Luttrellstown Castle Golf & Country Club

Has good potential, but struggling to get there

3.0 of 5 starsReviewed August 25, 2013

While generally a nice course, with a modern clubhouse, there are a few things that keep Luttrellstown Castle Golf Club from being a recommendation for a serious golfer.

Firstly, there is their tolerance for slow play. Expect to spend up to five hours trudging behind hacker four-balls at certain times of the day. You might expect a member of staff to move things along, but I haven't seen any effective approach to dealing with that problem during several rounds at Luttrellstown.

Secondly, while the food served is nice, the management of the dining area leaves a lot to be desired. You wait, and wait, in a dining area that resembles a creche at times. Small children screaming and knocking over drinks, walking on tables. Not good. I'm all for a family friendly environment, but not a free for all in dining areas. Surely that clubhouse is large enough to cater for both golfers and those who want a place for small children to play?

And third. They have a great practice area. But it can shut down randomly, as they run out of practice balls. Yes, I am not joking, they actually run out of practice balls! If you have traveled there to do some practice, you may be turning around and leaving to find an alternative golf club to hit a range ball.

On the upside, some of the staff are very friendly and helpful and add life to the place. A few others could do with some hospitality training. The members are, well, OK. Perhaps the problems I have outlined above make it difficult for them to have a smile on their face when they meet you.