Concerns players are being priced out of Waterford's municipal golf club

Thu, 20 Nov, 2025 - 22:05

Alex Cunningham

Prices in Williamstown Golf Club - Waterford’s sole municipal golf club - are due to increase in 2026, prompting concerns that members are being priced out of a council-subsidised amenity.

An adult seven-day membership will rise from €390 to €520, while the ‘special category’ that encompasses Old Aged Pensioners and long-term unemployed members will rise by more than 65% to €365.

“It's going to have a knock back…I'm really thinking about the OAP/long-term unemployed,” said Independent councillor Declan Barry, who is a member of Williamstown Golf Club.

“I’m also thinking about the juniors and that they wouldn't have the same disposable income that maybe a regular person would have,” said Cllr. Barry.

Williamston is owned and operated by Waterford City and County Council.

The club is subsidised by the council with the intent to operate as an affordable and accessible club, with the course open to all on a pay-and-play basis.

There are six full-time and one part-time member of staff who are paid by the council.

In a statement issued to the Waterford News & Star, the council said they had “undertaken a comprehensive review of Williamstown Golf Course pricing structures”.

“This has been done while considering comparative fees for golf courses in the locality, while having cognisance of the municipal nature of the course.

“All of this is being undertaken at a time when running costs of such a facility continue to increase.”

The Council did not respond to queries about how much public money is spent on the golf club per annum.

Cllr. Barry said the price rises come as the council seeks reassurance that Williamstown can become more financially self-sufficient.

The council has commissioned a feasibility report that will be conducted early next year, assessing the club’s financial health. The report is understood to cost roughly €50,000.

“They're going to see what they're spending their money on, how they can improve things, how they can increase revenue streams, or what else can you do to attract,” said Cllr. Barry.

He said an increase in membership since Covid helped slow financial bleeding, but higher fees may function as a form of self-sabotage.

“The two worries I would have are the special category…a student or juvenile as well…are they going to leave then because it's not affordable anymore?

“Men up there, they're up there five of the seven days of the week, and they feel like they've been getting great value…they struck up friendships, and they're getting exercise, and their mental health is better.

“But now, if they can find an extra, for the special category, an extra €145… That could be make or break for them.”

Annual membership prices for Williamstown (previous vs new)