will we ever golf again ??

curly from cork

just had an e mail from my club with a photo of flooded fariways and greens. today the course has been closed for 26 consecutive days. our pro shop supports , the pro and 2 assistant pros. 26 days is a long time to go with little or no sales and no lessons.

paulof1985

its been rough everywhere man, my home course near the dublin mountains is still snowed under and looks like it will be for the next week or two. I got out ONCE over the christmas holidays for NINE HOLES because of weather.

Hopefully weather will pick up soon, I'm dying for a game.

gorfield

try 13 wknds from 15 closed.......my home course from first the flooding then snow and frost. Apparantly only 5 full days open since mid october.....

jimjo

By god lads thats rough going, thought courses around Dublin were only really affected bad cause of the recent snow and frost.

The course I play has been closed since christmas eve cause of frost/snow. Not really affected, well not closed anyway, cause of the rain in november

Myksyk

Last game was 15 holes in very wet conditions on Dec 5th. Closed since. I am looking forward to a game but dreading to see what my golf looks like now!!

stumpypeeps

Perhaps some of those suggesting that the current weather was no big deal and clubs won't be unduly suffering this winter will think again.

A lot of clubs are after having a really tough time of it.

That said, we'll all be back out by the end of January. I'm pretty sure of that. (Fingers, Toes, Knees and eyes all crossed.)

ShriekingSheet

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Perhaps some of those suggesting that the current weather was no big deal and clubs won't be unduly suffering this winter will think again.

Keep your snide comments to yourself!

It's the quietest time in golf. Clubs don't expect big revenues, and arent missing out on that much. If we have a good summer, it'll all be forgotten about. If clubs were banking on a thriving winter period in IRELAND, they have bigger problems than the weather. It does clubs a disservice to suggest they do.

stumpypeeps

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Keep your snide comments to yourself!

It's the quietest time in golf. Clubs don't expect big revenues, and arent missing out on that much. If we have a good summer, it'll all be forgotten about. If clubs were banking on a thriving winter period in IRELAND, they have bigger problems than the weather. It does clubs a disservice to suggest they do.

I didn't intend it as snide, I don't think it was.

I'm tired of this debate. I'm obviously just imagining everything that's happening around me.

Mister Sifter

stumpypeeps wrote: »

Perhaps some of those suggesting that the current weather was no big deal and clubs won't be unduly suffering this winter will think again.

A lot of clubs are after having a really tough time of it.

That said, we'll all be back out by the end of January. I'm pretty sure of that. (Fingers, Toes, Knees and eyes all crossed.)

I don't think anyone would argue that things aren't harder for clubs out there. At the same time though there are a good number of posters on here who constantly harp on in a doom and gloom manner. It's almost like they get some kind of perverse pleasure out of thinking how bad things could get. I'm probably in a minority on here, for whatever reason, but it's symptomatic of the society we currently live in - everyone has it in their heads that everyone is gonna lose their jobs, everything is far too dear and prices must fall, everything about the country is bolloxed... the weather is just the latest 'oh this soooo bad' burden that people are placing on their shoulders.

It's such a ****ing tiresome environment/atmosphere. People want to get a grip on reality and notion of get up and go. I include clubs in that. How refreshing would it be to pick up the Irish Times tomorrow and see an article about the clubs out there that are actually getting up off their arse (and there are numerous examples out there!), thinking outside the box and coming up with initiatives and ideas to make up for any shortfall their may be. It may just give a few other clubs a boot up the backside and, lord forbid, might actually bring an end to the constant negativity on places like this.

stumpypeeps

Mister Sifter wrote: »

I don't think anyone would argue that things aren't harder for clubs out there. At the same time though there are a good number of posters on here who constantly harp on in a doom and gloom manner. It's almost like they get some kind of perverse pleasure out of thinking how bad things could get. I'm probably in a minority on here, for whatever reason, but it's symptomatic of the society we currently live in - everyone has it in their heads that everyone is gonna lose their jobs, everything is far too dear and prices must fall, everything about the country is bolloxed... the weather is just the latest 'oh this soooo bad' burden that people are placing on their shoulders.

It's such a ****ing tiresome environment/atmosphere. People want to get a grip on reality and notion of get up and go. I include clubs in that. How refreshing would it be to pick up the Irish Times tomorrow and see an article about the clubs out there that are actually getting up off their arse (and there are numerous examples out there!), thinking outside the box and coming up with initiatives and ideas to make up for any shortfall their may be. It may just give a few other clubs a boot up the backside and, lord forbid, might actually bring an end to the constant negativity on places like this.

You know what, I actually agree with every sentiment in that post.

As one of the few people still employed in my course, I hope you'll accept I haven't been sitting on my hands, I've been making sure my worth to the staff means I won't lose my job. There is a lot more the management of certain courses including my own could be doing to improve the situation.

That still doesn't prevent me from having some sympathy for the staff and clubs that are suffering.

As for my personal decision to join as a distance member, that's making a judgement call based on my unique set of circumstances. Only I can make that call.

Rest assured I will be a full member sooner rather than later.

Dublin Spur

Was watching the USPGA event in Hawai over the weekend and it just dawned on me.
Golf is a summer sport - no question about it.
Short Sleeves
Warm Breeze
Leaves on the trees
Ball travels it's proper distance
No placing
No dropping in the rough
No temporary greens
No driving mats
No wet gear and wooly hats

It's simply not designed to be played in cold, wet, damp, miserable places (like Ireland is7/8 months of the year). If it was than surely both the US and Euro tours woldn't start in tropical places. Like they do every year.

So depressing living here at times. We have a 4/5 month window every year to play golf when courses are at their best, so you wait and wait for the summer and when it comes it's a complete wash-out (like the last 2 years have been).

I think it might be time to move closer to the equator permanently. I'm not sure if I can take much more. As I type this the rain is lashing against the window and the wind is howling. What a horrible climate we have.

curly from cork

oh you are so right, sun and golf such go so well together which is why i am lucky enough to be taking off to play in thailand in .. let me see..not that im counting ..15 days from now :D better take the muck off my clubs before i fly !! oh for run on the ball and soft powdery bunkers.

conno16

great course in ko samui curly if you make it down that neck of the woods

GreeBo

Dublin Spur wrote: »

It's simply not designed to be played in cold, wet, damp, miserable places

Err wasnt it invented in balmy Scotland?
Golf is a game for people with strong minds, those of weaker minds tend to let the weather distract them.

Harrington loves playing in "weather" because he immediately feels that at least half of the field want to be somewhere else.

Trying playing golf in the rain someday where you dont panic about getting wet (assuming you have waterproof shoes, clothes and a suitable rain glove)
I did it last year and it was invigorating, once I stopped worrying about getting wet (because I wasnt) it was much more enjoyable, just another hazard to deal with.



/edit
That said, given a choice its shorts and tshirt golf for me everytime!

Mister Sifter

I wouldn't say golf is meant to be played in the sun and heat. It's just far more enjoyable and, dare i say it, easier to play in the summer.

ShriekingSheet

If you do a little bit of preparation, you can enjoy wet days. People who show up without a head cover on their bag, one glove and no change of socks and then complain about the rain get little sympathy from me.

If you just chuck a second set of clothes into the car, bring a semi-decent umbrella, wet gear and hat, and keep your clubs under the zip cover of your bag with a towel on top of the irons it just makes so much easier.

And no matter how much it lashes down, you've a hot shower, fresh clothes and a bowl of soup waiting for you.

heavyballs

GreeBo wrote: »

Err wasnt it invented in balmy Scotland?
Golf is a game for people with strong minds, those of weaker minds tend to let the weather distract them.

Harrington loves playing in "weather" because he immediately feels that at least half of the field want to be somewhere else.

Trying playing golf in the rain someday where you dont panic about getting wet (assuming you have waterproof shoes, clothes and a suitable rain glove)
I did it last year and it was invigorating, once I stopped worrying about getting wet (because I wasnt) it was much more enjoyable, just another hazard to deal with.



/edit
That said, given a choice its shorts and tshirt golf for me everytime!

agree with everything there ,the yanks etc have it too easy,i've played there a few times,their hcp's are a complete joke,what i would call good 9 or 10 hcp's playing off 3 and 4 bacause of the weather/conditions

in fairness personally the windier the better but no rain pls

btw,nobody seems interested in my post re:The European Club,i just booked in for Monday,€40 is great value

Myksyk

Rang club today. They hope to open again this Friday and be open for the weekend. I admit I cried a little with relief!

JCDUB

Got an email from the club earlier, they are OPEN FOR PLAY from today, woop woop!!!

Roll on Saturday, regardless of weather:D

blackwaterfish

my club reckons theyll open up on friday also... im booked in for sunday morning... extra socks mandatory.

will be great to even get 9 in.... must control mounting sense of anticipation... might go mad.

thegen

heavyballs wrote: »

agree with everything there ,the yanks etc have it too easy,i've played there a few times,their hcp's are a complete joke,what i would call good 9 or 10 hcp's playing off 3 and 4 bacause of the weather/conditions

in fairness personally the windier the better but no rain pls

btw,nobody seems interested in my post re:The European Club,i just booked in for Monday,€40 is great value

Heavy, booked two fourballs for Sat morning.
Thanks for the heads up.

thoscon

anyone know of any meath clubs opening at the weekend ? dying for a round

Dublin Spur

GreeBo wrote: »

Err wasnt it invented in balmy Scotland?
Golf is a game for people with strong minds, those of weaker minds tend to let the weather distract them.

Harrington loves playing in "weather" because he immediately feels that at least half of the field want to be somewhere else.

Trying playing golf in the rain someday where you dont panic about getting wet (assuming you have waterproof shoes, clothes and a suitable rain glove)
I did it last year and it was invigorating, once I stopped worrying about getting wet (because I wasnt) it was much more enjoyable, just another hazard to deal with.



/edit
That said, given a choice its shorts and tshirt golf for me everytime!

Yep It was invented in gloomy Scotland but it really is a summer sport at the ned of the day. If it warn't then the open would be played in December or January.

I've had some great rounds in the winter but when your club is closed for weeks on end it becomes a joke. I'm afraid I've come to the conclusion that we've just got the wrong climate for the game.

Japer

curly from cork wrote: »

just had an e mail from my club with a photo of flooded fariways and greens. today the course has been closed for 26 consecutive days. our pro shop supports , the pro and 2 assistant pros. 26 days is a long time to go with little or no sales and no lessons.

It sure is. Roll on the spring and summer.

SuprSi

Good news from South County as well - they hope to open over the weekend so I've stuck my name down for Sunday. Finally get a chance to try out my new winter clothing!

ShriekingSheet

There's a chance of Rathsallagh being open on Saturday.

SuprSi

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

There's a chance of Rathsallagh being open on Saturday.

Yeah I'm gutted - was hoping to stick my name down for the Garden Trophy but I'm working on Saturday morning until around 2, so can't make it. Secretly I'm hoping both SCGC and Rathsallagh will be closed on Saturday! :pac:

carnsoreboxer

Just got email from Castleknock due to open on Saturday

thegen

SuprSi wrote: »

Yeah I'm gutted - was hoping to stick my name down for the Garden Trophy but I'm working on Saturday morning until around 2, so can't make it. Secretly I'm hoping both SCGC and Rathsallagh will be closed on Saturday! :pac:

Rathsallagh closed on Saturday.

SuprSi

Dang, South County closed for the whole weekend

curly from cork

Snap.. Cork closed too. Getting a bit desperate now!!!!!!

Zardoz

I have it on good advice that we should be able to get out for a game before June.

Mister Sifter

Why are these courses closed lads? Still snow on the ground? Courses around north Dublin area all seem to be fine now and open for business for the weekend.

f22

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Why are these courses closed lads? Still snow on the ground? Courses around north Dublin area all seem to be fine now and open for business for the weekend.

Us northsiders are just much more hardy individuals!

SuprSi

Check out South County

http://www.southcountygolf.com/mysitecaddy/site3/currentphotos.htm?album=4836

Mister Sifter

SuprSi wrote: »

Check out South County

http://www.southcountygolf.com/mysitecaddy/site3/currentphotos.htm?album=4836

That is crazy! Hopefully with the weather forecast for this weekend you'll be back in action next weekend.

Nice new website South County have there.

SuprSi

Yeah they did a really good job of it alright. There's still a mad amount of snow up there but it's meant to be mild enough over the next week or so, so hopefully we'll be able to play again soon.

MisterAnarchy

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Why are these courses closed lads?

Is that a joke ?
You do realise that for the last 75 days the weather has been a combination of torrential incessant rain and freezing cold.
The ground is super saturated .

Mister Sifter

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

Is that a joke ?
You do realise that for the last 75 days the weather has been a combination of torrential incessant rain and freezing cold.
The ground is super saturated .

Not sh!t sherlock.

The reason for the question was because pretty much all courses in my vicinity have re-opened.

I was intrigued as to whether the courses mentioned were closed for rain, snow or whatever else.

Happy?

stumpypeeps

I'd imagine the rain thats currently falling is going to close a lot of courses tomorrow also. That allied to melting snow coming off the mountains is going to raise river levels substantially. I'm dreading work in the morning.

MisterAnarchy

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Not sh!t sherlock.

The reason for the question was because pretty much all courses in my vicinity have re-opened.

What part of Spain would that be ???

Daithio9

MisterAnarchy wrote: »

What part of Spain would that be ???

You do realise that there is a world out there beyond your hall door?.
The snow melted in Kerry on tuesday and most if not all courses were open by thursday.

Trampas

Drove by Bodenstown and Killeen today and Bodenstown was open and Killeen closed which didn't surprise me knowing what each club is like.

I presume the people who complain about golf courses been closed this time of the year are the same people complain when their course is not in the best conditions during the spring and summer due to the damage that came happen with the weather we have.

The majority of courses are saturated and around teeboxes and greens will be destroyed very quickly with any sort of traffic on them.

Like people need their fix of golf every week otherwise they will have withdrawl symptoms.

Daithio9

Trampas wrote: »

Like people need their fix of golf every week otherwise they will have withdrawl symptoms.

+1
Withdrawl symptoms + cabin fever = all sorts of madness(as we've seen over the last few weeks on here).

ANXIOUS

Got out for a round yesterday in greenore, all greens and tee boxes open. Grand weather except for a bit of drizzle on the second. Lowest ever round yesterday a 93 thats with a quadruple bogey on the first and two treble bogeys on the 17th 18th the nerves got to me haha.

On the 17th i played the wrong ball, i was not a happy camper with the two shot penalty.Or with having to go back about 400yds i only realized when i was putting.

jimjo

Yeah got out too today for a few holes, fairways wet in patches but what do you expect. Green's actually were in decent nick, granted a bit slower than normal. A hangover didn't help matters and touch around the greens was poor but was great to get out for the first time since early December on such a pleasant evening.

Myksyk

Own course closed again today. Protecting greens so I suppose I can't complain. Thankfully found a 4ball slot in Shannon, a course I rally like so heading there for 11.55am. DTs setting in at this stage.

thoscon

headort new was closed this morning greens were frozen.had a tee time booked in knightsbrook just in case so managed to get out there,great to get out again

RGS

Managed to get out yesterday had an enjoyable game given the 4 week lay off. Rain on Friday night didn't help as the fairways were a bit damp. Greens were fine but slower than normal.

Some of the lakes still were partially frozen.

Shot 36 pts 15 front 21 back=happy with this start to the year.

Myksyk

Enjoyed Shannon today. 15 holes open, 4 with temporary greens (really bad temp greens). Besides the temp greens the standard greens were quite wet and lumpy due to the traffic so tricky with the short stick. Great to dust off the cobwebs all the same and boy there were some of those! 32 points for the 15 holes all the same so can't complain.