Castlebar vs Westport

Newuser12345

Will be down west soon and have only time to play 1 of these
which would you recommend?

Jul3s

I've never played Castlebar but I have played Westport, so on that basis I recommend Westport, after a fairly straight forward opening 6/7 holes running side by side, the holes become more individual and interesting, the last 6 holes in particular are a good test and the 12th (iirc) is a monster of a long par 3 but plays shorter than it looks.
Overall it's well kept and is enjoyable enough.

macdonagh2007

Castlebar Golf Club course is in terrific condition at the moment following the Bulmers Cups/Shields Finals which were held there last week. I think it more interesting and challenging to play than Westport which can take over 5 hours to play (lot of walking to tee boxes). The greens are noted to be best in West. ( Augusta type ).

G1032

Castlebar is a grand course. Nothing special. Cheaper than Westport and doesn't have the air of pretentiousness that Westport has about it.

I did hear reports that the greens in Castlebar were up to 11 on the stipmeter for the All-Irelands a couple of weeks ago. Not sure how fast they are now.

Westport - First 5 holes are very weak, poor holes. But from the 6th onwards (excluding the 10th) you are in for a real treat. 2 magnificent par 4's are the 8th and 13th. The 14th then is a superb par 3. Basically from the 6th on it's a great course.

But if you're down that part of the country play Ballinrobe instead, especially if its after a period of rain...... Westport can get quite wet in places.

deko43

Cant comment on Castlebar but Westport is a treat. The back nine is as good as you will get anywhere. The club house grub is good and the
natives are friendly. Played during their open week a couple of times
on my own hooking up with some of the members and apart from my scores I have nothing but good memories of the place.

Kace

Westport - great test of golf with its own Amen corner just after the turn. If you are playing two rounds in the area, play Westport twice.

macdonagh2007

Play Castlebar on your way down,Westport the following day and Ballinrobe on your way home. Then lets us have your report!

Newuser12345

Going with Westport as no visitor restriction on Sat.

Thanks for the advice. Looking forward to it....

niall147

Westport has great views on the back 9 but Ballinrobe is a far better golf course than either it or Castelbar in my opinion. Great variety of holes, beautiful rural setting and a castle on the 10th tee!! If you don't play it this time try and fit it in on your next trip. You won't be disappointed.