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Moyvalley Golf

  • 23-09-2010 2:20pm
    #1
    Closed Accounts Posts: 5


    Hi have played Moyvalley once last and ws very impressed. I see from there web site membership is now €1250.00 per year. I think this is good value but from some of the comments posted about condition of course,and clubhouse not being open wondering if it is a good idea to join. Are there any members and if so how many. Otherwise I also looked at Rathcore, I believe this is also in trouble,any information on same would be helpfull.


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 848 ✭✭✭Kace


    Did you play the sister course down the road - New Forest. I preferred this to Moyvalley.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 387 ✭✭zztop


    Big open field.....greens like ridged cheap carpet.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    I've organised a couple of outings there over the last month or so and am due to play there again next month.

    I played it 4 weeks ago and thought it was nice. It's an inland links so no trees, so yes it could be described as an oped field as much as a parkland could be descriped as a forest with a few clearings. I thought the greens were in good condition and every bit as good if not better than Headfort where I'd played the week before.

    There are a couple of holes on the back 9 where it is pretty field like to the left of the fairways. But nothing so bad to stop you playing there.

    The second group I organised were all very impressed. I had to miss due to holidays. Yes there are a few rough edges as it's not as maintained as it once was but again, no worse than some other courses I've played.

    If it was a little closer I would seriously consider joining. I might talk to them though about paying monthly though, and if I did I wouldn't be prepared to pay too much of a premium for it as it is a risk. I would ring and talk to them. Let them know your concerns and then let us all know how you get on. Is there a chance of them folding in 2011 or have they got an agreement with the creditors to try and become viable for a certain length of time?

    I think it's a great set-up. You also get 2 free rounds a month at New Forest. Hmmm, got me thinking about it too. It's 30 mins away though :(


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,268 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL



    There are a couple of holes on the back 9 where it is pretty field like to the left of the fairways. But nothing so bad to stop you playing there

    AFAIK its the members who are maintaining the course at the moment to try help things along.

    Hope they get through this low and i wish people would stop spreading rumours about the place - even this week 2 people said to me its closed and new forest isn't far behind.:mad:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 387 ✭✭zztop


    Some very nice holes near the end but chaos as
    there are a number of societies out.expect 5/6 hrs.:mad:


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 156 ✭✭koheim


    No way it takes 5-6 hours to play this course (that is if you don't play strokesplay and have to look for your ball in the rough every hole). Usually 4-4,5 hours in a fourball, which is normal for any course.

    I have played it around 10 times and it is one of my favourites. Must be one of the best designed courses that was buildt the last 10 years. If you think it short from yellow, just go back and play it from white (from blue it must be one of the longest courses around?)

    This course is never busy, not in my experience anyway.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    charlieIRL wrote: »
    AFAIK its the members who are maintaining the course at the moment to try help things along.

    Hope they get through this low and i wish people would stop spreading rumours about the place - even this week 2 people said to me its closed and new forest isn't far behind.:mad:

    I think the fairways and greens are in good order. It was to the left of the rough I was talking about where at one point I played out of a tractor rut. Would love to buy the house on the side of the fairway that looks empty!

    I really hope it survives as I thought it was great.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,268 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL


    Would love to play here, would anyone off here be up for a fourball some Sunday? Not around this weekend but any after that


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭bridestream


    A member told me recently they (Moyvalley) have got 2 years from the Receiver/Nationwide Building Society to get membership up from the present 70ish.
    In the present economic climate I wish them the best of luck.

    Incidentally the comment by 'Day Trader' regarding Rathcore is wide of the mark. Also, the annual sub for Men there is 860 and for Ladies 450!

    I played it last Tuesday in the company of 3 guys who had never played it before and we all agreed it was a superb track and in great condition.

    If it was in trouble it would not have been in such great order, I think.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5 Day Trader


    Thanks to Bridestream for clearing up item about Rathcore. Based on the current uncertainty I think I will opt for Rathcore, good track, and also good value. Once again thanks for comments.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 402 ✭✭The_Architect


    It's an inland links

    I wish people would stop using this term.

    It is no such thing (apologies for picking on this one of many instances). The abundance (or lack) of trees has no impact whatsoever on whether the course is a links.

    Generally speaking, trees are more detrimental to golf courses than beneficial in my opinion. They encroach on the playing corridors, they stop sunlight reaching the turf and they block out views.

    "Inland links" is pure marketing bumf that has no basis in reality.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Mister Sifter


    I wish people would stop using this term.

    It is no such thing (apologies for picking on this one of many instances). The abundance (or lack) of trees has no impact whatsoever on whether the course is a links.

    Generally speaking, trees are more detrimental to golf courses than beneficial in my opinion. They encroach on the playing corridors, they stop sunlight reaching the turf and they block out views.

    "Inland links" is pure marketing bumf that has no basis in reality.

    Perhaps not, but it does give someone who has never been to the course an idea as to what to expect i.e. it's different to a 'typical' parkland.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 402 ✭✭The_Architect


    Perhaps not, but it does give someone who has never been to the course an idea as to what to expect i.e. it's different to a 'typical' parkland.

    There are easier and better ways to do that though; just saying "treeless" for one.

    Irish golf seems to be obssessed with trees on their golf courses. If a course is being built on an old country house demesne, then a few wonderful old mature oaks is just the ticket. But excessive tree-planting for framing of fairways always seems a waste of money to me.

    No matter what your opinion, calling a clay based, bent grass, parkland course an "inland links" is very misleading.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Mister Sifter


    There are easier and better ways to do that though; just saying "treeless" for one.

    Irish golf seems to be obssessed with trees on their golf courses. If a course is being built on an old country house demesne, then a few wonderful old mature oaks is just the ticket. But excessive tree-planting for framing of fairways always seems a waste of money to me.

    No matter what your opinion, calling a clay based, bent grass, parkland course an "inland links" is very misleading.

    Grand, i personally don't really care if it's the correct technical term or not but three courses have been described as inland links - the Smurfit, Monty and Moyvalley - prior to me visiting them. All three times i've gained a reasonable understanding as to what to expect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 402 ✭✭The_Architect


    Grand, i personally don't really care if it's the correct technical term or not but three courses have been described as inland links - the Smurfit, Monty and Moyvalley - prior to me visiting them. All three times i've gained a reasonable understanding as to what to expect.

    I'm not really questioning that - I suspect that you and everyone else knows that "inland links" just means "parkland course with no trees".

    I just wish we'd start to call these courses what they actually are. That's all.

    (and I wish we'd stop planting trees on golf courses - but that's a different debate)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 311 ✭✭macannrb


    I spoke to the manager today looking for student membership and he was saying that he expects 2011 membership to be 1000


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 107 ✭✭uptheroyals


    Kace wrote: »
    Did you play the sister course down the road - New Forest. I preferred this to Moyvalley.

    played here last sunday..... what a golf course!! its tuff mind u, played off the backs, struggled round in 3 over, but condition was fantastic despite the terrible rain, and loved every hole with the exception of maybe ten? but 11, 12, 13 are 3 absolute crackers of holes!! will definitely be going back soon


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    macannrb wrote: »
    I spoke to the manager today looking for student membership and he was saying that he expects 2011 membership to be 1000

    Playing here again on Saturday and was on the website earlier. 2011 membership down to €1000 as you said.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 606 ✭✭✭Tin_Cup


    Carr Golf are taking over the running of New Forrest (and more then likely) Moyvalley for 2011


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    I'd heard that from someone else...

    I had another enjoyable day out there, I enjoy the course and it's handy enough to get to so I've decided to join. :D

    I was concerned about throwing a grand away if they closed tomorrow, as they are still in administration, but I've sorted that worry out after talking to them.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,239 ✭✭✭mag


    very impressive course - extremly well layed out, lots of good bunkering and tricky greens. pretty open off the tee & large greens but if you stray widely youre in trouble.
    very strong last 3 holes - 16th & 18th are top notch - not for the faint hearted!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 318 ✭✭Unglika Norse


    I'd heard that from someone else...

    I had another enjoyable day out there, I enjoy the course and it's handy enough to get to so I've decided to join. :D

    I was concerned about throwing a grand away if they closed tomorrow, as they are still in administration, but I've sorted that worry out after talking to them.


    out of interest what did they say to put your mind at rest, because there is a petition in to wind up Moyvalley Golf Club PLC lodged on the 8th October, unless this is another scam type thing to get out of paying bills. ??


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    To be honest I already knew about that before I talked to them and as membership payment for 2011 doesn't start till next year (after the hearing) it wasn't a concern.

    The worry about paying a large lump sum was overcome by allowing me to pay the same amount in quarterly installments.

    I don't have a great grasp of Irish company law, but Irish Nationwide approached KPMG and asked them to act as receivers and administrators therefore taking the land and property out of the hands of the company. I aren't sure if that means the club is still at risk from the petition by Barclays Mercantile or if they are solely petitioning what is left of the company.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,120 ✭✭✭fungun


    hmm, am looking to join a club and was looking at moyvalley.

    at 1000 a year its good value....but considering thats to entice new members, is there anything to stop them putting that up again in a year or two, cos i couldnt afford much more?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 27,051 ✭✭✭✭Dempo1


    Anyone even considering membership of a club in receivership wants their head examined. This saga will run and run with numerous creditors on the waiting list. Only short of a complete purchase (takeover), which seems highly unlikely in the current climate would i consider investing in membership. Sadly this course is not the only one in receivership. I am also astonished the manager is encouraging membership with a very unstable financial situation, furthermore the facilities namely clubhouse, bar etc will be run on a shoe string with limited opening times during the receivership, thats if there open at all. Finally it appears the current management are taking whatever fee's are coming in in order to reduce liabilities, sadly as a result i have heard its a free for all on the course with little or no time management of societies. Admittedly a fine course but a risky prospect joining albeit reduced fee's on offer.

    Is maith an scáthán súil charad.




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    Dempo1 wrote: »
    Anyone even considering membership of a club in receivership wants their head examined. This saga will run and run with numerous creditors on the waiting list. Only short of a complete purchase (takeover), which seems highly unlikely in the current climate would i consider investing in membership. Sadly this course is not the only one in receivership. I am also astonished the manager is encouraging membership with a very unstable financial situation, furthermore the facilities namely clubhouse, bar etc will be run on a shoe string with limited opening times during the receivership, thats if there open at all. Finally it appears the current management are taking whatever fee's are coming in in order to reduce liabilities, sadly as a result i have heard its a free for all on the course with little or no time management of societies. Admittedly a fine course but a risky prospect joining albeit reduced fee's on offer.

    and breathe.... :D

    From my basic business understanding a reciever would not keep a business running if they were not hopeful of a sale or that the company is worth more as a giong concern. KPMG are currently running the show and are pushing for new members. I aren't sure about the facilities but the bar and changing rooms have been open the few times I've been there. Maybe I'm just an over optimistic fool but I could see Moyvalley being a possible purchase for a large hotel chain like De Vere who have a few courses inthe UK. It's a buyers market at the moment.

    I aren't sure what you've heard about tee time management but it was fine the times I was there. Or do you mean a ranger making sure people are playing quick enough?

    I am not stupid and I realise the risk involved in joiing a club in receivership. There are a lot of golf clubs in precarious financial positions (asking memebers for additional fees etc) and a lot of jobs depend on those courses remaining open. If everyone left clubs that were in financial difficulty we would have a fair few less courses and more crowded fairways.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭bridestream


    Rathcore is just 'down the road' from Moyvalley.
    I joined it earlier this year and at 860 for 12 months membership I consider it a snip - and it's NOT in Receivership!
    Incidentally it's only 450 for Ladies.
    It's a superb course from Tee to Green and has a fine clubhouse with all facilities.
    Without doubt nobody can be certain what will happen with a club in Receivership.
    I'm pleased I joined Rathcore and I have no regrets.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭Curly7


    Played there on Sunday for the first time. Not overly impressed after all of the hype. I thought it was a very plain, wide open course, but can't complain for €30.

    Two of us played and we didn't see anybody else on the course until we caught a fourball on the 12th. There were only about 6 or 7 cars in the car park so i'm not sure if I lived out that way I'd be too keen on joining


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    Yeah it was quiet ok on the Sunday. I may have been in the fourball who let you through on the 15th, I think if it was around 3pm.

    I actually prefer a course to be quiet rather than being rushed or help up. We let 2 two balls through as soon as they got close enough but saw nobody else all day

    Did any you like any of the holes?

    They cut back the rough during the week and added a second grade of rough which has made the course more forgiving if you stray a little. Before it was just the fairway and the one cut of rough before the heavy stuff.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 138 ✭✭Curly7


    Yeah, that was us on the 15th!
    It was actually great to get out with nobody on the course and get around in just over 3 hours.

    There are some great holes, the 18th in particular is one of the toughest around.

    I'd like to play it again in the summer when it's in peak condition.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    Carr Golf are now in and managing the club. They have appointed an acting course superintendent who is working with Gerry Byrne and his team to ensure the course is in top notch order.

    Membership has now dropped to €850 for 2011 and members are being encouraged to help the recruitment drive by gaining €100 credit for each new member introduced. (so if anyone wants introducing... :) )

    I know a fair few people are critical of the Celtic Tiger excesses like Moyvalley is deemed to be but I'm really looking forward to seeing them make a real go of pulling the club out of its current predicament.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭bridestream


    I've played Moyvalley a number of times and best of luck to them in their efforts to stay open.
    I joined Rathcore this year and they have increased their membership substantially and have 269 Male members plus Juniors and Ladies brings the total up to 330 apx.
    Must say it's a great course and the greens just now are superb.
    Cost of Male Membership is similar to Moyvalley.
    However Ladies can join for 450!
    There will surely be some courses that will close in the new year.
    They simply can't all survive.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 156 ✭✭koheim


    Carr Golf are now in and managing the club. They have appointed an acting course superintendent who is working with Gerry Byrne and his team to ensure the course is in top notch order.

    Membership has now dropped to €850 for 2011 and members are being encouraged to help the recruitment drive by gaining €100 credit for each new member introduced. (so if anyone wants introducing... :) )

    I know a fair few people are critical of the Celtic Tiger excesses like Moyvalley is deemed to be but I'm really looking forward to seeing them make a real go of pulling the club out of its current predicament.

    Now, that is value!
    I will strongly consider joining Moyvalley next year. I do not think there is a better offer out there, not for what you get anyway. Does the membership start from 1st January to 31st December or is is a different period? Can I join straight away to the end of this period? Do they want membership in cash or can a DD facility be set up?
    I have given up on Knockanally, even if I understand that they also have lowered their sub to around 900 for next year..Problem is that the quality of the course is just on a different planet.

    Can't believe I am talking golf in this weather, must get my cross country skies down from the attic instead.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 132 ✭✭bridestream


    koheim - your comments on Knockanally are understandable. As a member of Knockanally I have seen the deterioration of the course over the last few years when compared to other courses.
    That is why I joined Rathcore this year and I have no regrets.
    Moyvalley is ok - it is very open - not unlike the Monty Carton course. It has only 60/70 members and they have a huge job on their hands to increase the numbers anywhere approaching 'survivable' levels.
    For my money Rathcore is a better course overall with superb greens and has the numbers (269 adult male) for decent sompetiton and they also enter teams for inter club competitions.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,910 ✭✭✭couerdelion


    You are right about the current number of members and there is a push on to get that higher but it still won't be a huge amount (target is 110 ish). This does have an advantage of meaning its easy to get on the timesheet :)

    They are trying to affiliate with the ILGU so they can offer ladies memberships and handicaps.

    I aren't sure about inter-club competitions. On the noticeboard they were down as entries last year in a couple of the cups and they have a regular weekly competition, albeit over 14 holes in the winter.

    Koheim: Membership is in either one lump sum or two equal payments. If it possible to play golf again this year I'm sure you could negotiate with them to add on the rest of this year and if you're stuck for someone to play with we nearly always only play as a two or three and have no problems with anyone joining us (I am not very good mind!).


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 146 ✭✭boksmashoffice


    Hi,
    I heard at the local that there was an open day for non members for 20 euro. For this price you get a round of golf and a 3 course meal.
    1. Can anyone confirm this rumour
    2. If the answer to q1 is yes then what date is this happening. is there some kind of sign upsheet?

    regards


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Mister Sifter


    Hi,
    I heard at the local that there was an open day for non members for 20 euro. For this price you get a round of golf and a 3 course meal.
    1. Can anyone confirm this rumour
    2. If the answer to q1 is yes then what date is this happening. is there some kind of sign upsheet?

    regards

    It was meant to be Tuesday (tomorrow) but cancelled due to a burst water pipe in clubhouse.


  • Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 7,268 Mod ✭✭✭✭charlieIRL


    Is the course still open after the snow yet? Might give them a buzz and see. Am going mad to get out for a game


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,798 ✭✭✭Mister Sifter


    charlieIRL wrote: »
    Is the course still open after the snow yet? Might give them a buzz and see. Am going mad to get out for a game

    Yeah, it's open fully. I was down there today and not even a hint of the white stuff around. It's fairly soft in parts, but given the amount of snow that has melted through the ground in the past 72 hours i was fairly astounded at how playable it was.

    First time playing it and if i lived a bit closer i'd give serious consideration to joining.

    There a whole whack of other membership options available too - one notable one i spotted was 500 euro for 4 day membership distance membership (i think) which includes one day at the weekend. Offer is to anyone outwith 40km or within the M50.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 687 ✭✭✭sector


    ye i played there today too, really got me excited about the new Golf season! Shot +1 so very happy and at that reduced rate seriously considering joining in addition to my current membership. As MS said, course condition was great considering weather etc.

    I think they are going to reorganise the member drive day to another day, will confirm if i hear when, it was cancelled to a reduced golf only due to water pipe burst (I did hear the water was fixed during the day today)

    Oh ye, you get another 50 quid off if a member introduces you, AND it's vat inclusive and I can pay half & half, hmm i think i've talked myself into it.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,197 ✭✭✭bailey99


    played here a few months ago with some mates from dublin. Clubhouse was fantastic in fairness, facilities were among the best i've seen. The course was nice but nothing special. In saying that the prices being quoted are superb value and worth considering. 500euro for one day at weekends and 3 days midweek. U couldnt complain with that.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭dubber


    Any views on whether Moyvalley have a reasonably active membership or indeed if they've got a/getting close to a sustainable membership level?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33 Al0502


    Played an open day last Thursday week for €20.
    Great value


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 355 ✭✭dubber


    Al0502 wrote: »
    Played an open day last Thursday week for €20.
    Great value

    Good stuff, I take it the course was in good nick?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 156 ✭✭koheim


    Just saw this in Facebook:

    "IF RORY WINS YOU WIN
    Possibly the best golf offer anywhere in Ireland.
    Join Moyvalley Golf Club before 5pm on Friday April the 6th and if Rory McIlroy wins The Masters we will give you your money back."


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 509 ✭✭✭pcasso


    koheim wrote: »
    Just saw this in Facebook:

    "IF RORY WINS YOU WIN
    Possibly the best golf offer anywhere in Ireland.
    Join Moyvalley Golf Club before 5pm on Friday April the 6th and if Rory McIlroy wins The Masters we will give you your money back."
    I guess the club could hedge their bets by backing Rory at 5/1.
    That way all they are doing is offering nine months membership at a twenty percent discount.


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