Golf course recommendations

mr.jingle

Hi folks, I regularly read through the threads and rarely post but was looking for advice on a club to join in my area. I used to play golf a lot more than i do now, have not played since October 2012 but even before then i was playing very little for 3/4 yrs. I was an Artisan in Killiney for a year and was off 5 and i play a lot of pitch and putt but recent issues in the game and it's running have lead me to think I need a new challenge and golf seemed like the way to go.

I am living in the Ballybrack area in South East Dublin with courses such as Killiney, Leopardstown, Bray, Milltown, Charlesland, Greystones all within public transport distance of myself on this side of town. I do not drive but I am in the process of driving lessons etc. What course in the area would suit best? I'm sure Killiney is too expensive for a start so that can be ruled out and Leopardstown is predominantly female membership so its between the other 4.

Any ideas on which would be best for value, course and facilities

First Up

Using public transport complicates it a bit. Dun Laoghaire and Woodbrook are close by too but I don't know the bus situation. Old Conna is all round a decent course and club if you can get to it easily.

Ernest Oreo

Charlesland is under used and under appreciated.
Great course for someone getting (back) into the game in particular.

mr.jingle

First Up wrote: »

Using public transport complicates it a bit. Dun Laoghaire and Woodbrook are close by too but I don't know the bus situation. Old Conna is all round a decent course and club if you can get to it easily.

Never even thought of Old Conna or Woodbrook last night, another couple to consider, both within reasonable distance and have played both courses although a long time ago. A friend of mine plays in Bray and plays weekly but he said the weather can be extreme at times up there when other courses in the same conditions would be a lot more protected. The only thing is there would be a lot of positives in playing a tougher course in weather like that. Looking at Woodbrook the entry fee of e10,000 is way over what i was looking at paying! Mad money I wouldnt dream of spending on any course membership

First Up

mr.jingle wrote: »

Never even thought of Old Conna or Woodbrook last night, another couple to consider, both within reasonable distance and have played both courses although a long time ago. A friend of mine plays in Bray and plays weekly but he said the weather can be extreme at times up there when other courses in the same conditions would be a lot more protected. The only thing is there would be a lot of positives in playing a tougher course in weather like that. Looking at Woodbrook the entry fee of e10,000 is way over what i was looking at paying! Mad money I wouldnt dream of spending on any course membership

Not many clubs still getting away with that sort of thing but Woodbrook is "old school". They might reduce it if any more of it falls into the sea (joke). Amazing to think a course like that was able to host our top pro tournament some years ago. Shows how the game has changed. Pleasant course but well overtaken by many others.

Corkey123

I suppose I have to get a plug in but...joined Bray GC a couple of years ago and have to say it been great. Members, course, facilities all good. Not sure what you heard about the weather, but the course is actually excellent in poor weather as was witnessed by the small numbers of days lost to the heavy rain.

Others will no doubt plug their own courses.

Ronney

Few things will help with suggestions, Courses inside the m50 tend not to be too cheap. If your ruling out Killiney already you can forget anything nearer the city like Milltown as they will having significant joining fees.

Be warned most clubs in South Dublin/North Wicklow will be somewhere in €1.5 to €2.5k per year so consider where you'll get most use from (i.e popping out for 6 holes on a summer evening at 8pm or even nipping in 18 on a friday post work)

Are you a Student/Junior/U30 or considering 5 day membership?
Whats your Budget per year?