We’re just about into February and many golfers who took the winter off will be targeting their return to the fairways this month.  Many clubs have announced membership offers for those looking to join a club, an option that gives golfers a number of benefits compared with casual golfers.

Golf Ireland is the national governing body for the sport and any affiliated club can provide a Golf Ireland handicap index for new members looking to play in competitions.  Generally three rounds of golf are needed to get an initial handicap index, but once a golfer has that there are very limitations.  Club members can usually access a large number of weekly open competitions at clubs across Cork county.  The weekly competitions run on every weekday, with some clubs outside the city and suburbs offering weekend open competitions.

One of the Cork clubs currently open for membership is Youghal, and although its one the he easterly border of the county ,the club is ideally situated high above the town with great views from several holes.  Youghal is another club that boasts a large local membership along with a cohort of golfers who live near Cork city.  The current location of the course dates back to 1940 but golf in Youghal can be traced back to 1987.  The original was by the shore and free to play for everyone.

According to Tim O’Brien’s history of golf in Cork a more format course was laid out near the railway station in 1898.  The course and the club lasted until the mid-thirties, and the current course was built a few years later overlooking the original course.  The course at Youghal is an 18-hole parkland course that provides a challenging yet enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. The course features lush fairways, strategically placed bunkers, and well-maintained greens. It’s coastal location, perched high over the town with view over the bay adds to the beauty of the course.

Introductory membership in Youghal is €718 for the first year, but there are further savings for those under the age of 35.  Anyone between 20-29 can join for €588 for 2024, and for someone aged between 30 and 35 can join for €708.  The student rate is €208 and juniors €78.  Youghal also have a very good society rate for 2024, midweek rates are just €25 and weekend rates (Friday to Sunday) are €30 per person.

Cobh Golf Club is a bit closer to the city and suburbs and it too is open for membership with some attractive offers.  Cobh like Youghal is a members owned course, and even though it’s 15 years old, it remains the newest 18 hole course owned by it’s members.  The club moved to Marino in 2009, and since then the new course has matured into a wonderful golfing experience.  Set high over Cork harbour, the Martin Hawtree signature design is extremely playable while providing a good test of golf.  The signature par three 10^th hole includes the island green which also provides golfers with a stunning view of the harbour right up to the city.

Cobh’s membership has increased over the past two years and full membership is €950 per year and the club have an attractive monthly payment option of €79.  Cobh offer a young adult rate (up to 30 years) of €580 which is great value considering the quality of the course and its location.  They have further intermediate membership available for €430 and the student category is €250.  All rates include Golf Ireland affiliation and insurance.

 

Jack Murphy got his season off to a good start last week when he was on Irish duty at the Octagonal Trophy in Spain.  Ireland finished in second place after they lost the final to Italy in Murphy’s first outing with the Irish Mens team.  Murphy paired up with Sean Keeling for the foursomes although they only won a single point from four outings.  Murphy was more successful in the singles, winning two matches and halving a third.  The Douglas golfer was one of four under 18’s on the youthful squad, and Irish Captain Niall MacSweeney was happy with the performance of his young charges.

The captain was accompanied by Mallow’s Michael Collins who is coach to the Irish mens team.

“Overall, a fantastic week; everyone contributed, and I want to thank both Stephen Hood and Michael Collins for their great work in advance of the tournament.  Disappointed to have lost in the final to a very strong Italian team but very proud by the way our players, particularly the four U-18s, performed this week,” said MacSweeney.  “It was great to be in contention in the final, great way to start the year by reaching the final. It’s only Ireland’s second time to be in the Octagonal final.”