Irelands Augusta

sweetswing

What in your opinion is irelands most exclusive golf club???.
I don't mean witch one cost the most, but witch one is the hardest to get a game on , is snobbery still alive and well in the current economical climate ??

Trampas

I hear Clane GC is very hard to get a game

scrubber72

Have to say its got to be amongst the K club, Old head and ballybunion with Lahinch close too. Although all great courses with the exception of the K club I dread going into the clubhouses to sign in as the welcome isnt well a welcome to be frank.

Corkblowin

I dunno scrubber, never had any issues in the Old Head and Ballybunion (been a while since I was in Lahinch).

I agree totally with K Club and add Carton to the mix - professionals have a real chip in their shoulder - you feel like you're in their way.

scrubber72

its the superiority complex that gets to me. Maybe its me and my inferiority complex.;).
I dont have the top line equipment and dont look like i am dripping with money but I dress respectable enough, no jeans or manky pants, and although I have played all off them 3 or 4 times it just annoys me when some jumped up tw*t gives me the one over and assumes I couldnt hit it out of my way.:rolleyes:

mike12

All the suggestions so far hold regular opens so i'd say none of them maybe Portmarnock or Royal Dublin the Island never any cheap rounds to be had on any of them.
Mike

f22

mike12 wrote: »

All the suggestions so far hold regular opens so i'd say none of them maybe Portmarnock or Royal Dublin the Island never any cheap rounds to be had on any of them.
Mike

Not entirely true, I played 3 opens in Royal Dublin this Summer and several semi opens in the Island. Have to agree none of the above are overly welcoming though.

Mister Sifter

When i think of snobby clubs it's the likes of Milltown, Castle, Grange that come to mind - distinctly mediocre courses, but with locked up memberships and huge delusions of grandeur.

I'm half tempted to throw Clontarf and Elm Park in there too...

Dero123

On the snobery front I'd throw in Edmonstown, horrible place and course..

Old Head is probably the most exclusive

Swingguru

Up here in the north try Royal Belfast. Average age about 90, mostly retired judges, senior civil servants and medical professionals. Massive attitude issues. A great course, totally underplayed.

Nuri Sahin

Dero123 wrote: »

On the snobery front I'd throw in Edmonstown, horrible place and course..

Old Head is probably the most exclusive

Lived across the road from Edmonstown for many a year and have played it many times as a kid(greenfee for the most part). Have to say I've never had any problems with the staff and always thought of them as very friendly. I think your being very harsh on the course too IMO.

Disagree about Royal Dublin as well as Carton House too. Always been a pleasure during the round and post-round in the clubhouses.

Anyway. Worst experience for me was the Castle by far. Snobbery unmatched by any other club I've ever played at. I think they were mystified seeing a lad from a different ethnic background playing. One snidey comment sticks out as I was walking on the 1st tee, I was itching to say something after smacking one right down the middle but playing with a friend and member of the club thought better of it

Sifter has pretty much mentioned the others clubs I had in mind as well.

fullstop

Mister Sifter wrote: »

When i think of snobby clubs it's the likes of Milltown, Castle, Grange that come to mind - distinctly mediocre courses, but with locked up memberships and huge delusions of grandeur.

I'm half tempted to throw Clontarf and Elm Park in there too...

Elm Park has got to be in there...so far up their own holes it's unreal.

heavyballs

fullstop wrote: »

Elm Park has got to be in there...so far up their own holes it's unreal.

you bet me to it,i like the course but what a pack of powicks.

Trampas

I thought this about getting a game of golf on.

Nealry all of the courses mentioned here you can get a game on the course no problem.

sweetswing

Trampas wrote: »

I thought this about getting a game of golf on.

Nealry all of the courses mentioned here you can get a game on the course no problem.

True , I have played a lot of the courses above with little or no problem.
Does anyone know of strictly members clubs only ?
A pal of mine said he would say royal county down would be all most impossible to get a game on? Any one on here ever play it?

Sir Shankalot

Just to respond to a few clubs mentioned....

Royal Dublin - quite friendly in many aspects but the fact I was not allowed to remove my suit jacket at dinner is farcical. Apparently you need the Captain's permission...I was there on an outing...the Captain of the club was not on the premises!!

K-Club - have played there a few times and didn't find it snooty at all I must admit...I did think 17.50 for a the K-Club sandwich was a bit rich tho!

Royal Co Down - best course I have ever played and the worst welcome ever received. "We're here a little early...wondering if we could get some food"...."there is no food for visitors today....just for members...try a hotel" - what a prick

Glencarraig

The winner on the snob league has to be the new Dun Laoghaire. I have never come across such a shower of total ars***les in all the years I have been playing golf. To start with you have a barrier at the front gate and you have to use the intercom to get in!!. I hear that they are in trouble moneywise and are having trouble keeping that massive millstone of a clubhouse going, forgive me if I dont feel sorry for them.

Myksyk

Never had a problem with Lahinch altho it has been usually thru society outings. Wouldn't say you'd get a green fee spot at the weekend tho ... Lahinch has the largest mebership in the country and I'd say there would be extremely high demand at weekends.

ThunderCat

sweetswing wrote: »

Does anyone know of strictly members clubs only ?
A pal of mine said he would say royal county down would be all most impossible to get a game on? Any one on here ever play it?

Don't know of any members clubs in this country but there are a few alright in Scotland and England. Thankfully the best courses in both those country's can be played by visitors.
With regards Royal County Down, I've played it a few times and it's as easy to book a game on there as it is on any other course. The only restriction they have is that they dont allow visitors 7 days a week - just Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday(pm) - dont quote me on the days but it's something similar to that.
I think most courses are difficult to get a game on at weekends due to timesheets being in operation for the members, but if you are a visitor and you want a weekday game, I don't think there is a course in the country you will have a problem getting on.

The_Architect

ThunderCat wrote: »

Don't know of any members clubs in this country but there are a few alright in Scotland and England. Thankfully the best courses in both those country's can be played by visitors.
With regards Royal County Down, I've played it a few times and it's as easy to book a game on there as it is on any other course. The only restriction they have is that they dont allow visitors 7 days a week - just Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday(pm) - dont quote me on the days but it's something similar to that.
I think most courses are difficult to get a game on at weekends due to timesheets being in operation for the members, but if you are a visitor and you want a weekday game, I don't think there is a course in the country you will have a problem getting on.

When it comes to exclusivity, Ireland is incredibly lucky. Before things went the wrong way, there were a couple of clubs that were trying to be "members and guests" only (like the majority of American courses and a handful in Britain and Ireland). Moyvalley and Lough Erne come to mind.

Augusta is certainly a hard one toget an invite but there are most certainly harder. "Private" courses set up for the owner and his mates only. Try this for one:

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=649

Kevinmarkham

There are few courses where it's difficult to get a game. Some places are for members only at weekends, but generally there's never an issue getting out on a course. Augusta is impossible to get onto as the only way to play it is to be invited by a member - that doesn't happen over here. It's a question of availability. Put it this way, how many of you have played at one of Ireland's top courses and been asked to show a handicap certificate? Of all the courses I've played I was asked only once for one at Royal County Down, but the guy in the pro shop didn't even look at it.

As for superiority - several clubs come across like that, but more often than not it's just a matter of who you bump into on the day. Get a Pro on a bad day and it can ruin your round. Or perhaps they're unbearably shy (bless them) or simply odd - I've met a couple.

There are definitely a few clubs where you have to grind your teeth: Elm Park would be top of my list and I wasn't enamoured by Portmarnock, Malone, K Club or RCD, but you're not going to these places for the people are you, and you can get out without any problem as long as you book.

Benicetomonty

Royal Dublin seems to have a bit of a reputation alright. Love the course and whilst I haven't had any grief anytime I've played it, every member I've met has been a knob. Agree with the clubhouse etiquette as well, ridiculous.

Has to be said, the most uppity course guide I've ever read is The European Club. It's a fabulous course but I don't know if it's quite as fabulous as they make it out to be. Although Pat Ruddy (course owner) himself edited the guide so I suppose I'll forgive him that

Exclusivity-wise, I feel any club that doesn't host the odd open singles with an entry fee of under 50e is bordering on self-importance. So, before the recession hit, you can throw in all of the below: The K Club, The Island, Druids Glen, Ballybunion, The European Club, Royal Co. Down, Old Head, Newlands, Hermitage, Lough Erne, Doonbeg, Waterville, Portmarnock...etc

The_Architect

You really don't know how good you've got it in Ireland.

It has the most accessible golf clubs (including 52 links courses) in the whole world. Not one single country beats it for accessibility.

sweetswing

The_Architect wrote: »

You really don't know how good you've got it in Ireland.

It has the most accessible golf clubs (including 52 links courses) in the whole world. Not one single country beats it for accessibility.

Now if we only had the weather, I'm going nuts here:D

Dublin Hibby

Was invited along to the K club to play in a corporate fundraiser about three years ago. On arriving the whole place was abuzz with players officials and guys who took your clubs straight out the car for you.

The carpark was full of expensive marques, i arrived up in a 96 fiesta that looked 10 years older that it actually was. My mates called it chuggaboom, the looks on the faces of all and sundry made my day.

heavyballs

Glencarraig wrote: »

The winner on the snob league has to be the new Dun Laoghaire. I have never come across such a shower of total ars***les in all the years I have been playing golf. To start with you have a barrier at the front gate and you have to use the intercom to get in!!. I hear that they are in trouble moneywise and are having trouble keeping that massive millstone of a clubhouse going, forgive me if I dont feel sorry for them.

you say this and then you go on to mention the intercom as the only real complaint(btw that system hasn't been in use for over a year)
btw i'm not a member but i know a few
The pro shop,both the young lad and the pro himself are very down to earth,dead sound esp the pro
The Restaurant,never had a bad experience,eaten there about ten times,btw they do a special deal for members.A member can bring 3 guests up at a time €40 for a round each which includes a steak meal each and an extra steal meal free for the member to try to encourage business
Now i don't think a real exclusive club would firstly do such a deal as they wouldn't want to see so many visitors in their clubhouse.

davo10

I read a post on an american golf forum a couple of years ago about a rich american who had overseas membership at Loch Lomand in Scotland, he had paid some stupid fee like $20000 dollars per year for it, he used to fly over with friends/business clients a couple of times a year to play. They wrote to him cancelling his membership because he was COMING OVER TOO OFTEN to play, can you believe that?

ThunderCat

davo10 wrote: »

I read a post on an american golf forum a couple of years ago about a rich american who had overseas membership at Loch Lomand in Scotland, he had paid some stupid fee like $20000 dollars per year for it, he used to fly over with friends/business clients a couple of times a year to play. They wrote to him cancelling his membership because he was COMING OVER TOO OFTEN to play, can you believe that?

Id well believe it. Apparently the membership there are only allowed a max of 14 rounds each per year.

ThunderCat

The_Architect wrote: »

When it comes to exclusivity, Ireland is incredibly lucky. Before things went the wrong way, there were a couple of clubs that were trying to be "members and guests" only (like the majority of American courses and a handful in Britain and Ireland). Moyvalley and Lough Erne come to mind.

Augusta is certainly a hard one toget an invite but there are most certainly harder. "Private" courses set up for the owner and his mates only. Try this for one:

http://www.top100golfcourses.co.uk/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?id=649

Never heard of that place. Seems like you have to be related to the owner to play it. Must be in perfect condition.

It's a pity some of the private courses over in the states arnt accessable to more golfers but I suppose its exactly because of that that there is always intrigue and mistique surrounding the top private courses like Augusta. I just wish they would hold a ballot type system for a round at Augusta like they do for masters tickets. Ah well, we can all dream.:)

brousuka

RCD is unusual along with the K-club in that during summer shorts are only allowed with Knee-high socks.!!?? funny isn't it? I remember a couple of years ago a few pals of mine choppered up there to play and on arrival they were told to go to the pro-shop and purchase the said golf socks (RCD) rules are rules i suppose.

Swingguru

ThunderCat wrote: »

Id well believe it. Apparently the membership there are only allowed a max of 14 rounds each per year.

Played it last year with a member. Best day of my life. Treated like a lord by the staff. Once you are through the gates, all are equal and the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a problem. Came out of the showers and my golf shoes had disappeared. The guy looking after the locker room came back 5 mins later with my shoes as clean as when new! Practice range has complimentary Prov's and a bunker practice area with a guy dedicated to raking it!! If Carlsberg did golf courses they would al be like the set up at Loch Lomond!

The_Architect

Swingguru wrote: »

Played it last year with a member. Best day of my life. Treated like a lord by the staff. Once you are through the gates, all are equal and the staff are wonderful. Nothing is a problem. Came out of the showers and my golf shoes had disappeared. The guy looking after the locker room came back 5 mins later with my shoes as clean as when new! Practice range has complimentary Prov's and a bunker practice area with a guy dedicated to raking it!! If Carlsberg did golf courses they would al be like the set up at Loch Lomond!

Except Loch Lomond is in big financial trouble, has had the banks in, is going through a change of ownership, is "revitalising" its membership and business model and has given up staging the Scottish Open.

That level of service is far too much for me. I'd rather change my shoes in the car park and head out on to the course.

SARZY

Played RCD once, paid big money but it was a real experience and at the time , worth it. You know yourself.

Best thing that happened on that day was, we went into the clubhouse and quickly realised we were not comfortable there and probably got a vibe in reality so we left.

On our way out of the car park we discovered Mourne golf club.
Now that was more like it and we spent a few hours in good company.

So if you go to county down have a look in Mourne and it will add to your day.

PS If ever in Portrush call to Rathmore for a similar experience.

Mister Sifter

The_Architect wrote: »

Except Loch Lomond is in big financial trouble, has had the banks in, is going through a change of ownership, is "revitalising" its membership and business model and has given up staging the Scottish Open.

That level of service is far too much for me. I'd rather change my shoes in the car park and head out on to the course.

You're right... nobody needs that kind of service. I think i'd be more irritated than impressed.

I read last week that the Loch Lomond members had all stumped up thousands to buy the club out. The figure of £80k sticks in my head, but i'm really not sure.

brousuka

Interesting thread here. I personally have not experienced any snobbery at resort or high-end clubs here but there can be sometimes be an air of exclusivity borne by some staff which I think is a kind of kick they can get from serving the "ordinary" golfer as against some high roller yank who's spending 800-900 euro per round on a fourball (carts, forecaddies, rentals etc). There is an old codger who's on the front desk in Old Head who wears reading glasses down on his nose and when you check in you'd feel you are applying for a mortgage alright! but i'd only laugh at him secretly also I think the rule of knee height golf socks with shorts in the summer is a bit odd, this applies to the K Club and Royal Co. Down (or Portrush).

george67

heavyballs wrote: »

you say this and then you go on to mention the intercom as the only real complaint(btw that system hasn't been in use for over a year)
btw i'm not a member but i know a few
The pro shop,both the young lad and the pro himself are very down to earth,dead sound esp the pro
The Restaurant,never had a bad experience,eaten there about ten times,btw they do a special deal for members.A member can bring 3 guests up at a time €40 for a round each which includes a steak meal each and an extra steal meal free for the member to try to encourage business
Now i don't think a real exclusive club would firstly do such a deal as they wouldn't want to see so many visitors in their clubhouse.

They're not visitors but guests the club does not run any opens only invitationals
I have friends who are members also and I never had a problem on the old course an air of snottiness has creeped in with the opening of the new course . I had my worst experience ever on a golf course in one of there invitationals by a member (constantly talking while you swinging walking across your line walking ahead in your line of play, all from an experienced golfer simular feeling in the club house . (The same feeling as if you laugh in church )

Allthough the pro shop and staff are very good

sweetswing

Oh I just love the level of service some of these clubs provide, I want them to lift me out of my car tie my shoe laces and carry me to the first tee place a club in my hand and say " enjoy your game sweets"
The very least they could do considering the money they charge:D:D:D

JohnG1978

As an avid young golfer who has played majority of Resort & GUI open courses on the East Coast, here are my two cents.

Best looking course comparable to Augusta is Druids Glen - During a nice day, it is magnificent.

Hardest & most snobbery is without a doubt - Portmarnock Golf Club. A friend of mine carried out emergency work for them for which he was given a free fourball with his payment. Your first encounter as you drive up estuary to Club is a telecom entry gate but you can allow this for security. As we signed in, the was 2 mini vans full of Yanks who were all hiring caddies as there room is alongside Pro shop. I felt like a pauper as we got ready in car park. I carry my clubs and could see caddies sniggering at me as I walked by. The snobbery was like something out of Caddyshack. Course was excellent but remember this is still the only club that doesn't allow women members so has its good points...joke. K Club and Druids Glen make you feel like a King. BTW, Im live/from working class Dublin background but love the game so much, I buy top equipment and don't mind paying for a quality experience......

yaboya1

JohnG1978 wrote: »

As an avid young golfer who has played majority of Resort & GUI open courses on the East Coast, here are my two cents.

Best looking course comparable to Augusta is Druids Glen - During a nice day, it is magnificent.

Hardest & most snobbery is without a doubt - Portmarnock Golf Club. A friend of mine carried out emergency work for them for which he was given a free fourball with his payment. Your first encounter as you drive up estuary to Club is a telecom entry gate but you can allow this for security. As we signed in, the was 2 mini vans full of Yanks who were all hiring caddies as there room is alongside Pro shop. I felt like a pauper as we got ready in car park. I carry my clubs and could see caddies sniggering at me as I walked by. The snobbery was like something out of Caddyshack. Course was excellent but remember this is still the only club that doesn't allow women members so has its good points...joke. K Club and Druids Glen make you feel like a King. BTW, Im live/from working class Dublin background but love the game so much, I buy top equipment and don't mind paying for a quality experience......

Was just about to say I can't believe Portmarnock hasn't got a mention yet when I read the above post.
Still pretty shocked it took 3 pages for their name to pop up!

heavyballs

george67 wrote: »

They're not visitors but guests the club does not run any opens only invitationals
I have friends who are members also and I never had a problem on the old course an air of snottiness has creeped in with the opening of the new course . I had my worst experience ever on a golf course in one of there invitationals by a member (constantly talking while you swinging walking across your line walking ahead in your line of play, all from an experienced golfer simular feeling in the club house . (The same feeling as if you laugh in church )

Allthough the pro shop and staff are very good

yes correct they don't do opens,so what, a lot of clubs don't but at least they do a weekly semi open and only charge guests €15,my point is they're not even in the same snooty league as some others mentioned on here

regarding your other point it's way off the mark,in actual fact they are defo less snooty now than they were down in Dun Laoire,a lot of the old codgers have died/retired,a few of my mates are pavilion members also,they say the members are sound,i play there a lot,played in the old course a lot also and i've noticed an improvement for sure

thewobbler

I was warned about Malone GC before visiting that I'd be unwelcome. Not me in particular, just visitors in general. It wasn't actually that bad, just a tad haughty in general and a tad officious from the pro.

Warrenpoint is very much a GC with a membership with ideas above their station. Generally snooty and largely unwelcoming, they've list the run of themselves. It's a decent course, never top class.

decko11

Hmmm -- members clubs only

(1) Royal County Down -- prides itself on membership being "by invitation only" -- locals can play in the Mourne (really artisan type membership) - green fees very dear -- clubhouse totally out of bounds unless with a member - visitors section - kept seperate and stop serving food at 5pm.

Not part of the Royal golf clubs rota - eg it doesnt allow full members of other royal clubs to use the course free of charge (legend has it because of the fear "taigs" from royal dublin would use it en masse)

famously royal Liverpool (hoylake) had for many years a sign " member of all Royal golf clubs very welcome - except royal county Down!"

(2) Portmarnock - toughest in 26 counties to get membership of

(3) joint - Malone / Royal Portrush / Royal Belfast

(4) joint Dublin south side clubs - Milltown Elm Park

(5) Cork Golf Club


Im not including commercial clubs such as K club etc (The above are all owned by members)

Im surprised to see Ballyb and Lahinch mentioned - they are very full and have loads of members but by no means snobby compared to the above.