Driving Range Query

gillamandango

Just looking for feedback from more experienced people. I am a casual golfer but there is a distinct lack of driving ranges around North/West Clare, i.e. Lahinch/Doonbeg.

The closest seem to be Dromoland or Coonagh in Limerick. Is there really that lack of demand around the Lahinch/West Clare area I wonder?

OEP

I don't know anything about the demand in that area, but I'd imagine the margins are very thin for driving ranges. Say someone gets a bucket of balls for 10, and spends an hour - you're either going to need very low setup and running costs (farmer that already owns the land for example), or a large population centre that can guarantee you have high footfall all day (cities like Dublin and Cork) to make in profitable.

waterwelly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058290303/driving-range-query

Lahinch and Doonbeg have driving ranges, putting greens and chipping areas.

I've never used either of them so not sure how accessible they are to the general public.

gillamandango

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120420914#Comment_120420914

Agreed Doonbeg has a Bay Driving range but not public unfortunately. Lahinch has one but its hit your own balls and retrieve. I see the other posters points also, lots of fivers to make a profit. Thanks for the feedback.

waterwelly

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120425098#Comment_120425098

The Lahinch one sounds like an odd format. Surely just pay a lad to collect the balls once a week and charge per bucket.

Shannon also has a range.

decko11

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120425427#Comment_120425427

its a small area ( narrow but long) and I'd say many members just like using for free - but thats an idea