Golf Courses Dublin - memberships

MurDawg

Hi I'm looking to join a course in Dublin. Only moved up to city center recently not sure where or which clubs offer the best value for my situation! Seen a lot of golf courses which do great deals for ages up to 25.

Would be looking at lessons and playing weekdays and weekends. Would need to use public transport to get there also!

Any advice?

Ollieboy

depending on where you are living Corrstown might be a good options, 27 holes, good inter-club golf and 550 members.

Fees for under 25's is currently €400 and up to 30 is €600. Once you get to the airport (great public links) it's only a short hop in a taxi and someone will always drop you back that direction afterwards.

They also have a beginners club starting for new members/players.

I'm not sure what other clubs have public transport straight to the door. Maybe Howth, Clontarf, Royal Dublin, Portmarnock, Elm Green, but most of them would still require some walking.

mike12

Silloge is the only course in Dublin i can think of that has a bus stop outside. Other options would be Donabate or Beaverstown there would be a bus or DART to % mins walk away.

MurDawg

Thanks for the help guys, the prices are far more reasonable than I thought they'd be. I do have a bike, so cycling is always an option. Currently living in D8 not far off heuston.

Ollieboy

MurDawg wrote: »

Thanks for the help guys, the prices are far more reasonable than I thought they'd be. I do have a bike, so cycling is always an option. Currently living in D8 not far off heuston.

Some clubs allow for storage, I.e they will have lockers available in the changing rooms.

We have them, but not sure if any free. Dublin 8 should provide you a few options, but prices might be a bit higher.

Go to the GUI site and find clubs in your area and then start ringing them.

Mantis Toboggan

That time of year folks, my membership runs out next month and I'm open to the idea of moving clubs, any recommendations for clubs on the south West of Dublin?

Dr.Rieux

Tyson Fury wrote: »

That time of year folks, my membership runs out next month and I'm open to the idea of moving clubs, any recommendations for clubs on the south West of Dublin?

Slade Valley have a deal currently to get more members in, http://www.sladevalleygolfclub.ie/. It means that there's not too much trouble getting onto the time sheet.

It's wet this time of year though so not guaranteed year round golf. I joined last year and will be renewing in January as the price is good, and the course isn't too long which suits me, as I'm not a big hitter. Friendly members too

Mantis Toboggan

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

Slade Valley have a deal currently to get more members in, http://www.sladevalleygolfclub.ie/. It means that there's not too much trouble getting onto the time sheet.

It's wet this time of year though so not guaranteed year round golf. I joined last year and will be renewing in January as the price is good, and the course isn't too long which suits me, as I'm not a big hitter. Friendly members too

That sounds like a good deal.

I would prefer longer courses though as they suit me better, would be a reason for leaving my current club (citywest) might trek over for a round before Christmas to check it out.

Dr.Rieux

Tyson Fury wrote: »

That sounds like a good deal.

I would prefer longer courses though as they suit me better, would be a reason for leaving my current club (citywest) might trek over for a round before Christmas to check it out.

If you prefer long courses it's may not be for you, par 70 with only one par 5. A few of the par 4's are below 300 metres, though most of them do have a dog leg. There are some holes where position can be very important

First Up

Relying on public transport limits you a fair bit. The bus doesn't pass many golf club gates. Slade Valley is a bit off the main road. In that area you could look at Lisheen Springs too but its a hike up from the road with a bag of clubs.
There's a fair few courses in your general area. Castlenock, Westmanstown and Luttlerstown are 3 worth looking at.
It would be a long trip but the 145 from Heuston passes by Woodbrook in Bray.

Dr.Rieux

First Up wrote: »

Relying on public transport limits you a fair bit. The bus doesn't pass many golf club gates. Slade Valley is a bit off the main road. In that area you could look at Lisheen Springs too but its a hike up from the road with a bag of clubs.
There's a fair few courses in your general area. Castlenock, Westmanstown and Luttlerstown are 3 worth looking at.
It would be a long trip but the 145 from Heuston passes by Woodbrook in Bray.

If relying on public transport I wouldn't bother with Slade Valley. But, I think it was the op a few months ago relying on it.

How far are you willing to travel? There's some nice courses further down the N7, Naas GC is only about 15 minutes down the road from Citywest.

Mantis Toboggan

Anyone play beech park?

First Up

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Anyone play beech park?

Yes - decent enough. Can get a bit wet.

Mantis Toboggan

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

If relying on public transport I wouldn't bother with Slade Valley. But, I think it was the op a few months ago relying on it.

How far are you willing to travel? There's some nice courses further down the N7, Naas GC is only about 15 minutes down the road from Citywest.

Anywhere within 20 minutes of Tallaght. Naas might be a little too far, especially with traffic out that road. Somewhere with good practice facilities would be nice.

Dayor Knight

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

Slade Valley have a deal currently to get more members in, http://www.sladevalleygolfclub.ie/. It means that there's not too much trouble getting onto the time sheet.

It's wet this time of year though so not guaranteed year round golf. I joined last year and will be renewing in January as the price is good, and the course isn't too long which suits me, as I'm not a big hitter. Friendly members too

Having a look at Slade Valley for 2016. Just wondering what conditions are like up there - is it playable at all in the winter? Had a look up there a few days ago - tee boxes look quite hairy but didn't manage to check out the greens - are they good in general, are conditions good in the Spring/ Summer, is it easy to get on the time sheet on Saturday mornings, or for casual golf during the week from Spring onwards? Any info would be great.... thanks.

Russman

Dayor Knight wrote: »

Having a look at Slade Valley for 2016. Just wondering what conditions are like up there - is it playable at all in the winter? Had a look up there a few days ago - tee boxes look quite hairy but didn't manage to check out the greens - are they good in general, are conditions good in the Spring/ Summer, is it easy to get on the time sheet on Saturday mornings, or for casual golf during the week from Spring onwards? Any info would be great.... thanks.

Very wet at the moment, played it last Sunday and it was as wet as I've seen it, probably shouldn't have been open. Then again, where isn't wet at the moment ? Generally its playable in a normal winter. They find a combination of usually 12, 13 or 14 holes to play, and the "new" holes are not in play in winter.

Tee boxes are a weakness, but the greens are amongst the very best around, especially in Spring, summer and Autumn. Casual golf during the week isn't a problem, at the very worst you'd have to go off the 10th tee if it was a busy evening but even that is most unlikely.

Time sheet access isn't a problem, granted the first 3 or 4 lines at 7.30am go pretty quickly but after that there's no issue at all.

Financially they were in a very bad place but have recently come to an arrangement with their bank and have taken in something like 30+ members in the last couple of months. IMHO the deals at the moment are a bit of a no brainer as you're paying monthly so all you'd stand to lose is one months fee.

Dr.Rieux

Dayor Knight wrote: »

Having a look at Slade Valley for 2016. Just wondering what conditions are like up there - is it playable at all in the winter? Had a look up there a few days ago - tee boxes look quite hairy but didn't manage to check out the greens - are they good in general, are conditions good in the Spring/ Summer, is it easy to get on the time sheet on Saturday mornings, or for casual golf during the week from Spring onwards? Any info would be great.... thanks.

I haven't got out for a few weeks so can't comment on how it's holding up at the minute. But I'd imagine very wet. Some of the tee boxes are poor to be honest, with a lot longer grass than would be expected, particularly the 8th half of the shared 4th 8th tee.

I usually go out sometime between half 8 and half 10 and have not had any difficulty any weekend in getting out. And separate Saturday and Sunday competitions which is very good, and I've played with some visitors who's course has the medal across the two days so they come up to play the Sunday open in Slade to get another comp in over the weekend.

With work I've only gotten out midweek a handful of times and again haven't had any trouble in getting out.

As Russman said, they've recently come to an arrangement with the bank so the short term future is secure, and paying monthly will insulate you should something happen.

Dayor Knight

Russman wrote: »

Very wet at the moment, played it last Sunday and it was as wet as I've seen it, probably shouldn't have been open. Then again, where isn't wet at the moment ? Generally its playable in a normal winter. They find a combination of usually 12, 13 or 14 holes to play, and the "new" holes are not in play in winter.

Tee boxes are a weakness, but the greens are amongst the very best around, especially in Spring, summer and Autumn. Casual golf during the week isn't a problem, at the very worst you'd have to go off the 10th tee if it was a busy evening but even that is most unlikely.

Time sheet access isn't a problem, granted the first 3 or 4 lines at 7.30am go pretty quickly but after that there's no issue at all.

Financially they were in a very bad place but have recently come to an arrangement with their bank and have taken in something like 30+ members in the last couple of months. IMHO the deals at the moment are a bit of a no brainer as you're paying monthly so all you'd stand to lose is one months fee.

Thanks for the info, Russman - much appreciated. Very tempting for me for next year. Can't go too far wrong with the deal that's there just now from a financial point of view.

Kingswood Rover

Delighted Noddy valley have sorted some of their money worries out always liked playing up there and was a member there many moons ago before moving, their 50 Euro's per month deal is perhaps the best value in the greater Dublin area at the mo.

Dayor Knight

Dr.Rieux wrote: »

I haven't got out for a few weeks so can't comment on how it's holding up at the minute. But I'd imagine very wet. Some of the tee boxes are poor to be honest, with a lot longer grass than would be expected, particularly the 8th half of the shared 4th 8th tee.

I usually go out sometime between half 8 and half 10 and have not had any difficulty any weekend in getting out. And separate Saturday and Sunday competitions which is very good, and I've played with some visitors who's course has the medal across the two days so they come up to play the Sunday open in Slade to get another comp in over the weekend.

With work I've only gotten out midweek a handful of times and again haven't had any trouble in getting out.

As Russman said, they've recently come to an arrangement with the bank so the short term future is secure, and paying monthly will insulate you should something happen.

Thanks for the info, Dr. Rieux. It all helps.

Mantis Toboggan

Could anyone compare Slade Valley to Grange Castle?

First Up

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Could anyone compare Slade Valley to Grange Castle?

Very different courses and very different operations. What aspects are you asking us to compare?

Mantis Toboggan

First Up wrote: »

Very different courses and very different operations. What aspects are you asking us to compare?

Well I'm thinking about joining one of them, was set for Grange Castle but that deal in Slade Valley is tempting.

DiegoWorst

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Could anyone compare Slade Valley to Grange Castle?

They are different! And I think that is all anyone here will agree on.

My advice would be to try both, and decide for yourself.

I'm not all that fond of Slade's layout, whereas Grange Castle is a far better design - but that's just my opinion.

The greens in Slade are generally good though - well, 16 good greens and two which are pure ***** (8th & 17th).

woywover

Slade Valley is a wonderful course, lovely setting with views of the Mourne mountains on clear days. Have played it a good few times, 3 really long par 4's, it's a thinking man's course. I'm going to join this year based on location, price, super greens and there's a relaxed vibe about the place

Austmcc

Anybody have any thoughts on Stackstown? They seem to have good deals for membership. Haven't found the time to go out and play it yet but very tempted.

First Up

Austmcc wrote:

Anybody have any thoughts on Stackstown? They seem to have good deals for membership. Haven't found the time to go out and play it yet but very tempted.

Like anywhere you are considering, you need to play it a few times and in varied conditions before you can make a judgement.

Stackstown is too hilly and fiddly for my taste but you might find it perfect. Only one way to find out.

Dricmeister

Stackstown's greens are superb and it's reasonably central in its location. Seems pretty cheap too. Castleknock would be a good option for the poster living near Heuston Station.

First Up

Dricmeister wrote:

Stackstown's greens are superb and it's reasonably central in its location. Seems pretty cheap too. Castleknock would be a good option for the poster living near Heuston Station.

Westmanstown is worth a look too.

Dayor Knight

Austmcc wrote: »

Anybody have any thoughts on Stackstown? They seem to have good deals for membership. Haven't found the time to go out and play it yet but very tempted.

Played it in an open a couple of years ago. Lovely greens alright, thought it was grand until the finishing couple of holes. A brutal finish, Imo. Unpleasant par 3 17th, then 18th is a long featureless par 4 up a steep hill that will finish your legs altogether. Apart from that I like the course ok. You'd need to play it a couple of times to see if you can live with that finish.

dk1982

Dayor Knight wrote: »

Played it in an open a couple of years ago. Lovely greens alright, thought it was grand until the finishing couple of holes. A brutal finish, Imo. Unpleasant par 3 17th, then 18th is a long featureless par 4 up a steep hill that will finish your legs altogether. Apart from that I like the course ok. You'd need to play it a couple of times to see if you can live with that finish.

The 18th is a Par 5. I wouldn't say its featureless, there's water around the front of the green and it gives you a big decision to make if you get a good drive away. Although that big Pylon to the left is an abomination. I must say I really like Stackstown and barring a few holes I dont think its as hilly as people make out. I've never played it in winter though and ive seen it mentioned here that you've to carry around a mat to place your ball on for every shot. That certainly wouldnt appeal to me.

Dayor Knight

dk1982 wrote: »

The 18th is a Par 5. I wouldn't say its featureless, there's water around the front of the green and it gives you a big decision to make if you get a good drive away. Although that big Pylon to the left is an abomination. I must say I really like Stackstown and barring a few holes I dont think its as hilly as people make out. I've never played it in winter though and ive seen it mentioned here that you've to carry around a mat to place your ball on for every shot. That certainly wouldnt appeal to me.

I stand appropriately corrected. It's as I remember it.....! I agree that it's not in generally as hilly as made out to be, it just doesn't feel that way after the 17th/18th finish.....

PARlance

Dayor Knight wrote: »

I stand appropriately corrected. It's as I remember it.....! I agree that it's not in generally as hilly as made out to be, it just doesn't feel that way after the 17th/18th finish.....

I've enjoyed my rounds there but it's too "slopey" for my liking when considering it as a club. I didn't mind the hills (even though 9 & 18 can suck the life out of you if it's not going well), but I'm just not a fan of the slopes... they come into play on most holes. Iirc 4,8,11,13 are the only four holes where you're not playing against the slope be it l-r, r-l, uphill or downhill.

Maybe you just learn to play with it than against it I suppose.

irish_man

Living in Cabinteely at present and looking for a new club to join. I'm u25 so a intermediate membership looks likely. I was looking at joining Charlesland, Delgany and Edmondstown. Can anyone tell me about these places or anywhere I'm over looking? I've a car so a 20 min drive is reasonable.

First Up

irish_man wrote:

Living in Cabinteely at present and looking for a new club to join. I'm u25 so a intermediate membership looks likely. I was looking at joining Charlesland, Delgany and Edmondstown. Can anyone tell me about these places or anywhere I'm over looking? I've a car so a 20 min drive is reasonable.

It depends on what kind of course you like and if you want a "club" as well as somewhere to play. As a place to play, I'd pick Charlesland of those three but the clubhouse is a bit dreary and run down and I don't know how strong the club is.

Delgany is a proper club but you have plenty of other options in that area like Glen of the Downs, Bray, Woodbrook and more.

Edmonstown is OK but if you are willing to pay an entrance fee you have other options.

Dricmeister

Woodbrook's probably the best club in your neck of the woods...or Elm Park, but Woodbrook's a better track. Dun Laoghaire's also a great setup.

Dtoffee

irish_man wrote: »

Living in Cabinteely at present and looking for a new club to join. I'm u25 so a intermediate membership looks likely. I was looking at joining Charlesland, Delgany and Edmondstown. Can anyone tell me about these places or anywhere I'm over looking? I've a car so a 20 min drive is reasonable.

If money is not an issue, I would say Powerscourt is the pick of your local clubs with two excellent courses. Delgany is hilly, Edmondstown is not what it used to be and Charlesland is not a patch on Greystones .... as many posters say, play them and then make your choice.

Dricmeister

The above poster is right...Powerscourt is a great setup. Some people paid €70,000 of hello money to join at the peak. Now just pay the sub (admittedly circa €2,200), and you're in.

irish_man

Thanks very much for the replies.

I'd love to join Powerscourt but I was looking to spend around €600-700. I wouldn't mind paying a few hundred more if I got a really good club. I'd be looking to play with a few other people my own age so a younger demographic would be great. Charlesland is €600 for me whereas I could get Edmonstown for €300. Both are around a 20 min drive for me. How much would it be to get into Greystones? There isn't anything on the website

First Up

irish_man wrote:

I'd love to join Powerscourt but I was looking to spend around €600-700. I wouldn't mind paying a few hundred more if I got a really good club. I'd be looking to play with a few other people my own age so a younger demographic would be great. Charlesland is €600 for me whereas I could get Edmonstown for €300. Both are around a 20 min drive for me. How much would it be to get into Greystones? There isn't anything on the website

Have a look at Old Conna too. Good club ethos and a nice layout

A New earth

Dricmeister wrote: »

Woodbrook's probably the best club in your neck of the woods...or Elm Park, but Woodbrook's a better track. Dun Laoghaire's also a great setup.

Dun Laoghaire is fairly well full up until probably next November

Austmcc

just from searching around myself for intermediate membership deals, bray is expensive, as is old conn, wood brook is astronomical. if you're like me and looking for sub 700quid you're looking at stackstown, delgany, charlesland, howth, st annes, corrstown, slide valley. i haven't played these besides delgany and charelsland, they're just the options I've found in my searching.

First Up

Austmcc wrote:

just from searching around myself for intermediate membership deals, bray is expensive, as is old conn, wood brook is astronomical. if you're like me and looking for sub 700quid you're looking at stackstown, delgany, charlesland, howth, st annes, corrstown, slide valley. i haven't played these besides delgany and charelsland, they're just the options I've found in my searching.

At sub €700, you are pretty limited and I certainly wouldn't want to be crossing town every week to play a course in that bracket. If €14 a week is all golf is worth to you, then go somewhere nearby or else your petrol bill will exceed your sub.

Austmcc

First Up wrote: »

At sub €700, you are pretty limited and I certainly wouldn't want to be crossing town every week to play a course in that bracket. If €14 a week is all golf is worth to you, then go somewhere nearby or else your petrol bill will exceed your sub.

well thats a bit much, its not what golf is worth to me or whoever, its how much you can afford. all costs of golf in, its an expensive sport. not to throw irish_man and myself in the same bracket but we're both under 25 (probably on limited income) and trying to continue to play a sport we enjoy.

First Up

Austmcc wrote:

well thats a bit much, its not what golf is worth to me or whoever, its how much you can afford. all costs of golf in, its an expensive sport. not to throw irish_man and myself in the same bracket but we're both under 25 (probably on limited income) and trying to continue to play a sport we enjoy.

Fair enough but in that case, join somewhere handy so you can get the maximum use from it. Really is no point spending time and petrol trekking across the city to somewhere of a marginally different standard.

Mantis Toboggan

Austmcc wrote: »

just from searching around myself for intermediate membership deals, bray is expensive, as is old conn, wood brook is astronomical. if you're like me and looking for sub 700quid you're looking at stackstown, delgany, charlesland, howth, st annes, corrstown, slide valley. i haven't played these besides delgany and charelsland, they're just the options I've found in my searching.

Citywest is €750 full membership.

Dr.Rieux

Austmcc wrote: »

well thats a bit much, its not what golf is worth to me or whoever, its how much you can afford. all costs of golf in, its an expensive sport. not to throw irish_man and myself in the same bracket but we're both under 25 (probably on limited income) and trying to continue to play a sport we enjoy.

I was in the same boat last year and one of the reasons I joined Slade Valley was I can only get out once a week most weeks and couldn't afford to be throwing down 1000+ on a membership to not get the benefit for most of the week. They have continued they're under 30 deals, currently I'm on 395 including gui and insurance (25 or 26 on Jan 1st). I'm coming from Clonskeagh which does make popping out for a few evening holes next to impossible but I'm not home from work until 7 anyway so unless I joined Milltown/Grange/Castle I'd have the same problem anywhere.

Your best bet is to ring all the clubs within what you consider a manageable distance of you and see what your options are given your age, and play all of them, particularly at this time of year when it's wet to see how the course holds up. Slade Valley have been playing 10-12 holes for the last while which suits me in the cold, but isn't for everyone.

Ollieboy

Austmcc wrote: »

just from searching around myself for intermediate membership deals, bray is expensive, as is old conn, wood brook is astronomical. if you're like me and looking for sub 700quid you're looking at stackstown, delgany, charlesland, howth, st annes, corrstown, slide valley. i haven't played these besides delgany and charelsland, they're just the options I've found in my searching.

location to home and work is always key when joining a club, then the course and finances off the club along with cost of joining. But I would always rather pay a little more for a club that is secure, decent track and near my home or work place.

If you have to travel across the city for 18 holes during the summer, you'll get very fed up with it very quickly and start looking for a new club unless your very near the M50. We do have members that travel across the city to Corrstown, but they either used to live in the area and love the place, or both Husband and Wife are members and share the driving.

We do have great deals at the moment for 25's and under at €450 and great deals of €600 for 30's and under. We also have great deals for new members, And we have no bank debt with a 27 hole track. It is a no brainier to be honest and it's not a hilly course.

Dtoffee

I see Stackstown is offering this :
For 2016 the Young Adult (20 - 25) full annual rate is €350 and the Young Adult (26 – 30) is €650.

Thats an amazing offer considering their full ordinary membership is €1450 per annum, although Im not sure how happy I'd be if I was over 30 and paying nearly 5 times more than a 25 year old ?

Deep Thought

First Up wrote: »

Have a look at Old Conna too. Good club ethos and a nice layout

Worked for a member of Old Conna Once,

He asked me "had you ever played it, "No" I said, thinking an invite was on the way

"and you never will" he says...

and thanks to him I never wanted to.

First Up

Deep Thought wrote:

Worked for a member of Old Conna Once,

Deep Thought wrote:

He asked me "had you ever played it, "No" I said, thinking an invite was on the way

Deep Thought wrote:

"and you never will" he says...

Deep Thought wrote:

and thanks to him I never wanted to.

From my experience Old Conna is a solid, sensibly priced, down to earth club with no pretentions or delusions of grandeur.

If your ex-boss gave the impression he is a member of an exclusive enclave he is either a particularly sad specimen or he was taking the piss.

Or else he thinks you are someone who can't be let out.