Crisis-hit Irish golf clubs desperate for new members

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Golf club memberships in Ireland have plummeted by 25 per cent — and waiting lists at once exclusive clubs have now disappeared.
Crisis-hit clubs are now begging for new members and are dramatically reducing membership and green fees.
Kevin Mulcahy, from Golf Management and Marketing Services, says: “Membership numbers are down by about 25%. It ranges from 20 to 30%, depending on the golf club.
“Green fees are also down by the same amount.
“A busy golf club might have earned around €1m a year, but now they're down by €250,000, which is a huge cut off their income.”
Golf clubs are now “in a very serious situation” and the industry needs to change in order to adapt to the recession, according to the management expert.
He added: “The golf clubs that will be able to survive the recession are those that are reducing their fees and advertising attractive golf resort packages.”