Looking for a new Golf Club in Glasgow!

[ritchieis]

Hi all I am new to the site and looking for the benefit of your experience!

First a bit about me: I took up golf about 3 years ago as a few of my mates were keen. I instantly loved it and have been trying to play more ever since. Due to studies etc I have not had the time to dedicate to getting better or join a club but the studies are now behind me and I would love to join a club this year and play as much as possible!

I live in the west end of Glasgow and there are a number of clubs in the area. If anyone has an advice or experience of a good friendly club I would appreciate if you could let me know.

I have been in touch with Esport Dougalston as they are close to me and seem to be offering an ok rate. All the clubs round here are expensive though!!

Thanks again!

 

[USER1999]

Expensive? You want to try Surrey for expensive.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

£1290 + mandatory £50 bar levy at Royal Ascot (plus I pay £65 for a big locker). Now you're talking expensive

 

[ritchieis]

Having done a fair bit of research the average cost in Glasgow is circa £700 joining fee and £600 per annum membership.

A fairly big outlay for me in one year so I want it to be the correct decision.

You boys make more cash down there though!!?.......

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Not in the NHS!

 

[USER1999]

It is a lot of money so you do need to make the right choice. I am sure one of the Scottish lads will be able to advise.

Meanwhile, I must get back to my hugely overpaid job.

Wonder if I've got caviar for dinner again this evening?

 

[Tommo21]

One or two of the west coasters will be along in no time.

 

[bobmac]

the west coasters

Reads dodgy characters

 

[Scott1505]

Hi Ritchie,

Assuming you are under 30 then i would recommend Ranfurly Castle. I live in broomhill and it takes approx 15-20 mins to get to will cost you no joining fee and its £49 a month. Its a really nice course with some great views over glasgow. Heres the website:

http://www.ranfurlycastlegolfclub.co.uk/

If you have any questions then you can pm me.

 

[thecraw]

Dougs is a really nice course, I'm a big fan of it however its tighter than a camels rear end in a sand storm! There is also no real club to speak of unless its changed.

Milngavie is a nice course not a million miles away from you. I would avoid Hilton Park as its a bog when it rains. Douglas Park is OK however I believe its always busy. Avoid the 9 holer at Bearsden. Windyhill is a good test of golf as well in that area.

I also play at Ranfurly Castle while its a good course, if we had a half decent greenkeeper it would be a bloody great course. Sadly the committee and the greenkeeper are obviously cap in hand and dont give a flying duck about the course.

 

[ritchieis]

Thanks that is really helpful - am 29 so just in the zone!

The only thing which would put me off is the distance - 30 miles from the house.

I had visions of being on the course half an hour after finishing work, quick stop off at home, so Bearsden, milngavie area was where I was enquiring..

Course does look good though.

 

[Iaing]

Windyhill's a nice course in that area. Played it a couple of times and it's been in lovely condition although both times it certainly lived up to it's name !

 

[SS2]

I would avoid Esporta. Bearsden is a 9 hole no-no. Milngavie is a reasosonable layout but soggy. Windyhill is a decent (hilly) track with some great holes but a weak finish. If it must be Milngavie/Bearsden area then I would pick Windyhill or Douglas Park.

If you would consider Bishopbriggs then my course (Cawder) and Bishopbriggs are both worth a look.

 

[thecraw]

Why would you avoid Esporta?

Its a great test of golf and has had a heck of a lot of money spent on. Some fantastic golf holes.

Further afield you could try Buchanan Castle out at Dryman however its another course in decline, still trying to live off its past name and reputation.

Renfrew across the Clyde is a tough track however I'd imagine it has a waiting list. Its used as regional qualifying for the Open. However it floods regularly meaning winter golf and even summer golf now can be problematic!

 

[Andy]

£1290 + mandatory £50 bar levy at Royal Ascot (plus I pay £65 for a big locker). Now you're talking expensive

£50 quid is a Sat afternoon on the sauce after 18 holes.

Andy

 

[ritchieis]

Hey, thanks for your comments.

I have played Bishopbriggs and liked the course, the joining fee put me off a bit though. Cawder looks really nice but I figured it would be top dollar!

Out of interest why would you avoid Esporta? It seems a really good course. Only thing which puts me off is that it is not purely a golf club and therefore maybe not got the same social/ regular medal emphasis. In the winter months you can opt to switch your membership to the health club which would get some use in the winter evenings etc?

Are Kirkintiloch and Balmore also worth consideration?

Thanks for the help guys - appreciated.

 

[thecraw]

Balmore is very nice, forgot about that one.

 

[SharkAttack]

Check out the Scottish Golf Union website. There is a section called Golf Central and you can filter for area's/regions. This will tell you about the club and if they have memberships available and how much. Not all clubs give complete information but there are links to there website or contact details at the very least.

Shark

 

[SS2]

Looks like we all forgot about Balmore: I haven't played it in years but I remember it being a decent track.

Kirkintilloch? No, it's pretty short and despite some recent alterations I don't think it has much variety. I've never played Hayston (right next door to Kirkie) but it is supposed to be quite good.

Esporta: I used to play there quite regularly years ago when it was Dougalston and before Esporta took it over. As The Craw said it does have some great holes and you might want to check it out for yourself. It's just not the kind of course I would like to play week in, week out.

Cawder: Is a bit more expensive but not ludicrous SE England expensive. It's about £750/annum but for that you get to play the two courses (so, hardly ever any waiting times) and the club/clubhouse are also pretty good. I know there is no waiting list.

Good luck finding a golfing home!