Thinking of joining st Margarets

not yet

As the title says thinking of joining next month, looking for opinions good-bad or indifferent........

Gophur

not yet wrote: »

As the title says thinking of joining next month, looking for opinions good-bad or indifferent........

Research how it was originally funded and the source of those funds, and see if you're happy with it?

veetwin

Would suggest Corrstown up the road. 27 hole course always in great shape and AFAIK in a better position financially. Feels more like a member club also as opposed to St Margarets who have gone down the low cost green fee route.

Jimdagym

veetwin wrote: »

Would suggest Corrstown up the road. 27 hole course always in great shape and AFAIK in a better position financially. Feels more like a member club also as opposed to St Margarets who have gone down the low cost green fee route.

Is Corrstown in a better position financially, given how much they have slashed joining? (genuine question).

Ollieboy

Jimdagym wrote: »

Is Corrstown in a better position financially, given how much they have slashed joining? (genuine question).

They've had a surplus for the last 2 years (if not more) and like all clubs are losing members but still have 780 active members paying 1400 each year. Financially they are sound, but if they loss another 100 members, then it will fall back on the remaining members to make up the shortfall. No different to any club in the current climate but I'm betting Corrstown will be around for the long term.

Slashing joining fees is a reaction to the current value of shares in the market place, they've refused to slash members subs, which I believe is a long term mistake. Zero joining fee doesn't reflect the actual value of the share. The club has 1 million in reserves as far as I remember and 3.5 million in debt, include the land value, each share should be worth about 7k, so anyone joining is getting 7k for nothing, but that depends on what value you put on the land and the debt burden remaining the same etc. (example club stop trading tomorrow and sold all its assets and paid of debts, each member should get 7k).

Has the above post said, St Margarets mightn't be a long term option and doesn't really seem to behave like a golf club, but its a fine track with lots to offer.

You've also got Roganstown in that area, again great track and about the same costs has Corrstown. Also has the same problems has all clubs with needing new members.

Personally I would pick Corrstown, but I'm a member there for 10 years and love the option of 27 holes etc in the evenings.

Anyone interest in joining let me know and I should be able to get them a game from the marketing committee etc.

Fursttimer

Ashbourne GC is a fine golf course and located in and around that area. Real nice feel in and around the clubhouse too with members.

The course condition of St. Margarets leaves a lot to be desired at times but it's a super golf course when in good condition as you're probably well aware.

Jimdagym

Thanks for the reply ollieboy.

How do you find the club on the whole?

Osgoodisgood

Ollieboy wrote: »

Has the above post said, St Margarets mightn't be a long term option and doesn't really seem to behave like a golf club, but its a fine track with lots to offer.

What do you mean?

Ollieboy

Jimdagym wrote: »

Thanks for the reply ollieboy.

How do you find the club on the whole?

Personally I love the place and love been out there, but here is a honest summary:

Course 7/10 some really nice holes and a nice test of club, but no way is it a championship course, but its very fair. Like most courses it suffers around the bunkers etc, some people might find it boring, but I think its long enough with enough trouble on it, but if you play well you'll score well. My favourite holes are the 2nd/4th/9th/11th/13/14/15/16/17/18, score well on these holes and you'll win most weeks.

Club House 9/10 can't really fault it, but like anywhere it can be better

Food/Service 5/10 I don't like the food or standard of service but this has only been a problem recently and will hopefully improve. But the specials are decent and most people end up eating the same options.

Club 10/10 They are very strong in inter-club comps and try very hard to give the members what they need and want. The pro shop is excellant with plenty of good honest advice, members very friendly and always space on time-sheets, if you're flexible or get you're name down first you'll always get out. Loads of comps each week etc.

In general I think its a good club and I was a member of other clubs that were championship level. Like all clubs you'll not keep everyone happy, but if you want to change things, then get on the committees and do something about it instead of moaning from a distance. I also love the option of 27 holes and like that the members own the club and it does have some value.

Hope the above helps.

Ollieboy

Osgoodisgood wrote: »

What do you mean?

St Margarets was ran as a corporate golf club and not really a club for members, due to this they have very little membership and don't really get involved in inter-club comps etc. They also have small fields in weekly comps etc.

But I'm not a member and only reporting feedback from 3rd parties etc. I really like it has a course and the facilities are great and if it had more members I would consider it.

not yet

Ollieboy wrote: »

Personally I love the place and love been out there, but here is a honest summary:

Course 7/10 some really nice holes and a nice test of club, but no way is it a championship course, but its very fair. Like most courses it suffers around the bunkers etc, some people might find it boring, but I think its long enough with enough trouble on it, but if you play well you'll score well. My favourite holes are the 2nd/4th/9th/11th/13/14/15/16/17/18, score well on these holes and you'll win most weeks.

Club House 9/10 can't really fault it, but like anywhere it can be better

Food/Service 5/10 I don't like the food or standard of service but this has only been a problem recently and will hopefully improve. But the specials are decent and most people end up eating the same options.

Club 10/10 They are very strong in inter-club comps and try very hard to give the members what they need and want. The pro shop is excellant with plenty of good honest advice, members very friendly and always space on time-sheets, if you're flexible or get you're name down first you'll always get out. Loads of comps each week etc.

In general I think its a good club and I was a member of other clubs that were championship level. Like all clubs you'll not keep everyone happy, but if you want to change things, then get on the committees and do something about it instead of moaning from a distance. I also love the option of 27 holes and like that the members own the club and it does have some value.

Hope the above helps.

Very honest sounds good............tnx

istaunton

I'm also a member at Corrstown and think its a great club. Regularly stick my name down with randomers to play in comps and 99% of the time playing partners are great fun and always very supportive. its the only club I've been a member of but the major bonus is the 27 holes. Different combination ever week keeps the challange fresh.

And to be honest Ollie's comments are pretty spot on although I personally think the food is a bit better than he describes. But that is a personal taste thing.

Hope you enjoy the golf wherever you end up