Are membership prices going to drop further?

D Hayes

Monkstown GC is currently accepting new membership applications. The joining fee is approx 11 grand. This is payable over 9 years.

I appreciate that this is still expensive these days. But what happens if I accept it at this rate, and 5 years down the line they decide to waive the joining fee completely? Tough sh!t?

Is it likely that this could happen?

Osgoodisgood

buysellswap wrote: »

Monkstown GC is currently accepting new membership applications. The joining fee is approx 11 grand. This is payable over 9 years.

I appreciate that this is still expensive these days. But what happens if I accept it at this rate, and 5 years down the line they decide to waive the joining fee completely? Tough sh!t?

Is it likely that this could happen?

Sure it could happen. Everyone that paid twice as much for a house as they could buy it for now knows the feeling.

It depends on how much you want it.

f22

Indeed it is tough ****.

If you deem the 9k as value over the many years you will play there join up now. In 5 years time the entrance fee may be less but who knows.

Many people paid entrance fees (like myself) over the last few years only to see those fees drop, and eliminated in some cases. I've always viewed it as a long term thing, the money's gone so no point in thinking about it.

mike12

If north county Dublin is anything to go by then yes, I don't think there are many clubs where there is a joining fee now. Could you join some where else for a year and see do they drop it or get rid of it in the next year.
Mike

f22

mike12 wrote: »

If north county Dublin is anything to go by then yes, I don't think there are many clubs where there is a joining fee now. Could you join some where else for a year and see do they drop it or get rid of it in the next year.
Mike

Still quite a few Mike with joining fees, all the older more established clubs still command entrance fees.

LittleLiam

The price of golf in this country is still way over the odds. Still a good bit of consolidation in the market to come. Too many clubs, a dwindling number of people looking for membership and a dash of cop on among consumers.

Anyone paying a joining fee in the thousands for courses like Forrest Little, Royal Tara, Black Bush etc, need their heads looked.

f22

LittleLiam wrote: »

The price of golf in this country is still way over the odds. Still a good bit of consolidation in the market to come. Too many clubs, a dwindling number of people looking for membership and a dash of cop on among consumers.

Anyone paying a joining fee in the thousands for courses like Forrest Little, Royal Tara, Black Bush etc, need their heads looked.

While perfectly entitled to your opinion, some clubs won't (or don't have to) eliminate joing fees completely. While I can't comment on the other two, I know for fact that at least 20 people disagree with you and joined Forrest Little this year. I haven't played a parkland course this Summer in better condition either.

I had the choice of several clubs when I joined, some of which haven't dropped fees at all to date (which is ridiculous).

Daithio9

buysellswap wrote: »

Monkstown GC is currently accepting new membership applications. The joining fee is approx 11 grand. This is payable over 9 years.

I appreciate that this is still expensive these days. But what happens if I accept it at this rate, and 5 years down the line they decide to waive the joining fee completely? Tough sh!t?

Is it likely that this could happen?

It's possible yes, but it's equally possible it could go the other way, only you can decide if you can afford it and it represents value for you.

LittleLiam

f22 wrote: »

While perfectly entitled to your opinion, some clubs won't (or don't have to) eliminate joing fees completely. While I can't comment on the other two, I know for fact that at least 20 people disagree with you and joined Forrest Little this year. I haven't played a parkland course this Summer in better condition either.

I had the choice of several clubs when I joined, some of which haven't dropped fees at all to date (which is ridiculous).

Well, you would say that, seeing as you're a member there who paid big cash to join it a few years ago. It's in your interest that the joining fee remains, and remains high. So, with all due respect, i'll dismiss your opinion.

As for it currently being the best condition of any parkland around - don't make me laugh.

thegen

LittleLiam wrote: »

Well, you would say that, seeing as you're a member there who paid big cash to join it a few years ago. It's in your interest that the joining fee remains, and remains high. So, with all due respect, i'll dismiss your opinion.

As for it currently being the best condition of any parkland around - don't make me laugh.

Little, how did you join your present club? Was it through the jnr ranks or did you apply and go through interview process and hand over money?

LittleLiam

thegen wrote: »

Little, how did you join your present club? Was it through the jnr ranks or did you apply and go through interview process and hand over money?

Neither of the above.

thegen

LittleLiam wrote: »

Neither of the above.

Would you like to share with us how you are a member of a club?

f22

LittleLiam wrote: »

Well, you would say that, seeing as you're a member there who paid big cash to join it a few years ago. It's in your interest that the joining fee remains, and remains high. So, with all due respect, i'll dismiss your opinion.

As for it currently being the best condition of any parkland around - don't make me laugh.

Dismiss all you want, the fees are way less than I paid, water under the bridge as far as i'm concerned. My money is gone either way so it's of no concern of mine what the club chooses to do.

In terms of course condition, if you read my post correctly I mentioned courses I've played this Summer, which are quite a few.

As a matter of interest, where do you play yourself?

Tom Ghostwood

Our club just introduced an offer where you pay for two years membership in one lot for 1100e. Its 700 for one year. Oughterard halved their joing fee fromm 3 grand to 1500. Still wouldnt pay it though. The course was in waaay better shape this time last year.

Boden08

Could be in the market for a move unless my club drops their fees for next year. Any views on best value ( not cheapest!) 18 hole course in Sth west Dublin or surrounding - would be prepared to pay a joining fee ( <4k) if required. Your opinions and recommendations are welcome - I've looked on the GUI site, but believe there are others not advertising there...

thegen

Boden08 wrote: »

Could be in the market for a move unless my club drops their fees for next year. Any views on best value ( not cheapest!) 18 hole course in Sth west Dublin or surrounding - would be prepared to pay a joining fee ( <4k) if required. Your opinions and recommendations are welcome - I've looked on the GUI site, but believe there are others not advertising there...

Boden, lots of deals available.PM me for offers in my club if you like.

Boden08

Thanks Gen,
PM sent - anyone else got other suggestions or views on where to go?

soundsham

buysellswap wrote: »

Monkstown GC is currently accepting new membership applications. The joining fee is approx 11 grand. This is payable over 9 years.

I appreciate that this is still expensive these days. But what happens if I accept it at this rate, and 5 years down the line they decide to waive the joining fee completely? Tough sh!t?

Is it likely that this could happen?

Crazy money even though I know it's come way down..... Not a great test really is it ?
very very short

Would you not go somewhere else ?

Anyway the question you asked is the same for all members joining all clubs
The fee is for the current year if it rises or falls next year is a different days story

I suppose the membership is needed to cover the debts on the new clubhouse,what happens if it closes??

gawoo1012

mike12 wrote: »

If north county Dublin is anything to go by then yes, I don't think there are many clubs where there is a joining fee now. Could you join some where else for a year and see do they drop it or get rid of it in the next year.
Mike

If you're living in Nth County Dublin then Concra Wood at 1K per annum for full membership is serious value for a top quality course. I live in Lucan and can be on the 1st teebox in 75 mins from my door on a Sunday morning...M50- M1 . You'd do it in 50-55 mins from the airport. None of the courses mentioned would be in the same class.

f22

gawoo1012 wrote: »

If you're living in Nth County Dublin then Concra Wood at 1K per annum for full membership is serious value for a top quality course. I live in Lucan and can be on the 1st teebox in 75 mins from my door on a Sunday morning...M50- M1 . You'd do it in 50-55 mins from the airport. None of the courses mentioned would be in the same class.

Neither is having to drive for 2 to 2.5 hours to play a around of golf.

Location is a huge factor of anybody choosing to join a course, practice or a few evening holes are hardly an option.

LittleLiam

gawoo1012 wrote: »

If you're living in Nth County Dublin then Concra Wood at 1K per annum for full membership is serious value for a top quality course. I live in Lucan and can be on the 1st teebox in 75 mins from my door on a Sunday morning...M50- M1 . You'd do it in 50-55 mins from the airport. None of the courses mentioned would be in the same class.

Yeah, that's a brilliant idea, isn't it.

jimjo

f22 wrote: »

Neither is having to drive for 2 to 2.5 hours to play a around of golf.

Location is a huge factor of anybody choosing to join a course, practice or a few evening holes are hardly an option.

Exactly, besides you'd end up spending another grand on top of that on fuel costs with the price of petrol these days!

So in the spring or summer if you wanted to play 4-5 holes in the evenings you'd have to drive 2 hours to do so.... no chance!

trackerman

I'm in Clonee and looking for full membership with a view to playing weekly.
I can't decide between the following:

1. Black Bush at €2500 to join including 1st years fees (€1150pa)
Just 18 minutes from my home.

2. Headfort at €2500 + €850 fees
Just 40 minutes + €4 tolls from my home.

Headfort seems to be the better course but I'm thinking I might get out more in Black Bush...

Anyone care to comment on factors I should consider?

Jimdagym

trackerman wrote: »

I'm in Clonee and looking for full membership with a view to playing weekly.
I can't decide between the following:

1. Black Bush at €2500 to join including 1st years fees (€1150pa)
Just 18 minutes from my home.

2. Headfort at €2500 + €850 fees
Just 40 minutes + €4 tolls from my home.

Headfort seems to be the better course but I'm thinking I might get out more in Black Bush...

Anyone care to comment on factors I should consider?

Does headfort cover both courses?

trackerman

Jimdagym wrote: »

Does headfort cover both courses?

Don't know, but I would hope it does.

Jimdagym

trackerman wrote: »

Don't know, but I would hope it does.

If it does, then thats by far the best deal, all other things being equal. Little bit further away for you though. Toughie.

trackerman

Just confirmed that this price does indeed cover both new and old Headfort....

amgd28

Enquired about joining Edmonstown GC. Was first asked where I was from (I'm local) and what club I currently play out of (I don't - I'm looking to get back into playing regularly, hence the enquiry).

Was quoted €10k joining fee, annual subs of €1860, inclusive of €200 bar tab

Given the reductions elsewhere, I was a bit disappointed with the price quoted, but it's their perogative. Green fees are only 45 there these days, so given how much I'd get out there would be no way I could justify the 10K. I could justify the annual subs alright as I would use the practice facilities etc and I think I'd play much more often, but I suppose I can always revisit the idea some other time.

Any alternatives I should consider?

trackerman

amgd28 wrote: »

Enquired about joining Edmonstown GC. Was first asked where I was from (I'm local) and what club I currently play out of (I don't - I'm looking to get back into playing regularly, hence the enquiry).

Was quoted €10k joining fee, annual subs of €1860, inclusive of €200 bar tab

Given the reductions elsewhere, I was a bit disappointed with the price quoted, but it's their perogative. Green fees are only 45 there these days, so given how much I'd get out there would be no way I could justify the 10K. I could justify the annual subs alright as I would use the practice facilities etc and I think I'd play much more often, but I suppose I can always revisit the idea some other time.

Any alternatives I should consider?

Some clubs in high density popuation areas will not need to drop prices, they have no problem getting members, for example Hermitage is another, 12k sign on fee.

Johnny_Fontane

trackerman wrote: »

I'm in Clonee and looking for full membership with a view to playing weekly.
I can't decide between the following:

1. Black Bush at €2500 to join including 1st years fees (€1150pa)
Just 18 minutes from my home.

2. Headfort at €2500 + €850 fees
Just 40 minutes + €4 tolls from my home.

Headfort seems to be the better course but I'm thinking I might get out more in Black Bush...

Anyone care to comment on factors I should consider?

Headfort (new) is a super course - black bush is not in the same league. What about Knightsbrook as an option? there are great deals there at the moment, pm if you are interested.

quagmar

Johnny_Fontane wrote: »

Headfort (new) is a super course - black bush is not in the same league. What about Knightsbrook as an option? there are great deals there at the moment, pm if you are interested.

Does anyone know are the fees of 2500+850 right? Is the 2500 payable over time or in one payment? When does the membership is start? 1st January or is it effective from time of payment? Is there a high rejection rate or do most get accepted at the current moment?

Mister Sifter

quagmar wrote: »

Does anyone know are the fees of 2500+850 right? Is the 2500 payable over time or in one payment? When does the membership is start? 1st January or is it effective from time of payment? Is there a high rejection rate or do most get accepted at the current moment?

Headfort Golf Club
Kells, Co.Meath, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)46 9240146
Fax: +353 (0)46 9249282 Email:info@headfortgolfclub.ie

quagmar

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Headfort Golf Club
Kells, Co.Meath, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)46 9240146
Fax: +353 (0)46 9249282 Email:info@headfortgolfclub.ie

I know the number everyone can check that looking for the details without ringing.

Mister Sifter

quagmar wrote: »

I know the number everyone can check that looking for the details without ringing.

I've heard that Headfort will accept pretty much anyone, apart from those who are afraid of using the telephone.

Pick up the phone to them and they'll answer your queries in all of 60 seconds.

CaptainPendulum

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Headfort Golf Club
Kells, Co.Meath, Ireland
Tel: +353 (0)46 9240146
Fax: +353 (0)46 9249282 Email:info@headfortgolfclub.ie

You don't happen to have the number for 11890 by any chance?

f22

CaptainPendulum wrote: »

You don't happen to have the number for 11890 by any chance?

Ìf you phone 11850 they should have the number for 11890!

Sandwlch

quagmar wrote: »

I know the number everyone can check that looking for the details without ringing.

Freddie Couples the only other the only other golfing telephonephobe I can think of, but they are unlikely to hold it against you. If you do call, and negotiate a little you might even get a better deal than the headline rates.

trackerman

Headford fees are 850 + about 150 levies for gui membership and insurance etc.
The 850 is applied pro-rata through the year, so from now it would be apprix 280 (4/12ths).


Phone call was free, knowing what to ask.. priceless.