Golf Membership Prices in Cork

Soundshkin

Hi All,

I am currently looking to join a golf club in the Cork area (Cork city / East cork preferably) as I am finished in the student category(was €360 a year) in my current club (which I was a member of for 4 years) and the entrance fee(9k) is a bit much to join as a full member now on top of the annual fee.

I have been trying to get in touch over the last couple of months with most clubs to see any offers available but most have not replied, presumably due to the quantity of people after taking up golf membership this year.

I was hoping that some members here might have information for me as to the price of membership at some of the clubs in Cork and whether they are accepting new members. I know this topic has been raised previously but I cant find any information on here about this topic that isn't ~10 years old.

Thanks a million for any replies

Mushy

Cobh is 800 for the year (October to September). Unsure on any deals right now, did have one earlier in year for year and a half. Monthly pay option too of 77 a month, works out far more but can be workable at least

Deporhostia

I know Muskerry is €1400, not quite the location you’re looking for.

And Douglas is upwards of €9000, I guess that’s where you’re leaving? Their application process for next year is now closed.

I think Cobh, mentioned above, has a nice balance of affordability and a decent course. It’s a bit hilly for some people.

paulos53

Castlemartyr is €1200 but there are also intermediate rates

€450 for 18-24 year olds
€650 for 25-30 year olds

There is a joining fee also. I am not sure what that currently is but probably in the range of €1000 - €2000

Soundshkin

Deporhostia wrote: »

I know Muskerry is €1400, not quite the location you’re looking for.

And Douglas is upwards of €9000, I guess that’s where you’re leaving? Their application process for next year is now closed.

I think Cobh, mentioned above, has a nice balance of affordability and a decent course. It’s a bit hilly for some people.

Thanks a million for the replies, all very helpful so thanks very much.

Ya it is Douglas I am leaving. Can't justify that amount of money for golf really at this time even though it is within walking distance. The joining fee plus the annual fee would put you North of 10k for golf for the year.

I have been looking at Cobh. Heard only good things about it and that seems a very reasonable price. I played at Mahon for quite a few years as a teenager and enjoyed it also but they are not taking any more members from what I have heard as well.

Muskerry is another good option I think they have a deal for u35s also which I am surprised not every club does. 25-35 seems to be the age a lot of golf clubs say they can't keep members at, probably due to saving for houses and kids etc but only some clubs seem to make an effort to keep them.

Southern Comfort

If you have been a student member in Douglas for a number of years, I believe you would not have to pay the full €9k joining fee.

Also, you could opt to pay whatever the joining fee is over 5 or 6 years.

Have you checked that out?

Miley Byrne

Soundshkin wrote: »

Thanks a million for the replies, all very helpful so thanks very much.
Ya it is Douglas I am leaving. Can't justify that amount of money for golf really at this time even though it is within walking distance. The joining fee plus the annual fee would put you North of 10k for golf for the year.

If I was within walking distance of Douglas then I would do all in my power to make it work to stay a member there. It's a class golf course and if you can justify it at all then try to make it happen. Most courses in Cork would be a major step down from Douglas.......Old Head, Fota and Cork probably the only exceptions.

As Southern Comfort says, check it out as you may not have to pay the €9k in full.

bailey99

Miley Byrne wrote: »

If I was within walking distance of Douglas then I would do all in my power to make it work to stay a member there. It's a class golf course and if you can justify it at all then try to make it happen. Most courses in Cork would be a major step down from Douglas.......Old Head, Fota and Cork probably the only exceptions.

As Southern Comfort says, check it out as you may not have to pay the €9k in full.

I think you are a bit over zealous in your appraisal of Douglas. Cork is very poorly served by golf courses considering its size.

phelimb

Wow - I'm shocked you still have to pay the full entrance fee after being a member for some years even if it was a student but still - 9K, WOW!

Anyway, not where you are looking for but Kinsale (and not the Old Head) have Intermediate membership of just under 900 - no joining fee I believe.

On a side note, played Douglas many times in the past and really enjoyed the course.....but I got kicked out of the clubhouse after playing a round in an open competition years ago for not wearing the appropriate attire (clothes had got soaked out on the course and I put on a dry non-conforming jumper going into the bar) and was refused service and told to leave. Never went back after that but I'm sure things are different now

Miley Byrne

bailey99 wrote: »

I think you are a bit over zealous in your appraisal of Douglas. Cork is very poorly served by golf courses considering its size.

So by that logic there are better courses in the area? Which ones?

Southern Comfort

phelimb wrote: »

Wow - I'm shocked you still have to pay the full entrance fee after being a member for some years even if it was a student but still - 9K, WOW!

No need to be shocked........

He wouldn't have to pay the full amount. I have many friends in Douglas G.C. There's a sliding scale, I believe.

If the OP had joined as a Juvenile, at the age of 12 for example, his signing on fee would only be 10% of the current joining fee, so he'd only pay €900.

I imagine that he would still pay considerably less than the full €9k fee if he has been a Student member for 4 years.

It appears he doesn't know that and, unfortunately, he hasn't been on here since Nov. 14th.......

bailey99

Miley Byrne wrote: »

So by that logic there are better courses in the area? Which ones?

Cork as a county has very poor courses compared to Kerry, Donegal, Wicklow. Wicklow has the best range of courses in Ireland in my opinion.

In cork, better than Douglas, I'd have cork, fota, castlemartyr, lee valley, mallow.....will I go on?

Miley Byrne

bailey99 wrote: »

Cork as a county has very poor courses compared to Kerry, Donegal, Wicklow. Wicklow has the best range of courses in Ireland in my opinion.

In cork, better than Douglas, I'd have cork, fota, castlemartyr, lee valley, mallow.....will I go on?

You will see in my original post I said Fota and Cork would be superior. But Mallow? Are you actually serious. By no metric whatsoever is Mallow even in the same conversation as Douglas. Actually that's a fair insult to Douglas.

Neither is Castlemartyr really, good course but a level below Douglas

(I'm not a member of either but have played both a fair bit by the way)

moycullen14

Miley Byrne wrote: »

You will see in my original post I said Fota and Cork would be superior. But Mallow? Are you actually serious. By no metric whatsoever is Mallow even in the same conversation as Douglas. Actually that's a fair insult to Douglas.

Neither is Castlemartyr really, good course but a level below Douglas

(I'm not a member of either but have played both a fair bit by the way)

The original point - that Cork has very few high end courses - is valid. Amazing really considering the size of the country and the coast line. No links at all (dont start on the old head).

Douglas is a fine course but its all down to supply and demand. What douglas has, in spades, is location. Its practically in the city.

Where does it rank in the county? Hard to say. Little island is a cracking course - well, half of it is. So is fota. Beyond that, its hard to judge.

As an aside, anyone i know that's a member of douglas is delighted with it.

Deporhostia

Unbiased view here, not a member anywhere.

What Douglas has going for it are:
great location
Excellent conditioning, especially in winter
Superb practice facilities
Supposedly it’s a great place to be a member of, social-wise, judging by comments from members I know

However I have to agree that the course layout itself wouldn’t be quite as interesting as you’d hope. I would say the only holes I would get excited about playing are hole 8 (approach), hole 10 (approach), hole 12, 15, 16 and 17.

On a par with Mallow, Muskerry and behind Lee Valley for me in this regard. Well behind Castlemartyr in my opinion.

Hopefully the OP realises he may be able to reduce the joining fee.

phelimb

moycullen14 wrote: »

Where does it rank in the county? Hard to say. Little island is a cracking course - well, half of it is. So is fota. Beyond that, its hard to judge.

Tend to agree with this - Little Island/Cork GC would be my #1, followed by Fota (original 18) at #2...after that it's a toss up between maybe 4 or 5 other courses....

Southern Comfort

I also think Cork G.C. is the best course in the Cork area and is definitely my favourite. I try to play it a few times every year to treat myself. I prefer it to Fota which is always a great day out as well.

But as an overall package, I don't think Douglas can be beaten.

As Deporhostia said, it's location is ideal, the new practice facilities are great, the course is always in great condition, the social scene there is very lively and their span-new clubhouse is one of the finest in the country.

benji79

Douglas is nice but behind Cork, Fota, castlemartyr, lee valley in my opinion

On a par with the likes of Muskerry, mallow. I’d even throw Bandon into the bracket

IHateNewShoes

While not a great option for the OP due to distance (Maybe Blarney) but I think Blarney and Bantry are 2 great courses in Cork County that are both underrated.

slingerz

I would think Fota’s deerpark course would be No. 1 in Cork. Cork GC second. After that I’d have Lee Valley then Bandon. After that Douglas, Muskerry, Mallow, Monkstown all similar. Mitchelstown and Fermoy are good courses without the resources the others have.

Miley Byrne

slingerz wrote: »

I would think Fota’s deerpark course would be No. 1 in Cork. Cork GC second. After that I’d have Lee Valley then Bandon. After that Douglas, Muskerry, Mallow, Monkstown all similar. Mitchelstown and Fermoy are good courses without the resources the others have.

I would have Cork first, then Fota, then Douglas, then Castlemartyr. After that it is much of a muchness. Maybe Bandon, Bantry and Lee Valley in the next category

Southern Comfort

Would you put Monkstown into the mix? I never really look forward to playing there but I always enjoy it when I do. I played there in September and it was in excellent condition.

bailey99

Southern Comfort wrote: »

Would you put Monkstown into the mix? I never really look forward to playing there but I always enjoy it when I do. I played there in September and it was in excellent condition.

Monkstown is a championship course isn't it?

Miley Byrne

Southern Comfort wrote: »

Would you put Monkstown into the mix? I never really look forward to playing there but I always enjoy it when I do. I played there in September and it was in excellent condition.

Yeah Monkstown would be on a level with Bandon, Bantry, Lee Valley. Nice course actually

Southern Comfort

bailey99 wrote: »

Monkstown is a championship course isn't it?

Yes, it is.

Soundshkin

Southern Comfort wrote: »

No need to be shocked........

He wouldn't have to pay the full amount. I have many friends in Douglas G.C. There's a sliding scale, I believe.

If the OP had joined as a Juvenile, at the age of 12 for example, his signing on fee would only be 10% of the current joining fee, so he'd only pay €900.

I imagine that he would still pay considerably less than the full €9k fee if he has been a Student member for 4 years.

It appears he doesn't know that and, unfortunately, he hasn't been on here since Nov. 14th.......

Yes sorry I had not been on to reply but again thanks a million for all the replies.

Ideally I would like to stay at Douglas obviously with it being so close and having developed quite a number of friendships with people up there. I haven't received official notification for next year's fees yet ( we don't receive that till January) but the guys I was playing in the competitions before lockdown with were adamant that I would be paying the full fee or near enough to the full fee anyway.

Other friends of mine that have been playing since 12 would have to only pay the 900 they know that for certain alright so it would be handy if there was a sliding scale as if it was roughly 10% a year that's obviously a massive decrease but all will be revealed come January as regards to that.

Once this lockdown ends and courses are back open I'll try and play a few rounds at a couple of courses to see my options too though in case the fee is too steep and I am forced to look elsewhere.

Southern Comfort

I'm glad you came back to us....

You'll only know how much you'd have to pay if you ring the office in D.G.C. Your friends can only speculate on the amount really. And you don't have to wait until January to make the enquiry.

It would be a shame if you joined another club a distance from your home, only to discover, too late, that you could have joined Douglas for less that you expected........

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Please come back and let us know how things worked out for you.

ShivasIrons

Soundshkin wrote: »

Yes sorry I had not been on to reply but again thanks a million for all the replies.

Ideally I would like to stay at Douglas obviously with it being so close and having developed quite a number of friendships with people up there. I haven't received official notification for next year's fees yet ( we don't receive that till January) but the guys I was playing in the competitions before lockdown with were adamant that I would be paying the full fee or near enough to the full fee anyway.

Other friends of mine that have been playing since 12 would have to only pay the 900 they know that for certain alright so it would be handy if there was a sliding scale as if it was roughly 10% a year that's obviously a massive decrease but all will be revealed come January as regards to that.

Once this lockdown ends and courses are back open I'll try and play a few rounds at a couple of courses to see my options too though in case the fee is too steep and I am forced to look elsewhere.

Here's an idea, why don't you just speak directly with the manager in Douglas? Eliminate hearsay and conjecture and get the facts.

concretet0m

Why does it need to be like this? Why can’t it be clear and transparent? Im my early 30s and moved to cork last year and wanted to pick a course but I didn’t even consider Douglas because of the whole smoke and hazy ness around what the fees would be. I assumed they are going for the whole exclusiveness, “if you have to ask you can’t afford us” kind of vibe.

Southern Comfort

concretet0m wrote: »

Why does it need to be like this? Why can’t it be clear and transparent? Im my early 30s and moved to cork last year and wanted to pick a course but I didn’t even consider Douglas because of the whole smoke and hazy ness around what the fees would be. I assumed they are going for the whole exclusiveness, “if you have to ask you can’t afford us” kind of vibe.

What do you mean by "Why does it need to be like this?"

It's totally clear and transparent. Two of my friends joined Douglas last year. They enquired about the cost and were told how much it was immediately. (I believe it was €8,500 single payment or €9,000 over 5 or 6 years). There was no "smoke and hazy ness around what the fees would be." I'm pretty sure that you would have been told the same, had you bothered to ask. I believe that everyone who applied for membership was accepted.

I played there with the 2 of them a few times and they absolutely love it.

To be honest, I think that your final sentence, "I assumed they are going for the whole exclusiveness, “if you have to ask you can’t afford us” kind of vibe," says more about you than it does about Douglas Golf Club...............

normanbond

Soundshkin wrote: »

Hi All,

I am currently looking to join a golf club in the Cork area (Cork city / East cork preferably) as I am finished in the student category(was €360 a year) in my current club (which I was a member of for 4 years) and the entrance fee(9k) is a bit much to join as a full member now on top of the annual fee.

I have been trying to get in touch over the last couple of months with most clubs to see any offers available but most have not replied, presumably due to the quantity of people after taking up golf membership this year.

I was hoping that some members here might have information for me as to the price of membership at some of the clubs in Cork and whether they are accepting new members. I know this topic has been raised previously but I cant find any information on here about this topic that isn't ~10 years old.

Thanks a million for any replies

Am in a sorta similar position in that I’m looking to join a golf club in Cork.
Has anyone got details on other clubs, what are the fees (yearly and if any joining fee)?
Tnx

prawnsambo

normanbond wrote: »

Am in a sorta similar position in that I’m looking to join a golf club in Cork.
Has anyone got details on other clubs, what are the fees (yearly and if any joining fee)?
Tnx

Have a look at gogolfing.ie They have details on every course in Ireland by county. Usually pretty accurate with fees etc.

Southern Comfort

normanbond wrote: »

Am in a sorta similar position in that I’m looking to join a golf club in Cork.
Has anyone got details on other clubs, what are the fees (yearly and if any joining fee)?
Tnx

Covid has had different affects on different clubs all over the country.

There has been a huge increase in the number of people playing golf. One affect of this is that many clubs have taken in a lot of new members. Others, however, are taking very few new members as they struggle to cope with the increase in the numbers of existing members playing more.

I suggest that you ring individual clubs and ask if membership is open, how much any signing on fee is and how much the annual sub is also.

I would expect that most Cork clubs have a signing on fee, given the increased interest in the sport.

benji79

Blarney are doing a season membership for 2021. Paid 3 months at a time €225

Could be a good option for someone not wanting to commit long term but get a feel for a place and then decide if it’s for them

IHateNewShoes

benji79 wrote: »

Blarney are doing a season membership for 2021. Paid 3 months at a time €225

Could be a good option for someone not wanting to commit long term but get a feel for a place and then decide if it’s for them

Hi Benji, just wondering is this a 3 month membership or a 12 months membership just paid in 4 installments?

Thanks

benji79

IHateNewShoes wrote: »

Hi Benji, just wondering is this a 3 month membership or a 12 months membership just paid in 4 installments?

Thanks

My understanding is that there is a 12 month membership for €850

Or 3 month for €225

If you’re paying every 3 months then you’re free to stop anytime I guess

Soundshkin

Southern Comfort wrote: »

I'm glad you came back to us....

You'll only know how much you'd have to pay if you ring the office in D.G.C. Your friends can only speculate on the amount really. And you don't have to wait until January to make the enquiry.

It would be a shame if you joined another club a distance from your home, only to discover, too late, that you could have joined Douglas for less that you expected........

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Please come back and let us know how things worked out for you.

Only replying now as finally have an update. I spoke to the office after this and they actually said that had to reapply to become a full member from the u25 membership. This caught a few of the u25 members by surprise as well as myself so didn't hold out much hope for getting accepted.

There was a reduction from the full membership joining fee which was more than fair for being there only 2 years so I decided it was worth it long term for the value I will hopefully get playing for the next 40/50 years.

Thanks again to all the replies on this, they were extremely helpful as I did explore a lot of the options. I will say lots of clubs didn't reply to me when I was enquiring about membership probably due to being inundated with people enquiring but if anyone does have questions on other clubs I am happy to share any knowledge I gained.

IHateNewShoes

Soundshkin wrote: »

Only replying now as finally have an update. I spoke to the office after this and they actually said that had to reapply to become a full member from the u25 membership. This caught a few of the u25 members by surprise as well as myself so didn't hold out much hope for getting accepted.

There was a reduction from the full membership joining fee which was more than fair for being there only 2 years so I decided it was worth it long term for the value I will hopefully get playing for the next 40/50 years.

Thanks again to all the replies on this, they were extremely helpful as I did explore a lot of the options. I will say lots of clubs didn't reply to me when I was enquiring about membership probably due to being inundated with people enquiring but if anyone does have questions on other clubs I am happy to share any knowledge I gained.

Hi SoundShkin, would love to hear an update on prices that you got quoted from various courses?

Soundshkin

IHateNewShoes wrote: »

Hi SoundShkin, would love to hear an update on prices that you got quoted from various courses?

No problem at all. These are the replies I got over November/ December so not sure if still 100% up to date.

Mahon - no new memberships being taken but season pass can be got.
Muskerry - no reply despite 2 email attempts to contact
Lee valley - 2K joining fee 1280 subs
Cobh - 880 subs no joining fee
Monkstown - 3k joining fee and 1k subs but if pay the joining fee up front may be a reduction in subs
Blarney - 850 subs no joining fee
East Cork - got back to me late and so I did not follow up but said in email that subs fee could be agreed if I rang and would be 12 months starting from when I joined.

Hope that helps

bailey99

Monkstown sub is nearly 1500 no?

Deporhostia

I spoke to soneone working in the office at Muskerry 2 months ago.

No joining fee, he wasn't exactly sure if the subs but around €1200 for the year.

Soundshkin

bailey99 wrote: »

Monkstown sub is nearly 1500 no?

For u30 I think it's 1000? That's the price I was quoted so I presume it must be due to that. I did see on their website the joining fee is now 4k as well.

bailey99

Soundshkin wrote: »

For u30 I think it's 1000? That's the price I was quoted so I presume it must be due to that. I did see on their website the joining fee is now 4k as well.

Is monkstown a championship course?

ShivasIrons

bailey99 wrote: »

Is monkstown a championship course?

It's held championships, so yes.

twounderpar

What exactly does a championship course mean? Are there certain boxes that have to be ticked before a club can advertise itself as a
championship course?

bailey99

ShivasIrons wrote: »

It's held championships, so yes.

I've held the Sam Maguire, but it doesn't mean I'm an all Ireland winner.

callaway92

twounderpar wrote: »

What exactly does a championship course mean? Are there certain boxes that have to be ticked before a club can advertise itself as a
championship course?

No boxes needed at all.

It’s Marketing, pure and simple.

It’s a good way to make your club sound more exclusive and be able to charge more and makes people that are members feel good about themselves.

benji79

Big change there in Lee Valley to now have a 2k entry fee. They must have taken in a lot of new members during the year to now be in a position to charge that

Muskerry at €1,200 is good with no joining fee

Blarney with no joining fee is good for what you get at €850 when compared to other courses close to city

slingerz

benji79 wrote: »

Big change there in Lee Valley to now have a 2k entry fee. They must have taken in a lot of new members during the year to now be in a position to charge that

Muskerry at €1,200 is good with no joining fee

Blarney with no joining fee is good for what you get at €850 when compared to other courses close to city

Lee Valley got a load of members in and it’s difficult to get on the time sheet there now. Muskerry better value now for me

benji79

slingerz wrote: »

Lee Valley got a load of members in and it’s difficult to get on the time sheet there now. Muskerry better value now for me

Agreed, I always thought Lee Valley was an excellent option at €1,200 with no joining fee. The 2k now probably means it would really want to suit someone to go there

Miley Byrne

twounderpar wrote: »

What exactly does a championship course mean? Are there certain boxes that have to be ticked before a club can advertise itself as a
championship course?

I also would love to know the parameters needed for a course be considered a championship course