October Ireland Trip

[Lefty47]

Hey guys, and I know I might get eaten alive for this question, but here goes. I am travelling to Ireland October 5-21 with my girlfriend and have 4 solo rounds booked. Mount Juliet, Dooks, Ballybunion & Portrush. I am a member of a club at home, but our etiquette seems a bit different than Ireland. We put our shoes on in the parking lot, and go straight from the 18th to the 19th hole. I want to go into these courses and when people see me they think I am a local, not some dumb tourist. Are locker rooms available to all green fee paying players to change their shoes etc.? Obviously I know the obvious, take your hat off inside etc. I just don't want to walk in and look like a lost puppy. Any advice is truly appreciated.

[jvincent]

The Ballybunion locker room is open to guests to put on shoes, etc.

 

I can't speak to the others, but I would guess they are the same.

[puttnforthe8]

You are overthinking it....none of those courses care about putting shoes on in the lot. But yes, you can use the locker rooms.

 

[tiderider]

depends ... what shoe brand? ... in my experience, footjoys and eccos are welcome inside the clubhouse ... nikes, puma and addidas, not so much ...

[2bGood]

Played 2 of those last October and yes you can use the locker room - but changing shoes in the lot was common. I didn't see anyone wearing their cleats after golf. Why would you want to anyway especially if you are out in the rain? Changing into clean dry shoes after golf, just makes sense for yourself, and everyone else.

 

Just so people don't get the wrong idea from the OP, I live in BC too most of the year and I can't say anywhere it is common or even within the rules to wear you cleats in the '19th hole'. I am member of two if the private clubs and cleats and hats are strictly forbidden. Never been to private club that allows it and I have played the public courses and Muni too and cleats in the restaurants is frowned upon or not allowed.

 

Not too sure where the OP is a member where people where golf shoes in the restaurant.

[Chanceman]

Very glad you know to remove your headwear - it is a disrespectful habit of many visitors to leave it on. Not hard to do.

[jonnymc44]

I'd say the majority of clubs over here won't allow you to wear any outside wear inside the clubhouse. Here are some of the rules from my club:

2.1 In the Clubhouse

After playing golf you may go into the clubhouse in your golf attire however please remove any headgear.

Clothing deemed unacceptable on the course is also deemed unacceptable in the clubhouse.

In addition to golf attire, clean smart casual dress is also permitted in the clubhouse including denim (denim is not acceptable on the course).

Modern casual shoes are permitted including smart trainers, sandals, loafers and deck shoes.

Not permitted are shoes and flip flops with a single toe attachment.

Golf shoes worn on the course are only allowed in the changing areas of the clubhouse and not in the remainder of the clubhouse building.

No outdoor waterproof over clothing may be worn in the clubhouse at any time.

[SCalGolfer]

From what I understand more of that tradition is at the English clubs, especially those around London. I've found most Irish clubs to be pretty laid back with the same etiquette as in the states.

[Chanceman]

Go into any Irish golf club bar and you wont see any hats being worn except by Americans. The Irish are too polite to say anything but the right thing to do is to take it off.

[jonnymc44]

I'd say our club was quite progressive in respect to casual wear for an English club in the clubhouse. Going back 24 years when I first joined as a junior at 9 years old, shirts, ties + jackets had to be worn after 6pm in any part of the clubhouse. Absoultely no jeans allowed whatosever, socks had to be knee length if shorts were worn on the course and the shorts had to be tailored. And so on. The rules that I posted above have only come into effect in the last few years. There will be plenty of old fashioned clubs that will be 10 years behind ours.

I personally would never wear a hat inside, but I guess that's the Englishman in me. And if you play over here I'd advise you to do the same. As @Chanceman said, we're probably too polite to ask you to remove it.

[Lefty47]

Thanks for the replies. I didn't want to come across as a scrub. Obviously, you take your hat and spikes off this is common courtesy anywhere. Most of my concern was playing as a single, as my girlfriend will be dropping me off and going to do her own thing while I play, so I want to make sure I have somewhere to change in and out of my golf gear before and after the round. I am looking for another course along the way from Dingle to Galway. Looking at Lahnich, Ballybunion or any suggestions fora hidden gem along the way.

[jvincent]

Lahinch may be one of the best courses I have ever played. If you can make it work try to play there.

[2bGood]

Dingle to Galway gives you lots of great choices. Tralee is very cool. The front is nice, but the back is incredible, one of the most memorable nine I have played. Lahinch is one of the best in the world. Adare Manor if you want a Parkland course is an option.

[Lefty47]

I have decided on Tralee. Lahnich had no times available the day we are travelling north, and Adare isn't taking any non-resident tee times until March 2020. So unless I befriend a member along the way, no Adare this trip.

[2bGood]

> @Lefty47 said:

> I have decided on Tralee. Lahnich had no times available the day we are travelling north, and Adare isn't taking any non-resident tee times until March 2020. So unless I befriend a member along the way, no Adare this trip.

 

Tralee should impress you. When by the time you get to the back nine, make sure you have you iron distance dialled in!

 

[jvincent]

You will like Tralee.

People talk about how the front is only so-so. That's crazy talk. The front is only so-so in comparison to the back, which is spectacular.

[ALTSean]

On 8/27/2019 at 6:15 PM, Lefty47 said:

Hey guys, and I know I might get eaten alive for this question, but here goes. I am travelling to Ireland October 5-21 with my girlfriend and have 4 solo rounds booked. Mount Juliet, Dooks, Ballybunion & Portrush. I am a member of a club at home, but our etiquette seems a bit different than Ireland. We put our shoes on in the parking lot, and go straight from the 18th to the 19th hole. I want to go into these courses and when people see me they think I am a local, not some dumb tourist. Are locker rooms available to all green fee paying players to change their shoes etc.? Obviously I know the obvious, take your hat off inside etc. I just don't want to walk in and look like a lost puppy. Any advice is truly appreciated.

 

How was Mount Juliet?  We may stay there for a few nights this August because we have tons of Marriott points and thus can stay for free.  The trip will be a family trip, but I might be able to get in a round or two and playing Mount Juliet would be easy since we're already staying on the property.  

Edited January 31, 2021 by ALTSean

[puttnforthe8]

It is a quite a good course and the place is beautiful.  It used to host a WGC and held the Irish Open this past year.

 

I personally love it....I would highly recommend.   I imagine it is in great shape since the event was just held there.