Water Rock Golf Course in Midleton, Co. Cork have released new green fee rates for 2010. They are offering great value on one of the best "pay & play" courses in the country. The par 3 12th is one of the hardest par 3's in the country with almost a complete carry over water.
Midweek €27 and weekend is €33 while a Sunday after 1pm is only €30. For early risers an early bird is available until 11.30pm for €23. 9 hole rates are available depending on availability. Seniors over 60 can play for €20.
Click here for more information

Rosslare GC have added a selection of ladies and gents open singles between February and June. Senior Singles for over 50's are on Thursdays, with the "young ones" on a Wednesday.

Limerick County Golf Club has introduced a winter early bird of only €25 before 9am Monday – Friday. Des Smyth designed this 18 hole parkland course. The course is located approximately 8km south east of Limerick city near Ballyneety on the R512 Bruff Rd. It is also worth noting the new membership offer of €1500 available until the end of March 2011.
Click here for Limerick County GC details

The beautifully scenic Kenmare Golf Club in east Kerry now has 18 and 9 holes green fee rates available every day until April 2010. The €20, 9 hole rate is ideal for anyone who is time “challenged” or just trying to get in a few holes during a patch of good weather. 18 holes will cost just €35 which is a nice saving on the regular rate. Eddie Hackett designed the course which is only a short distance from Kenmare town.
Click here for Kenmare GC details
 

Yes that’s correct play the beautiful Christy O’Connor designed Knightsbrook course for just €25 in December and January. This terrific value is available seven days per week. They also have excellent value stay and play rates in their 4 star hotel & spa. Knightsbrook is located in Trim, Co. Meath approx 30 minutes from the M50.
Click here for more information about Knightsbrook

Killarney Golf Club has introduced is excellent value winter rates. How about playing the 2010 Irish Open, the newly redesigned Killeen course for just €60 between now and mid April? Its great value as are the winter green fees at Mahonys Point €50 and Lackabane €40. There are few better place for a golf break than Killarney with excellent value hotel breaks available and the value for money green fees outlined above.
Click here for Killeen course link

The Ron Kirby designed Ballinastoe Golf Club is now offering 9 holes for just €10 Monday to Friday. Set in the very scenic surrounds of the Wicklow Mountains just 3 miles from Roundwood and approx 20 miles from Dublin city centre, for €10 it’s a bargain. Ron Kirby formerly of Jack Nicklaus Design has been involved in the design or redesigned of some renowned courses in Ireland such as Dromoland Castle, Mount Juliet, Skellig Bay and The Old Head.
For winter 9 holes is ideal and for resident of Dublin, Wicklow and Kildare where better to play that on your door step in the Ballinastoe GC set in the heart of the “Garden of Ireland”.
Click for Ballinastoe GC link

A Ladies or Gents Open Fourball Qualifier will take place in Enniscorthy Golf Club every Wednesday commencing Wednesday the 7th October. It runs until the 24th February 2010 (excluding Christmas Week). There are weekly prizes for 1st, 2nd and visitor. The “Grand Final” on the 3rd March 2010 with 1st prize of 2 rounds of golf, 1 night B&B with evening meal in the K Club plus other numerous prizes. Visitors at just €15 with reduced buggy rates and receive a 10% discount voucher off clubhouse meals. Time sheets open one week prior to each competition.
Click here for Enniscorthy Golf Club

Kilkea Golf Resort near Castledermot in Kildare has excellent special offers for Sunday, 30th August 2009.

Option 1 €45

Round Of Golf, Main Course Meal, Tea/Coffee

Option 2 €55

Round Of Golf, Four Course Meal(min 8 people)

Option 3 €135

Round Of Golf, Four Course Meal, Overnight Stay In One Of Our

Luxurious Golf Lodges & Breakfast

Click here for Kilkea Golf Resort details

Details of Castlecomer Open Week have been added to the Open Weeks calendar. Starting on fri 24th and 25th with a 4 person classic for €60 per team. There are 9 hole re-entry singles competitions most evenings from 6pm which is a great idea for those coming home from work. There is even a 15 hole singles from 3pm on 31st August. Castlecomer GC is the place to play golf this August Bank Holiday weekend. For more details look up the open weeks calendar.
Click here for Castlecomer GC details

Rosslare Golf Club have introduced a midweek early green fee rate of €30 on the championship course. The regular green fees are also reduced to €40 midweek and €50 on Saturday and Sunday. Entry for open week competitions are €30 per person and ladies open week commences 27^th July and men’s on 1^st August.
Click here for Rosslare GC details

On Tuesday 7^th July there is a great opportunity to play the Christy O’Connor designed Knightsbrook course in Trim in a four person team event for just €25 each. If you have a few days holidays this is an ideal way to fill in a few quality golf hours.
Click here for details

This inaugural event takes place 9^th – 11^th July. Thursday 9^th is an optional practice round with competition on 10^th & 11^th. Three brothers make up a team. Promises to be both a social and competitive event on the Christy O’Connor designed championship course. The awards ceremony and gala BBQ conclude the event on Saturday evening. Packages available for 2 and 3 nights include golf, B&B. Non golfer packages also available. Spaces still available.
Click here for Knightsbrook Golf Resort page  

Headfort GC in Kells Co. Meath has introduced new green fee rates for the summer Headfort Old Sun – Fri €35pp & Sat €50pp and Headfort New Sun – Fri €40pp & Sat €60pp. Two fantastic courses to choose from with excellent value for money.
Click here for OLD and here for NEW

IrishGreenFees.ie has joined the thousands / millions of Twitterati by starting a new Twitter page. It contains any changes to the website such as new green fee rates, open days or date changes etc. Become a follower and get updates as they happen. Click Here for the link

Happy golfing

Mount Wolseley has announced dates for its Junior & Intermediate scratch Cups. The Intermediate takes place on June 21st, golfers with handicaps 10-18 are permitted. The Junior scratch takes place on 16th August for golfers with handicaps 5-9. A place on the podium in either competition and one can be very proud of their achievement on such a fine course. To enter contact Micheal in the pro shop. Click here for course information

Kilkea Castle will hold two open events over the June Bank Holiday Weekend. Sunday May 31^st an open fourball and Monday 1^st June a 4 person team event. Both cost €20 per person entry fee.
Kilkea Castle Golf Resort is an ideal location for a golf & stay break at any time but particularly over the long weekend.
Click here for Kilkea Castle Golf Resort

Killerig Golf Resort just outside Carlow has announced two open days for June. 6^th Open Singles €20 entry fee and the following Sunday June 14^th is a 3 person scramble costing €20 per person.
Click here for Killerig Golf Resort details

Leona Maguire (Slieve Russell) defends her Lancôme Irish Womens Close Championship title when competitors tee off at Fota Island Golf Resort, Saturday 16 to Wednesday 20 May 2009.

As hot favourite to capture this year’s title, Leona has made a remarkable start to the 2009 season winning every event she has entered to date.   In late March, she captured the inaugural Woodenbridge Scratch Cup, followed by the French Under 21 Championship at the start of April. A week later, the prestigious Helen Holm Scottish Strokeplay Championship title followed along with boosting Ulster to a fifth successive win in the Girls’ Interprovincials. The month ended with an emphatic victory in the Irish Schools Championships when she partnered her twin sister Lisa to glory for Loreto College, Cavan.

Lisa will be looking to stop her sister in her tracks and prevent a repeat of last year’s performance which saw her finish runner-up.  She too has made a solid start to 2009 finishing third at the Helen Holm and will be looking to claim her first piece of silverware of the season when the Championship tees off on May 16^th.

Other players keen to capture the coveted crown will be previous champions Deirdre Smith (Co. Louth) and Karen Delaney (Carlow), as well as internationals Niamh Kitching (Claremorris), Gillian O’Leary (Cork), Dawn Marie Conaty (Ashbourne) and Victoria Bradshaw (Bangor).  There is also a host of junior internationals in the field, including the in- form Emma O’Driscoll (Ballybunion) and Laura McCarthy (Muskerry) with the talented Patrice Delaney (Birr) and Sarah Helly (Enniscrone) hot on their heels. Play starts at 9am on Saturday and Sunday.

Click here for Fota Island Golf Resort details

Rosslare Golf Club has just announced two Open Senior Singles competitions on Thursday 14^th and Wednesday 27^th May. Both events are open to ladies and gents. The visitor entry fee is €25 which is excellent value on much loved links course in the sunny south east.
Click here for Rosslare GC details

On Saturday and Sunday (Whit weekend) the 30th and 31st of May, Enniscorthy Golf Club are running a Team Fund-raiser "Monster Open Team of Four" event.
Lots of Prizes...1st. for the men...1st for the ladies...Gross....GUI and non-GUI categories.

Members Team €60 - Visitors Team €80.
Click here Eniscorthy Golf Club information and contact details

The wonderfully designed Christy O’Connor course at PGA National at Palmerstown House in Naas Co. Kildare has just announced summer opens days for ladies and men commencing in early May. Men play on Monday and ladies on Wednesday. The price is €80 and includes tea/coffee and scones.
This is a fine course with water in play on the first five holes! Certainly one of Ireland’s must play courses.
Click here for PGA National details

Three of Kerry’s finest courses have combined to form a new play 3 golf pass called the Peninsula Golf Pass. Priced very reasonably at only €155 golfers have 12 months to play all three courses. The courses are Skellig Bay Golf Club in Waterville, Ring of Kerry Golf Club and Dooks Golf Club.
Click here for a link the Skellig Bay Golf Club page on IrishGreenFees.ie

Lee Valley GC has announced the following super value recession beating golf & stay offers at their superb complex just outside Cork City,

O’Connor Package €169:

2 Nights BB, 1 Lunch or Evening Meal

Unlimited Golf during your stay (Subject to pre booking and availability)

Transfers to/from Cork Airport/Train Station

Based on a min of 4 pax sharing a house in Farran Cottage

Nicklaus Package €229.00

3 Nights BB, 2 Lunches or Evening Meals,

Unlimited Golf during your stay (Subject to pre booking and availability)

Transfers to/from Cork Airport/Train Station

Based on a min of 4 pax sharing a house

Click here for details

In an exciting departure for amateur golf Fota Island Resort, in association with Titleist and Cobra, launch two new open tournaments, one for junior and another for intermediate golfers – the Titleist Munster Junior Open and the Cobra Munster Intermediate Open.

The inaugural Titleist Munster Junior Open takes place from 9th-12th of July, and the Cobra Munster Intermediate Open from 30th July-2nd of August 2009. The €100 entry fee includes either breakfast or lunch in the Spike Bar overlooking the famous 18^th green of Deerpark.

The format is 2 rounds of stroke play on the Thursday and Friday from which 16 will qualify for the match play will take place over the weekend.

There are also excellent packages available from €109 per person at the Sheraton Fota Island Hotel & Spa, where players can avail of this Munster Open special B&B rate and enjoy the famously reviving world-class Fota Island Spa facilities.

For further details of the inaugural Titleist Munster Junior Open and Cobra Munster Intermediate Open at Fota Island Resort please contact Fota Island Resort on 021 488 3700 or to download entry form, visit www.fotaisland.ie/munsteropens

Castlecomer Golf Club, Co Kilkenny has announced full membership is now available for €1,000 and husband & wife membership now costs €2,000. Castlecomer is a fine course designed by world renowned course architect Pat Ruddy. An excellent value midweek winter green fee of €20 is available until April 5^th.

Click here for more details

Headfort Golf Club New Course is offering golf & grill until the end of April for €48 Monday to Friday. A great course and great value.

Click here for more details

The Spring Open Series Fourball at Fota Island Resort begins on February 18^th, taking place each Wednesday, with the series final on Wednesday April 22^nd.

The competition price of €65 per person is inclusive of breakfast or lunch in the congenial atmosphere of the Spike Bar overlooking the iconic 18th green of the Deerpark course. The Spring Open Series will use all of the three championship courses at Fota Island Resort – the Belvelly, Barrycourt and Deerpark courses. 

The three courses incorporate some unique and exciting features, intended to challenge even the most competitive golfer yet remaining perfectly loyal to the traditional style, values and playability that characterise golf at Fota Island Resort as a whole. Surrounded by tall oak trees, and bathed in peace and quiet, Fota Island Golf Club provides the perfect backdrop for the perfect game.

The prize for the Spring Open Series Fourball will be sponsored by the Sheraton Fota Island Hotel & Spa, and each winner will enjoy a two night break for two people in the stunning hotel. Also included is an evening meal for two and a spa treatment each in the sensuous and indulging Fota Island Spa.

For timesheets and reservations for the Spring Open Series at Fota Island Resort call 021 4883700 Click HERE for Fota Island information page

Tullamore Golf Club in county Offaly is offering a great value combination of golf and food for €35 Monday to Friday until the end of March 09. Golfers have the option of choosing a full Irish or a main course from the menu. To avail of this offer it must be booked in advance.
Click here for Tullamore Golf Club contact details.

The Heritage Golf resort in Killenard just off the M7 is offering excellent value green fee rates on its fabulous Seve designed 18 hole championship designed course. This course has held the Irish Seniors Open and the Seve Trophy.
Offer 1:
Individual rates start from €85 Sunday – Thursday with a choice of cooked breakfast with Tea/Coffee or soup and sandwiches. The same offer is available on Friday and Saturday for €100.
Offer 2:

18 Holes on The Heritage Championship Course & 3 course meal in the clubhouse with a steak / salmon main course: €100.00 per person Sun – Thurs and €120.00 per person Fri / Sat & Bank Holidays.
These offers are available until 30^th April ‘09
Click Here for more information about The Heritage Golf Resort

Kenmare Golf Club have reduced their green fee rate to €35 until the end of April 2009.

More information Click Here

Dunmurry Springs GC near Kildare Town has reduced its group offer for December and January. Rates apply to a minimum of 8 people. Midweek €20, Saturday €30 and Sunday €25.
For more details Click here

Fota Island Resort is running a Professional and Amateur Golf Alliance Competition for the autumn and winter months with upcoming dates including January 12^th and 26^th, February 9^th and 23^rd as well as March 9^th and 23^rd.
For the rest of the season, amateur golfers will get a chance to play alongside a range of Ireland’s most popular golfing pros.
For a fee of just €50, golfers can take to the world class fairways and greens at Fota Island Resort to have their game tested. A timesheet will be in operation for the Professional and Amateur Golf Alliance Competition taking place during the autumn winter months at Fota Island Resort.
For contact details Click Here 

Dromoland Castle Golf resort is offering all ILGU & GUI members a special winter rate of just €30 to play the renowned course on Monday or Tuesday’s until the end of February 2009.

If one cannot avail of the offer by the end of February then an offer of €60 is available from March until the end of October. This is a saving of €50 on regular green fees.
For more information about Dromoland Castle Click Here

Navan GC is offering a group rate for a minimum 15 golfers a round of golf & a three course meal for €40. It is available on Thursday ad Fridays.
Other green fee rates at Navan include 9 holes from €16, Fourball from €70 and midweek 18 holes for €22.
More details click here

Ashbourne GC only a short drive from Dublin is offering golfers a midweek special for winter of €25 for 18 holes. It is available Monday to Friday until the end of March 09.
For early risers an early bird offer of just €20 provides even better value, again this is available Monday – Friday before 10am.
For more details Click here

Castleknock Golf Club in conjunction with the La Cala resort, Spain are proud to bring you the La Cala Winter Series of open events to be held here at Castleknock Golf Club. This is a series of 24 events starting on Monday 3rd November 2008 and will run through to Tuesday 21st April 2009. Entry is €30 for visitors and €15 for members. There is a weekly competition with one team event per month. Final takes place on 27^th April. The winner of the overall series will win a weeks stay in the La Cala Golf Resort, Spain.
Click here for more details

Craddockstown Golf Club in Naas, Co Kildare is offering excellent value open singles every Wednesday for just €15. There is also a monthly senior singles on a Monday for the same price. Craddockstown is a very nice course, one of Ireland’s little gems.

Click here for more details

Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort will host the inaugural Boyne Brother’s Golf Challenge in July 2009. This event takes the unique format of a team of three brothers testing their golfing skills with their siblings against 50 other teams of Brothers

The event which will have both a competitive and social nature promises to be a golfing experience not to miss with practice round available on Thursday 9^th July, followed by 2 days of competition on 10^th & 11^th July on the Christy O’Connor designed Championship Golf Course at Knightsbrook and Gala BBQ evening and Awards Ceremony to conclude the event

Packages Available From €185.00 Per Person

Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort

Dublin Road, Trim, Co Meath

Co. Meath’ s Premier Golf & Leisure Location Including 4 Star Luxury Hotel, 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, Fully Equipped Health Club,

Swimming Pool, The River Spa, Courtyard Homes

Contact Gavin Hunt for further information

Tel: 046 9482100    Email: ghunt@knightsbrook.com

Castlcomer GC in Co. Kilkenny has introduced a very good value midweek winter green fee rate of just €20 for 18 holes. This excellent offer from one of Pat Ruddy’s finest designs is sure to appeal to the “non fair weather golfers”. This offer is available from November until end of March 09.
In addition it is also possible to purchase a book of 6 green fee vouchers for €100 which is a saving of €20.

For more information click here for Castlecomer GC page

Kilkenny Golf Club has introduced an excellent value winter golf and food green fee offer. Starting Monday 3^rd November and running until 31st March 2009. Details are: Green Fee plus all Day Breakfast or Main Course of the day for €35.
Kilkenny Golf Club is a lovely course located on the northern edge of the city just off the Castlecomer road close the Newpark Hotel. Visitors are always welcome but must reserve a tee time before arrival.
Click here for Kilkenny Golf Club details

9 of County Waterford’s best 18-hole golf courses – Carrick-on-Suir, Dungarvan, Faithlegg, Goldcoast, Tramore, Waterford, Waterford Castle, West Waterford and Williamstown, have created a unique marketing brand that goes way beyond the conventional and now familiar local marketing initiatives. The 9 golf clubs have created a golfing “cluster” in the south east supported by 17 like minded accommodation providers.

“4 golfers for the price of 3” is the simple message from this golfing initiative,” states Michael Garland, Director of Golf at Waterford Castle. The offer applies to groups of 4, 8, 12, 16 etc and anyone who avails of the offer will receive the discount off the published tariff rate of your chosen golf club on every day a year! There are no supplements, there is no seasonal weighting, there are no hidden charges, and the promotion operates on the very simple premise of the “4 golfers for the price of 3.”

Contact any of the listed clubs for more details

Waterford    Waterford Castle

Play one of Ireland Championship parkland golf courses, host of the 2005 Irish PGA Championship and 2007 Irish Seniors Open.
Open Singles every Monday from 22^nd September. There are prizes for the top 3 on the day. Entry fee is €60 amateurs, €30 professionals and members €15.

This is truly one of Christy O’Connor Junior’s most best designs. There is no time to easy your way in at PGA National Ireland with water coming into play on the first four holes!

Click here for course details

Breast cancer can affect everybody. It can be through personal experience, a close friend or a relative. It is life changing and frightening, but it can beaten. This October, Fota Island Resort is supporting Action Breast Cancer and Breast Cancer Awareness Month through the sale of Pink Golf Green Fees, Pink Spa Gift Cards and Pink Merchandise.

Tee off at Fota Island Golf Club throughout the month of October and the Pink Golf Green Fees will see Fota Island Golf Club donate €5 from every green fee paid to Action Breast Cancer. Just quote Pink Green Fee or Action Breast Cancer when booking your tee time*. Launching on Pink Ribbon Day, September 26^th, Pink Golf will run right through to the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month October 31^st. As Fota Island Golf Club is one of the leading golf resorts in Ireland they are confident Pink Golf Green Fee donations will accumulate to create a very significant contribution.

Fota Island Golf Club will be devoting a special section of its Pro Shop to products that support Action Breast Cancer.  Pink items will include golf balls, shirts, hats and gloves. Look out for the ‘pink’ section in store.

Fota Island Spa also hopes to donate a considerable amount to Action Breast Cancer through sales of its Pink Spa Gift Card, available from Pink Ribbon Day to the end of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Purchase a gift card to use in the spa (minimum €50 voucher) and the Fota Island Spa will donate €5 to Action Breast Cancer.  Just remember to ask for the Pink card or mention Action Breast Cancer month when purchasing. By treating your own loved one to an indulgent spa break you will be helping someone else’s too!

Fota Island Resort is hoping that both guests and members will support this worthy cause and they anticipate a large response to the Breast Cancer Awareness Month activities. Fota Island Resort is committed to helping Action Breast Cancer develop their services and reach even more women who have been affected by the disease.

*Note: The Pink Green Fees will not apply to groups, events or tournaments.

Click here for Fota Island Golf Resort details

Dunmurry Springs GC near Kildare Town has announced a Thursday open stableford singles for October and November. Entry fee is €20 per person. Its well worth the entry fee.
Click here for Dunmurry Spring details

Lee Valley Golf & Country Club have recently joined IrishGreenFees.ie This fine Christy O’Connor designed course is located just off the Killarney Rd only a few miles outside Cork city. In the high season green fees start from €35 on a Monday or the early bird rate on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday.

Beautifully designed and furnished self catering houses located on the golf course are now open to visitors throughout the year. Already they are proving very popular with both Irish and international golfers.

I recently had the pleasure of playing Lee Valley and I was very impressed. It offers great value for money. The greens were in good condition despite some recent heavy rain. A number of water features heightens one concentration none more so than on the par 5 15^th where a rather large lake awaits any misguided approach shots.

Here is a link to the Lee Valley Golf & Country Club page CLICK HERE

Ashbourne Golf Club have introduced a very attractive price of €20 for an early bird round of golf. It is available Monday to Friday from 9 to 10am. This is a 50% reduction on the regular midweek green fee rate. Only a short spin from the M50 along the new M2 motorway and the course is located on the south side of Ashbourne town.
Click here for a link to the Ashbourne GC page.

One of Dublin's and indeed Irelands best golf courses St Margarets Golf & Country Club is offerng open singles every Wednesday until the end of November for €40. It is a qualifying event where people qualify for a final at the end of the year. There are weekly prizes also.

St Margarets held the Ladies Irish Open in '94 and '85 and the Irish PGA in 2004 which was won by British Open and US PGA Champion Padraig Harrington. Visitors are welcome so contact St Margarets today.

Click here for St Margarets details 

A new format of golf competition takes place at Highfield on Sunday 17^th August, called Power Play. It’s a points scoring format however there are 2 pin positions on all holes with more points being awarded for choosing the more difficult option. Players must announce before playing a hole whether they are opting for the more difficult flag and they must choose a minimum number of the more difficult pin placings during the round. There are more rules and regulations but this is the main idea.

Its sure to be exciting so get yourself along to Highfield Golf & Country Club this Sunday.

Click here for Highfield details

Dunmurry Springs Golf Club will be holding a Golf classic on Friday September 12^th in aid of Golf Club Facilities. This exciting new golf course, situated in the heart of Kildare, has been regarded as one of the best new European Golf courses in recent years, and there are some excellent prizes up for grabs, including a trip for four people to the 4 Star Regina Hotel in Biarritz, as well as fourball green fees for Doonbeg, PGA National, and the Island, among others. The cost of entry is €320 per team, and it is sure to be a great day. For further information or to book a spot contact Kevin on kevin@dunmurrysprings.ie or telephone 045 531400 or 087 7889206

Click here for Dunmurry Springs GC page

Skellig Bay Golf Club in Waterville Co Kerry which recently joined IrishGreenFees.ie holds its first open week from 13 - 17th August 08. This fine Ron Kirby designed course is surrounded by spectacular scenery and is a enjoyable round for golfers of all standards. Entry to competitions is €30 per person. If you are on holidays in the region it would make a very enjoyable round of golf (club hire is available).

Click here for Open Week Details & here for Skellig Bay GC page 

Esker Hills GC in Tullamore have announced a reduced green fee offer especially for the Fleadh Ceol taking place in Tullamore from 17-24th August 08. Midweek green fee Monday to Friday is €30 and Saturday and Sunday is €40. There is sure to be great craic and great golf in Esker Hills! Tel: 057-9355999

Click here for Esker Hills GC details

Fota Island Resort is delighted to announce a series of Scratch Cups to be held at Fota Island Golf Club this August.

Jointly sponsored by The Evening Echo, the Junior and Intermediate Scratch Cups will take place on the 13^th & 15^th of August, and the 7^th & 8^th of August respectively.

In association with The Evening Echo & The Doyle Group the Intermediate Scratch Cup will cost €60 per person inclusive of breakfast or lunch in the comfortable clubhouse’s Spike Bar, surveying the 18th island green, one of Ireland’s most famously picturesque golf holes. Running over Thursday August 7^th  & Friday August 8^th, the handicap range for the competition will be 12 - 19 inclusive, with drop down allowed.

Sponsored by Micro-Bio in association with The Evening Echo, the Junior Scratch Cup takes place on Wednesday August 13th & Friday August 15^th, with a handicap range of 5 - 12 inclusive, again with drop down allowed, and the competition price is also € 60 per person inclusive of breakfast or lunch.

Minor Scratch Cup takes place 16^th & 17^th August for handicaps 17+. the competition price is also € 60 per person inclusive of breakfast or lunch.

Other open events at Fota Island Golf Resort in August are: 12^th August Ladies team event – 4 per team €70 per person. Thursday 21st August - Open 4 Ball, Monday 25th August - Open Singles – the latter two competitions are €60 per person inclusive of breakfast or lunch.

Click here for Fota Island page or Details also available on the Open events calendars

Clonmel Golf Club has introduced a new fourball rate of €100 during the week saving €5 per person and €120 at weekends also saving €5. Clonmel is a fine golf course set on the foothills of the Comeragh Mountains. On the 16th and 17th August Clonmel holds Junior, Intermediate and Senior Scratch Cups. Open Singles are available every Tuesday until mid September. Click here for Clonmel page  

Four Ball + 2 Buggies only €150 without a buggy €120

Two Ball + 1 Buggy only €80 without a buggy €60

Based on the standard high season midweek rate of €50 both the four ball and two ball offers saves you €20 per person excluding the buggy.

Click here for Dunmurry Springs info page

Bank Holiday August special offer at Knightsbrook has been announced. All green fees on friday 1st and Monday 4th are €35 - this is a saving of up to €55 on the regular weekend rate. One would be mad not to take advantage of this great offer.

Click here for Knightsbrook page

Anyone looking for Ping Irons - there is a set advertised on the Discussion Board for €400 ono. Contact details provided.

Click here for Equipment for Sale

The British Open tips & preview has been added to the "General Golf Chat" area of the Discussion Board. Sergio is the big fancy with another Spaniard considered as an outside bet.

Have a look

Gowran Park GC in County Kilkenny has announced that there will be an Open Singles every Thursday until the 16^th October. Any combination – Ladies or Gents. Entry is €25 for visitors which is very good value. Gowran Park is a top quality 18 Hole Championship Golf Course approximately 15 minutes from Kilkenny city.

Click here for Gowran Park information page

Knightsbrook Golf Resort in Trim Co. Meath has earned an excellent reputation in a very short period of time. It certainly ranks amongst one of Christy O’Connor’s finest designs. Knighstbrook have been very proactive in offering good value green fee such as a early birds for €50, golf & stay rates from €150 per person.

However they are also involved in 3 very good PLAY 3 course deals which start from €115 per person. However the one that catches my eye is the 3 Christy O’Connor designed course – Mount Wolseley and Roganstown for €150. But I think you will agree that the deal for €190 is great value also. Here are some details. For more information contact Knightsbrook GC

• €150 Knightsbrook, Mount Wolseley, Roganstown


• €190 Knighstbrook, Co Louth (Baltray), Headfort (Old or New)


• €115 Knightsbrook, Co. Meath and Rathcore

Click here for Knightsbrook contact details

Its just been announced that a 2 day golf open will take place in Kilkenny from 2^nd – 3^rd September 08. It has been organised in conjunction with Springhill Court Hotel and Gowran Park and Callan Golf Clubs.

Competition is a 4 person team with a Perpetual Trophy and daily prizes with a total prize fund to the value of €2,000.

The package includes:

2 Nights B&B, Gala Presentation Dinner

Nightly Entertainment

Sept 2^nd – Callan GC

Sept 3^rd – Gowran Park GC

Snack packs & 9 Hole Refreshments each day

€229 per person sharing – single supplement €30

To Book:

Contact Springhill Court Hotel – 056-7721122

reservations@springhillcourt.com

Entries to be confirmed before 1^st August to guarantee tee times

Castleknock GC, only minutes from Dublin city centre has introduced new early bird and twilight rates of €40 and €50 respectively. The early bird must be availed of before 9am and the twilight is available after 4pm.

If you cannot avail of these reduced rates the Monday – Wednesday rate is €60, Thursday & Friday €60 and weekends and bank holidays €75.

If you are pressed for time a 9 hole rates are available from €30.

Click here for more details about this golfing gem.

Kilrush GC in the beautiful west Clare has announced newly reduced green fee rates.

Midweek is now only €25 with twilight and early bird rates available on request. A fourball rate of €90 is available Monday to Thursday saving €10.

In addition visitors are welcome to play in club competitions every Sunday except the Captains and Presidents Prize. Timesheets are available over the phone in the previous week. Entry fee is €20.

Click here for a link to the Kilrush GC page and contact details.

Up the Banner!!!

Headfort GC have announced a 4 for 3 green fee offer Monday to Thursday. On the Old Course where the standard green fee is €40 it means paying €30 each saving €10. Likewise on the New Course a fourball will save €12.50 each by paying €37.50 instead of €50.

Great Value without a doubt.

Click here for Headfort GC contact details

Waterford GC have just added details of open events to the calendar. Open Fourballs every Wednesday €25 each. Open Sunday Mixed - 10 holes but visitors can play 18 - entry is €15.

Great value on a lovely course - enjoy the views of the harbour from the 18th.

Click here for Waterford GC club page

St Margaret’s GC June offers

St Margaret’s GC is a fine course not far from the M50. There are some very good green fee rates in the first week of June both for the competitive and leisure golfers alike. If you have never played St Margaret’s, I would strongly recommend it.

June Bank Holiday Monday Open Singles competition is €45

Intermediate & Junior Scratch Cup is on Sunday June 1^st cost of entry is €25.

St Margaret’s GC is offering green fees for €40 per person on 3,4 &5^th June.

This is superb value at a course that hosted the Irish Ladies Open in ’94 & ’95 and the 2004 Irish PGA Championship.

Contact St Margaret’s on 01- 8640400 or log onto www.stmargaretsgolf.com    

Killarney Golf & Fishing Club are offering a Monday to Friday special on the Lackabane course of €50 for green fee, soup & sandwich & driving range token. This is a saving of €35. So its excellent value

Lackabane Course is the latest addition to the Killarney Golf & Fishing club. Its still in its infancy, but is already proving to be quite a challenge. At 6410 metres it is of championship standard. The design is fantastic. With the lakes and streams running through the course it adds to the beauty and also adds a lot of danger to crooked shots. The course is very different to Mahony’s Point but has just as much to offer.

Call Killarney GC on 064-31034

Due to a cancellation Royal Tara GC have a prime time slot for a group booking on June 13th. Good rates offered contact Francis 046-9025508. Royal Tara is just south of Navan approximately 30 minutes from Dublin. 

Navan Golf Club has introduced a new reduced fourball rate of €80 Monday - Wednesday and €100 Thursday to Sunday including Bank Holidays. This saves €5 per person Monday - Wednesday and €9 a head on weekends.

Navan is only 30 minutes from the M50 and a very enjoyable round of golf. Call Sile on 046-9072888

On Thursday 24^th April, after 18 weeks of open golf events, spread across 9 of County Waterford’s finest golf clubs, an entry of thousands was whittled down to just 80 golfers who “battled it out” in one final round of the open singles competition at Waterford Castle Golf Club, for the magnificent prize of 36 rounds of golf and 36 complimentary meal vouchers at the participating golf clubs.   

Played in superb conditions, on a superb course, and with two of the final three wining golfers coming from the last group out on the golf course, the winners were: 1^st - Vernon Browne (16) from Carrick-on-Suir Golf Club, with 43 points, 2^nd – Mark Power (18) from Tramore Golf Club, with 42 points, and 3^rd – John Hale (16) from Waterford Golf Club, with 41 points.  

Michael Garland, Director of Golf at Waterford Castle Golf Club, paid tribute to the 9 golf clubs for collaborating on such massive joint venture, “In today’s economic climate it will become increasingly important for local golf clubs to work closer together and the Déise Open Final pays testament to the fact that Waterford County Golf Clubs started this process way back in the summer of 2007. Waterford County’s golf clubs are undoubtedly some the most proactive golf clubs in Ireland and that will bode well for the future. We are the only County in Ireland where so many clubs have come together to promote golf through the Déise Pass and now the Déise Winter Open Series, a series which will continue for the foreseeable future.”   

Michael Garland also stated, “The 9 participating clubs will shortly be announcing the launch of a heavily funded marketing campaign under the banner of “The Crystal County Golf Circuit”. Which will target golfers from the UK and further a field in Europe, and will promote Waterford County as a true golfing destination in its own right.” He added “The “Crystal County Golf Circuit” is a first for Ireland, a first for Waterford County, and will hopefully make Waterford County the first choice for visiting golfers!”  

Waterford Castle Captain Paul Gavin presented the prizes and thanked all the golf clubs who sent representatives to the final prize giving.

Fo details of green fee offers Click for Waterford GC Waterford Castle GC

Gowran Park is fine golf course and this is certainly very good value with the green fee actually only costing €25 each because of the €5 voucher for the restaurant. 

Enjoy

Click here for link to Gowran Park Page

Green Fees are available midweek from €50 and weekend from €60. Guest of Seafield Hotel can avail of reduced rates as can groups of 12 or more.

Click here for more details

The first  Limerick Seniors Pairs Classic will be played over 54 holes at Adare Golf Club, Limerick County G.C. and Adare Manor G.C. from the 14 - 16 April this year. The obvious attraction for seniors in this new event will be Adare, which will host the Irish Open from the 15^th-18^th of May 2008. However, the addition of the very fine course at Limerick County G.C. in Ballyneety and the neighbouring Adare Manor G.C. makes it an outstanding attraction for seniors all over Ireland. 

“ The classic is an ideal opportunity for senior golfers to sample the unique golfing experience of playing the acclaimed Adare Course” says Tournament Director, Gerry Lowe. “ Rated Ireland’s leading parkland course by Golf Digest, Ireland, and now the venue for Padraig Harrington to defend the Irish Open Championship he won there last year, I am sure the seniors will thoroughly enjoy this event”. 

The Limerick Seniors Pairs Classic is for amateur senior (55 and over) golfers, male or female, playing in pairs, any combination, to compete for the valuable  prizes on offer each day. The entry cost is €150 per golfer for the 3 days golf and golfers travelling a distance can avail of the special accommodation package at the Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa of a €100 for 2 nights B&B per person sharing, close to Adare -“Ireland’s prettiest village”. 

The Limerick Seniors Pairs Classic is organised by Seniors Golf Classics and entry forms or further information can be got from the following sources:- 

Tel; 061-351881                     

Highfield Golf Club in Carbury, Co Kildare has recently joined IrishGreenFees.ie Higfield GC is quiet unique in that one of their tee boxes is actually on the clubhouse! It has to be seen to be believed.

Midweek green fees are available for €30 and weekend at €40. A new development of golf properties is underway and worth a look. Less than an hour from Dublin, Highfield GC is very enjoyable.

Click here for Highfield GC details  

Castleknock GC have introduced very good 9 hole rates for 2008. This should appeal to those who are "time poor" and yet want to play golf at a really nice course only minutes from Dublin city centre.

Rates are Mon-Wed €30, Thursday & Friday €35 and Satyrday & Sunday €50.

Click here for Castleknocj GC details

There are plenty of open days to choose from this Easter weekend Friday 21st to Monday 24th. Events range from team event in Esker Hills to Scotch Foursomes in Kenmare. All events are great value. Surely there is something there to suit you.

Have a look at the open days calendar. For a detailed list of daily events just click on the number e.g. "21" for a list of all events on 21st March. Open Days

Lets just hope we get decent weather!

Kerry Golf Classic

• Tralee, designed by Arnold Palmer and considered by many to be the finest links course in the country.
• Ballybunion Cashen course, a Trent Jones course which sits alongside the famous old course offering spectacular views in to the Atlantic.
• Killarney O’Mahony’s course, perhaps the most scenic golf course of them all with views over the famous mountains and lakes.
• Beaufort Golf course, a real hidden gem of a course by the McGillicuddy reeks.

We are delighted to announce that 19 of the clubs on IrishGreenFees.ie were voted in the recently published Backspin Irish course rankings. 15 of these were in the parkland category, the highest being The Heritage at number 5. In the links/parkland section there were 4, which is not as good but with some work on our part that might increase. The highest of these was Enniscrone at number 12.  

Parkland / InlandThe Heritage, Killarney (Killeen), Headfort (New), Fota Island, Carton (Montgomerie), Carlow, Killarney (Mahony’s Point), Knightsbrook, Carton (OMeara), Mount Wolseley, Woodenbridge, Headfort (Old), Co Tipperary, Tullamore & St Margarets. Links / ShorelineEnniscrone, Westport, Arklow & Seapoint. 

To view green fees at any of these courses either select their dedicated page on this website or go to the “Green Fees & Special Offers” Section. Many of these have some great value green fees available and are also part of some very well priced “Play 3 deals”

Dunmurry Springs GC, near Kildare town has announced some dates of open events, one on Paddy's Day and another on Easter Monday. 

• 17/03 – Open 4 Person Team - €120 per Line
• 24/03 – Open Fourball Betterball - €120 per Line
• 04/05 – Junior Scratch Cup (4-9) - €30pp
• 02/06 – Open Fourball Betterball - €120 per line
• 07/09 – Intermediate Scratch Cup (10-16) - €30pp

Click here for the Dunmurry Springs GC page on IrishGreenFees.ie

Backspin Golf Magazine
Irish Golf Course Rankings 2008

Fota Island Resort Spring Open Series begins February 20^th

The Spring Open Series Fourball at Fota Island Resort begins on February 20^th, sponsored by Cornell News, Cork’s largest newspaper supplier. 

With generous prizes, the Spring Open Series will take place each Wednesday from February 20^th, with the series final on Wednesday April 23^rd. 

The competition price of €69 per person is inclusive of breakfast or lunch in the congenial atmosphere of the Spike Bar overlooking the iconic 18th green of the Deerpark course, and the Spring Open Series will use all of the three championship courses at Fota Island Resort – the Belvelly, Barrycourt and Deerpark courses. 

The Deerpark, the course that hosted the Irish Open in 2001 and 2002, with its receptive greens and strategic bunkering, impresses even the most experienced professionals.  

The Belvelly, a Par 72 course stretching over 7121 yards from the championship tees, includes the recent nine-hole layout developed by Jeff Howes.  

The Barryscourt, a Par 73 course, also incorporates the recent Jeff Howes nine-hole layout. With 7362 yards to be negotiated, a great opportunity to produce a good score beckons on this course which is characterised by gently undulating greens, where all putting games are seriously examined!  

The three courses incorporate some unique and exciting features, intended to challenge even the most competitive golfer yet remaining perfectly loyal to the traditional style, values and playability that characterise golf at Fota Island Resort as a whole.  

For timesheets and reservations for the Spring Open Series at Fota Island Resort call 021 4883700. 

We will be running similar offers throughout the year so keep in touch. 

Click here for Dunmurry Springs GC information page

Craddockstown GC has announced monthly open senior events for 2008 Entry fee is €15 and its possible to reseve your tee time online. Craddocktown GC is a lovely golf course and provides a good test to golfers of all abilities. details of the seniors open are available on the open days calendar of IrishGreenFees.ie

 Dunmurry Springs GC near Kildare Town has a winter league running until March 3rd '08. Details are as follows. Make sure and contact them for timesheet details.

Open Winter League

3^rd Dec – 03^rd March (13 Weeks)Singles Stableford – Best 5 Scores to CountPlay Any Day (Mon – Fri) or Sat/Sun (subject to availability & €5 additional charge per round)Only 1 Counting Card Each Week

League Entry: €100 inc 5 rounds of golf or €200 inc 10 rounds of golf. Additional Rounds €25 (Mon-Fri) or €30 (Sat/Sun) – subject to availability

Kilkea Castle Golf Resort in Kildare has added their winter 07/08 society rates and the summer 08 society rates to their page. They include golf and food rate starting at €45. See the Kilkea page for details.

By Charlie Mulqueen (Irish Examiner)

THE awards continue to come thick and fast for Pádraig Harrington.

Last week, he was voted Texaco golfer of the year, this week he is receiving the same honour from both the Irish Golf Writers Association and the PGA European Tour.

The other recipients of the IGWA awards are Rory McIlroy (amateur), Karen Delaney (ladies) and Arthur Pierse (distinguished services). The presentation dinner will be held at the AIB Bank Centre, Ballsbridge, on Friday, January 4.


McIlroy, of course, is already a high earner on the European Tour as a professional, having turned pro after the Walker Cup in September, but had again achieved a huge amount as an amateur up to then.

He highlighted everything by claiming the silver medal for leading amateur at the Open Championship at Carnoustie and he was also a key member of the Ireland team that captured the European Championship for the fifth time at Western Gailes.

Karen Delaney, from Carlow, again demonstrated her potential with victory in the Lancome Irish Championship at Lahinch. She pulled it off in spite of a remarkable challenge from Tipperary’s Marian Riordan and the amazing Cavan twins, Lisa and Leona Maguire.

Delaney was put to the pin of her collar to beat Leona on the 18th in the first matchplay round and so would have sighed a breath of relief when Riordan defeated Lisa, again by one hole, in the semi-final. The decider lived up to expectations with Delaney getting home on the 18th.

Arthur Pierse, a Walker Cup player in 1983 and winner twice of the West of Ireland and once each of the East and North, again hit the headlines in 2007 when he played some magnificent golf at Nairn to end the seven year long American domination of the British Seniors Amateur Open. He defeated the Canadian, Graham Cooke, in a play-off after they had finished level on five under par 211.

Meanwhile, Harrington will be confirmed as the European Tour’s golfer of the year at a luncheon in London this afternoon.

The majority of golf fans would have expected this latest tribute to the Irishman to be a matter of form after his victory in the British Open at Carnoustie in July. But this wasn’t actually the case because of Angel Cabrera’s triumph in the US Open and the manner in which Justin Rose finished 12th or better in each of the four major championships before finishing the season with a superb win in the Volvo Masters which in turn earned him the European Tour order of merit.

The judging panel bore all of this in mind before concluding that Harrington’s magnificent Carnoustie achievement combined with becoming the first home player in 25 years to capture the Irish Open made him a deserving recipient of the award. He also won the Irish PGA Championship and the King Hassan Trophy.