Get a grip on golf club fees.

July 14, 2010

Massive reductions and in some cases abolition of sign up fees, reductions in annual membership and green fees make golf a more affordable pursuit once again.  There has never been a better time to join what has previously been an elitist, exclusive, expensive but entertaining pursuit.  I still find it hard to fathom that during the halcyon days of the celtic tiger we were willing to pay anything from €5,000 to €300,000 just to become a member.  Annual fees in the thousands and green fees in the hundreds were still expected. It was time we got a grip and not of a golf club.

 

Following 10 very enjoyable golf lessons in 2002 I refused to pay the extortionate membership and annual fees required at that time. Much has changed since then. Membership fees around the country have tumbled and in some cases disappeared altogether.  At the high end, Druids Glen’s sign up fee of €50,000 plus €2,690 annual fee has been replaced by a more humble €4,000 annual fee. Nationwide, green fees have reduced by approximately 25% with new options for early and late birds resulting in real reductions of up to 70%.  Green fees between €15 and €60 are now commmonplace.  Some clubs still refuse to disclose their membership fees and continue to be by invitation only. With golf clubs on the financial ropes at the moment its time we started interviewing clubs to see if they and their fees suit our budgets rather than the other way around.  Those that won’t negotiate can swing for it.

Did you know?

You can search for cheap green fees, special offers and book tee times across 70 golf clubs in Ireland on www.teetimes.ie