Courses

Irish Eyes Are . . . ?

February 06, 2009
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This morning's Irish Times has a report on how various golf clubs there are reacting to the economy. As you might expect, most are taking a hard look at their fees -- and in many cases they are reducing them or allowing members to spread out payments.

One of the more intriguing things in the piece: The great Ballybunion Golf Club, whose Old Course is ranked No. 1 in Ireland by Golf Digest, has actually increased its initiation  fee, to 7,500 euros from 5,000 euros.

At the other end of the spectrum, the four-year-old Castleknock Golf Club in Dublin is allowing new members to pay no initiation fee and annual dues of 3,371 euros. (The original deal was 30,000 euros to join and 1,700 euros in annual dues.)

-- P.F.