Castleknock or Black Bush?

Har44

Hi all,I have decided that for next years golf, I am going to join somewhere close to me with the objective of more practice and less travel. Castleknock have a new offer of €1750 annual fees from now until end of 2011, whilst Black Bush has offer of €1900 including membership until end of 2011. Both are close enough (under 20 mins), but to help make a choice I was hoping to get some opinion or objective views on which to join.So with travel time sorted out, the next point would be quality of course, I am guessing that most people would vote for Castleknock? it advertises as having great greens and great drainage? The other point I was considering was the club atmosphere and members. Whereas Black Bush appears to be a settled members club it seems that Castleknock has only 150 members and members tee times only at present between 8am - 10am on Sat, Sun. Any members like to share experience/opinion?many thanks

Ollieboy

I saw the offer for Black Bush myself this week and its a hell of a deal... Its a 27 hole complex that has a great set-up and no debt from what the flyer said.

Yes Castleknock is a nice course, but its expensive and the sub will always be more expensive when the good times come back, if ever. I would also wonder about the future of it. It does seem to be wrap up in property deals etc.

For me the safe bet is Black Bush, but you could take Castleknock for a year and then leave, I reckon it won't be the last time that Black Bush make that offer.

Also I think the Castleknock offer is only playing membership and Black Bush is full membership... not sure but important to check out. I would head out to both course, tell them you're interest get a free round in each and then decide.

conno16

black bush is a boring course imo
its always in good knick etc - thats great
they hold some well attended comps and have a good "club" going

however it will become pretty monotonous after a few rounds

castleknock on the other hand is interesting and would be a far better option in my opinion
less of a "club" definately
but the course would come first for me

Jockey 1

No comparison - Castleknock Golf Club, both course and facilities are by far superior to the Bush ... played it many times and use the facilities quite often - food is great also and the clubhouse is always buzzing ...

carnsoreboxer

Castleknock!

Agree with views about Black Bush, it could get very boring, some of the holes are very up and down also I have always found it a very wet course in the winter

Diageo1

If you are under 35 or even better under 30 Killeen castle have great deals for mrmbership and is a stunning facility,

If not for my money luttrelstown or lease a membership in carton house for the year would be better than black bush or castleknock

MJ1Lavelle

Members times are very restricted. Rent
membership is very good at 1750. Course
is outstanding. Greens brilliant and the club
house buzzes like a Portugal golf resort
especially on a sunny day. I left last year
but seriously thinking of returning. Recommended

brian076

As a member of Blackbush I'm going to be biased, and while I agree that as a course Castleknock probably has a better layout, the bush would be a far better course to join as a member. Plus it has 27 holes which means you'll always get to play no matter how busy it is.
Comps are very well attended and are all sponsored. The practice facilities are not bad either, with a putting, chipping and pitching green, as well as a floodlit range.
I'd disagree with the poster who says that the course gets wet in the winter, it's probably one of the driest around, and is open when most other courses in the vicinity are closed. A major drainage operation took place many years ago which has been very successful, and usually it's only closed after prolonged torrential rain, which causes the greens to flood.
Yes some of the holes are up and down and there's talk of moving some tee boxes to turn them into doglegs, but it's a good test of golf and if you don't hit the fairway, the chances are you'll be chipping sideways for your second shot.

Har44

Thanks for the replies, I think it will be Castleknock. Still expensive but seems to have the edge as regards the course and is only 10 mins from the house. Seems a long time away now, but am looking forward to having the opportunity of playing a few holes on bright evenings. thanks again.