Heritage and Heath. Woo Hoo!

milltown

I'm sure I wouldn't have been arsed posting this only the weather has been so perfect, and is due to be again for the next few days. I'm off to play the Heritage tomorrow and I cannot frickin' wait! Played it almost exactly a year ago (woefully), then sort of got my game together, then had to go for major surgery which cost me most of the rest of the year's golf, bar a few par 3 rounds. As a result, I think I'm more tactical now and should see a higher score, even if I'm not hitting as hard as I can. For example, I'm more inclined to play to be on a par 5 green in 4 or 5 and take my two putts for points than to try "bateing" the ball up, looking for a near impossible par and scratching the hole.

The Heritage will be the headline but I'm also looking forward to playing The Heath, after hearing that a fair few people who joined the Heritage to begin with, feeling priced out by year on year subs increases, have now joined the Heath. As a result I am led to expect a much better atmosphere there. Having said that though, with the Seve trophy this year and a five star hotel attached, I can't see the Heritage losing too much sleep over losing a few members (closed anyway, unless you buy an on-site property) and having to survive on €100+ green fees.

Back on topic, anyone any opinions, reviews or tips on playing the Heath in (or near) Portlaiose?

delboy159

I'm from that neck of the woods - living 40 seconds from Heritage now, but haven't played the course yet. Can't justify paying the fees and then probably scoring 100+.. Looking forward to treating myself to a round or two when I'm hitting reasonable well...

Laois golf is an unbelieveable gem to be honest. A lot of courses competing for very few golfers. Courses are thus kept well and fees are low.

Locals tend to feel that Portarlington golf club (8 mins from Heritage - Offaly side) is probably better then the Heath. If you are up in the air I'd say you consider Portarlington, but either way you'll be happy.

The Heath is inland links type of stuff. Hit it low and let it role. The greens are very fast for an inland course even for this time of year. Friendly spot, but a little exposed weather wise - but that goes with the heathland aspect of things.

Enjoy the weekend you lucky sod!

cson

The Heritage is an absolutely spanking track. The 9th and 18th stand out to me in particular as super holes.

Superb facilities there too, it would have hosted an Irish Open by now (It will in time I'd say) but for the fact that its in the back of beyonds. (With the greatest respect delboy )

Derek Zoolander

played heritage last week...great course but if its not windy its very possible to post a decent score there...

heavyballs

Derek Zoolander wrote:

played heritage last week...great course but if its not windy its very possible to post a decent score there...

i'm presuming you're talking about the society tees, i play off 4 and can tell you nit's as hard off the white's as any course in ireland bar maybe the euro club, name a harder track off the white's and by the way please don't mention the monty as it doesn't even come close. If you got no wind on the monty it would be much easier.

milltown

I'm a happy bunny! Two milestones at the Heritage for me, first sub 100 round and first time to score more than 30 points off my official handicap. Also only the second time I've beaten my regular playing partner. I had been happy to be seeing small improvements in my scores after some serious surgery last year (chest open), since I've been back playing I've been happy to get near 20 points. My putting was atrocious so it helped that I chipped in on two holes and two pars and a birdie contributed a great deal to the score. Weather was tremendous, it took a while to get used to the ball actually running on 20 or 30 yards instead of plugging two inches from where it landed.

The Heath was a completely different prospect. I suppose inland links is pretty close to the mark. Reminded me a lot of Bearna in Galway. Delboy is spot on with his advice to let it roll. A duffed tee shot could still roll on to 200 yards. Very fast greens too. Didn't suit my ball striking I have to say, too many bare lies.

My next problem is, I'm in work for the weekend, my whole family are staying down at the Heritage and three of them who play golf have been given a free fourball for Sunday. I really need to figure out a way out of work!

Derek Zoolander

can't remember if we played off yellow or whites...normally play off white..managed an 82 which is the best score i've posted... suits my game as its long and greens are in great nick and run really true...european is harder imo..tralee..what i meant be the post is thats its very fair...no trees and rough was cut down a few weeks ago..once you avoid the numerous bunkers you've got a chance...

boysie39

Derek Zoolander wrote:

played heritage last week...great course but if its not windy its very possible to post a decent score there...

Is this the same person who complained bitterly about his alloted h/cap being too low, and now finds the top courses easy. Forgive me if I have mixed you up with somebody else, the old memory may not be as good as it used to be.If it was you I hope you have luck finding a real test of golf to suit you and tour h/c. "Only look when it drops " boysie39.

killbillvol2

boysie39 wrote:

Is this the same person who complained bitterly about his alloted h/cap being too low, and now finds the top courses easy. Forgive me if I have mixed you up with somebody else, the old memory may not be as good as it used to be.If it was you I hope you have luck finding a real test of golf to suit you and tour h/c. "Only look when it drops " boysie39.

You got in there before me boysie!

Looks like we're going to have to redesign a few courses to tigerproof them from this guy.

Trampas

I never like the heath.

Do they know what rough is?

They have graved into the ground for the fairway boundary.

Its a inland links as they web site says but it hasn't got the links feel (Sand dunes and long whispy grass)

each to there own

Derek Zoolander

never said it was easy...just suited my game..rough was cut down so got away with wayward driving...you'll be pleased to know that since that round haven't topped 30 points at much 'easier' courses...still maintain that heritage isn't the most difficult around..

drollab

The Heritage is a great track and is in fine nick at the moment. I played Mountrath a few weeks ago and for the price is fairly good. There are a lot of blind shots on the front nine but the back 9 is a bit easier, the greens were very good. There is a par 3 on the back 9 with water on both sides, its a great hole I think its about number 13 or 14.

Rathdowney is supposed to be decent enough but its years since I played it.

The Heritage can be expensive but they have some good value offers this winter I found them on www.IrishGreenFees.ie

AndyP

Trampas wrote:

I never like the heath.

Do they know what rough is?

They have graved into the ground for the fairway boundary.

Its a inland links as they web site says but it hasn't got the links feel (Sand dunes and long whispy grass)

each to there own

The Heath is common land, the same as the Curragh and local farmers are allowed graze their sheep on it, hence no rough.

PhilipMarlowe

Played a couple of rounds in Rathdowney last year and was very impressed... nice layout and nice greens. Was in junior cup so not sure of prices etc...
On the other hand, played Abbeyleix several times too and have to say I detest the place...

machiavellianme

AndyP wrote:

The Heath is common land, the same as the Curragh and local farmers are allowed graze their sheep on it, hence no rough.

Yes but that might all change now that the court case is over. Only a fraction of the sheep to be expected back.