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Farnham Estate Golf Course
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15-06-2009 12:58pm#1
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In the main agree with most of the above regarding Farnham. The more I play it the more I especially like the first 5 holes. Totally agree with Jimjo about the Par 5 ninth. I find it considerably easier than the 6th. I am a woeful golfer and I even managed to leave myself on it with a 10 - 12 ft eagle putt, which typically I missed. It plays a lot shorter than the 505 yards listed. As far as I recall I played my approach shot with a 5 iron.
Took a drive around the back nine whick look terrific. Took a couple of snaps on the phone before the battery died so people can get a feel for it. In the main it consists of tight tree lined fairways which numerous dangerous water features. Ready for opening the first week in October, all that needs doing is a good mow and some work on the paths.
Apperently GUI accreditation is near done too the only issue being the size of the bar in the hotel being designated as the club house.
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This course is next door to my folks, so I grew up in this region, playing Co Cavan GC, Slieve Russell, Belturbet etc.
The Farnham no doubt ran out of cash and this can be seen throughout to course, ie: not exactly manicured, lack of benches, ball cleaners, basic facilities and so forth. I think that it could be unwise to build a full on clubhouse for sometime, as I doubt the bar would be used too much, but a wooden cabin would be nice, something like the small course situated somewhat down the n11.. Glennill i think?? nice basic clubhouse like that would be nice for now.
What is evident too is the lack of leadership and direction, the Radison staff are running it by and large, so there is certainly a lack of direction. For instance they run a competition on a sunday, yet Co Cavan GC run theirs on the same day, perhaps Saturday competitions would have attracted more people.
Due to the recession, as mentioned they were limited a lot, with a minimal amount of greenkeepers and staff keeping the place running, and they are doing a good job with what they have. but Co Cavan GC is closed for many months of the year as a result of drainage problems, If the Farnham were able to drain the full 18 (and not leave the last 6 yet to be done) they could have picked up a few more members. but this is certainly a cost issue, so i'd forecast this being remedied in time.
The membership rates could be a lot more attractive than they are, the greenfee's too, considering they need to attract golfers, and the lack of facilities available. IMO the back 9 will not be playable when there is prolonged substancial rain, or for most of the winter, so will the membership be only worth 9-10months?
It is a great course, and it will be even better. Co Cavan is lovely too, just not so in the winter, and the Slieve Russell is a gem, beautifully manicured and a real treat. So if you are heading down that direction, it would be a good choice to stay the night and play all 3.
I'll probably be playing the Farnham on friday, If i do, ill take a pick of each hole, and post them up here.. I haven't had the opportunity to play the 2nd 9 yet, so im looking forward to the trip down there. then i play castleknock on saturday.
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Agree on the clubhouse, think there going to use a part of the hotel bar as a members area, silly to spend a lot on a clubhouse when there sitting idle the majority of the time.
I’ve got to say the Farnham would be at least two notches up from Cavan golf course. Played Cavan a couple of times, used to nip out on the front nine in the evening a fair few years ago. There’s no comparison on the front 9’s, Farnham much better. I think its fair to say it’s just a classer spot.
The back nine in places is scrappy (mentioned previously machinery marks on wet patches) but really that’s to be expected on a brand new course. The fella in the golf hut said there about to start work on the last 6 holes, the sooner the better, although I wouldn’t say the course will be in proper order till the summer. In the mean time hope they don’t run out of money!!
If I had to choose three courses in that area to play it would be the Farnham, Slieve Russell and Lough Erne and in that order too, save the best till last.
probably would agree with you on which course to play and in what order.
The Farnham estate as a course is a lot better than Co Cavan, but thats to be expected, its one of the oldest parkland courses in the country, but Co Cavan has some charm and a nice community.
I doubt the last 6 holes will be drained this year, i could be wrong however, but i simply don't see it happening. Perhaps if the cash is available, they can get it done before next season. without knowing how much is in the coffers (and i know its not much), and how much it costs to drain a hole, I cannot really assume a time line to completion.
I think the 2nd 9 have the potential to be better than the 1st 9, it certainly looks like it. My brother was told by the developer (jeff presumably) that they believed the width of the playing area on the back 9 was too narrow, and that it would be too difficult for most to expect to avoid hitting the forests, McCabe sensibly (as a non golfer, but business man) said, once you cut them down, you cannot grow them again. So we will leave it as is and see how it is 0 -
probably would agree with you on which course to play and in what order.
The Farnham estate as a course is a lot better than Co Cavan, but thats to be expected, its one of the oldest parkland courses in the country, but Co Cavan has some charm and a nice community.
I doubt the last 6 holes will be drained this year, i could be wrong however, but i simply don't see it happening. Perhaps if the cash is available, they can get it done before next season. without knowing how much is in the coffers (and i know its not much), and how much it costs to drain a hole, I cannot really assume a time line to completion.
I think the 2nd 9 have the potential to be better than the 1st 9, it certainly looks like it. My brother was told by the developer (jeff presumably) that they believed the width of the playing area on the back 9 was too narrow, and that it would be too difficult for most to expect to avoid hitting the forests, McCabe sensibly (as a non golfer, but business man) said, once you cut them down, you cannot grow them again. So we will leave it as is and see how it is
That’s disappointing to hear about the drainage, you could well be right there. I can only imagine it costs a fair whack for drainage on 6 holes.
Your right about the back nine, has much better potential than the 1st 9 that’s why throughout this thread I was eager to hear a bit of news about it. Interesting to hear that your man Howes thought the back 9 is too tight, must say I didn’t find it that bad, wasn’t in any trouble however one of the lads I played with was in and out of the trees on the par 5 15th which is a long hole, if you do stray into the trees there must be a real high chance your totally gone, finding a ball must be near impossible. The 10th, 13th, 14th (although not as tight as the others) 15th, and the left sides of the 11th , 16th & 17th are totally surrounded by trees so if you are wayward you’ll be punished0 -
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found this one nice pic online from behind the 4th hole.
The fairway is either side of the light green tree's in the center of the pic,
Those trees would be the landing area for most, before or amongst them.
Its actually a fascinating hole, I used to play the ball straight down the center, ie: to the left of those trees as you look from the teebox, but i have since favoured the right hand side, its safer off the tee, and it takes the water out of the equation on the approach shot.
Edit: adding in some more pics
5th hole, par 3
this is inside the hotel, there are lots of stylishly furnished lounge rooms like these, great for bringing in your party of friends, each section is designed totally different, kinda cool really. but still, no clubhouse :P0 -
Finally got around to playing this today, meant to play it Paddys day but had a few too many jack daniels the night before:D. Thankfully we got a great afternoon for it. i had previoulsy played the front nine but was the first time my playing partners were there and they were well impressed with the place as was i, it was fairly quite which was a shame.
The front nine is maturing nicely since i played it last and was bone dry even after the heavy rain last night, same cant be said for the new back nine which was very wet in spots but as mentioned by other posters mostly down to drainage issues that hopefully will be sorted in time. The back nine is a great test, a good mix of short and long. the 10th and 14th are nearly drivable par 4s with plenty of trouble, trees on 10th and bunkers/trees on 13th. my favourites were the par 5 15th, a great 3 shotter which requires plenty of accuracy as the tree lined fairway is quite narrow and slopes downhill all the way to the hole. 17th and 18th are good finishing holes, both require good drives which can be rewarded on the scorecard. it needs time to mature but for such new greens they were in excellent condition.
Facilities are quite basic at mo but considering economy, quite sensible as they have a lovely hotel only 200yards from the course. Went up for a pint and sandwich afterwards and place was very busy which is good to see. The friendly man in the golf reception had said that to us earlier before we went out but i was skeptical thankfully i was wrong. He also mentioned that membership is nearing a 100, a start but a long way off paying the 10 million he told us was spent on developing the course so far.
Now for a negative which really takes away from the place and jeff howes should take stick for this as designer but the walks from tees to green are ridiculous especially on back nine and in particular the 9th to the 10th and 10th to 11th, it made the walk from the 10th to 11th in headfort new short in comparsion!! it took us nearly 5 hours in a 3ball and whilst we didnt know our way around, none of us are slow golfers. i was knackered after carrying the bag the whole way
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i can actually see this making people not join esp ladies and older folks as it would kill them without a buggy. its not a place i can see members popping out for a few holes on the back nine. All in all another good addition to the golfing scene in ireland but i sense it will be another one that will struggle into the future0 -
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nice read there ipity.
I wanted to play the back 9 last week, but it was again closed due to rain a few days prior, it wasnt wet at all for days, so im a bit confused really.
Anyway, i was well aware that the back 9 are hardy on the legs, so we were going to take a buggy, seems like Esker hills, its the way to go about it.
We took a drive about and seen a few of the back 9, hope to play it soon though, counting the days/weeks that im lucky enough
I agree with your point about the long walks, i think the road crossing is a bit tedious too, but until i get to play the back 9, ill reserve my comments.
Lovely course all the same though, and i do love the front.0 -
nice read there ipity.
I wanted to play the back 9 last week, but it was again closed due to rain a few days prior, it wasnt wet at all for days, so im a bit confused really.
Anyway, i was well aware that the back 9 are hardy on the legs, so we were going to take a buggy, seems like Esker hills, its the way to go about it.
We took a drive about and seen a few of the back 9, hope to play it soon though, counting the days/weeks that im lucky enough
I agree with your point about the long walks, i think the road crossing is a bit tedious too, but until i get to play the back 9, ill reserve my comments.
Lovely course all the same though, and i do love the front.
Yeah when i rang up to book they were not 100% sure it would be open but thankfully on the day it was, they are obviously minding it alot and to be honest they need to as it is still very bare in places.Obviously the bit of rain recently and growth starting to kick back in will help it. I hate using buggies to play golf so i generally avoid them but i would consider using one if playing there again.
Yeah it is the location of the 10th and how it is away from everything that makes me qeury the design, you have to walk across road and up the hill. (9th green to 10th tee) play the hole, then long walk back down hill, across road and up a long path to next tee box (10th green to 11th tee).it is nearly ten minutes of walking before u even hit a golf ball!0 -
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Hi Jimjo
I played this last week for €5 as they had a free golf offer all I can say is that its a savage course. Im a member in Rosses point and play a good bit of parkland golf too and can honestly say its the best parkland course Ive played in a while and Ive played some good ones K-Club Druids Glen Dromoland Slieve Russell. I would compare it on some holes to dromoland castle especially the back nine up through the forest. For a parkland course its in great condition some of the teeboxes are like greens. The back 9 only opened last November but its in great condition. It was very dry when I played last wednesday and although some of the sand drainage cross drains are there and have not been covered up by fairway grass its in great condition. The first hole is the only weak hole and it looks easy off tee big wide fairway the next hole is a great driving hole. Its not so much a long course distance wise but some of the walking between holes is long but I didnt mind and I had a pull trolley I was really enjoying the challenge of the course.
I cant believe some of the previous posters above granted it may have been bad weather when they played but how they can say they would not go back and pay €55 or whatever it was I dont know they must pay Druids Glen or the K Club week in week out. Where else would you get 2 open days every week for the summer stableford 35 euro Wednesday and Sunday on a quality Golf course like this. Farhnam estate can be played for something like 35 euro its a steal at this price well worth playing.
Great Golf course with some very diffeent challenging holes and real picture postcard views on the back 9. I played in glorious sunshine after its rained cats and dogs on the way down from Sligo. The staff there are really helpful and friendly the only drawback is theres no clubhouse or putting green but the Raddisson SAS is only 700 meters away. Enjoy it and make sure to post after you play it.
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The Hurricane wrote: »Hi Jimjo
I played this last week for €5 as they had a free golf offer all I can say is that its a savage course. Im a member in Rosses point and play a good bit of parkland golf too and can honestly say its the best parkland course Ive played in a while and Ive played some good ones K-Club Druids Glen Dromoland Slieve Russell. I would compare it on some holes to dromoland castle especially the back nine up through the forest. For a parkland course its in great condition some of the teeboxes are like greens. The back 9 only opened last November but its in great condition. It was very dry when I played last wednesday and although some of the sand drainage cross drains are there and have not been covered up by fairway grass its in great condition. The first hole is the only weak hole and it looks easy off tee big wide fairway the next hole is a great driving hole. Its not so much a long course distance wise but some of the walking between holes is long but I didnt mind and I had a pull trolley I was really enjoying the challenge of the course.
I cant believe some of the previous posters above granted it may have been bad weather when they played but how they can say they would not go back and pay €55 or whatever it was I dont know they must pay Druids Glen or the K Club week in week out. Where else would you get 2 open days every week for the summer stableford 35 euro Wednesday and Sunday on a quality Golf course like this. Farhnam estate can be played for something like 35 euro its a steal at this price well worth playing.
Great Golf course with some very diffeent challenging holes and real picture postcard views on the back 9. I played in glorious sunshine after its rained cats and dogs on the way down from Sligo. The staff there are really helpful and friendly the only drawback is theres no clubhouse or putting green but the Raddisson SAS is only 700 meters away. Enjoy it and make sure to post after you play it.
Nice read there hurricane glad you enjoyed it. I seen the free golf offer for last week alright and dying to avail of it but unfortunately work got in the way, always does! Glad you like the 2nd hole, a great driving hole as is the 4th. Where there many playing it on the day? I hope they get a good response from the offer and some exposure to golfers who would have otherwise not played it as it is still a relative unkown.
They have a good price range for greenfees but unfortunately they are struggling with membership uptake but then again what golf course isnt at the moment. I was one of the posters giving out about the walks between holes and I stand by it, they are too long and take away from what is a very enjoyable course to play. Im from the area orginally and many people i know who have played it agree.0 -
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