Lahinch; Is it worth it?

foremee

Heading down Clare way this Easter and looking to play a decent links course while I'm down there. I've been doing a bit of research and I noticed Lahinch is asking €140 per round on the old course and €150 to play the old and the castle course over two days.

I know its steeped in history and is perhaps the best links course on the west coast, but could I ask those that have played it, is it really worth paying that kind of money for the experience of playing a bucket list course? I know this is a subjective question. However I would like to know people opinions on their experience there and if they feel it is honestly worth that kind of money considering Doonbeg is only charging €50 per round on the same day.

The Orb

foremee wrote: »

Heading down Clare way this Easter and looking to play a decent links course while I'm down there. I've been doing a bit of research and I noticed Lahinch is asking €140 per round on the old course and €150 to play the old and the castle course over two days.

I know its steeped in history and is perhaps the best links course on the east coast, but could I ask those that have played it, is it really worth paying that kind of money for the experience of playing a bucket list course? I know this is a subjective question. However I would like to know people opinions on their experience there and if they feel it is honestly worth that kind of money considering Doonbeg is only charging €50 per round on the same day.

€140 is too much for any course.However that is the going rate on the premium courses.
Lahinch is a magnificent golf course and well worth playing. Never played Doonbeg so I don't know if €50 is good value, probably is, but I would have an ideological objection to playing it now !

BigChap1759

If you have the money then yes. A stunning, stunning course with some incredible holes. I absolutely loved it!

galvo_clare

foremee wrote: »

I know its steeped in history and is perhaps the best links course on the east west coast,

First Up

The Orb wrote:

€140 is too much for any course.However that is the going rate on the premium courses. Lahinch is a magnificent golf course and well worth playing. Never played Doonbeg so I don't know if €50 is good value, probably is, but I would have an ideological objection to playing it now !

Yes, its great but €140 is bucket list stuff. I don't know who pays that - Yanks mostly I imagine. I've played it a fair few times but always with members or otherwise got a deal.

I wouldn't go near Doonbeg.

ShivasIrons

Yes.

foremee

galvo_clare wrote: »

woops need to get my compass out:o

I would have objections to playing Doonbeg too, but as someone who hasn't played either I just wonder if Lahinch is worth €90 more.

Personally I find it hard to fathom how I could walk off any course that cost that much and say to myself, 'yes that was worth it'.

However, in saying that, I have played Enniscrone and Druids Glen (bucket list type course), having paid significantly less but still a good chunk of change, and said to myself afterwards that I really enjoyed them and that it was worth the money for the experience. I'm wondering will I feel the same way leaving Lahinch or will I just feel like a ripped off yank?

First Up

foremee wrote:

However, in saying that, I have played Enniscrone and Druids Glen (bucket list type course), having paid significantly less but still a good chunk of change, and said to myself afterwards that I really enjoyed them and that it was worth the money for the experience. I'm wondering will I feel the same way leaving Lahinch or will I just feel like a ripped off yank?

foremee wrote:

However, in saying that, I have played Enniscrone and Druids Glen (bucket list type course), having paid significantly less but still a good chunk of change, and said to myself afterwards that I really enjoyed them and that it was worth the money for the experience. I'm wondering will I feel the same way leaving Lahinch or will I just feel like a ripped off yank?

Very tough call. It is up there with the best we've got for sure but its a hell of a lot to pay.

Maybe have a few pints in the locality and try to meet a member who will take you out for a fraction of that.

searay

Ring the club and tell them you are a GUI member. Many courses offer lower rates for members of other clubs.

The big name courses get lots of Americans willing to pay that price.

It is a great course especially if you get good weather but the best way to play it is with a member. Otherwise make sure it's a special occasion and play it with your best mates.

LuckyGent88

foremee wrote: »

Heading down Clare way this Easter and looking to play a decent links course while I'm down there. I've been doing a bit of research and I noticed Lahinch is asking €140 per round on the old course and €150 to play the old and the castle course over two days.

I know its steeped in history and is perhaps the best links course on the west coast, but could I ask those that have played it, is it really worth paying that kind of money for the experience of playing a bucket list course? I know this is a subjective question. However I would like to know people opinions on their experience there and if they feel it is honestly worth that kind of money considering Doonbeg is only charging €50 per round on the same day.

As someone who gets to play lahinch quite a bit, if you get a decent day it is absolutely worth the money. The course has everything for me. Fair but tough, great design, stunning scenery and quality greens.

Got to play the newly designed doonbeg twice during the past summer. Greens were still hollowcored and horrendously slow. 50 euro is very cheap and even when I played the Americans were still paying 180 and I wouldn't have paid over 50 due to the greens. The course itself is pretty bland imo with 3/4 cracking holes.

Kace

I wouldn't pay that money ever to play Lahinch. Doonbeg for €50 is a decent deal as long as the greens are in order as suggested previously.

I played both back to back on consecutive days and I have to say that I enjoyed Doonbeg more. It's definitely easier, so that had a bearing on my outlook afterwards - probably because I had a much better score.

rooney30

140 is not the worst for that level of course . Balybunion and Waterville , other comparables are 180/190.
Maybe they have knocked a few quid off cos its winter . If you were to transplant Lahinch to the Uk there is a good chance you would be paying more , transplant it into Spain or Portugal you'd pay way more . If Lahinch existed in the US , you'd be looking at 400 or 500 dollars.

Kevinmarkham

searay wrote: »

Ring the club and tell them you are a GUI member. Many courses offer lower rates for members of other clubs.

Yep, make that your first port of call. You might get €20 off... or it might be €50.

Here are some Lahinch Photos.

Regarding the Castle course alongside - it gets very little love from golfers. It is not in the same class as the Old course - being flatter and without the same design finesse - but it is a good, fun round and, from what I recall, the conditioning was very good.

moycullen14

Hard to say whether it's worth it to you without knowing the utility you place on €140.

What you can say, though, is that it is a fabulous course.

Perhaps not as scenic (although the 6th, playing out towards Liscannor, is as visually attractive hole as you will find anywhere) as Waterville, Ballybunion or Tralee but, oh my, it is some test of golf.

To me, Lahinch has a little bit of everything, from the quirky, to the deceptively difficult, to some of the best, long par fours you will find anywhere.

In the wind, when the rough is up, it's as difficult a course as you will play. When the weather and conditions are a bit more benign, it's not too difficult - especially off the forward tees.

Along with Enniscrone, my favourite course in Ireland.

Henry Ford III

I'm a member at Lahinch so admittedly have a degree of bias.

The course and facilities are truly excellent. The locker room and clubhouse have been upgraded in recent years. The new short game facility (old FCA barracks will be another bonus).

€140 a round is pricey in absolute terms, but relative to it's peers Lahinch represents reasonable value.

A member can get you much better rate, so we're in demand.

Henry Ford III

I'm a member at Lahinch so admittedly have a degree of bias.

The course and facilities are truly excellent. The locker room and clubhouse have been upgraded in recent years. The new short game facility (old FCA barracks will be another bonus).

€140 a round is pricey in absolute terms, but relative to it's peers Lahinch represents reasonable value.

A member can get you much better rate, so we're in demand.

Golfgorfield

Im lucky to have played Lahinch maybe 100 times, and it is in my mind the finest golf course in the country.
Condition is spectacular always.
Facilities are world class.
The atmosphere though is where it wins every time, you can stroll up into the clubhouse in shorts, or whatever you want and always be greeted with a smile and made to feel like you belong there.

This is something you dont get in say RCD, Portmarnock or Portrush, where you are made to feel like a 2nd class citizen at times with their rules and regs, cant eat here have to wear a jacket in this bar etc etc.

That alone makes Lahinch an absolute bargain at €140.

searay

searay wrote: »

Ring the club and tell them you are a GUI member. Many courses offer lower rates for members of other clubs.

The big name courses get lots of Americans willing to pay that price.

It is a great course especially if you get good weather but the best way to play it is with a member. Otherwise make sure it's a special occasion and play it with your best mates.

If you decide to go for it, play with somebody who knows the course well. There are a couple of blind shots that are hard to figure out and you can mess up a number of holes by taking the wrong line or under/over clubbing. I've only played it once and messed up the 3rd, 4th, 6th and 7th as a result of not knowing it.

Would love another round there to put that right.

bmay529

Lahinch is one of a few links courses I have yet to play and is definitely high on my wish list but I cannot justify €140. I think it a shame they do not offer a gui rate as other top class links do. By all means let them fill their coffers when yanks and other visitors are prepared to pay these high rates but I think they should also look after their own, even if to a limited degree. I think they have opens a few times during the year.

golfer555

Golfgorfield wrote: »

Im lucky to have played Lahinch maybe 100 times

That alone makes Lahinch an absolute bargain at €140.

... how many times out of that 100 have you paid €140 to play it?

Damn shame they don't have 1 or 2 open days a year, it would hardly put them out of business. Equally they could offer cheaper rates to GUI members at very limited times (say 06:30-07:00 & 16:00-16:30 once or twice a month, not exactly a lot) just to give people the opportunity to play it.

Very few, if any, Irish golfers would pay €140 to play a round of golf. For that reason, in effect being a closed shop to the vast majority, I wasn't one bit bothered to hear the course was damaged in a storm a few years back. With green fees prices like that (closing it off to normal Irish people) they've plenty of money to fix it.

Ronney

golfer555 wrote: »

... how many times out of that 100 have you paid €140 to play it?

Damn shame they don't have 1 or 2 open days a year, it would hardly put them out of business. Equally they could offer cheaper rates to GUI members at very limited times (say 06:30-07:00 & 16:00-16:30 once or twice a month, not exactly a lot) just to give people the opportunity to play it.

Very few, if any, Irish golfers would pay €140 to play a round of golf. For that reason, in effect being a closed shop to the vast majority, I wasn't one bit bothered to hear the course was damaged in a storm a few years back. With green fees prices like that (closing it off to normal Irish people) they've plenty of money to fix it.

In Fairness to Lahinch they do run one sort of "open" comp a year by hosting the South. If your really good/on form you would get 8/9 rounds in for a very reasonable price!

Golfgorfield

golfer555 wrote: »

... how many times out of that 100 have you paid €140 to play it?

Damn shame they don't have 1 or 2 open days a year, it would hardly put them out of business. Equally they could offer cheaper rates to GUI members at very limited times (say 06:30-07:00 & 16:00-16:30 once or twice a month, not exactly a lot) just to give people the opportunity to play it.

Very few, if any, Irish golfers would pay €140 to play a round of golf. For that reason, in effect being a closed shop to the vast majority, I wasn't one bit bothered to hear the course was damaged in a storm a few years back. With green fees prices like that (closing it off to normal Irish people) they've plenty of money to fix it.

Luckily ive never had to pay, the OP was asking is it worth 140e as a one off. It seems the majority agree it is.
You have to look at the maintainace of the place, its not cheap to keep it at such a high standard so its a case of maybe they could charge 75e for example but the product you will get wont be very good.
Its sad to hear someone say they were glad to see all the storm damage, thats more yiur own problem than lahinch gc tbh.
Having played pretty much all of our premium links, lahinch is the inly one id have no problem paying full whack to play.

Hoof Hearted2

Golfgorfield wrote: »

Luckily ive never had to pay, the OP was asking is it worth 140e as a one off. It seems the majority agree it is.
You have to look at the maintainace of the place, its not cheap to keep it at such a high standard so its a case of maybe they could charge 75e for example but the product you will get wont be very good.
Its sad to hear someone say they were glad to see all the storm damage, thats more yiur own problem than lahinch gc tbh.
Having played pretty much all of our premium links, lahinch is the inly one id have no problem paying full whack to play.

TBF they could charge €50 and still make money after still maintaining it to the same high level, the maintenance costs are not the reason the Green fee is so much, it's more about supply and demand, and Lahinch and courses like it are in big demand.

OP only you can decide for yourself whether it's worth the money or not, the money is coming out of your pocket and you're the one that is going to be playing it, so TBF using that criteria, I fail to understand how some one elses opinion will sway your decision one way or the other.

bmay529

Golfgorfield wrote: »

Luckily ive never had to pay, the OP was asking is it worth 140e as a one off. It seems the majority agree it is.
You have to look at the maintainace of the place, its not cheap to keep it at such a high standard so its a case of maybe they could charge 75e for example but the product you will get wont be very good.
Its sad to hear someone say they were glad to see all the storm damage, thats more yiur own problem than lahinch gc tbh.
Having played pretty much all of our premium links, lahinch is the inly one id have no problem paying full whack to play.

Lucky for some who have never had to pay. While some here have said €140 represents good value to play Lahinch others, myself included, do not agree. I have played most top links in Ireland and never had to pay anything like €140 and most have been in excellent shape, even in winter. Admittedly I have had to pull a few favours to play some of them and open days to play others.

mike12

Not ticked it off my list yet simply because they don't offer reduced fees. Not paid full green fees to play any of the links courses so far.
Even if they did scratch cups it would be something.
Suppose they just want the yanks and member's.

BigChap1759

mike12 wrote: »

Not ticked it off my list yet simply because they don't offer reduced fees. Not paid full green fees to play any of the links courses so far.
Even if they did scratch cups it would be something.
Suppose they just want the yanks and member's.

Didn't you read posts above which state they will offer reduced green fee for GUI members??

slave1

Best course I've played and do not turn down the opportunity to play the Castle course, great fun after getting a beating in Lahinch, I played both the same day, played to the same level and scored 27points in Lahinch (bunkers impossible to get out of) and 46 on the Castle, that will tell you the difference between the two in terms of difficulty

FixdePitchmark

Ive posted before that there should be a reduced rate / opens in all clubs.

But - I think I would pay whatever I had to, to play the top links - as I want to play them all.
There is sometimes more of a factor than the price - you can simply be in the area - the weather is right - go for it. Every single time I did that at the top courses - I loved playing them. If you don't take the opportunity when it is there in front of you - there is a chance that you will never play them.

Many times - I play with local players and they all say they would have signed me in - that is in part, why there is an unfairness to the rate to a GUI player - yet a lad who makes a phone call to a lad who knows a lad - is a bit Irish.

I accept it is crazy money - but I seriously want to play them.

100 euro is sort of palatable - you could spend that on a meal easy enough.
150 euro is very hard to justify
Then you are up to 250 euro for RCD - it is a level of madness then.

Sadly I dont know too many members in these places - so looking like full fee for me most of the time. Was very lucky to get an invite to The Island - Portmarnock and Lahinch - so in fairness I've done very well. I'm targeting them in likes of ACC and winter rates.

For years I use to say - I'm not paying that for a round of golf. But I love golf and love the top links so much - like people spend 700 euro on phones that do the same thing as a 100 euro one. People spend 200 / 300 euro + on single items of clothing. We spend daft money on our golf equipment - most of it we know we don't need.

I'll play them all.

mike12

BigChap1759 wrote: »

Didn't you read posts above which state they will offer reduced green fee for GUI members??

Think it said ring them and ask not that they did.

PARlance

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

100 euro is sort of palatable - you could spend that on a meal easy enough.
150 euro is very hard to justify
Then you are up to 250 euro for RCD - it is a level of madness then.

...I'm targeting them in likes of ACC and winter rates.
.

Just on RCD:
Anyone wanting to play RCD in the Summer can do it for £140 and you get Ardglass and Spa thrown into the hat. It depends on how you want to dice up the costs but you would be happy paying a combined €60 for the other two.

http://golfdigestevents.ie/The-down-summer-links-trophy-the%20heart-of-down-golf-tournament

bmay529

BigChap1759 wrote: »

Didn't you read posts above which state they will offer reduced green fee for GUI members??

As far as I know Lahinch do not offer a GUI rate, at least that is what they told me. Maybe someone would clarify this.

Rosses do and I have to say were the most helpful "top" course when I wanted to plan my first visit there last year. Maybe they are a little more out of the way of foreign golfers path but it doesn't hurt and we spent a few bob in the clubhouse and accomodation etc in the area

Ally McIntosh

We're all very lucky compared to almost every other country in the world where the top courses are often private / unobtainable and where green fees can reach multiples of the 250 that is rack rate at RCD.

I've played courses in the States where the guest fee is north of $600. That's before you pay $200 for the compulsory caddie. And that's as a guest of a member (the equivalent fee at Portmarnock is €30).

There are other courses that will cost you 5 figures as they come with requirements to stay on site if an invite is received.

Most country clubs in the States you'd have to take out a second mortgage just to pay the annual subs.

And there are one or two that almost reach a 7 figure entry fee.

Ireland golfers are blessed.

Ally

alxmorgan

Hard to see myself paying 140 when I can play Carne, Enniscrone and Rosses for 130 in July. Just doesn't compute

Mantis Toboggan

I'd find it hard to justify paying €140 per round.

If I was paying it I'd want guaranteed good weather. Nothing like paying through the nose and getting soaked for the pleasure.

Dublin Spur

anything more than €50 is madness

especially if (like me) you're paying a decent whack on you on club annual subs

Senecio

The highest green fee I've ever paid was 100 AUD (~70 EUR). That was for Barnbougle Dunes a similar bucket list style course on the north coast of Tasmania. It was great value as the course wasn't open long, was quite remote so not a lot of foot traffic and the $100 provided unlimited play so I played 36 holes in the one day. I need to go back now that the 2nd course The Lost farm course is now open.

http://barnbougle.com.au/

benny79

Its a tough one... I tried to play Lahinch a few times as I holiday down there a lot but no way was I paying €150+ as a gui member.. I always said €50 was my limit unless on holidays etc..

Went to Kerry one summer and paid €65 for a round on my own. Treated like dirt, found it to be a very unfriendly place (long story) and they only seemed interested in you if you were american.. Didn't bother me as I was only interested in the course. It rained most of the day and on the back 9 the wind picked up to nearly storm like conditions (Irish summers for yea ) but my point is it wasn't an enjoyable round!

* Playing on my own wasn't by choice... was told they were very busy an given a very early tee time got there and there wasn't a sinner in the place.. starter told me to head on, on my own.

Tom.D.BJJ

benny79 wrote: »

Went to Kerry one summer and paid €65 for a round on my own. Treated like dirt, found it to be a very unfriendly place (long story) and they only seemed interested in you if you were american.. Didn't bother me as I was only interested in the course. It rained most of the day and on the back 9 the wind picked up to nearly storm like conditions (Irish summers for yea ) but my point is it wasn't an enjoyable round!

* Playing on my own wasn't by choice... was told they were very busy an given a very early tee time got there and there wasn't a sinner in the place.. starter told me to head on, on my own.

That's a terrible way to treat a paying customer. Where was it, so i know to avoid?

benny79

Tom.D.BJJ wrote: »

That's a terrible way to treat a paying customer. Where was it, so i know to avoid?

Waterville. (short story) I was staying in Tralee which is 2 hours away.. explained this and she said that was only time available.. Even when I finished the course still wasn't that busy!

lawred2

BigChap1759 wrote: »

If you have the money then yes. A stunning, stunning course with some incredible holes. I absolutely loved it!

yikes - I played it for €65 in 2011

Cracking course but I'm not sure I would have been as happy with it if I'd paid €140.

Running Balance

Well is it any worse than paying $500 to play pebble beach??

Now that's crazy money!!

Hoof Hearted2

benny79 wrote: »

Its a tough one... I tried to play Lahinch a few times as I holiday down there a lot but no way was I paying €150+ as a gui member.. I always said €50 was my limit unless on holidays etc..

Went to Kerry one summer and paid €65 for a round on my own. Treated like dirt, found it to be a very unfriendly place (long story) and they only seemed interested in you if you were american.. Didn't bother me as I was only interested in the course. It rained most of the day and on the back 9 the wind picked up to nearly storm like conditions (Irish summers for yea ) but my point is it wasn't an enjoyable round!

* Playing on my own wasn't by choice... was told they were very busy an given a very early tee time got there and there wasn't a sinner in the place.. starter told me to head on, on my own.

God can't please some people, you booked it on your own and ended up playing on your own, my God how could the course/club treat you so badly and to top it off they gave you sh1te weather too, dem inconsiderate greeedy Kerry hoares, where was the red carpet for the lone paddy, I axe ou???

FixdePitchmark

Hoof Hearted2 wrote: »

God can't please some people, you booked it on your own and ended up playing on your own, my God how could the course/club treat you so badly and to top it off they gave you sh1te weather too, dem inconsiderate greeedy Kerry hoares, where was the red carpet for the lone paddy, I axe ou???

I think he got the auld Jackeen treatment :P hoof.

But if it was a yank - they be fawning over him and pulling off the Kerry act.

Sadly - benny, I think in some of these places, if you have to ask the price, they don't want you there.

Hoof Hearted2

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think he got the auld Jackeen treatment :P hoof.

But if it was a yank - they be fawning over him and pulling off the Kerry act.

Sadly - benny, I think in some of these places, if you have to ask the price, they don't want you there.

He did indeed Fix, but the auld Jackeen wouldn't expect anything less;).

TBF look the yanks expect the VIP treatment and are happy to pay through the nose for it, on the other hand the Paddy wants to get a bargain and not be made a fuss of;).
I think the problem arises when one is a yank in paddy clothing paying Irish rates and expecting the yank treatment, like in bennys case.

Tom.D.BJJ

Hoof Hearted2 wrote: »

I think the problem arises when one is a yank in paddy clothing paying Irish rates and expecting the yank treatment, like in bennys case.

I dont think that's very fair, or reflective of the situation as described.

Hoof Hearted2

Tom.D.BJJ wrote: »

I dont think that's very fair, or reflective of the situation as described.

I think it's very fair, he's still steaming about it, months after it happened.
Perhaps he's that way inclined idk, but it's a shame he couldn't chalk it down or appreciate how lucky he was to be in an area with some of the most rugged natural beauty on the planet.

Tom.D.BJJ

Hoof Hearted2 wrote: »

I think it's very fair, he's still steaming about it, months after it happened.
Perhaps he's that way inclined idk, but it's a shame he couldn't chalk it down or appreciate how lucky he was to be in an area with some of the most rugged natural beauty on the planet.

And that's just the women...

FixdePitchmark

Hoof Hearted2 wrote: »

I think it's very fair, he's still steaming about it, months after it happened.
Perhaps he's that way inclined idk, but it's a shame he couldn't chalk it down or appreciate how lucky he was to be in an area with some of the most rugged natural beauty on the planet.

Or maybe he just came across a pumped up Kerry arsehole - could happen like :)

I've been to Kerry.

BigChap1759

PARlance wrote: »

Just on RCD:
Anyone wanting to play RCD in the Summer can do it for £140 and you get Ardglass and Spa thrown into the hat. It depends on how you want to dice up the costs but you would be happy paying a combined €60 for the other two.

http://golfdigestevents.ie/The-down-summer-links-trophy-the%20heart-of-down-golf-tournament

you are not assured a game on RCD in the above - only the top 150 qualify...

Keano

Fixed and Hoof back on topic or don't bother posting again in this thread.

benny79

Hoof Hearted2 wrote: »

I think it's very fair, he's still steaming about it, months after it happened.
Perhaps he's that way inclined idk, but it's a shame he couldn't chalk it down or appreciate how lucky he was to be in an area with some of the most rugged natural beauty on the planet.

Ha.. The weather didn't bother me I do live in Ireland

My point was that you can pay top dollar for somewhere and not enjoy the experience for a number of reasons but if it didn't cost that much it wouldn't sting as much.. and we wouldnt be having this thread..

For the record Hoof manners and some common courtesy cost nothing brother.. regardless of where and who you are