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Golf Memberships

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Comments

  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    First Up wrote: »
    Watch this space.

    Dont be silly , distant or reduced membership is going nowhere for the foreseeable future no matter how much you may despise it . As i said bring it up at your clubs committee if you despise it so much


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Dont be silly , distant or reduced membership is going nowhere for the foreseeable future no matter how much you may despise it . As i said bring it up at your clubs committee if you despise it so much

    As I say, watch this space.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Dont be silly , distant or reduced membership is going nowhere for the foreseeable future no matter how much you may despise it . As i said bring it up at your clubs committee if you despise it so much

    You don't think the gui 3 card change is going to have any impact then?

    And I'm not sure why we would bring it to our committee, our clubs aren't distance member clubs?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Ok , havent a clue what this means

    It means read the charter and let the mods moderate. If you have further questions take them to pm please.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,050 ✭✭✭paulos53


    GreeBo wrote: »
    You don't think the gui 3 card change is going to have any impact then?

    I think the only impact will be an exceptionally busy timesheet in Slievenamon for the month of April.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    paulos53 wrote: »
    I think the only impact will be an exceptionally busy timesheet in Slievenamon for the month of April.

    Including a few "mystery shoppers" as I understand.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,567 ✭✭✭✭PARlance


    Eoinyh wrote: »
    It means I'm right ur wrong don't dare talk back to me, back with a bang another thread ruined

    Yip, for me it's going to be a more flexible model and we'll see just have to wait and see what happens when ze zeagulls follow ze trawler.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Social & Fun Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 12,808 Mod ✭✭✭✭Keano


    Can we please get back on topic.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    You don't think the gui 3 card change is going to have any impact then?

    And I'm not sure why we would bring it to our committee, our clubs aren't distance member clubs?

    Why would it ? And i didn't suggest "your clubs" are distance membership clubs , if you took the trouble to read the post correctly i said if you do not like people who have cheaper or "distance" memberships playing "your clubs" open days the join the committee and get it stopped . (You won't btw)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Why would it ? And i didn't suggest "your clubs" are distance membership clubs , if you took the trouble to read the post correctly i said if you do not like people who have cheaper or "distance" memberships playing "your clubs" open days the join the committee and get it stopped . (You won't btw)

    The issue is not with the people playing in opens at all, in fact thats welcomed, the issue is with clubs taking the piss by using large numbers of distance members as a means to supplement their income when their distance "members" never darken their door.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    The issue is not with the people playing in opens at all, in fact thats welcomed, the issue is with clubs taking the piss by using large numbers of distance members as a means to supplement their income when their distance "members" never darken their door.

    You seem to have a serious thing against the free market , if you like to join a club with full membership then go right ahead , certainly none of us lowly distance members would chastise you for that but that also should be where your right to constantly criticise ends . Just because you dont like it doesnt mean its wrong.

    As regards to people not traveling to their home clubs i wouldn't agree with that point at all , distance members are just that for many personal reasons but high up there for most is the aversion to playing the same course over n over.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    You seem to have a serious thing against the free market , if you like to join a club with full membership then go right ahead , certainly none of us lowly distance members would chastise you for that but that also should be where your right to constantly criticise ends . Just because you dont like it doesnt mean its wrong.

    As regards to people not traveling to their home clubs i wouldn't agree with that point at all , distance members are just that for many personal reasons but high up there for most is the aversion to playing the same course over n over.

    Which is why the issue is, again, not with distance members.

    The issue is with clubs who are selling cheap distance GUI handicaps without any impact to the course other than free money.
    If a couple of Dublin clubs did that then a large percentage of regional clubs would close very quickly. Would you still be happy with your "free market" approach then?
    Why do you think the GUI are bringing in the 3 cards in your home course rule?

    Anyway, if it truly was a free market then the GUI wouldnt be involved, hard to have a free market with a governing body really.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    Which is why the issue is, again, not with distance members.

    The issue is with clubs who are selling cheap distance GUI handicaps without any impact to the course other than free money.
    If a couple of Dublin clubs did that then a large percentage of regional clubs would close very quickly. Would you still be happy with your "free market" approach then?
    Why do you think the GUI are bringing in the 3 cards in your home course rule?

    Anyway, if it truly was a free market then the GUI wouldnt be involved, hard to have a free market with a governing body really.

    Isn't every western country a free market with a governing Body ?
    Also i have no problem with dublin clubs offering whatever they want as im a firm believer in the right of each person and club to choose whats right for them.

    The 3 cards thing will have to be around for a year or two before it can be deemed a qualifies success or failure.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Isn't every western country a free market with a governing Body ?
    Also i have no problem with dublin clubs offering whatever they want as im a firm believer in the right of each person and club to choose whats right for them.

    The 3 cards thing will have to be around for a year or two before it can be deemed a qualifies success or failure.

    A governing versus the governing body for the market in question.

    Talk to the farmers about free markets for another view.

    You are avoiding the question, why do you think the GUI brought in the rule if "leave it to the market" is working out so well?


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    A governing versus the governing body for the market in question.

    Talk to the farmers about free markets for another view.

    You are avoiding the question, why do you think the GUI brought in the rule if "leave it to the market" is working out so well?

    No you are once again changing your point . the gui 3 card rule was brought in im sure to curb the income of clubs outside the pale offering more value for money - there is no doubt about that point. I will reserve judgement on it until i see it implemented and observe the results.

    Now farming is a kinda whole different topic really , probably has its own posts somewhere.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    No you are once again changing your point . the gui 3 card rule was brought in im sure to curb the income of clubs outside the pale offering more value for money - there is no doubt about that point. I will reserve judgement on it until i see it implemented and observe the results.

    Changing my point?
    I directly asked you the question a day ago (post #254) but didnt get an answer.

    As for your thoughts on why they are bringing it in...
    How is it value for money if people are not even playing on those courses?
    They are buying a GUI handicap, if you dont like the farming analogy try taxi plates.

    I'm not sure you are understanding the argument, so I'll leave it there.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    Changing my point?
    I directly asked you the question a day ago (post #254) but didnt get an answer.

    As for your thoughts on why they are bringing it in...
    How is it value for money if people are not even playing on those courses?
    They are buying a GUI handicap, if you dont like the farming analogy try taxi plates.

    I'm not sure you are understanding the argument, so I'll leave it there.

    Im afraid you are failing badly to make your point . Maybe stay away from farms and taxis and speak directly about what it is you are trying to articulate ?

    if somebody spends their own money for any kind of membership then it is up to them alone how they use it , you can huff & puff all you want about it not being good , or look down your nose at it but its none of your business at the end of the day. If its possible and legal then its not wrong just because you dont like it.

    As for analogies i have a €1000 bike in my shed , i never use it. Maybe i need to take it out 3 times a year now , maybe not but as i paid for it the choice is and will always be mine.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 661 ✭✭✭Norfolk Enchants_


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Im afraid you are failing badly to make your point . Maybe stay away from farms and taxis and speak directly about what it is you are trying to articulate ?

    if somebody spends their own money for any kind of membership then it is up to them alone how they use it , you can huff & puff all you want about it not being good , or look down your nose at it but its none of your business at the end of the day. If its possible and legal then its not wrong just because you dont like it.

    As for analogies i have a €1000 bike in my shed , i never use it. Maybe i need to take it out 3 times a year now , maybe not but as i paid for it the choice is and will always be mine.
    BOOM, game, set and Match.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 417 ✭✭Freemount09


    BOOM, game, set and Match.

    G'sus, farming ~ taxis ~ cycling and now tennis !! I'm confused :confused: which way is the golf forum ???


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    G'sus, farming ~ taxis ~ cycling and now tennis !! I'm confused :confused: which way is the golf forum ???

    Its just not cricket ðŸ˜႒


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,492 ✭✭✭neckedit


    grip n rip wrote:
    As for analogies i have a €1000 bike in my shed , i never use it. Maybe i need to take it out 3 times a year now , maybe not but as i paid for it the choice is and will always be mine.


    you just made the naughty list dude.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,211 ✭✭✭✭FixdePitchmark


    But to support GreeBo .
    Golf is not a free market . It is a free market without a GUI handicap.
    If you want a handicap you will be regulated by the GUI. The GUI have a major control in market forces. As we are talking typically here about people who want a GUI handicap.

    It is a different debate if they should use this power. But the GUI have to consider what is the best for the game.
    I'm not sure what the best thing for Golf is.

    But don't underestimate this power and regulation they have .The GAA for example - often exert their power in a God like way, the FAI too. What is good for the traditional golf structure and clubs versus what is good for golf participation . May not be compatible. But open to debate.

    So a more complex grey area . Open to debate.
    And no match point yet .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Im afraid you are failing badly to make your point . Maybe stay away from farms and taxis and speak directly about what it is you are trying to articulate ?

    if somebody spends their own money for any kind of membership then it is up to them alone how they use it , you can huff & puff all you want about it not being good , or look down your nose at it but its none of your business at the end of the day. If its possible and legal then its not wrong just because you dont like it.

    As for analogies i have a €1000 bike in my shed , i never use it. Maybe i need to take it out 3 times a year now , maybe not but as i paid for it the choice is and will always be mine.
    It's not value for money because you are not buying a membership, you are buying a gui handicap by pretending to join a club.
    Simples.
    I was going to attempt to explain in depth about how both your post and your analogy couldn't have been more wronger, but I think this will suffice.
    5342549+_6e7be7dc18c895b51b6b523702be3262.jpg


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    But to support GreeBo .
    Golf is not a free market . It is a free market without a GUI handicap.
    If you want a handicap you will be regulated by the GUI. The GUI have a major control in market forces. As we are talking typically here about people who want a GUI handicap.

    It is a different debate if they should use this power. But the GUI have to consider what is the best for the game.
    I'm not sure what the best thing for Golf is.

    But don't underestimate this power and regulation they have .The GAA for example - often exert their power in a God like way, the FAI too. What is good for the traditional golf structure and clubs versus what is good for golf participation . May not be compatible. But open to debate.

    So a more complex grey area . Open to debate.
    And no match point yet .

    The "free market" angle is a red herring. Any club is free to charge what it wants and good luck to them. However the value of distance membership is not just access to the club in question, but in the GUI membership that comes with it. As the issuer of that value, the GUI is entitled to stipulate how it be used.

    It is not about "power". The GUI is made up of its member clubs and applies certain standards for admission. If those standards are not being met, or if membership is being abused, clubs (and their members) can be dis-affiliated.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 19,532 Mod ✭✭✭✭slave1


    GreeBo wrote: »
    ...you are buying a gui handicap by pretending to join a club....

    Honestly :rolleyes:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,211 ✭✭✭✭FixdePitchmark


    First Up wrote: »
    The "free market" angle is a red herring. Any club is free to charge what it wants and good luck to them. However the value of distance membership is not just access to the club in question, but in the GUI membership that comes with it. As the issuer of that value, the GUI is entitled to stipulate how it be used.

    It is not about "power". The GUI is made up of its member clubs and applies certain standards for admission. If those standards are not being met, or if membership is being abused, clubs (and their members) can be dis-affiliated.

    But is that on the cards. Has a club ever been dis- affiliated , that seems a big big step, from an organisation that seem more like the Titanic - sorry perhaps analogies should be dropped on this thread :D

    Some people are alluding to stuff GUI might do or are planing to do ?
    Does anybody know what they are thinking ?

    But, the requirement to play 3 rounds, is minimal at best.
    If you are getting 1/2 price or less golf all year, having a life of opens you love, It is not that big a deal to get 3 rounds in. Anyway - you'll find the majority have picked places within reasonable distance from their place of residence. Or can get 2 rounds in over 1 weekend with a frined.

    Anyway - we will not sort this on Christmas Eve.

    Catch ye again.

    Interesting topic and views. It just seems golf is in a mixed up place at present. Even golfers don't know what is right or where the game should go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    But is that on the cards. Has a club ever been dis- affiliated , that seems a big big step, from an organisation that seem more like the Titanic - sorry perhaps analogies should be dropped on this thread :D

    Some people are alluding to stuff GUI might do or are planing to do ?
    Does anybody know what they are thinking ?

    But, the requirement to play 3 rounds, is minimal at best.
    If you are getting 1/2 price or less golf all year, having a life of opens you love, It is not that big a deal to get 3 rounds in. Anyway - you'll find the majority have picked places within reasonable distance from their place of residence. Or can get 2 rounds in over 1 weekend with a frined.

    Anyway - we will not sort this on Christmas Eve.

    Catch ye again.

    Interesting topic and views. It just seems golf is in a mixed up place at present. Even golfers don't know what is right or where the game should go.

    I think the three card rule is just the first step. It is ostensibly aimed at catching the handicap cheats but is also the (first) indirect shot across the bows of the distance specialists. Watch this space.

    Dis-affiliation would only happen if clubs are seen to be flagrantly breaking the rules. Watch this space too.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    GreeBo wrote: »
    It's not value for money because you are not buying a membership, you are buying a gui handicap by pretending to join a club.
    Simples.
    I was going to attempt to explain in depth about how both your post and your analogy couldn't have been more wronger, but I think this will suffice.
    5342549+_6e7be7dc18c895b51b6b523702be3262.jpg

    Pretending ? I dont think i used pretend money , i dont think my gui number is pretend , im pretty certain the club isnt pretend as when i play there it feels real , im sure the people working there are real too because they are a friendly bunch , as far as i know my golfnet id is real .

    Maybe because you look down on my type of membership and it irks you so you wish it wasnt real but let me assure you it is & its here to stay. And let me be the judge what is value for my money if thats ok with you.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Pretending ? I dont think i used pretend money , i dont think my gui number is pretend , im pretty certain the club isnt pretend as when i play there it feels real , im sure the people working there are real too because they are a friendly bunch , as far as i know my golfnet id is real .

    Maybe because you look down on my type of membership and it irks you so you wish it wasnt real but let me assure you it is & its here to stay. And let me be the judge what is value for my money if thats ok with you.

    If you play your own club, then you won't have a problem with the 3 card stipulation - as long as the club holds on to its GUI status.
    You have made it clear in this and other threads that you feel entitled to take advantage of the investment others put into their clubs, while putting little or nothing in yourself. Why would you object to others having an equally selfish attitude?
    It is the "market" after all.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,197 ✭✭✭bailey99


    Lets just rest easy in the knowledge that these people with membership in Slievenamon will now have to travel down to Slievenamon and play the course three times.

    Now I personally wouldn't cross the road to look at Slievenamon nevermind traveling down there and spending a few hours playing each round.

    I don't think all distance members will do this to be honest, so either they will jack in Slievenamon or else someone may come up with a plan to ensure people 'get' three scorecards returned somehow.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    bailey99 wrote: »
    Lets just rest easy in the knowledge that these people with membership in Slievenamon will now have to travel down to Slievenamon and play the course three times.

    Now I personally wouldn't cross the road to look at Slievenamon nevermind traveling down there and spending a few hours playing each round.

    I don't think all distance members will do this to be honest, so either they will jack in Slievenamon or else someone may come up with a plan to ensure people 'get' three scorecards returned somehow.

    And you can be quite sure that someone in the GUI has thought of that. If clubs want to find a quick way to get themselves dis-affiliated.....


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    First Up wrote: »
    If you play your own club, then you won't have a problem with the 3 card stipulation - as long as the club holds on to its GUI status.
    You have made it clear in this and other threads that you feel entitled to take advantage of the investment others put into their clubs, while putting little or nothing in yourself. Why would you object to others having an equally selfish attitude?
    It is the "market" after all.

    Of course im entitled to play any open comp or scratch cup , im as much a gui member as any of you . I dontt see any clubs loosing their gui status anytime soon either.

    Its a serious gripe you seem to have but its petty and if it bothers you all so much as i have said before then do sonething about it. Spouting high n mighty holier than thou drivel on an internet chat room will hardly stop or bother the thousands like me who are enjoying our golfing passtime.

    Also glad you agree with the free market fact i brought up a while back.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    bailey99 wrote: »
    Lets just rest easy in the knowledge that these people with membership in Slievenamon will now have to travel down to Slievenamon and play the course three times.

    Now I personally wouldn't cross the road to look at Slievenamon nevermind traveling down there and spending a few hours playing each round.

    I don't think all distance members will do this to be honest, so either they will jack in Slievenamon or else someone may come up with a plan to ensure people 'get' three scorecards returned somehow.

    Why is slievenamon your focal point of attack ? Im not a member there but know a few who are fine gents and good golfers to booth (well one is). Sure i can understand the "bandit" handicaps are annoying but to paint every member from one club with that brush is a bit harsh dont you think ? Are there no bandits in other clubs ? Your own perhaps ?

    You must surely understand that people spend what they think they need to or can on their passtimes , for some this equates to the k club and for some its slievenamon and its kind. There really is nothing worse than somebody assuming they are better than everybody else purely on what boils down to financial reasons.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    grip n rip wrote: »
    Of course im entitled to play any open comp or scratch cup , im as much a gui member as any of you . I dontt see any clubs loosing their gui status anytime soon either.

    Its a serious gripe you seem to have but its petty and if it bothers you all so much as i have said before then do sonething about it. Spouting high n mighty holier than thou drivel on an internet chat room will hardly stop or bother the thousands like me who are enjoying our golfing passtime.

    Also glad you agree with the free market fact i brought up a while back.

    Well something has started to be done about it and its just the start. But if you continue to meet the requirements for distance members to hold on to their GUI cards and handicaps, then no problem.
    Watch this space.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    First Up wrote: »
    Well something has started to be done about it and its just the start. But if you continue to meet the requirements for distance members to hold on to their GUI cards and handicaps, then no problem.
    Watch this space.

    I cant see a body which governs a minority sport on a small island nation turning its back on a very sizeable number of its members and the revenue they bring into its coffers.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    grip n rip wrote: »
    I cant see a body which governs a minority sport on a small island nation turning its back on a very sizeable number of its members and the revenue they bring into its coffers.

    So why did they bring in the new rule?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    First Up wrote: »
    The "free market" angle is a red herring. Any club is free to charge what it wants and good luck to them. However the value of distance membership is not just access to the club in question, but in the GUI membership that comes with it. As the issuer of that value, the GUI is entitled to stipulate how it be used.

    It is not about "power". The GUI is made up of its member clubs and applies certain standards for admission. If those standards are not being met, or if membership is being abused, clubs (and their members) can be dis-affiliated.

    I agree it's not about power, it's not FIFA, but I wouldn't disregard the free market angle.
    distance membership exists solely because people want to play in local opens, hence needing gui handicap.

    The gui alone control this, license it if you will.
    The price is free, the rules are not.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    grip n rip wrote: »
    I cant see a body which governs a minority sport on a small island nation turning its back on a very sizeable number of its members and the revenue they bring into its coffers.

    The "body" comprises the member clubs and they will decide what is in their interests. Clubs that abuse their GUI affiliation by flogging GUI cards are contributing nothing to anyone's coffers except their own. If clubs wanted to increase traffic by offering "open" rates to all-comers, they could decide to do so. They haven't, because they are able to add.
    Open rates are privileged rates. Clubs are entitled to decide how that privilege is extended and where it shouldn't.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    First Up wrote: »
    The "body" comprises the member clubs and they will decide what is in their interests. Clubs that abuse their GUI affiliation by flogging GUI cards are contributing nothing to anyone's coffers except their own. If clubs wanted to increase traffic by offering "open" rates to all-comers, they could decide to do so. They haven't, because they are able to add.
    Open rates are privileged rates. Clubs are entitled to decide how that privilege is extended and where it shouldn't.

    I've never been turned down from any club i played on their open days , i guess they don't feel the same way as yourself


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,941 ✭✭✭Russman


    grip n rip wrote: »
    I've never been turned down from any club i played on their open days , i guess they don't feel the same way as yourself

    I don't think anyone is suggesting turning people away from open days, or that open days are a problem.

    IMO the bottom line is that people are using the system to their advantage, despite it not really being what the "system" of distance memberships was originally intended for. It's not written down anywhere but, let's be honest, it was originally intended for members of country clubs to stay on as members at a reduced rate, when and if they moved "up to Dublin". It has, rightly or wrongly, evolved into a mechanism for people who can't afford memberships of certain clubs, to get a handicap on the cheap. No club in their right mind would turn down what is essentially free money, and the individuals, understandably enough, will do whats best for themselves.

    The argument that I would have is that in the bigger scheme of things, it's bad for the game as a whole. The model only works because there's only a limited few clubs doing it. If every club started offering distance memberships or membership for a few hundred euro, the game would either die overnight or people would have to learn to love playing on 4 inch long fairways and greens stimping at 3. I suspect the gui have belatedly come to the party and the 3 card rule is a step in the right direction. Again, it's notional, but the idea of a club is that everyone buys into it's ethos and is pulling together. It's not like joining a gym where you pay a sub to use the facilities and that's it, although there are some clubs offering that I suppose.

    Anyway, I'm out, it's Christmas Eve, have a great one y'all !


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 84 ✭✭grip n rip


    Russman wrote: »
    I don't think anyone is suggesting turning people away from open days, or that open days are a problem.

    IMO the bottom line is that people are using the system to their advantage, despite it not really being what the "system" of distance memberships was originally intended for. It's not written down anywhere but, let's be honest, it was originally intended for members of country clubs to stay on as members at a reduced rate, when and if they moved "up to Dublin". It has, rightly or wrongly, evolved into a mechanism for people who can't afford memberships of certain clubs, to get a handicap on the cheap. No club in their right mind would turn down what is essentially free money, and the individuals, understandably enough, will do whats best for themselves.

    The argument that I would have is that in the bigger scheme of things, it's bad for the game as a whole. The model only works because there's only a limited few clubs doing it. If every club started offering distance memberships or membership for a few hundred euro, the game would either die overnight or people would have to learn to love playing on 4 inch long fairways and greens stimping at 3. I suspect the gui have belatedly come to the party and the 3 card rule is a step in the right direction. Again, it's notional, but the idea of a club is that everyone buys into it's ethos and is pulling together. It's not like joining a gym where you pay a sub to use the facilities and that's it, although there are some clubs offering that I suppose.

    Anyway, I'm out, it's Christmas Eve, have a great one y'all !

    At last a reasonable point well made. Also happy christmas to one and all from a distant debater ðŸ˜႒


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 269 ✭✭doublecross


    Russman wrote: »
    I don't think anyone is suggesting turning people away from open days, or that open days are a problem.

    IMO the bottom line is that people are using the system to their advantage, despite it not really being what the "system" of distance memberships was originally intended for. It's not written down anywhere but, let's be honest, it was originally intended for members of country clubs to stay on as members at a reduced rate, when and if they moved "up to Dublin". It has, rightly or wrongly, evolved into a mechanism for people who can't afford memberships of certain clubs, to get a handicap on the cheap. No club in their right mind would turn down what is essentially free money, and the individuals, understandably enough, will do whats best for themselves.

    The argument that I would have is that in the bigger scheme of things, it's bad for the game as a whole. The model only works because there's only a limited few clubs doing it. If every club started offering distance memberships or membership for a few hundred euro, the game would either die overnight or people would have to learn to love playing on 4 inch long fairways and greens stimping at 3. I suspect the gui have belatedly come to the party and the 3 card rule is a step in the right direction. Again, it's notional, but the idea of a club is that everyone buys into it's ethos and is pulling together. It's not like joining a gym where you pay a sub to use the facilities and that's it, although there are some clubs offering that I suppose.

    Anyway, I'm out, it's Christmas Eve, have a great one y'all !

    Well said. You're the first person to make that argument without sounding like a snob


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    Well said. You're the first person to make that argument without sounding like a snob

    I'm sorry you think that but I'm making no apology for standing up for integrity and fairness in how golf operates. If that sounds snobbish to you, well and good.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,370 ✭✭✭✭GreeBo


    First Up wrote: »
    I'm sorry you think that but I'm making no apology for standing up for integrity and fairness in how golf operates. If that sounds snobbish to you, well and good.

    It amuses me how people can consider it snobbish when in reality the clubs least likely to be impacted are the supposedly snobbish clubs.

    Showing concern about the future of the game resulting in being labelled a snob is a new one for me.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 761 ✭✭✭Dayor Knight


    Happy Christmas, all. This thread has been fun. Have a good one, but don't watch too much space, it can affect your vision :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,567 ✭✭✭✭PARlance


    One of my mates is worried about next year and the 3 cards, he's thinking about finding a club closer to home.... But that's what you get when you join Ballybunion and are scamming it for 400 quid a year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 21,567 ✭✭✭✭PARlance


    One of my mates is worried about next year and the 3 cards, he's thinking about finding a club closer to home.... But that's what you get when you join Ballybunion and are scamming it for 400 quid a year.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭onlyfinewine


    Clubs are allowing players to pay green fees through society outings without having an official handicap. The GUI does not seem to be able to control this even though they officially ban the practice. How likely is it that these new rules will be observed? I think they will be extremely difficult to police 👮.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,823 ✭✭✭✭First Up


    Clubs are allowing players to pay green fees through society outings without having an official handicap. The GUI does not seem to be able to control this even though they officially ban the practice. How likely is it that these new rules will be observed? I think they will be extremely difficult to police 👮.

    Officially ban what practice?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 433 ✭✭onlyfinewine


    First Up wrote: »
    Officially ban what practice?

    Societies are not supposed to allow membership to the society without GUI cards, but obviously it does not always happen. On the plus side a lot of people joined clubs after joining their work or local society first.


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