Carton House

Shop40 · 04-09-2018 4:29pm #1

Hi there,
does anyone know how difficult it would be to join Carton House without knowing an existing member?
Many thanks

Ollieboy · 04-09-2018 10:01pm

Shop40 wrote: »

Hi there,
does anyone know how difficult it would be to join Carton House without knowing an existing member?
Many thanks

They will snap your hand off but if you need a member to recommend you I can talk to a friend for you.

Shop40 · 04-09-2018 10:56pm

Ollieboy wrote: »

They will snap your hand off but if you need a member to recommend you I can talk to a friend for you.

Thanks for this!

IITYWYBMAD · 05-09-2018 3:28pm

Shop40 wrote: »

Hi there,
does anyone know how difficult it would be to join Carton House without knowing an existing member?
Many thanks

There's no issue. I'm a member there, and the application process is very straight forward. PM me if you need contact details.

Shop40 · 05-09-2018 6:28pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

There's no issue. I'm a member there, and the application process is very straight forward. PM me if you need contact details.

That’s brilliant, thanks for this. Fingers crossed!!

zep · 06-09-2018 12:56pm

Do you think the 2.5k fee is good value? While I think the O'Meara is a stunning course I don't rate the Montgomerie at all. (Maybe I'm not good/accurate enough

)

IITYWYBMAD · 06-09-2018 2:00pm

zep wrote: »

Do you think the 2.5k fee is good value? While I think the O'Meara is a stunning course I don't rate the Montgomerie at all. (Maybe I'm not good/accurate enough )

I moved from Killeen Castle this year to Carton. The fee in Killeen was 2.2 while the fee in Carton is 2.5, there are no comp fees, so assuming you play once a week, you'll get value.

Both courses are a challenge, but I think the Monty is the jewel there. Very tough (even though they've cut back on the rough) and you have to be long and straight. Definitely one for the lower handicapper, but that's the beauty of the place, as a guy of 20 can easily and enjoyably go around the O'Meara and play to handicap.

I took up membership of the SPA and Leisure centre also, heavily discounted, and as a member have free use of the driving range and GUI facilities.

So, yes, I think the fee is justified and worth it, but maybe not for everyone.

Ollieboy · 06-09-2018 9:56pm

zep wrote: »

Do you think the 2.5k fee is good value? While I think the O'Meara is a stunning course I don't rate the Montgomerie at all. (Maybe I'm not good/accurate enough )

It’s excellent value for a product of that quality.

Any player can play a round on the O’Meara and score ok, it’s very straight forward course, but the Monty will make you work for a score on every hole. Class course and I play the Monty every year.

DEFTLEFTHAND · 06-09-2018 10:48pm

Wasn't it about 40k a year back in the boom.

zep · 09-09-2018 6:25pm

DEFTLEFTHAND wrote: »

Wasn't it about 40k a year back in the boom.

I believe there was an initial joining fee but it was a share option. Not the case anymore, as with many other venues.

zep · 09-09-2018 6:27pm

Ollieboy wrote: »

It’s excellent value for a product of that quality.

Any player can play a round on the O’Meara and score ok, it’s very straight forward course, but the Monty will make you work for a score on every hole. Class course and I play the Monty every year.

Have you played this year, I've not been out yet, I've heard that before the Amateur championship the place had gone down hill and that it will be in the market soon.

DeanAustin · 09-09-2018 6:29pm

Shop40 wrote: »

Hi there,
does anyone know how difficult it would be to join Carton House without knowing an existing member?
Many thanks

As others said, the process is very straightforward. If you’re in to your golf, it’s well worth it. The facilities are outstanding and the courses are fantastic in different ways. I dont get involved in the club part of it but it seems to be fairly vibrant for those who are interested. Pretty much everyone I’ve played with is sound too.

PM me if you need any other info.

Ollieboy · 09-09-2018 6:37pm

zep wrote: »

Have you played this year, I've not been out yet, I've heard that before the Amateur championship the place had gone down hill and that it will be in the market soon.

Played the O’Meara in July and last year and Monty late last year.

I’m not a fan of the O’Meara but I love the Monty but they have made it easier and the bunkers are not top notch anymore but I still love the course.

At its peak it was €35k to buy a share but the sub was more or less the same.

When I looked at joining it the fee was €10k but I pick Corrstown (€8k at the time) instead due to its better share structure and more of a golfing club then a corporate business.

Carton is still very much a corporate golf club and if I joined it I would only do it for a year but I think it’s an amazing facility.

downthemiddle · 09-09-2018 8:28pm

zep wrote: »

Have you played this year, I've not been out yet, I've heard that before the Amateur championship the place had gone down hill and that it will be in the market soon.

That's the second piece of hearsay you've posted tonight.

zep · 09-09-2018 8:40pm

downthemiddle wrote: »

That's the second piece of hearsay you've posted tonight.

That's information direct from some members I know so not hearsay but opinions. I don't post hearsay.

prawnsambo · 09-09-2018 8:48pm

zep wrote: »

That's information direct from some members I know so not hearsay but opinions. I don't post hearsay.

That's actually the definition of hearsay. You hear it and then say it.

Not being hearsay would be a direct statement from the concerned party.

zep · 09-09-2018 8:57pm

prawnsambo wrote: »

That's actually the definition of hearsay. You hear it and then say it.

Not being hearsay would be a direct statement from the concerned party.

ðŸ˜‚. Well I suppose as I can't substantiate it then yeah could be interpreted as hearsay. But I wouldn't count it as a rumour, since it's direct from few members. Different ways of looking at it.
I'm actually playing in 2 weeks and expecting the place to be immaculate due to the Amateur championship just finished there, they did Savage amount of work for that.

IITYWYBMAD · 10-09-2018 10:40am

zep wrote: »

Have you played this year, I've not been out yet, I've heard that before the Amateur championship the place had gone down hill and that it will be in the market soon.

Horses**t.

The resort was bought last year (December) for €57M, and several improvements have been made, with a multi-million budget in place to update the facilities and some aspects of the courses. The new owner is an Irish American with a history of redevelopment and investment in resorts worldwide. There are major plans for the resort.

A number of bunkers on the Monty have been adjusted, as it was felt (justifiably IMO)that they where too penal off the tee.

Both courses are in great condition, and the O'Meara, which did suffer from the dry weather earlier this year, is playing the best I have seen, with the drainage on the first hole making a huge difference to it's play-ability.

I'd suggest that you go out and play the course before repeating this type of drivel in future.

mickey15ie · 11-05-2019 10:58pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

I took up membership of the SPA and Leisure centre also, heavily discounted, and as a member have free use of the driving range and GUI facilities.

So, yes, I think the fee is justified and worth it, but maybe not for everyone.

Do you mind me asking how much the gym and spa was discounted to?

As part of the 2.5k fee is there some monies put on a members card for bar and food?

Young_gunner · 31-05-2019 12:09pm

Just emailed to apply for membership - fingers crossed it’s still straightforward. I’ve tried to research various clubs as best I could and Carton appears good value for what I’m looking for (somewhere where you can practise hard, play a lot and hopefully try get the HC down).

Will update you guys if the process isn’t straight forward.

spacecoyote · 13-06-2019 1:44pm

Just got a mail from their distribution list announcing their mid-year deal:

July 2019 - June 2020
€2,500
Includes:
Membership of GUI academy
15% in Pro-shop outlets
Free warm up balls at the range pre-round
Weekly comps covering both courses
Reduced rates for membership of leisure club & for golf lessons.

Doesn't mention anything about Comp fees or Bar levies

Young_gunner · 13-12-2019 5:05pm

just to update, been a member there now for 6 months - absolutely the right decision. the facilities are incredible - if you're really into your golf and want to improve, it's fantastic. hard to imagine another club that could rival it on this front (given it has the GUI academy).

I've generally found pretty much everyone very sound and friendly.

also, the courses are in great shape this time of the year too.

overall, it's expensive but (in my view anyway), it's well worth it.

pakman · 16-12-2019 10:20am

Young_gunner wrote: »

just to update, been a member there now for 6 months - absolutely the right decision. the facilities are incredible - if you're really into your golf and want to improve, it's fantastic. hard to imagine another club that could rival it on this front (given it has the GUI academy).

I've generally found pretty much everyone very sound and friendly.

also, the courses are in great shape this time of the year too.

overall, it's expensive but (in my view anyway), it's well worth it.

I've played the Monty for past two Fridays and have to agree its in amazing condition.

Its playing a little generous with the rough cut back but it must be incredible to play in the summer.

I still couldn't justify the money but there is no doubting the quality.

Young_gunner · 16-12-2019 11:40am

pakman wrote: »

I've played the Monty for past two Fridays and have to agree its in amazing condition.

Its playing a little generous with the rough cut back but it must be incredible to play in the summer.

I still couldn't justify the money but there is no doubting the quality.

yeah I guess the money depends on a whole variety of things, kids, wife, where you live, how much you intend to play etc. etc.!

davegilly · 17-12-2019 1:18pm

pakman wrote: »

I've played the Monty for past two Fridays and have to agree its in amazing condition.

Its playing a little generous with the rough cut back but it must be incredible to play in the summer.

I still couldn't justify the money but there is no doubting the quality.

Haha, I played it the last few weeks as well. Was very tough last Friday with the wind blowing, ended up with 20 points!!! The back 9 in particular was tough as most of the holes were into the wind.

Hope to play again this Friday with brother in law if you are looking for someone to play with?

pakman · 17-12-2019 3:56pm

davegilly wrote: »

Haha, I played it the last few weeks as well. Was very tough last Friday with the wind blowing, ended up with 20 points!!! The back 9 in particular was tough as most of the holes were into the wind.

Hope to play again this Friday with brother in law if you are looking for someone to play with?

I would love to but can't quite pull off a 3rd week in a row but will let you know when out next for definite.

I came 3rd last week with 33 points after a nightmare the week before in arguably easier conditions where I only scored 19 points. The wind on the final holes was intense though. I had four 1 pointers back to back coming up to 18 which I managed to birdie somehow. Great fun!

Based on the indexes I think the wind both those fridays was the opposite to how it usually plays. Wind at your back on the first and in the final stretch but I might be wrong.

newindublin · 17-12-2019 4:27pm

I just joined Carton House, played the Monty this past Sunday and it was in fantastic condition I thought. It is still a bit mushy from all the rain in just a few spots and I did have one ball disappear in a muddy patch but it was well off the fairway (my worst drive of the day).

I scored 28 points, but unofficially as my handicap has not been formally set by the secretary yet. Waiting to hear from him again, but I am expecting to need to turn in 3 cards again as my last GUI handicap was from 2017.

Ah_go_on · 24-01-2020 8:32pm

Quite interested in this, when compared to some local clubs of lower standard that are looking for hello money of €5k it actually seems to be good value.

Is It difficult to get tee time at weekends? I know they do a winter comp on Fridays is there any Wednesday competitions?

mickey15ie · 26-01-2020 9:14pm

what is the membership rate now? Are competions included or is there an entrance fee for these?

IITYWYBMAD · 27-01-2020 11:14am

Ah_go_on wrote: »

Quite interested in this, when compared to some local clubs of lower standard that are looking for hello money of €5k it actually seems to be good value.

Is It difficult to get tee time at weekends? I know they do a winter comp on Fridays is there any Wednesday competitions?

Not difficult, and there is a waiting list option which works really well. Members comps Sat & Sun, semi open comps on Wed.

mickey15ie wrote: »

what is the membership rate now? Are competions included or is there an entrance fee for these?

€2850 (€2550 if paid before Jan 15) per year. No competition fees.

Ah_go_on · 27-01-2020 5:26pm

IITYWYBMAD wrote: »

Not difficult, and there is a waiting list option which works really well. Members comps Sat & Sun, semi open comps on Wed.

€2850 (€2550 if paid before Jan 15) per year. No competition fees.

That’s not bad considering the quality of courses and amenities. Makes you wonder how some clubs expect new members to cough up €5k + annual for an inferior package.

Seve OB · 27-01-2020 7:48pm

Ah_go_on wrote: »

That’s not bad considering the quality of courses and amenities. Makes you wonder how some clubs expect new members to cough up €5k + annual for an inferior package.

What clubs? And why do you think they are offering an inferior package?

I think each of the courses at carton are cracking. The facilities are second to none.

It’s a resort course though and that doesn’t really interest me. I’d much rather pay 5k hello money and join a members club.

Ah_go_on · 27-01-2020 7:57pm

Seve OB wrote: »

What clubs? And why do you think they are offering an inferior package?

I think each of the courses at carton are cracking. The facilities are second to none.

It’s a resort course though and that doesn’t really interest me. I’d much rather pay 5k hello money and join a members club.

The likes of Newlands or hermitage are ones that come to mind. I get your point about resort Vs members club etc. though. It is however a lot of bread for the privilege.

Happy4all · 27-01-2020 8:49pm

Seve OB wrote: »

What clubs? And why do you think they are offering an inferior package?

I think each of the courses at carton are cracking. The facilities are second to none.

It’s a resort course though and that doesn’t really interest me. I’d much rather pay 5k hello money and join a members club.

I find the O'Meara very bland, apart from a couple of signature holes towards the end, wouldn't go out of my way to play.

Seve OB · 27-01-2020 10:37pm

Ah_go_on wrote: »

The likes of Newlands or hermitage are ones that come to mind. I get your point about resort Vs members club etc. though. It is however a lot of bread for the privilege.

as clubs go, they are 2 well established and very good clubs. streets ahead of carton

Ah_go_on · 27-01-2020 10:54pm

Seve OB wrote: »

as clubs go, they are 2 well established and very good clubs. streets ahead of carton

Thanks. In your opinion would hermitage be worth the €5k entry? I suppose I’d be concerned if it dropped soon after joining but I suppose there will always be demand.

Seve OB · 28-01-2020 12:45am

Ah_go_on wrote: »

Thanks. In your opinion would hermitage be worth the €5k entry? I suppose I’d be concerned if it dropped soon after joining but I suppose there will always be demand.

Absolutely, all day long. I don’t think they will be dropping it anytime soon. We are not in recession anymore, and even when we were, lots of these types of clubs never dropped the joining fee. Also if you are thinking about joining them ask what options are available. I know some clubs don’t actually look for all the hello money up front,

pinkdoubleeagle · 28-01-2020 9:37am

Seve OB wrote: »

Absolutely, all day long. I don’t think they will be dropping it anytime soon. We are not in recession anymore, and even when we were, lots of these types of clubs never dropped the joining fee. Also if you are thinking about joining them ask what options are available. I know some clubs don’t actually look for all the hello money up front,

Hermitage entry fee can be paid off over 3 years. Annual sub of €1,400. €400 Bar & Restaurant levy and €100 levy towards the development of the new bunkers on the back 9

Luckycharm · 28-01-2020 6:20pm

Ah_go_on wrote: »

Thanks. In your opinion would hermitage be worth the €5k entry? I suppose I’d be concerned if it dropped soon after joining but I suppose there will always be demand.

I played with a couple of new members of my club which has a joining fee. One of them had left Carton after paying €30k (at peak), it was a 40 minute drive from where he lived so rarely played it and 5 mins from our club so could go up and play a few holes in the evening if so desired.
In the city it is all about location, location, location. Big selling point if golf course with active membership is only a couple of mins from where you live.
Played Montgomerie last year, rough was cut down, found it just a big empty field with massive bunkers. 18th was the only halfway memorable hole.

Ah_go_on · 28-01-2020 8:14pm

Luckycharm wrote: »

I played with a couple of new members of my club which has a joining fee. One of them had left Carton after paying €30k (at peak), it was a 40 minute drive from where he lived so rarely played it and 5 mins from our club so could go up and play a few holes in the evening if so desired.
In the city it is all about location, location, location. Big selling point if golf course with active membership is only a couple of mins from where you live.
Played Montgomerie last year, rough was cut down, found it just a big empty field with massive bunkers. 18th was the only halfway memorable hole.

Thanks, you make a lot of sense. I’m gonna have to start saving my pennies now

Luckycharm · 29-01-2020 2:16pm

Ah_go_on wrote: »

Thanks, you make a lot of sense. I’m gonna have to start saving my pennies now

Yep alot depends on your situation/free time etc. My course is bloody expensive in comparison to alot of courses which are say 15/20 mins away and especially in my 20's when cash was tight (still is) and I was playing other sports during the winter considered giving it up. Glad I didn't as now get great value out of the club, in the summer I can be sitting on my couch at 8pm on a nice evening and then decide to go up and play holes etc. Also there is a great vibe up in club with lots going on which is great.
In recent years I have started to play alot more opens and some great courses like Carton/Palmerstown/Powerscourt etc. Quite a few of them, I felt like golf was an add on to the hotel and there was no real golf vibe.
Alot of those courses I felt most of the membership were golfpark members, they played their golf and went straight home. Alot of them would play with same lads each week and very rarely if ever go into the clubhouse (if there was a dedicated one) afterwards. There would also be quite a transitory membership with lads moving clubs every couple of years depending on deals.
There is nothing wrong with this, it just depends on what you are looking for.
Personally I enjoy going for a drink/coffee afterwards, watching match etc nearly as much of the golf.

Miley Byrne · 29-01-2020 4:15pm

Just out of interest would the Monty course be extremely dry this time of year? Been a while since I played there but I always suspected that it would drain really well.

davegilly · 29-01-2020 4:16pm

Luckycharm wrote: »

Personally I enjoy going for a drink/coffee afterwards, watching match etc nearly as much of the golf.

You obviously have no kids. A lot of us have no time for this and are lucky to get out at all.

davegilly · 29-01-2020 10:23pm

Miley Byrne wrote: »

Just out of interest would the Monty course be extremely dry this time of year? Been a while since I played there but I always suspected that it would drain really well.

No, reasonably dry at best.

I played the Friday open three times before xmas. The first week it was very dry but the other two it was wet, in particular the third week, was very wet. Its qualifying every friday or at least it was - its borderline though, parts of the course were very wet especially anywhere not on the fairway. Ball had to be played as it lied in the rough covered in muck and in bunkers even though some of them were full of water. €45 for that is taking the piss.

mickey15ie · 29-01-2020 11:02pm

pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »

Hermitage entry fee can be paid off over 3 years. Annual sub of €1,400. €400 Bar & Restaurant levy and €100 levy towards the development of the new bunkers on the back 9

so annual membership is €1,900?

mickey15ie · 29-01-2020 11:05pm

Luckycharm wrote: »

Yep alot depends on your situation/free time etc. My course is bloody expensive in comparison to alot of courses which are say 15/20 mins away and especially in my 20's when cash was tight (still is) and I was playing other sports during the winter considered giving it up. Glad I didn't as now get great value out of the club, in the summer I can be sitting on my couch at 8pm on a nice evening and then decide to go up and play holes etc. Also there is a great vibe up in club with lots going on which is great.
In recent years I have started to play alot more opens and some great courses like Carton/Palmerstown/Powerscourt etc. Quite a few of them, I felt like golf was an add on to the hotel and there was no real golf vibe.
Alot of those courses I felt most of the membership were golfpark members, they played their golf and went straight home. Alot of them would play with same lads each week and very rarely if ever go into the clubhouse (if there was a dedicated one) afterwards. There would also be quite a transitory membership with lads moving clubs every couple of years depending on deals.
There is nothing wrong with this, it just depends on what you are looking for.
Personally I enjoy going for a drink/coffee afterwards, watching match etc nearly as much of the golf.

Luckycharm what club are you referring to if you dont mind me asking?

Young_gunner · 30-01-2020 1:16am

mickey15ie wrote: »

Luckycharm what club are you referring to if you dont mind me asking?

Yes I’d like to know too if that’s okay - sounds like a great club!

GreeBo · 30-01-2020 9:58am

Its Grange in Rathfarnham, Dublin.
https://www.grangegolfclub.ie/

pinkdoubleeagle · 30-01-2020 11:11am

mickey15ie wrote: »

so annual membership is €1,900?

If you count a bar and course levy as a sub then yes. The course levy is just for 2020. I don't count the bar levy as a sub tbh. It would be spent in the club regardless

Young_gunner · 30-01-2020 12:01pm

GreeBo wrote: »

Its Grange in Rathfarnham, Dublin.
https://www.grangegolfclub.ie/

are they open for membership? have heard great things (your endorsement is just another in a long line)

Luckycharm · 30-01-2020 2:10pm

davegilly wrote: »

You obviously have no kids. A lot of us have no time for this and are lucky to get out at all.

I have kids who are bit older now plus a very understanding wife :P Sure lots of friends play first thing in the morning and straight home which is fair enough. Know plenty who have no kids and just want to play golf and go straight home as busy.
As I said it is a personal preference and like to have the option of going into a clubhouse on a sat/sunday that has a bit of vide. Best couple I have been to are Concara wood, clubhouse always seems busy with a realy friendly atmosphere. Lahinch unlike many top courses also found it really friendly and welcoming any time I have been there.
Lisheen and Citywest I found the opposite but maybe I was just there at the wrong time. Not unfriendly just very little vibe in the bar/clubhouse.

Carton House

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