

I honestly don't think dropping the annual sub by €100 (usually the bar contribution) will make any sort of realistic difference to membership numbers in the long term, and think it will have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere in the clubhouse, which none of us can afford in these tough times.

rafared

It varies for me. Lately we have been giving the bar a miss because of cost, time and the fact that the catering in our place is very hit and miss.
When we play away for an open or whatever we almost always go in for a bit of lunch afterwards.
We had a regular saturday morning round followed by a fry-up but the guy running the kitchen refused to cook us one a while back so now we go else where.

stumpypeeps

JCDUB wrote: »

Hi stumpy,

The bar is not subsidised, it does stand on its own two feet. We are simply asked to contribute to the atmosphere by being asked to spend €100 over the course of the year.
In fairness it's a pittance when you break it down.

Also to be taken into consideration is the fact that we only have one full time bartender, light and heat are negligible as the clubhouse has to be lit and heated anyway, and as stated earlier our bar takings are going to be up on last year, due to the fact that the less frugal of us don't begrudge spending the odd €5 on soup and a sambo or €4 on a pint.

I consider it like this: we as members of a club are asked to participate in the social aspect of the club by spending a small amount of money in the bar over the course of the year. I believe that without this social contribution our golf club becomes nothing more than a golf course, with no atmosphere, no friendly welcome and eventually no members.

The social aspect of a club is what makes it just that: a club.

I honestly don't think dropping the annual sub by €100 (usually the bar contribution) will make any sort of realistic difference to membership numbers in the long term, and think it will have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere in the clubhouse, which none of us can afford in these tough times.

Good points, taken on board.:)

fonda

Nearly always go for food, drinks depends on wether I'm driving or not, think the food and chat is part of the day out, go back and discuss the rounds play, no point in just jumping in your car and heading home!

billy3sheets

JCDUB wrote: »

Hi stumpy,

The bar is not subsidised, it does stand on its own two feet. We are simply asked to contribute to the atmosphere by being asked to spend €100 over the course of the year.
In fairness it's a pittance when you break it down.

Also to be taken into consideration is the fact that we only have one full time bartender, light and heat are negligible as the clubhouse has to be lit and heated anyway, and as stated earlier our bar takings are going to be up on last year, due to the fact that the less frugal of us don't begrudge spending the odd €5 on soup and a sambo or €4 on a pint.

I consider it like this: we as members of a club are asked to participate in the social aspect of the club by spending a small amount of money in the bar over the course of the year. I believe that without this social contribution our golf club becomes nothing more than a golf course, with no atmosphere, no friendly welcome and eventually no members.

The social aspect of a club is what makes it just that: a club.

I honestly don't think dropping the annual sub by €100 (usually the bar contribution) will make any sort of realistic difference to membership numbers in the long term, and think it will have a detrimental effect on the atmosphere in the clubhouse, which none of us can afford in these tough times.

Very good points JCDUB.
On an away course, I do like to turn up a bit early for a coffee or hang around and have some food afterward, time permitting. Prefer a restaurant more than a bar as it's usually to early for drinks or else I'm driving.

On my home curse, I don't play in the same 4 ball week in & out. I really enjoy sitting down after the game and chatting with new people I've played with - you often are focused on the game and don't chat much on the course.
I pay €100 per year bar levy & I easily get through it. I've spent none of it much on alcohol. I often grab a bar & bottle before or after the game.
I occasionally take a few friends out for a game and enjoy a drink afterward. I also try to get my family out for dinner there 3 or 4 times a year. I've easily blown €100 in 1 night on bad food & wine :mad:

JCDUB

billy3sheets wrote: »

I've easily blown €100 in 1 night on bad food & wine :mad:

Sadly, I think we've all been in that position billy:(

As f22 said in another thread though, we have an excellent Asian chef since early in the year and the improvement has been immense.:cool:

Hot n sour soup after you get in out of that wind n rain, mmmmmmm.

thoscon

im generally straight into the car and head home after the round to get home to the wife and kids.
when we are playing with the society we generally hang around for a drink until everyone is in to see how they got on.