South County open for business

The South County Golf Club opened its fairways and greens to members for the first time last Friday and Saturday. Situated near Brittas, Co Dublin - turn left 150 yards past the Blue Gardenia Pub and Restaurant - the Nick Bielenberg-designed course enjoyed very positive feedback from the 230 members who took the opportunity to play on those days.

"To a person the comments that we received were very complimentary and we were delighted that we were able to present the course in excellent condition despite the recent adverse weather conditions," said general manager Joe O'Connor.

The course, which measuring some 7007 yards from the championship tees with a par of 72 (the temporary Standard Scratch is 73), is an excellent test for golfers of all standards, offering contrasting front and back nines.

As one would expect the course is in superb condition. Course superintendent Conor O'Gorman and his assistant, Andrew Jackson, received many plaudits from the debutant golfers over the weekend.

The first nine will benefit from the definition provided when the trees mature, but it still poses a stern examination.

A "gentle" opening gives way to a physically demanding cluster of holes, including the exceptional par five, sixth.

The back nine incorporates the river Lisheen and is a more cerebral examination of the golfer, where the premium is placed on accuracy, though temptation is never far away, particularly on the par five 13th.

The closing holes, 17 and 18, will test the mettle and stamina; regulation figures here would definitely earn the bragging rights in the clubhouse.

In reference to the latter, there is a 2,500 sq ft temporary clubhouse in operation at present. It offers locker-room facilities, showers and a lounge/bar areas. There is a bar food menu that runs all day and is serviced by the head chef at the Blue Gardenia, Jack Duffy (formerly of L'Ecrivan) and his team.

The construction of the permanent clubhouse is well under way and should be completed by the autumn.

There are currently 435 members and a cap of 700 has been placed by the club. The members own and run the club and the entrance fee of €25,000 is, in essence, a share that can be sold on should a member wish to leave for the market value.

At present members can bring three guests for the princely sum of €65 in total, while the green fee when the course is open to the general public and societies from June 1st will be €65.

The South County GC has agreed a deal with rookie professional Stephen Browne to act as its touring pro, while Roger Yates, formerly of the Open Golf Centre, will be the resident professional. Yates is known to be an excellent teacher, a significant fillip for the members.

O'Connor is content that the club has enjoyed an auspicious beginning, but maintains: "Our ambition would be to host championships when the course matures a little."