Alright, so I figured I’d share my little trip to Makray Golf over in Barrington. Been meaning to check it out for a while, you know, hear things, and finally got around to it the other day.
Getting Ready and Heading Out
First thing I did, or rather, remembered to do, was check if they had any specific rules, like a dress code. You never know with these golf places. And yep, turns out they do. I saw something, I think it was on their site or maybe a sign I vaguely recalled, that said no blue jeans. And for guys, it’s collared shirts. So, made a mental note of that. Didn’t want to rock up in my comfy old jeans and a t-shirt and get turned away, that’d be a bit daft.
So, I dug out a decent polo shirt – nothing too fancy, just a regular collared one – and some chinos. Better safe than sorry, right? Got myself ready, hopped in the car, and started the drive over to Barrington. Wasn’t too bad of a drive, actually.
Arrival and First Impressions
Pulled into the parking lot. The place looks pretty impressive from the outside, I gotta say. Well-kept, you know, that typical golf club look. Walked towards the entrance, feeling pretty good that I’d remembered the collared shirt rule.
Stepped inside, and it’s got that clubhouse vibe. Clean, a bit upscale but not stuffy, if that makes sense. You could tell it was a golf spot, but it also had a welcoming feel for the “bar” part of its name. People seemed pretty relaxed.
The Experience – Golf and Bar
Now, I wasn’t there for a full 18 holes or anything super serious. I was more curious about the “bar” aspect and just the general atmosphere. They’ve got a nice bar area, definitely. Plenty of space to sit. I saw some folks who looked like they’d just come off the course, and others who were just there for a drink or a bite, like me.
I moseyed on over to the bar. The staff were friendly enough, got my order in without any fuss.
- The drink selection was pretty standard, what you’d expect.
- I think I saw a food menu too, looked like typical bar fare, maybe a bit nicer.
- The views from some parts of the clubhouse, looking out onto the course, were quite nice. Green, obviously.
Spent a bit of time just soaking it in. It wasn’t overly loud, which I appreciated. You could actually have a conversation. I didn’t hit any balls this time, but I could see the practice facilities, looked pretty decent. Maybe next time I’ll give that a go.
The main thing was just checking the place out, seeing what the fuss was about. It’s a nice alternative to your regular neighborhood pub, that’s for sure. A bit more refined, I guess, because of the golf connection.
Wrapping Up
So, after a while, I settled up and headed out. Overall, a good experience. No complaints, really. The dress code thing was easy enough to follow, and it probably helps keep a certain standard, which isn’t a bad thing.
My main takeaways:
- Nice, clean place.
- Good for a drink even if you’re not golfing.
- Remember the collared shirt and no blue jeans if you’re a guy.
Yeah, that was my little outing to Makray Golf Barrington. Probably head back sometime, maybe try some food or even swing a club if I’m feeling ambitious. If you’re in the area and looking for a slightly different spot, it’s worth considering.
