South Dublin Memberships

golfer555

Relocating back to Ireland in a few months and will be moving to South Dublin around the general Stillorgan area.

I m looking for a good members club within a 15-20 minute drive of Stillorgan. From experience location is key with any golf membership for getting out for a few holes here and there. I m a typical Saturday morning 8-9am player and have my golf done by 12-2pm (2pm at the latest). Then when clocks go back I would regularly play a few holes in the evenings, at this time of year getting there 8.30pm playing 5 or 6 holes. Interested in playing regular competitions and interclub matches.

Grange, Milltown, Castle, Woodbrook, Dun Laoghaire are all out as I don t want to pay a hefty entrance fee. Shame as some would literally be on the doorstep. Druids Glen (expensive) & Heath are out given they are a little further away. Powerscourt is nearby but reckon rounds would be a little on the long side 4.5 5 hours, also looking more for a members owned club. I m not interested in pay as you play courses as I m looking for a proper members club.

That leaves clubs like Stackstown, Old Conna, Newlands, Edmondstown, Glen of the Downs (not members owned, but close & nice course), Slade Valley. I often practice so decent facilities would be ideal but not a deal breaker. I m sure I ve missed out on others? Which would be the best of the bunch?

The one club that really stands out is Old Conna, which seems well run club and a nice layout. Does anyone know can you still get in paying just an annual membership (i.e. 1,500 per year)? I tried calling them twice but didn t get an answer. Given its an established busy club getting on the timesheet at 8am on a Saturday, like any good Dublin club, would be tough?

frink

I can comment on both Glen of the Downs and Dun Laoghaire. I relocated in 2014 back to Ireland and joined Glen of the Downs, lovely club and not a bad word to say about it. Course has its limitations and practice areas non existence but perfect for what I needed as I hadn't played in 4 years. Never too difficult getting a time on a Saturday or Sunday morning.

I rejoined Dun Laoghaire then last February and they don't charge you an entrance fee anymore, you have both options. I think its the best facility in the area but it can be tough to get a slot on a Saturday morning.

LarMan

I am a member of Bray and it would also fit what you are looking for. Weekend mornings are always busy but as booking is done on-line, as long as you are quick at the time of booking you should not have a problem getting out early in the morning. I tend to play before 9am and usually have no issue getting out at that time.

eoghan104

I am also in Bray.

As Lar says the Sunday mornings are busy but the sheet goes live at 6.45pm on the Friday a week before and if you are on the ball will get a spot.

We also have a waiting list system that allows you to select a time range and if a spot comes up it auto puts you in.

If you want any more information re Bray just PM me.

golfer555

I'd love to join Dun Laoghaire but at a total of 2,840 annual fee its a touch on the high side. That said the course and set up looks fabulous.

Can't say I know too much about Bray but must look into it. I'd really like to join Greystones but its a little too far away.

No Old Conna members on here? I'm really interested to see how difficult it is to get into the club firstly then whats it like getting out on weekends.

Seve OB

golfer555 wrote: »

I'd love to join Dun Laoghaire but at a total of 2,840 annual fee its a touch on the high side. That said the course and set up looks fabulous.

Can't say I know too much about Bray but must look into it. I'd really like to join Greystones but its a little too far away.

No Old Conna members on here? I'm really interested to see how difficult it is to get into the club firstly then whats it like getting out on weekends.

Drop me a pm if you want any info on Greystones. I travel from Castleknock, so t's not that far for you

Corkey123

Golfer555

Give all the courses a shout and see what offers they can make.

As a Bray GC member I know you will get at least one free round to try it out - at least play it so as to rule it in or out of your consideration. Do the same for the other clubs. Folks on boards won't see you stuck for a playing partner, so if you fancy a game in Bray or any other local course - just let us know

golfer555

I spoke to Old Conna and its €4,900 entrance fee and €1,500 subs. For one year you can join and pay €1,500 but after that you have to pay the entrance fee. A bit steep but I suppose you pay for convenience.

Given so many good reviews of Bray I’ve added it to the narrowed down list of clubs I’m now looking at. Can anyone tell me what the following courses are like in regards to 1) winter mats/temp greens (I hate both!) 2) general drainage/frost closure 3) length of a round on a Saturday/Sunday morning

1. Old Conna
2. Rathfarnham
3. Edmondstown
4. Bray
5. Greystones

joxer1988

golfer555 wrote: »

I spoke to Old Conna and its 4,900 entrance fee and 1,500 subs. For one year you can join and pay 1,500 but after that you have to pay the entrance fee. A bit steep but I suppose you pay for convenience.

Given so many good reviews of Bray I ve added it to the narrowed down list of clubs I m now looking at. Can anyone tell me what the following courses are like in regards to 1) winter mats/temp greens (I hate both!) 2) general drainage/frost closure 3) length of a round on a Saturday/Sunday morning

1. Old Conna
2. Rathfarnham
3. Edmondstown
4. Bray
5. Greystones

For Edmondstown:
1. No mats for the fairways in winter. Some on tee-boxes. Temp greens a rarity, but usually on random midweeks days rather than for the competition days - Tue/Wed/Sat/Sun.

2. Like anywhere, torrential rain will result in a delay of play... but overall I would say it holds up pretty well.

3. 3h45 is a good bet, if you're out early you can fly around. There's a ranger on duty to keep things moving along nicely.

LarMan

For Bray

No entrance fee for Bray a the moment.

No mats or temporary greens in the 5 years I have been a member.

Rarely closed for frost as close to the coast. Rain, unless it is a complete deluge I would expect the course to be open and playable.

A typical stableford competition off whites played in fourballs (That is standard in Bray) should take you just under four hours if played early in morning.

A strokes competition off the back tees would be closer to 4 and a half hours.