Wicklow G. C. - Great Value

Hacker111

Wicklow has just dropped its membership to €789 until the end of the year. Offer runs for the month of March only. Great course with unbelievable scenery. Well located to South Dublin/Greystones/Bray etc just down the N11

Has to be worth a look at such good value?

http://www.wicklowgolfclub.ie/

dar_cool

Hacker111 wrote: »

Wicklow has just dropped its membership to €789 until the end of the year. Offer runs for the month of March only. Great course with unbelievable scenery. Well located to South Dublin/Greystones/Bray etc just down the N11

Has to be worth a look at such good value?

http://www.wicklowgolfclub.ie/

Great value alright. Id definitely join it if I was closer to it.

SnowDrifts

Little bit biased being a member myself but a very good deal indeed. Flyer says 2 free lessons included also.

eoghan104

I don't want to be rude with members of the club here and all but this is probably the worst course in the area in my opinion.

Some of the holes on the back nine are horrendous baring the lovely par 3 16th I think?

The slanted fairways just are a killer for me and I couldn't recommend it for a free round never mind membership.

PARlance

eoghan104 wrote: »

I don't want to be rude with members of the club here and all but this is probably the worst course in the area in my opinion.

Some of the holes on the back nine are horrendous baring the lovely par 3 16th I think?

The slanted fairways just are a killer for me and I couldn't recommend it for a free round never mind membership.

I know there are some good courses in the area but that's harsh imo.

Only played it once and would definitely make the trip to play it again, in fact, I will try to make an effort to get there this summer.
The fourball that played that day loved it.
The back 9 may be a bit weaker than the front on recollection but that's because I thought the front was class.

If it's the worst club then I need to get to Wicklow more often.

eoghan104

PARlance wrote: »

I know there are some good courses in the area but that's harsh imo.

Only played it once and would definitely make the trip to play it again, in fact, I will try to make an effort to get there this summer.
The fourball that played that day loved it.
The back 9 may be a bit weaker than the front on recollection but that's because I thought the front was class.

If it's the worst club then I need to get to Wicklow more often.

Yeah If you think Wicklow is class you really should get down to the area more...

Blainroe
Woodenbridge
Coolatin
Greystones
Woodbrook
Glen o the Downs
The European Club
Druids Glen
Druids Heath
Maccreddin

That's 10 off the top of my head that are a far better course.

PARlance

eoghan104 wrote: »

Yeah If you think Wicklow is class you really should get down to the area more...

Blainroe
Woodenbridge
Coolatin
Greystones
Woodbrook
Glen o the Downs
The European Club
Druids Glen
Druids Heath
Maccreddin

That's 10 off the top of my head that are a far better course.

Have only played Maccredin and that would top it.
Fair enough, you are blessed down there.

I wouldn't go as harsh as saying that Wicklow isn't worth playing for free though, that gives an awful impression of a very fine course imo.

Dr_Colossus

PARlance wrote: »

I wouldn't go as harsh as saying that Wicklow isn't worth playing for free though, that gives an awful impression of a very fine course imo.

+1, it's quite a quirky course with a lot of short par 4s (especially on the front 9) but it requires good strategy as there's plenty of danger also. I can agree with your comments regarding the slanted fairways on the back 9 but from memory there is only 2 or 3 and they're not that severe. There's a good deal of elevation change throughout the course so not the easiest on the feet and ankles but the spectacular views more than make up for any hardship.

I've played the course 2 or 3 times and always enjoyed it and would certainly return. Granted the days I've played the weather had been somewhat amicable so not sure how it plays in the teeth of a gale with driving sea mist.

Mr. Larson

eoghan104 wrote: »

I don't want to be rude with members of the club here and all but this is probably the worst course in the area in my opinion.

Some of the holes on the back nine are horrendous baring the lovely par 3 16th I think?

The slanted fairways just are a killer for me and I couldn't recommend it for a free round never mind membership.

First of all you're entitled to your opinion of course. But I'm not sure what your beef is with Wicklow exactly and would you please elaborate on the comments I bolded above?

Is it too steep for you or what's your issue exactly. Some of the holes on the back 9 play along the cliffs towards Wicklow Head and require a well played iron into position. Of course you can welly your driver all day long but some of the slopes are at places where you're risking OB if you're hitting driver due to kicks/rolls etc.

Here are some images from the course... "horrendous" doesn't spring to mind. "a killer" maybe if you're a bit wild or not fit, but there are enough 'fields' around where you can blast your ball 280yds in any direction. Some of which are quite nearby and feature on your list of 'far better' golf courses in another comment.

dar_cool

Stunning!!!

SnowDrifts

Very well put Mr. Larson. From looking at one of Eoghan's previous posts, it seems he just has issues with some hilly courses which is perfectly fine, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Perhaps he should stay clear of Augusta too.

eoghan104 wrote: »

I can't believe the love for Delgany! They have a mountain goat on the club crest for a reason!

There are really only 2/3 sloping fairways which call for a measured shot and not just bombing a driver straight down.

Great pictures by the way. The views from the course and from inside the bar whilst sipping on nice post round pint are stunning and up amongst the best on the east coast.

First Up

SnowDrifts wrote: »

Very well put Mr. Larson. From looking at one of Eoghan's previous posts, it seems he just has issues with some hilly courses which is perfectly fine, everyone is entitled to their opinions. Perhaps he should stay clear of Augusta too.



There are really only 2/3 sloping fairways which call for a measured shot and not just bombing a driver straight down.

Great pictures by the way. The views from the course and from inside the bar whilst sipping on nice post round pint are stunning and up amongst the best on the east coast.

Much prefer Wicklow to Delgany but there are a lot better courses than either of them in the area.

Mr. Larson

First Up wrote: »

Much prefer Wicklow to Delgany but there are a lot better courses than either of them in the area.

Its certainly not in the same league as Druids Glen or The European Club. But they aren't offering membership for €789 . As for the likes of WoodenBridge/Macreddin/Coollattin, lovely parklands but bit of a hike from Dublin...

FixdePitchmark

eoghan104 wrote: »

Yeah If you think Wicklow is class you really should get down to the area more...

Blainroe
Woodenbridge
Coolatin
Greystones
Woodbrook
Glen o the Downs
The European Club
Druids Glen
Druids Heath
Maccreddin

That's 10 off the top of my head that are a far better course.

Arklow - is not there, that is a class course.

I do tend to agree that Wicklow is the most underrated or unspoken about golf gem in Ireland. I guess a factor is that - even if they all look close - it is a fair trip to some of them from Dublin.

I've played 8 of the 12 mentioned - above (+Arklow + Wicklow)

And it is true that the standard of course in Wicklow is unbelievably high. If an outsider was to come in and play Wicklow , they would be blown away. There are not too many cliff top course in Ireland. Very few actually - so Wicklow is offering something unique.

I'm not saying it is on the same page as Old Head - but most of the golfers in this country are not going to play Old Head - it has amazing holes along cliffs - there must be 5 or 6 holes were they come into play - then are are some great par 3s.

I would tend to agree that the far corner of the course is impractical - you would need to be fit at the turn home. But it adds to the challenge for some.

eoghan - you are entitled to your view - but I was there with a society, it is one of the best outings we had. It is a real club with atmosphere - it is in a town - it is a great little real club with character.

But - golf and people's views of golf courses are all their own. You can't change it in a way.

Courses on a hill side are not going to be enjoyed by some , no matter what - I understand that too.

Mr. Larson

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Arklow - is not there, that is a class course.

I do tend to agree that Wicklow is the most underrated or unspoken about golf gem in Ireland. I guess a factor is that - even if they all look close - it is a fair trip to some of them from Dublin.

I've played 8 of the 12 mentioned - above (+Arklow + Wicklow)

And it is true that the standard of course in Wicklow is unbelievably high. If an outsider was to come in and play Wicklow , they would be blown away. There are not too many cliff top course in Ireland. Very few actually - so Wicklow is offering something unique.

I'm not saying it is on the same page as Old Head - but most of the golfers in this country are not going to play Old Head - it has amazing holes along cliffs - there must be 5 or 6 holes were they come into play - then are are some great par 3s.

I would tend to agree that the far corner of the course is impractical - you would need to be fit at the turn home. But it adds to the challenge for some.

eoghan - you are entitled to your view - but I was there with a society, it is one of the best outings we had. It is a real club with atmosphere - it is in a town - it is a great little real club with character.

But - golf and people's views of golf courses are all their own. You can't change it in a way.

Courses on a hill side are not going to be enjoyed by some , no matter what - I understand that too.

Couldn't agree more with everything you have said there. Arklow is a quality links course. What Arklow may lack in scenery & views compared to Wicklow it makes up for in links-ness. (is that even a word?). In terms of value its in the same bracket as Wicklow, albeit a little bit further down the N11 but its the only real comparable one to Wicklow if comparing Apples with Apples.

"It is a real club with atmosphere - it is in a town - it is a great little real club with character."

This for me is the USP that Wicklow has. Its fundamentally a working mans member owned club. Blissfully free of the sort of effete snobs that tend to ruin similar Golf Clubs. A good club with a notable lack of snobbery, great atmosphere and a strong interclub pedigree and the views ain't half bad!

First Up

Mr. Larson wrote: »

Couldn't agree more with everything you have said there. Arklow is a quality links course. What Arklow may lack in scenery & views compared to Wicklow it makes up for in links-ness. (is that even a word?). In terms of value its in the same bracket as Wicklow, albeit a little bit further down the N11 but its the only real comparable one to Wicklow if comparing Apples with Apples.

"It is a real club with atmosphere - it is in a town - it is a great little real club with character."

This for me is the USP that Wicklow has. Its fundamentally a working mans member owned club. Blissfully free of the sort of effete snobs that tend to ruin similar Golf Clubs. A good club with a notable lack of snobbery, great atmosphere and a strong interclub pedigree and the views ain't half bad!

Yes, Arklow deserves mention. A few weak holes but overall great fun.
The lists above omit Powerscourt and Old Conna.

d2ww

I`m thinking that the omission of Old Conna may have been deliberate.

First Up

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Personally I would prefer Old Conna to Greystones (by a lot) and Glen of the Downs (by a little).

I'd prefer it to Blainroe too.

PARlance

I think I may move to County Wicklow.

Hacker111

The course is beautiful, that is without a doubt. The key thing you need in Wicklow is a super sharp short game.... slick greens equate to a true test of your touch and feel.

To date the discounted offer has attracted quite a few new members, so far so good for Wicklow!

bobwilliams

First Up wrote: »

Everyone is entitled to an opinion. Personally I would prefer Old Conna to Greystones (by a lot) and Glen of the Downs (by a little).

I'd prefer it to Blainroe too.

yeah it's all about opinions but how someone could put Old Conna and GOTD before GS is baffling.
I would go
1. Greystones/Blainroe
2. Old Conna


3. GOTD

First Up

bobwilliams wrote: »

yeah it's all about opinions but how someone could put Old Conna and GOTD before GS is baffling.
I would go
1. Greystones/Blainroe
2. Old Conna


3. GOTD

Greystones is too short and tight for my taste but each to his own.

Hacker111

First Up wrote: »

Greystones is too short and tight for my taste but each to his own.

Greystones is beautiful and so well maintained, I was very impressed last August when I played it. Yes, it is short but I dont mind that as I'm not a boomer.

Blainroe is long and ordinary. Well maintained but doesn't have many holes that grab you.

Old Conna is a good test but again wouldn't blow my mind.

I much prefer Arklow (great links), Coolattin (beautiful parkland) and Wicklow GC.

Its all about opinion I suppose. I like Delgany but some people dont, every golfer has a different view when they play a course. I don't like playing Glen o Downs for example, its an open, featureless track in my view.

Ernest Oreo

789 isnt exactly mindboggling to be honest.
I would say its probably just at the point to attract some new members.
A course like this should be offering this type of rate as standard.

Anyways, as mentioned on this Forum previously, I feel the day of 1 settled club membership per golfer will soon be over. The smarter clubs realise this already.

First Up

Ernest Oreo wrote: »

789 isnt exactly mindboggling to be honest.
I would say its probably just at the point to attract some new members.
A course like this should be offering this type of rate as standard.

Anyways, as mentioned on this Forum previously, I feel the day of 1 settled club membership per golfer will soon be over. The smarter clubs realise this already.

Soon be over? To be replaced by what? And which are the smarter clubs of which you speak?

dar_cool

First Up wrote: »

Soon be over? To be replaced by what? And which are the smarter clubs of which you speak?

I think he's right. Club hopping. People aren't being forced to stay in a club due to mad joining fees so at the end of the year if they fancy a change they can join a different club for just the yearly sub. I done it this year after been in a club a year. I have no ties to any club except getting to know a few members.

First Up

dar_cool wrote: »

I think he's right. Club hopping. People aren't being forced to stay in a club due to mad joining fees so at the end of the year if they fancy a change they can join a different club for just the yearly sub. I done it this year after been in a club a year. I have no ties to any club except getting to know a few members.

No problem with people moving between clubs but not sure that is what the post was inferring by the predicted demise of "one settled membership".

d2ww

Just a heads up on GotD, was out this morning and they have everyone playing off the Junior tees!! Didn't even realise until I was at the first tee with a 6 iron in my hand and less than a 100yd shot! No yardages on any of the tee boxes either, quite annoying if you forget to pick up a card.
This could have been only for today, but worth calling ahead if playing soon.
If ever there was a course that should be played off the back tees, it's GotD.

Imhof Tank

Would Bray not rate at all in the Co Wicklow top 10?

Old Conna is in Dublin btw

Ernest Oreo

and Dun Laoghaire is in Wicklow.

Imhof Tank

Ernest Oreo wrote: »

and Dun Laoghaire is in Wicklow.

Don't think it is. St Gerards school is on the Dublin side of the border so the new DL course has to be as well.

SnowDrifts

Ernest Oreo wrote: »

and Dun Laoghaire is in Wicklow.

Incorrect. Although they think they have an address in Wicklow, the entirety of the course and property is situated in Dublin.

See the map below.

First Up

Imhof Tank wrote: »

Would Bray not rate at all in the Co Wicklow top 10?

Old Conna is in Dublin btw

Yes, I see that Old Conna can safely be deleted.

Its been a good while since I played Bray. Can't remember why but I didn't particularly like it. Was there some funny, sloping holes near the start or something? I remember I scored pretty well and that usually leaves a positive impression but not there for some reason.

I recall thinking it should do OK with a decent catchment area. Definitely better than the "old" Bray.

eoghan104

Look as you say it is all about opinion. You are obviously a member there and have a soft spot for it and that's cool but it is a poor course I am sorry.

You keep mentioning about "bombing drivers" as if its some sort of cool thing that you cant do it in Wicklow. That's fine if you think that but would not be for me!

Anyway what do I know I am a member in Bray!! I left it out of my "better courses" on purpose too!

FixdePitchmark

eoghan104 wrote: »

Look as you say it is all about opinion. You are obviously a member there and have a soft spot for it and that's cool but it is a poor course I am sorry.

You keep mentioning about "bombing drivers" as if its some sort of cool thing that you cant do it in Wicklow. That's fine if you think that but would not be for me!

Anyway what do I know I am a member in Bray!! I left it out of my "better courses" on purpose too!

Maybe you are wrong.

Because - people who are not even from Wicklow like it.

eoghan104

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Maybe you are wrong.

Because - people who are not even from Wicklow like it.

I've been wrong before in fairness. It was the 1990 world cup I remember it well.

FixdePitchmark

eoghan104 wrote: »

I've been wrong before in fairness. It was the 1990 world cup I remember it well.

Yes - Ireland would beat Italy ?

Must go out and play this Bray course after this thread.

Must be unreal.

eoghan104

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Yes - Ireland would beat Italy ?

Must go out and play this Bray course after this thread.

Must be unreal.

Prepare to be dissapointed!

Please note not once did I say it was unreal or better than Wicklow. Doesn't mean I don't think that but nothing worse than someone bigging up their own below par (pun intended) course.

Hacker111

You made your point made Eoghan, most don't agree, so lets all move on!

Membership "drive" is going well so far, into double figures and growing, nice boost for the club.

Course is in great condition at the moment, bring on the sunshine. looking forward to this season massively.

Hacker111

12 months later and "Membership Drive II" is in full swing for €789 in Wicklow GC! Quite successful last year, with a lot of new members in. New tee boxes ready next month. Beautiful course.

Arklow is also aggressively advertising for new members, have a suite of offers. Great value.

if your within 30 mins of either town and want a new club at low money you could not go far wrong with either track.

fred funk }{

What are arklow offering?

FixdePitchmark

fred funk }{ wrote: »

What are arklow offering?

2 fantastic courses. Would love if they were near me.

Arklow below. (sorry this is last year - are they going lower again :eek: )

Option 1: Full Membership Offer
Full Membership now on offer for Annual Sub of €880.(No Entrance Fee)
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)
Option 2: 2014 New Members Special Offer
Join before 31st January 2014 and get full 2014 membership for €599
(also receive unlimited free competition entry until 31st March 2014)
Option 3: Five day membership
No entrance fee and €599 per year
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)

First Up

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

2 fantastic courses. Would love if they were near me.

Arklow below. (sorry this is last year - are they going lower again :eek: )

Option 1: Full Membership Offer
Full Membership now on offer for Annual Sub of €880.(No Entrance Fee)
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)
Option 2: 2014 New Members Special Offer
Join before 31st January 2014 and get full 2014 membership for €599
(also receive unlimited free competition entry until 31st March 2014)
Option 3: Five day membership
No entrance fee and €599 per year
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)

Which is the other "fantastic" course you talk of?
Not sure I would go as far as "fantastic" for Arklow. Decent budget links but miles below the European for example.

FixdePitchmark

First Up wrote: »

Which is the other "fantastic" course you talk of?
Not sure I would go as far as "fantastic" for Arklow. Decent budget links but miles below the European for example.

Fantastic offer , for a very good links.

I don't think too many people are looking at championship links as a club to join.

Anyway , I wouldn't join The European Club - as it is just daft out of the way , and too hard for your day to day golf.

If your from the area or near Arklow, like Links . It is a class option near/in town . fast golf.

European club , you go to twice a year in winter, shoot an 85 to 90 and go home with tail between legs. Not my cup of tea as a club.

BTW Wicklow. Now that is "fantastic".

DiegoWorst

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

2 fantastic courses. Would love if they were near me.

Arklow below. (sorry this is last year - are they going lower again :eek: )

Option 1: Full Membership Offer
Full Membership now on offer for Annual Sub of €880.(No Entrance Fee)
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)
Option 2: 2014 New Members Special Offer
Join before 31st January 2014 and get full 2014 membership for €599
(also receive unlimited free competition entry until 31st March 2014)
Option 3: Five day membership
No entrance fee and €599 per year
(+ Insurance + G.U.I Fee)

from their not-so-mobile-friendly website
http://www.arklowgolflinks.com/latest-news/982-new-membership-offers

Unbeatable 2015 Membership Deals

---

10 Year Membership: €6,600
5 Year Membership: €3,500
3 Year Membership: from €499 per year
11 Month Membership: €549
6 Month Beginner: €275

A bit too far for me to travel, would be tempted by the 11 month option.

First Up

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Fantastic offer , for a very good links.

I don't think too many people are looking at championship links as a club to join.

Anyway , I wouldn't join The European Club - as it is just daft out of the way , and too hard for your day to day golf.

If your from the area or near Arklow, like Links . It is a class option near/in town . fast golf.

European club , you go to twice a year in winter, shoot an 85 to 90 and go home with tail between legs. Not my cup of tea as a club.

BTW Wicklow. Now that is "fantastic".

I enjoy Wicklow, especially when I remember where I'm supposed to aim. Some good golf in that area if the European intimidates you - Woodenbridge and Macreddin in easy reach and Courtown not far. Roll on Spring.

FixdePitchmark

First Up wrote: »

I enjoy Wicklow, especially when I remember where I'm supposed to aim. Some good golf in that area if the European intimidates you - Woodenbridge and Macreddin in easy reach and Courtown not far. Roll on Spring.

I'm not "intimidated" by any course, but know what is practical for me and 90 % of golfers out there. European Club is not a sensible place to play "day to day" golf. Expense is one thing, but ignoring that.

Even off scratch , it is still not practical to head out for a quick 6 holes. It is 20 minutes, at least, drive from Arklow. Then very long and you would want to be playing well every time. Also swamped with tourists who cant play it. So work away " unintimidated" .

To go and play a comp there, you'd need most of the day. As in 8am till 2pm.

Yes roll on spring , will be in Euro before then.

First Up

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I'm not "intimidated" by any course, but know what is practical for me and 90 % of golfers out there. European Club is not a sensible place to play "day to day" golf. Expense is one thing, but ignoring that.

Even off scratch , it is still not practical to head out for a quick 6 holes. It is 20 minutes, at least, drive from Arklow. Then very long and you would want to be playing well every time. Also swamped with tourists who cant play it. So work away " unintimidated" .

To go and play a comp there, you'd need most of the day. As in 8am till 2pm.

Yes roll on spring , will be in Euro before then.

No shame in being intimidated by the European - I usually am!

tw0nk

Just moved to Wicklow Town and want to join either Wicklow GC or Blainroe, any members from Wicklow GC here? Would like to know what the regular yearly membership is after the special introductory price for new members, or does it stay at that price per year for new members?

Couple of other questions...

- For new members is it easy to join others? i.e. just pop name down on timeslot and get to know members?
- Is it difficult to get out Sat/Sun? I work Mon-Fri so Sat/Sun are the only days I could get out.
- Clubhouse: good craic? events on? Any other events I could bring wife along to?

thanks in advance

Hacker111

tw0nk wrote: »

Just moved to Wicklow Town and want to join either Wicklow GC or Blainroe, any members from Wicklow GC here? Would like to know what the regular yearly membership is after the special introductory price for new members, or does it stay at that price per year for new members?

Couple of other questions...

- For new members is it easy to join others? i.e. just pop name down on timeslot and get to know members?
- Is it difficult to get out Sat/Sun? I work Mon-Fri so Sat/Sun are the only days I could get out.
- Clubhouse: good craic? events on? Any other events I could bring wife along to?

thanks in advance

Sent a PM (I think)... give me a call.