Best golf course in YOUR county

thewobbler · 21-11-2014 9:39pm

yettie1701 wrote: »

Thanks a mill for that. Do they play off mats in the winter? Nothing worse I'd rather pay a bit more and play off the turf.

From what i know from phoning about a couple of years ago, the only links up here not prone to handing out the mats is RCD. But it's prepping for the Open at the minute so most of it is fairways to the side. When the likes of Portstewart start the mats I don't know for sure.

Rikand · 21-11-2014 9:43pm

CharlieIRL said Athlone for county Roscommon and I'm seconding that.

Roscommon golf club would be second in the county for me, lovely course with some really nice holes (9 & 12 my favourites) but its too wet for a lot of the year and doesnt have the difficulty or scenery of Athlone. A lot of very memorable holes in athlone with the lake bordering the course on 3 sides and visible from every hole at some stage.

scrubber72 · 22-11-2014 4:46pm

Galway bay for me in galway

h2005 · 22-11-2014 4:58pm

thewobbler wrote: »

1 Antrim: N/A
2 Armagh: N/A
3 Carlow: N/A
4 Cavan : Slieve Russell (1/1)
5 Clare: Lahinch (5/5)
6 Cork: Fota Island (5/8)
7 Derry: N/A
8 Donegal: Murvagh (2/3)
9 Down: RCD (1/1)
10 Dublin: Portmarnock Old (4/6)
11 Fermanagh: Loug Erne (1/1)
12 Galway: Galway Bay & Portumna (2/5)
13 Kerry: Tralee (3/7)
14 Kildare: Carton Montgomerie (2/3)
15 Kilkenny: Mount Juliet (2/3)
16 Laois: Portarlington (2/3)
17 Leitrim: Ballinamore (default)
18 Limerick: Adare (2/2)
19 Longford : N/A
20 Louth: Baltray (2/3)
21 Mayo: Carne (4/6)
22 Meath: Headfort New (3/4)
23 Monaghan: Concra Wood (1/1)
24 Offaly: Tullamore & Esker Hills (1/2)
25 Roscommon: N/A
26 Sligo: Enniscrone & Rosses Point (1/1)
27 Tipperary: Dundrum House (2/3)
28 Tyrone: N/A
29 Waterford: Waterford, New Ross & Waterford Castle (1/3)
30 Westmeath: New Forest, Moate (1/1)
31 Wexford: Rosslare (1/1)
32 Wicklow: European Club (1/1)

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I've had to curate these results a little.

Who am I to deny anyone who knows multiple counties the opportunity to vote on them all? Nope, these all counted.

But the ones that went links: choice, parkland: choice, those were abridged to their links choice (we all prefer links golf anyway, don't we).

Long meandering replies mostly got passed by, mainly because I'm a lazy editor.

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Obviously, It's only a small sample. But the outright winner of the course most loved by it's locals is Lahinch with a unanimous decision over 5 votes.

Second place was Bundoran. No not really.

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I don't think it'd take too much effort to award Portrush, Carlow and Portstewart gongs for their counties. The rest need locals to chip in.

There should be 2 in there for Galway Golf Club too.

slave1 · 22-11-2014 5:46pm

Rikand wrote: »

...A lot of very memorable holes in athlone with the lake bordering the course on 3 sides and visible from every hole at some stage.

15th?

Rikand · 22-11-2014 8:26pm

slave1 wrote: »

15th?

Good call. Arguable you could see lough ree from the green or ballybay from the tee

I'll let you know when I'm out there next.

Axel Lamp · 23-11-2014 2:06am

Kerry: Waterville

Jimmy Iovine · 23-11-2014 9:10am

thelostboys23 wrote:

Kilkenny. Kilkenny Golf Club. have only played mount juliet once and got rained off after the 11th so cant give it the best course title just yet

I'd never put Kilkenny above Castlecomer.

yettie1701 · 23-11-2014 11:35am

Jimmy Iovine wrote: »

I'd never put Kilkenny above Castlecomer.

And Gowran is way better than Kilkenny

Dermoth · 23-11-2014 11:57am

cairny wrote: »

Nah....More spectacular surroundings, with some wow holes but there's something not quite right about it, not quite a proper links, feels a bit forced to me. Mind you I've only played it once so maybe it's a grower.

Not being able to play it regularly adds to the hype / mystique I suppose.

I'm a little biased and I love Fota but the more you play Old Head, the better it gets. IMO some of the
holes don't get the credit they deserve because of the surroundings. As in the hole itself would be great on any course. But both are great courses.

Old Head for me.

blackwhite · 24-11-2014 12:07am

thewobbler wrote: »

19 Longford : N/A

29 Waterford: Waterford, New Ross & Waterford Castle (1/3)

AFAIK Co Longford Golf Club is the only course in Co Longford, so it should take the title by default!

With regard to Waterford - Waterford Castle is the only one of those listed that's actually in Waterford.

Waterford GC is in Kilkenny (just about - https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.2699645,-7.1191613,16z)
New Ross GC is also in Kilkenny - it's approx. 20km from the Waterford border, but very close to the Wexford border. https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.4010887,-6.9712414,15z

Brendygg · 24-11-2014 12:47am

Kerry : Ballybunion. Need to play Waterville again,could take top spot, loved it.

FixdePitchmark · 24-11-2014 12:59am

This thread has been funny - the number of courses that are not even in the county in question

levitronix · 24-11-2014 1:35am

love the o meara in carton, so thats number 1 for me for kildare

KingdomYid · 24-11-2014 3:47pm

Kerry - Tralee

Montgolfier · 24-11-2014 4:09pm

Shiraz 4.99 wrote: »

Offaly - Esker Hills

I was a member of Tullamore as a juvenille, pre-changes so maybe I played it too often.
Birr was always too long to be fun, too many long par 4's back into the prevailing wind.

I love Birr, for some reason none of my friends like it though. They reckon it's too tough.

Rikand · 24-11-2014 4:11pm

Montgolfier wrote: »

I love Birr, for some reason none of my friends like it though. They reckon it's too tough.

Old birr was a great course. Im not a fan of it since the change. While its safer, I think the new holes take from the charm a bit.

Boskowski · 24-11-2014 4:16pm

blackwhite wrote: »

AFAIK Co Longford Golf Club is the only course in Co Longford, so it should take the title by default!

With regard to Waterford - Waterford Castle is the only one of those listed that's actually in Waterford.

Waterford GC is in Kilkenny (just about - https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.2699645,-7.1191613,16z)
New Ross GC is also in Kilkenny - it's approx. 20km from the Waterford border, but very close to the Wexford border. https://www.google.ie/maps/@52.4010887,-6.9712414,15z

And while of course it's a matter if personal opinion Tramore not even in the top 3?!?

Slieve · 24-11-2014 5:03pm

Laois: Heritage by a distance.

Portarlington, 2nd, a lovely course but flat.

yettie1701 · 24-11-2014 7:26pm

Rikand wrote: »

Old birr was a great course. Im not a fan of it since the change. While its safer, I think the new holes take from the charm a bit.

Agree 100%. I don't think the new hole do anything for the place. Wet and bland while the old holes are really good and make you think about where to miss and what clubs to hit. Great people there too really friendly and welcoming. Great pint of Guinness in the clubhouse too if that counts....

Finlay Harp · 24-11-2014 8:14pm

In County Tyrone Killymoon is not bad. In County Armagh Portadown is not bad.

Barnaboy · 24-11-2014 8:28pm

Home county Offaly but to my shame I've only ever played 2 courses in the county

So it has to be Esker Hills.

BTW Astounded that the club's official cheer leader, CharlieIRL, didn't give them a vote!!!

lorenzo87 · 24-11-2014 9:00pm

There's no way Carne is a better course than Ballinrobe.. :-)
I understand it's the only 18 hole links in Mayo, but it's a short and easy links course in comparison to Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Lahinch etc... Great views no doubt, but the course itself is nowhere near as tough as Ballinrobe.. My best round in Carne is -1, best in Enniscrone is +5.

charlieIRL · 24-11-2014 9:34pm

Barnaboy wrote: »

Home county Offaly but to my shame I've only ever played 2 courses in the county

So it has to be Esker Hills.

BTW Astounded that the club's official cheer leader, CharlieIRL, didn't give them a vote!!!

As much as I like Esker and playing there......I love playing tullamore!! Probably cause its only 5 mins from me and I only play it twice a year!!!!

Keano · 24-11-2014 9:55pm

KingdomYid wrote: »

Kerry - Tralee

We will have to play there before we take on Ballyb again next year!

FixdePitchmark · 24-11-2014 10:09pm

I've played 3 course in Offaly myself.

Was just thinking there - forget what Kevin did - it would be a decent test to play golf in every county.

I'd say I'm well over 1/2 way.

Off the top of my head 21/32 done.

KingdomYid · 25-11-2014 2:07pm

Keano A Legend wrote: »

We will have to play there before we take on Ballyb again next year!

Yeah definitely man, I plan on playing all the Kerry Scratch cups next year

.

Golfnut77 · 25-11-2014 2:28pm

Clonmel or Thurles, although I haven't played Thurles since the storm damage so not sure how it has changed.

mike12 · 25-11-2014 4:02pm

lorenzo87 wrote: »

There's no way Carne is a better course than Ballinrobe.. :-)
I understand it's the only 18 hole links in Mayo, but it's a short and easy links course in comparison to Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Lahinch etc... Great views no doubt, but the course itself is nowhere near as tough as Ballinrobe.. My best round in Carne is -1, best in Enniscrone is +5.

Would agree it is easier but but does that make it better or worse. I love Ballinrobe it is a super course the Druids Gleen of the west but if i had a choice i would play Carne think it is around 6700 off the back tees so not short but the biggest difference it that you can find your ball in the rough compared to Enniscrone. We are spoilt for choice really in Mayo haven't played Westport or Castlebar but Ballinrobe and Claremorris are great corses.

lorenzo87 · 25-11-2014 6:22pm

mike12 wrote: »

Would agree it is easier but but does that make it better or worse. I love Ballinrobe it is a super course the Druids Gleen of the west but if i had a choice i would play Carne think it is around 6700 off the back tees so not short but the biggest difference it that you can find your ball in the rough compared to Enniscrone. We are spoilt for choice really in Mayo haven't played Westport or Castlebar but Ballinrobe and Claremorris are great corses.

I guess it is what we define as "best course" ?
Is it on how difficult a course is, or is it scenery etc?
My favourite course in Mayo is Westport, because I always play well there. Doesn't mean it is the best though.

DuckSlice · 25-11-2014 10:32pm

lorenzo87 wrote: »

There's no way Carne is a better course than Ballinrobe.. :-)
I understand it's the only 18 hole links in Mayo, but it's a short and easy links course in comparison to Enniscrone, Rosses Point, Lahinch etc... Great views no doubt, but the course itself is nowhere near as tough as Ballinrobe.. My best round in Carne is -1, best in Enniscrone is +5.

Imo claremorris is right up there with Ballanrobe at the moment. It was in fantastic condition All summer. I haven't played Ballanrobe in a while though.

lorenzo87 · 25-11-2014 11:00pm

etxp wrote: »

Imo claremorris is right up there with Ballanrobe at the moment. It was in fantastic condition All summer. I haven't played Ballanrobe in a while though.

The problem with Claremorris is drainage.. It's like a swamp after a small amount of rain.. Have also heard rumours that Claremorris could be going back to a 9 hole course, they are in financial bother.

DuckSlice · 26-11-2014 12:36am

lorenzo87 wrote: »

The problem with Claremorris is drainage.. It's like a swamp after a small amount of rain.. Have also heard rumours that Claremorris could be going back to a 9 hole course, they are in financial bother.

They have improved it but it can get quite wet! I hear they are struggling alright! Hagent heard the 9 hole rumour though!

FixdePitchmark · 22-11-2015 9:46pm

Not sure why , was thinking about this question today.

It is not always an easy question for some counties - as there are often 4/5 in the mix.

I've played a few more now and still

Links - The Island
Parkland - Luttrellstown

There must be a better Parkland than that ? I've a good few to still play.

Barnaboy · 22-11-2015 10:44pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Links - The Island
Parkland - Luttrellstown

There must be a better Parkland than that ? I've a good few to still play.

Agreed! I think Luttrellstown has lost it a bit, played it during the summer and thought the course condition was not great. Best parkland course in Dublin, in my opinion is Grange Golf Club.

In my now home county of Offaly, I think Tullamore just edges Esker Hills. I think it's prettier and don't come in feeling you have just climbed Everest!

FixdePitchmark · 22-11-2015 10:57pm

Yes Barna - we went to Tullamore with Boards for an outing and a Jug - it is just a brilliant Irish Parkland Course , terrific variety and surprising change in elevation - but far more subtle than Esker.

Love Tullamore.

First Up · 22-11-2015 11:02pm

Barnaboy wrote:

In my now home county of Offaly, I think Tullamore just edges Esker Hills. I think it's prettier and don't come in feeling you have just climbed Everest!

Barnaboy wrote:

Agreed! I think Luttrellstown has lost it a bit, played it during the summer and thought the course condition was not great. Best parkland course in Dublin, in my opinion is Grange Golf Club.

Castle is way better than Grange.

blindside88 · 22-11-2015 11:06pm

Carlow- Mount Wolseley (a bit biased)

I just don't like the rough in Carlow GC, other than that's it's an excellent course

FixdePitchmark · 22-11-2015 11:11pm

blindside88 wrote: »

Carlow- Mount Wolseley (a bit biased)

I just don't like the rough in Carlow GC, other than that's it's an excellent course

There is a good example - and proves a great country we have (as we know here) for golf. So many counties it is a very hard call.

Wicklow another example.

Said to the lads other day - to get to a bad course in Ireland , you have to drive past a good one.

PARlance · 22-11-2015 11:34pm

First Up wrote: »

Castle is way better than Grange.

Played Grange a month ago and still yet to play Castle but I wouldn't have Grange up there in a "best off" shortlist. Lovely clubhouse and the place is well looked after. Some really good holes but too many average ones and a couple of poor ones. Lacking in par 5's would make it a lesser course when compared against others.

FixdePitchmark · 22-11-2015 11:37pm

blindside88 wrote: »

Carlow- Mount Wolseley (a bit biased)

I just don't like the rough in Carlow GC, other than that's it's an excellent course

By the way I think Carlow is better

Mantis Toboggan · 23-11-2015 9:36am

I've moved to Dublin since I last answered this question and agree that luttrellstown is the best I've played closely followed by newlands.

First Up · 23-11-2015 10:19am

PARlance wrote: »

Played Grange a month ago and still yet to play Castle but I wouldn't have Grange up there in a "best off" shortlist. Lovely clubhouse and the place is well looked after. Some really good holes but too many average ones and a couple of poor ones. Lacking in par 5's would make it a lesser course when compared against others.

Always puzzles me that they persist with the current layout when they have the extra holes available to make it a proper, fully grown 18. I assume the older establishment members like it that way but it could be a lot better with a few less par 3's (especially at the start).

First Up · 23-11-2015 10:20am

Tyson Fury wrote: »

I've moved to Dublin since I last answered this question and agree that luttrellstown is the best I've played closely followed by newlands.

Gosh, I don't think I would have Newlands in my top 20.

Mantis Toboggan · 23-11-2015 11:43am

First Up wrote: »

Gosh, I don't think I would have Newlands in my top 20.

Newlands was in great nic when I played it, was very impressed. That said I've only played around 8 courses in the county. Luttrellstown though is in a different league.

OffalyMedic · 23-11-2015 1:37pm

Offaly: I do love Birr (biased) but would have to say tullamore is a better course overall.

Cork: played very few but castlemartyr is my favourite so far.

OffalyMedic · 23-11-2015 1:41pm

Offaly: I do love Birr (biased) but would have to say tullamore is a better course overall.

Cork: played very few but castlemartyr is my favourite so far.

First Up · 23-11-2015 4:09pm

Tyson Fury wrote: »

Newlands was in great nic when I played it, was very impressed. That said I've only played around 8 courses in the county. Luttrellstown though is in a different league.

I think Dun Laoghaire gives Lutllerstown a run for its money as best parkland (and I think it is just about in Dublin.) Malahide is excellent and gets little attention. There's a few courses out that way - e.g. Skerries, Corrstown, Forrest Little - well worthy of consideration, especially if you think Newlands is good!

dan_ep82 · 23-11-2015 6:22pm

Very hard for me to comment as I haven't played nearly enough of them and no links so i'll just give my top 3

Meath
Headfort New
Rathcore
Knightsbrook

doublecross · 23-11-2015 6:38pm

Tipp: I think Dundrum would be the pick of the bunch but can get very soft in Winter. So Dundrum for the Summer and Nenagh for the other months (always in good nick).

Best golf course in YOUR county

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