Golf trip out West - looking for tips

Infoseeker1975 · 21-01-2022 3:18pm #1

Planning a weekend away to Clare/Galway in easter and was wondering if anyone could recommend golf courses that we should be looking at.

Initial plans was to play Doonbeg or Lahinch, then Galway Bay plus another course.

Checking out green fees and it is €180 for Doonbeg & €250 for Lahinch; have played Lahinch a good few times and never played Doonbeg so was thinking that would be the choice.

Wondering if anyone has played Doonbeg in the last year and was it in good shape or any other courses that you would recommend.

Luckycharm · 21-01-2022 4:33pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229176/golf-trip-out-west-looking-for-tips

Would you pay those green fees? Are you a GUI member ring them most courses have a GUI rate which is a bit cheaper.

Infoseeker1975 · 21-01-2022 4:50pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513093#Comment_118513093

Obviously would prefer not to and would only be selecting one of Doonbeg or Lahinch. Yep, I am a GUI member.

Luckycharm · 21-01-2022 4:54pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118513190#Comment_118513190

Give them a ring or send them an email to see if they do GUI rates. I just got a great deal on RCD normally £250 - £90 for GUI but you have to tee off after 4pm have booked for May can't wait. You might need to be flexible though to get good rates. I would find it very hard to pay those Green Fees to any course bar the TOP TOP ones.

plumber77 · 21-01-2022 7:21pm

Doonbeg have prices from 75-95 during Easter on their booking site.

PARlance · 21-01-2022 8:54pm

Connemara Links is a nice spin from Galway but probably worth it while you're in that neck of the woods.

22-01-2022 10:53pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118514544#Comment_118514544

It's a lovely track, but it's a very long way from anywhere. It's about an hour and a half drive from Galway city. More suited to a golfer spending a few days out Clifden/West Galway direction (and it's worth a few plays if you are out that side).

Don't think the OP could go too far wrong with Lahinch for the big links experience and then Galway Bay for something slightly different. Make sure to stop into somewhere like Linnane's or Morans for seafood along the journey. If heading back to Dublin then a small detour to a little inland gem like Portumna would be worthwhile.

fearruanua · 24-01-2022 10:19am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229176/golf-trip-out-west-looking-for-tips

Dromoland is lovely. And is just off the motorway. Might be another option.

Played Doonbeg a few years ago. It is nice but no where near Lahinch. Wouldn't be in a massive hurry back tbh.

callaway92 · 24-01-2022 12:39pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118514038#Comment_118514038

They are off mats for all shots currently at a €65 rate. I'd be making sure before booking that at those rates it isn't the same.

Infoseeker1975 · 24-01-2022 5:28pm

Thanks for all the suggestions, we will be staying in Galway with a friend and travelling from Cork. Dromoland is a good option as we could play that on the first day, then perhaps Connemara on the 2nd day and finish up with Galway Bay.

Tom Ghostwood · 25-01-2022 12:01am

Couple of class courses within 45 mins of Galway City - Ballinrobe is super & as mentioned above Portumna & Dromoland. Connemara Isles is a lovely 9 hole too.

plumber77 · 25-01-2022 12:21am

Most links will be mats only or dropping to the side in April.

plumber77 · 25-01-2022 12:21am

fearruanua · 25-01-2022 9:21am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118526951#Comment_118526951

You won't go far wrong with those three courses. I know connemara GC is a long way back but it's definitely worth the spin. Open day every wednesday for €40 if it suited ye.

CSWS101 · 25-01-2022 9:58am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118528841#Comment_118528841

In April, really? Would have thought most come off them in March time.

slave1 · 25-01-2022 11:22am

Can't see a massive need for mats this "winter", grass growth at 7.5degrees and we've had a very mild run

Whiplash85 · 25-01-2022 2:49pm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058229176/golf-trip-out-west-looking-for-tips

Doonbeg was in stunning condition just this weekend. €65 per round at weekend was good value I thought.

callaway92 · 26-01-2022 12:37am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118531187#Comment_118531187

Off mats though?

plumber77 · 26-01-2022 9:34am

I think mats all the time until you see green fees change. Could be up until end of April. They want them pristine for US visitors.

Whiplash85 · 26-01-2022 9:57am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118533566#Comment_118533566

You can move them either side of fairway to first cut and dont have to use a mat. Thats what I did.

callaway92 · 26-01-2022 10:29am

Wish Doonbeg mentioned that option when I spoke to them recently. If first cut is nice then that’s very good value

fearruanua · 26-01-2022 11:54am

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/118534130#Comment_118534130

Yeah. Same as that when we played a few years back. Our rule for the day was that, if you hit the fairway you could place in the first cut. play as it lies if you didn't.

Pigeon Chaser · 26-01-2022 6:40pm

Portumna is a fabulous, challenging course. Better value than the bigger names too. Miles better than Galway Bay imo

Golf trip out West - looking for tips

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