Advice Needed on Golf Club Membership!

Jontronix

Some advice/opinions would be most appreciated.
I’m currently looking for a golf club to join in 2014 and am torn on what to do.
I am living just off the N11 between Mount Merrion and Blackrock so that part of Dublin does not lend itself to affordable golf club membership, if any at all if you’re not connected in some way. Anyway, I’m from the Clondalkin area originally and a few of my mates are joining Palmerstown House for 1k which is a great deal. I was thinking of joining it with them but I think the combo of a long course and long commute would be tiring week in, week out. I played it last week on a scouting mission and I really love the course (played well, 40pts off 18 H’cap) but it still took 5 hours to get round. Drive home took about 40/45 mins so it’s a long day to play there. So now I have cold feet and before I commit to anything I wonder if I’d be better off saving myself heartache a couple of months down the line. Not to mention fuel expenses and the need to almost write off most of a day if I have a round there.

I’ve looked at all other options that I can think of with the criteria being that the course must be closer to where I’m living in otherwise I’d stick with PH, and the other criteria being that the price is something similar, and perhaps that the course is a bit quicker to play.
Anyway, the other alternatives I’ve come up with, and you might advise me on these, are;

Druids Heath - €1500 all in. Great course but could easily be a longer round than PH. Time to get there and mileage is a bit better though.
Charlesland - €1900 all in. Decent course but don’t think it’s desirable at this price, plus I don’t have this much money.
Bray - €1600 (includes €150 bar levy) Have never played here but it would be handy to get to, any thoughts on club and course?
Glen of the Downs - €1600. Played here during winter before so course not at it’s best. I felt it was too wide open though, hardly any penalty for wild shots.
Roundwood - €1000 Never played here, any opinions on course and club?
Greystones - €1600 Never played it, but seems like good value for an established club in this area. Need to have someone nominate you to join but I’m sure I could find a way to do that.
Rathfarnham - €1700 Seems a bit pricey for a 15 hole course, but I know other courses in the area are very expensive.
Glencullen - €600 This price is until March 2015, it’s only a 9 hole course but it looks nice (anyone played it?) and it’s only about 15 – 20 mins from my home. Can’t imagine a round here would take too long which might be nice for weekly golf seen as my society play top courses 10 times a year?

So at the moment I suppose I’m seriously considering PH, Bray, Greystones & Glencullen. Just want to hear some other opinions before I sign up to anything.

Thanks in advance.

For Paws

Depends a lot on what you want from 'your' Club.

If you've never been a member anywhere it's difficult to appreciate the difference between Club membership and playing on a casual 'green fee' basis.

Have a look around Dun Laoighaire or Powerscourt for instance. (Tell them you're considering joining and ask for someone to show you around).
These Clubs cost more, but also could be considered to be providing their members with more. If you (realistically) see yourself playing 40+ rounds per year, plus regular visits to practice facilities you might consider investing in a more expensive manner.

On the other hand, if you're a 20 round a year man (with a few society outings added to that) and time for dedicated practice is not on, then spend less.

Generally, the old rule of thumb that 'you get what you pay for' is true here.
Just make sure you don't overspend when you won't be able to enjoy your investment.

Dtoffee

It looks like travel is a key issue for you and I was in the same position a few years ago. I went with Stackstown as it was closest to me and I have to say I dont regret the decision at all as I can nip up and play at whatever time suits me (a great benefit in the summer evenings).

I think 'forpaws' is right in that it depends how much you intend playing. The more local the course, the more you can play. Likewise, its down to you if you want a top course with loads of facilities or just 18 holes and a clubhouse.

The only other thing I would add is that you should alos consider who owns the course you are thinking of joining ...... a members owned course is always a safer option as Nama wont keep them all going forever :P

DEVOTION

In the same club-seeking position but located a little more to the south. I think the best options there are Charlesland and Bray.

Charlesland have a great deal on right now. €1400 for 14 months + McGuirks voucher etc. Check it out here.



http://www.charlesland.com/news/0310/2013/special-membership-offer

Bray have gotten rid of their hello money for a limited time. €1585 including the bar levy.

Fancy Bray myself but Charlesland is a decent course. It'll be about another 10 min drive beyond Bray.

tayto lover

I am a member of Greenore, Co. Louth.
When I joined I looked at several local courses, Killenbeg, Dundalk, Mannan Castle and Nuremore and examined -

1. Affordability.
2. Number of members.
3. Course condition.
4. Proximity to home.

I wanted a course that hadn't too many members so that it was easy to get on the time sheet, the closeness to home and above all - if I would be able to play it when I got into my 70's or older. A hilly course would not be possible to play when I got older. I like to walk and use my own trolley so wanted a course I could play in my later years.
On the plus side I also have fantastic scenery that I never tire looking at and the members are so friendly.

Jontronix

I was a member of Elm Hall in Celbridge before which is a nice little 9 hole track and I really liked it there, loved the club atmosphere, the fact that the course was not amazing was no great drawback as the weekly comps and meeting people bring their own enjoyment. Then I was a member of Moyvalley for a year and the course and facilities were lovely but the journey and lack of club atmosphere really put me off. So I suppose my history has taught me that I prefer a nice club and decent location over the course and facilities. We play very good courses in the society (Powerscourt, Druids Glen, Portmarnock, Killeen Castle) so I suppose they give me my regular hit of championship golf, so perhaps joining a handy but basic course could be the way to go. I’m thinking Glencullen could be right so I might head up there this weekend and see what it’s like in the flesh.
How much is Stackstown to join? I played there last year for the first time, and while the course was in great condition, I played terrible that day and found it physically tough. I knew I’d be out golfing that day, that’s for sure.

That Charlesland offer sounds tempting, thanks for that. Is the annual sub 1400 from the first year on?

eoghan104

Hi Jono, I am a member in Bray so might be biased but will give you my rundown on the options you put up below.

Druids Heath - Nice course but tough and very open for cold winter play. They are trying to get more of a club atmosphere up there but its still lacking in that department. You won't be having much craic in the bar like. Good spin up to it from where you are too.

Charlesland - That deal above looks good but have to disagree with the nice course comments. Holes 1-10 are nice and 11-16 are some of the worst I've played bar the Par 3 13th but jesus the others are awful around that hill. Good members club but a good bit passed Bray if travel is an issue.

Bray - As I said I'm a member, have been since it was a 9 hole in the town. Course is good, we are improving holes all the time. Can be a slog in the winter and we suffer a bit from frost so course closes from time to time. Owned by the members with a few bob in the bank since the move so financially secure, its a club for life really. Great people and good craic in the bar with a real community spirit. Can get you signatures if you need... Closest to you in terms of travel.


Glen of the Downs - Crazy open course that is impossible to play in the wind, some nice holes and decent members club but a bit far out for me for the money and course.

Roundwood - Horrendous and miles away. Forget it.

Greystones - Lovely course and good members club. Next best option to Bray for me, not much further out. Potential financial problems in the club I've heard.

Rathfarnham - Expensive for what it is, you are paying for location, just depends how much that means to you.

Glencullen - If you are serious about golf and joining a club this is not for you. Its a chicken run mickey mouse course. It's not €600 for nothing.

In my opinion Bray and Greystones are your best options. Feel fee to ask me anything else....

DEVOTION

eoghan104 wrote: »

Hi Jono, I am a member in Bray so might be biased but will give you my rundown on the options you put up below.

Druids Heath - Nice course but tough and very open for cold winter play. They are trying to get more of a club atmosphere up there but its still lacking in that department. You won't be having much craic in the bar like. Good spin up to it from where you are too.

Charlesland - That deal above looks good but have to disagree with the nice course comments. Holes 1-10 are nice and 11-16 are some of the worst I've played bar the Par 3 13th but jesus the others are awful around that hill. Good members club but a good bit passed Bray if travel is an issue.

Bray - As I said I'm a member, have been since it was a 9 hole in the town. Course is good, we are improving holes all the time. Can be a slog in the winter and we suffer a bit from frost so course closes from time to time. Owned by the members with a few bob in the bank since the move so financially secure, its a club for life really. Great people and good craic in the bar with a real community spirit. Can get you signatures if you need... Closest to you in terms of travel.


Glen of the Downs - Crazy open course that is impossible to play in the wind, some nice holes and decent members club but a bit far out for me for the money and course.

Roundwood - Horrendous and miles away. Forget it.

Greystones - Lovely course and good members club. Next best option to Bray for me, not much further out. Potential financial problems in the club I've heard.

Rathfarnham - Expensive for what it is, you are paying for location, just depends how much that means to you.

Glencullen - If you are serious about golf and joining a club this is not for you. Its a chicken run mickey mouse course. It's not €600 for nothing.

In my opinion Bray and Greystones are your best options. Feel fee to ask me anything else....

Can't argue with that for the most part. I do enjoy Charlesland though. Agree 100% about Roundwood!

As I say, probably going to go for Bray myself next week.

Jontronix

eoghan104 wrote: »

Hi Jono, I am a member in Bray so might be biased but will give you my rundown on the options you put up below.

Druids Heath - Nice course but tough and very open for cold winter play. They are trying to get more of a club atmosphere up there but its still lacking in that department. You won't be having much craic in the bar like. Good spin up to it from where you are too.

Charlesland - That deal above looks good but have to disagree with the nice course comments. Holes 1-10 are nice and 11-16 are some of the worst I've played bar the Par 3 13th but jesus the others are awful around that hill. Good members club but a good bit passed Bray if travel is an issue.

Bray - As I said I'm a member, have been since it was a 9 hole in the town. Course is good, we are improving holes all the time. Can be a slog in the winter and we suffer a bit from frost so course closes from time to time. Owned by the members with a few bob in the bank since the move so financially secure, its a club for life really. Great people and good craic in the bar with a real community spirit. Can get you signatures if you need... Closest to you in terms of travel.


Glen of the Downs - Crazy open course that is impossible to play in the wind, some nice holes and decent members club but a bit far out for me for the money and course.

Roundwood - Horrendous and miles away. Forget it.

Greystones - Lovely course and good members club. Next best option to Bray for me, not much further out. Potential financial problems in the club I've heard.

Rathfarnham - Expensive for what it is, you are paying for location, just depends how much that means to you.

Glencullen - If you are serious about golf and joining a club this is not for you. Its a chicken run mickey mouse course. It's not €600 for nothing.

In my opinion Bray and Greystones are your best options. Feel fee to ask me anything else....

Thanks for your opinions there, I would seriously consider Bray as it is quite handy for me. I went to a confirmation party in the clubhouse and it was really buzzy and lively. If I go with this option might well contact you for a nomination although I think the manager is a friend of my uncles.

Ha ha will have to see Glencullen myself, the price being so reasonable is actually worrying me a bit.

Anyone ever play Carrickmines?

First Up

DEVOTION wrote: »

Can't argue with that for the most part. I do enjoy Charlesland though. Agree 100% about Roundwood!

As I say, probably going to go for Bray myself next week.

Have a look at Bray. I think it is OK but some complain about the hilly bits.

If you want a short/quick round then Greystones is an option but I don't rate the course. The M50/M7 gives you other options like Castlewarden which isn't too long. Take a look at Edmonstown also - better than Rathfarnham.

First Up

Jontronix wrote: »

Thanks for your opinions there, I would seriously consider Bray as it is quite handy for me. I went to a confirmation party in the clubhouse and it was really buzzy and lively. If I go with this option might well contact you for a nomination although I think the manager is a friend of my uncles.

Ha ha will have to see Glencullen myself, the price being so reasonable is actually worrying me a bit.

Anyone ever play Carrickmines?

I see Foxrock is open for some memberships but no idea of the terms and I'd say there is a queue. Never played Carrickmines. Sort of off the radar as very private

Actually Foxrock thing may have passed.

Jontronix

First Up wrote: »

Have a look at Bray. I think it is OK but some complain about the hilly bits.

If you want a short/quick round then Greystones is an option but I don't rate the course. The M50/M7 gives you other options like Castlewarden which isn't too long. Take a look at Edmonstown also - better than Rathfarnham.

I think Edmondstown is a lovely course but there's still a 10k joining fee!

First Up

Try Castlewarden; you pass it on the way to PH. Not nearly as good though.

Beech Park is another that is convenient and not overly long.

DEVOTION

First Up wrote: »

Have a look at Bray. I think it is OK but some complain about the hilly bits.

If you want a short/quick round then Greystones is an option but I don't rate the course. The M50/M7 gives you other options like Castlewarden which isn't too long. Take a look at Edmonstown also - better than Rathfarnham.

Played it 5-6 times. Not concerned about the hilly bits. I don't think they're too bad. I think it's the best option for me all round so I'll pop up this weekend and take the plunge.

*Sorry Jontronix. I semi-hijacked your thread here. Might see you in Bray soon.

Jontronix

DEVOTION wrote: »

Played it 5-6 times. Not concerned about the hilly bits. I don't think they're too bad. I think it's the best option for me all round so I'll pop up this weekend and take the plunge.

*Sorry Jontronix. I semi-hijacked your thread here. Might see you in Bray soon.

No worries, nice to hear of someone in the same boat.

Gerry T

My advice would be go with a course that's very close to home if at all possible. I don't play as much as i did 15yrs ago because the course is a 45min drive. The other consideration is the course in any financial difficulties and has it a strong playing membership. After that I would look at course condition

FixdePitchmark

If you can get a course within 10 to 15 minutes of your house - it makes a major difference to the amount of time you use the club and the length of time it takes. If you don't have a family or many other commitments, then these big drives to great courses with long rounds are grand - but there are very few people who can add 1 hour, /1.5 hours in travel there and back. It is just too long, golf is already too long.

People also forget that fuel cost about 6 euro a gallon - A gallon will get you 40 to 50 miles. If you are giving yourself a 25 mile journey - you are adding 6 euro , every time you go to your club - 12 euro (2 journeys) * 50 weeks = 600 euro - of course not every body will go to their club 100 times a year - but still a consideration.

In the end I picked a club, closer / over quality / over price. I knew I would play more , practice more and get better value. This has been great , because - I've gone down to club as late as 8pm and played 6, to 12 holes. I've often gone done to the club for just 1 hour - putting green . Would you do that with half an hour drive ????


Also consider practice facilities - as this can be money saving , if you don't need anything outside of your club like range / short game area.

Gerry T

Jontronix wrote: »

I think Edmondstown is a lovely course but there's still a 10k joining fee!

Heard Edmondstown have no joining fee at the moment, for a limited time. Was told just this Monday--may not be correct though

eoghan104

Gerry T wrote: »

Heard Edmondstown have no joining fee at the moment, for a limited time. Was told just this Monday--may not be correct though

If this is true its a great shout, nice course and close to you. Hope you wouldn't miss the bacon sambos though!

If anyone joins Bray hit me up for a game I can introduce you to a few people.

Pdoghue

Someone posted about Glencullen above being a chicken run, but I would disagree. I joined there last year and have had a very enjoyable year. Have got great value so far. Was lovely playing up there til 10 o clock during the long summer evenings this year. Nice friendly club atmosphere as well. And not easy to score well there. Cons are that it's a nine hole course and the greens aren't the best and bordering on unfair at times.

Ronney

Dont completely rule out the Local courses, most have a Social catorgy of membership that will allow you use of practice facilities and get out for a reduced green free. Some even allow social members to bring guests and run all category competitions too.

Dtoffee

Carrickmines is a good 9 hole track that plays all year round, but its not easy to get into as they dont have a high turnover of membership.

Stackstown is €1900 first year and €1325 after that, but if you dont like hill walking then both Stackstown and Bray are ruled out TBH.

I would rate Glen of the Downs higher than Charlesland, but thats just a personal choice.

Fescue

Delgany is worth consideration too.

I'm actually contemplating joining a club in the Bray area also.

SimonLynch

Years since I played them but wouldn't go near Roundwood, mad sloping fairways on the upper part, golf for goats. Glencullen's a good honest course that doesn't cost a packet but 9 holers are a pain when they're busy. I'd imagine Lisheen Springs/South County and Tulfarris are doing good deals and worth looking at.

PARlance

Dtoffee wrote: »

Carrickmines is a good 9 hole track that plays all year round, but its not easy to get into....

They're taking membership, I went up a few weeks ago and the lad that was behind the bar said they were, he couldn't give me the fee but he gave me the Secs number to call.
I never did, I got the impression that as a 30 year old, I might be about half the average age of members. Overall I didn't get a great vibe about the place.

First Up

SimonLynch wrote: »

Years since I played them but wouldn't go near Roundwood, mad sloping fairways on the upper part, golf for goats. Glencullen's a good honest course that doesn't cost a packet but 9 holers are a pain when they're busy. I'd imagine Lisheen Springs/South County and Tulfarris are doing good deals and worth looking at.

Lisheen is €1,080. About the same journey time from the OP's area as PH but I can assure him his round won't take 5 hours.
Tulfarris is another 20 minutes down the road. Nice course but soft in winter. Doing deals alright, as only NAMA can.

Jontronix

From my investigations so far it seems that Foxrock, Killiney & Carrickmines are all similar. Nice 9 hole courses but quite posh places that don't look for or certainly advertise for new members. Not sure if they're the type of place I'd want to join. Don't know if I have a decent blazer to wear :-)

Lisheen & Tulfarris are both decent courses but too far for me.

Gonna check out Glencullen on Sunday it sounds like a nice little club. Will play Bray next week and see if that's as good as a lot of people say.

Brodick

Carrickmines is boring. All the fairways slope, so you hit way right to let the ball run to the left and vice versa. The clubhouse is dead and there's no social aspect.

No one has mentioned Ballinascorney near Marley Park. It's only 9 holes but it's cheap and very friendly. Worth a look.

PARlance

Jontronix wrote: »

From my investigations so far it seems that Foxrock, Killiney & Carrickmines are all similar. Nice 9 hole courses but quite posh places that don't look for or certainly advertise for new members. Not sure if they're the type of place I'd want to join. Don't know if I have a decent blazer to wear :-)

Lisheen & Tulfarris are both decent courses but too far for me.

Gonna check out Glencullen on Sunday it sounds like a nice little club. Will play Bray next week and see if that's as good as a lot of people say.

Have you considered Grange Castle at all Jon?
Maybe you've played it a bit and written it off with you being from down the road originally?

Well within your budget, no need for a blazer and I think it's great value for money.

Jontronix

PARlance wrote: »

Have you considered Grange Castle at all Jon?
Maybe you've played it a bit and written it off with you being from down the road originally?

Well within your budget, no need for a blazer and I think it's great value for money.

I used to play Grange Castle quite a lot and thought it was okay, but I haven't played it since they built the newer 7 holes so that will tell you how long it's been since I've played there.

So I went for a game 2 weeks ago and was really impressed with the course and this was after a week of fairly poor weather. The newer holes are excellent, they'd be the quality of any holes on a top course. So I will call then today and see what the deal is, thanks for the reminder. What's the story with the first hole being index 1??

SimonLynch

SimonLynch wrote: »

Years since I played them but wouldn't go near Roundwood, mad sloping fairways on the upper part, golf for goats

In defence of Roundwood - it certainly isn't the type of 'manicured' course some expect these days, but personally and having played it a few times, it's one I've always enjoyed.

The views are spectacular and many of the holes are great challenges in terms of where you put your ball and how much control you have of it. Yes some of the fairways slope but some might say that is part of the challenge.

I do agree though that if you are looking for membership it isn't the place for you. It would take a while to get to and I don't remember there ever being much life in the bar.

PARlance

Jontronix wrote: »

I used to play Grange Castle quite a lot and thought it was okay, but I haven't played it since they built the newer 7 holes so that will tell you how long it's been since I've played there.

So I went for a game 2 weeks ago and was really impressed with the course and this was after a week of fairly poor weather. The newer holes are excellent, they'd be the quality of any holes on a top course. So I will call then today and see what the deal is, thanks for the reminder. What's the story with the first hole being index 1??

I only joined this year and I have no real complaints with the place. The old 7 are handy for a bit of practice/warm up before a round.
The membership runs from March to March, but you can join up now and get 16 months for 12. It's €750 for the year and they are very flexible with payment plans.

You need to be on the ball with regards the time sheet, but it's nothing too crazy. I generally am not on the ball and haven't been left stuck as places free up towards the end of the week.

There are a few of us on here as well, happy to sign cards etc if you went that way.

The 1st is a nasty start to the round, take bogey and run.

Jontronix

PARlance wrote: »

I only joined this year and I have no real complaints with the place. The old 7 are handy for a bit of practice/warm up before a round.
The membership runs from March to March, but you can join up now and get 16 months for 12. It's €750 for the year and they are very flexible with payment plans.
You need to be on the ball with regards the time sheet, but it's nothing too crazy. I generally am not on the ball and haven't been left stuck as places free up towards the end of the week.

There are a few of us on here as well, happy to sign cards etc if you went that way.

The 1st is a nasty start to the round, take bogey and run.

What I actually meant is that I think there are several holes that are tougher than the first but it's a good hole. Someone told me that the competition scores in GC are a bit questionable, have u had that experience?

First Up

Jontronix wrote: »

From my investigations so far it seems that Foxrock, Killiney & Carrickmines are all similar. Nice 9 hole courses but quite posh places that don't look for or certainly advertise for new members. Not sure if they're the type of place I'd want to join. Don't know if I have a decent blazer to wear :-)

Lisheen & Tulfarris are both decent courses but too far for me.

Gonna check out Glencullen on Sunday it sounds like a nice little club. Will play Bray next week and see if that's as good as a lot of people say.

My sat nav shows Glencullen all of 3 minutes closer than Lisheen or PH.
There is always Leapardstown - dead handy and you will meet lots of nice ladies.

Jontronix

First Up wrote: »

My sat nav shows Glencullen all of 3 minutes closer than Lisheen or PH.
There is always Leapardstown - dead handy and you will meet lots of nice ladies.

I wish PH was that close, took me 37 mins on empty roads last week to get there early Saturday but 47 on the way home as roads were busier. Glencullen is about 18 mins at quiet times and a lot less mileage.

First Up

Jontronix wrote: »

I wish PH was that close, took me 37 mins on empty roads last week to get there early Saturday but 47 on the way home as roads were busier. Glencullen is about 18 mins at quiet times and a lot less mileage.

A lot less golf course when you get there too. You are going to have to compromise on something and I wouldn't advise it be course quality.
Lisheen takes me max 35 in any traffic conditions via M50, Firhouse, Ballinascorney.

PARlance

Jontronix wrote: »

What I actually meant is that I think there are several holes that are tougher than the first but it's a good hole. Someone told me that the competition scores in GC are a bit questionable, have u had that experience?

I think the length from the blues, 453 yards for a Par 4, makes it the toughest hole. There isn't much danger, but it's generally into the wind and a lot of guys will be hitting a good wedge in for their 3rd.
It certainly plays the toughest in the comps, the average score was 5.9 in the last comp, 5.6 the comp before that.

I am sure there are bandits in the club but I certainly don't get the impression that it's a widespread problem and I doubt it's much better/worse than any club.
I'm in my first year there so I may not be the best judge.
I know another member that posted on here recently that said that during the winter a few regular winners can be seen. I'll keep my eye out but I think these guys exist everywhere.
I think people see (relatively) cheap memberships and jump to assuming Bandits a bit too much tbh.

Generally, there are no crazy scores, I checked the last month or so results there and 44 was the highest winning scores. Catagories will generally be won in the high 30's.
You might have 1 or 2 with 40+ but from a field of 60 or 70 I think that is about right.

Confused1987

Have a look at Delgany!

I have been a member there for 10 years and love getting down to play. Course has been re-done in the last few years and the new club house is lovely. Speaking from my experiences the members are all sound, not wildly pretentious which is nice!

I drive from Dundrum and on the M50 it takes about 16 - 20 mins which is nothing!

Well worth a look into!

First Up

Confused1987 wrote: »

Have a look at Delgany!

I have been a member there for 10 years and love getting down to play. Course has been re-done in the last few years and the new club house is lovely. Speaking from my experiences the members are all sound, not wildly pretentious which is nice!

I drive from Dundrum and on the M50 it takes about 16 - 20 mins which is nothing!

Well worth a look into!

Haven't played it for a few years. Does it still have the holes where you used to hit your tee shot, then the tee shot on the next to avoid a big walk back? Did the GUI ban that eventually? A nice quirky feature.
Nice little course - is it open for membership?

Jontronix

PARlance wrote: »

I think the length from the blues, 453 yards for a Par 4, makes it the toughest hole. There isn't much danger, but it's generally into the wind and a lot of guys will be hitting a good wedge in for their 3rd.
It certainly plays the toughest in the comps, the average score was 5.9 in the last comp, 5.6 the comp before that.

I am sure there are bandits in the club but I certainly don't get the impression that it's a widespread problem and I doubt it's much better/worse than any club.
I'm in my first year there so I may not be the best judge.
I know another member that posted on here recently that said that during the winter a few regular winners can be seen. I'll keep my eye out but I think these guys exist everywhere.
I think people see (relatively) cheap memberships and jump to assuming Bandits a bit too much tbh.

Generally, there are no crazy scores, I checked the last month or so results there and 44 was the highest winning scores. Catagories will generally be won in the high 30's.
You might have 1 or 2 with 40+ but from a field of 60 or 70 I think that is about right.

Yeah perhaps the fear of bandits is blown up a bit due to the affordable membership and the fact that its a public course. In reality it's probably the same as anywhere. Golf cheaters are the lowest of the low in my book. Had to pull a couple of people up in the past in my society and its not nice. Some people want to win at all costs and forget its a game of honesty and integrity. Luckily they couldn't take the criticism and buggered off :-)

Jontronix

Confused1987 wrote: »

Have a look at Delgany!

I have been a member there for 10 years and love getting down to play. Course has been re-done in the last few years and the new club house is lovely. Speaking from my experiences the members are all sound, not wildly pretentious which is nice!

I drive from Dundrum and on the M50 it takes about 16 - 20 mins which is nothing!

Well worth a look into!

Any idea what the cost of membership is in Delgany? I hadn't actually considered it at all, it flies under the radar.

First Up

Jontronix wrote: »

Any idea what the cost of membership is in Delgany? I hadn't actually considered it at all, it flies under the radar.

Better than Greystones or Charlesland so well worth a look. Might be a bit more pricey though.

Jontronix

Just checked out the Delgany GC website and the membership fee is very reasonable, 1400 plus bar levy, but there's some crazy fee of 300 for clubhouse development fund??

First Up

Jontronix wrote: »

Just checked out the Delgany GC website and the membership fee is very reasonable, 1400 plus bar levy, but there's some crazy fee of 300 for clubhouse development fund??

Yeah, effectively €1,700 plus the bar levy.
I'd forgotten it was only par 68 but that should rule out the 5 hour round!

Russman

Gerry T wrote: »

Heard Edmondstown have no joining fee at the moment, for a limited time. Was told just this Monday--may not be correct though

Just saw on their website that its only a deferral of the joining fee until the 2014 season. Looks like you join now but the €10k still falls due in Jan (?) if you decide to stay "joined", or something, not very clear to be honest and doesn't look like a great deal IMO.

Rippeditup

I just joined Stackstown for 2014 and it was €1900 for this year (inc all extras) and then going forward it will be €1200 each year.

Seems a nice club atmosphere and the course (for a few holes I played) was decent.

Can't wait to play regular golf again after the last few years out.

First Up

Rippeditup wrote: »

I just joined Stackstown for 2014 and it was €1900 for this year (inc all extras) and then going forward it will be €1200 each year.

Seems a nice club atmosphere and the course (for a few holes I played) was decent.

Can't wait to play regular golf again after the last few years out.

Are you saying you paid a €1,900 sub without playing the course?

eyeeye

try blessington lakes website 40mins from blackrock supergreens

uberwolf

I saw powerscourt were advertising lease memberships over the weekend in the press. Didn't say the price.

woodbrook is in the catchment area. Anyone know much about it? their website suggests hello money.

old conna is there

dun laoghaire is another.

I'm in the same position as the op. I've moved and will be retiring my northside membership. Bray seems a good shout and I'd been considering delgany

First Up

uberwolf wrote: »

I saw powerscourt were advertising lease memberships over the weekend in the press. Didn't say the price.

woodbrook is in the catchment area. Anyone know much about it? their website suggests hello money.

old conna is there

dun laoghaire is another.

I'm in the same position as the op. I've moved and will be retiring my northside membership. Bray seems a good shout and I'd been considering delgany

I've played Woodbrook many times. Decent course and a good challenge, especially when the wind blows, as it often does. Strong, traditional club - used to host the Irish Open but it would no longer be anything like long enough for the modern pro.

They have had a problem with coastal erosion on a couple of holes and I think that will be an ongoing challenge. I assume they have plans in place.

I'd imagine it is big enough money to get in, even if they were open for new members - big prosperous catchment area.

uberwolf

I'd imagine it is big enough money to get in, even if they were open for new members - big prosperous catchment area.

10k.
http://www.woodbrook.ie/about-the-club/membership/