Rathcore GC

Bazzmundo

I'm a relative beginner but I'm playing twice a week at the moment and improving pretty quickly. I'm thinking about joining a club and Rathcore is close and I've heard very good things about it.

I have a few questions though if anyone can help me out.

Is it too hard for a beginner/improver?

How much is the greenfee for someone playing with a member? Say if I join and my brother/mate want to play with me?

How does one book teetimes? Does it tend to be busy during the week?

Could one rock up and play 9/18 holes without booking?

Any other advice or thoughts?

Thanks

Donal94

Obsessed!!

tang1

Bazzmundo wrote: »

I'm a relative beginner but I'm playing twice a week at the moment and improving pretty quickly. I'm thinking about joining a club and Rathcore is close and I've heard very good things about it.

I have a few questions though if anyone can help me out.

Is it too hard for a beginner/improver?

How much is the greenfee for someone playing with a member? Say if I join and my brother/mate want to play with me?

How does one book teetimes? Does it tend to be busy during the week?

Could one rock up and play 9/18 holes without booking?

Any other advice or thoughts?

Thanks

Its a tricky enough course but dont let that put you off, it'll improve your golf. Mix of short and long holes and water. You dont need the driver on every par 4. The greenfee was €20 playing with a member. You can book teetimes on line once your a member, you'll need to get your handicap first to access this. Not overly busy on weekdays, opens tend to be on on Wednesdays and Thursdays during summer months. Usually no issue turning up to play to play 9/18, never usually waiting to long to get out. Its a lovely lovely course that you'll enjoy, the staff are always very friendly and Austin is always a good laugh. Was a member myself but unfortunately due to the recession i have had to let my membership lapse

Bazzmundo

Thanks Tang1! I very tempted I have to say. My other option is Moyvalley which has a driving range and playing rights at New Forest aswell but I'd be a bit concerned about some of the things I've read about Moyvalley's financial stuff.

Zak Flaps

tang1 wrote: »

You can book teetimes on line once your a member, you'll need to get your handicap first to access this.

Are you sure about this? I'm a member of teetimes and have no handicap!
You're right though, it is a nice course.

tang1

Zak Flaps wrote: »

Are you sure about this? I'm a member of teetimes and have no handicap!

Maybe i'm wrong, but think O.P was enquiring how to book teetimes on Rathcore website. You need your G.U.I number or handicap for this.

Bazzmundo

No Tang1, you're spot on. That's what I was looking for. Might play it on Friday and then make my mind up.

TheRoomWrecker

its a great course has a lot of risk reward holes which I think is what makes it such a good track, I played down their on good Friday and the course was in great nick the greens are tricky not many flat puts fairways immaculate and the tee box's were exceptional

If it wasn't such a spin away I would join in a heart beat as its great value

Zak Flaps

tang1 wrote: »

Maybe i'm wrong, but think O.P was enquiring how to book teetimes on Rathcore website. You need your G.U.I number or handicap for this.

Ah I see.
Bazz, if you don't have a GUI handicap,best thing to do is ring them up and book a time. I've no GUI handicap and I've rang them a few times and got playing no problem.

GetInTheHole!

TheRoomWrecker wrote: »

its a great course has a lot of risk reward holes which I think is what makes it such a good track, I played down their on good Friday and the course was in great nick the greens are tricky not many flat puts fairways immaculate and the tee box's were exceptional

If it wasn't such a spin away I would join in a heart beat as its great value

Unfortunately that seems to be the very problem that Rathcore are facing in increasing their membership numbers - "if it wasn't such spin away.."

It's a really good track - difficult but enjoyable and at it's current offering is very good value.
But it has no real catchment area and faces massive competition from other quality golf courses in Meath (closer to towns with large populations).

In any case OP - I would suggest that you phone the course and arrange to call down when Austin (the owner) is there.
You will get all the info you need from him as any time I've played there - he's been more than welcoming and helpful.

the lawman

Any past members out there wanna big the place up it knock it down?

I'm close to joining. Finally I think we may have found our home after a long exhaustive search.

ASBO

I'm a former member.

Only negatives for me were lack of practice facilities (though no hassle getting out on course), lack of team golf (not in barton, metro, pierce purcell) and one bigger gripe was their fondness for stroke competitions (5 hour rounds that numerous threads in numerous courses have been dedicated to). Anyway I raised these issues and recieved favourable comment from the captain that they would be addressed. Due to financial reasons I had to leave so i am not in a position to comment on 2011.

All that aside, it is a fantastic challenging course, very highly maintained, and in my opinion the best value course in the North Kildare/Meath region. Ifthe above don't overly concern you then join asap, you wont regret it.

ASBO

Bazzmundo

Played and joined today. Delighted!

the lawman

Bazzmundo wrote: »

Played and joined today. Delighted!

Great stuff there pal. I'm close to joining myself. Will play it next week I reckon.

Might see you around the place!

Bazzmundo

the lawman wrote: »

Great stuff there pal. I'm close to joining myself. Will play it next week I reckon.

Might see you around the place!

Thanks man! Great course - looking forward to it a lot. We might hook up for a round maybe.

Whyner

Half day today so am teeing off this afternoon with a mate, played it twice before and really enjoyed it, roll on lunch time...

1916

Is Rathcore a hilly/flat/undulating course? Out there in July

Whyner

Bit of everything, greens are very undulating. It's a very enjoyable course, try not to lose your partners at the spaghetti tee box junction...

Fursttimer

1916 wrote: »

Is Rathcore a hilly/flat/undulating course? Out there in July

Very hilly golf course.

Kevinmarkham

1916 wrote: »

Is Rathcore a hilly/flat/undulating course? Out there in July

Fursttimer says it's a 'very hilly course' - it's not in the Delgany/Stackstown category - not even close, but there are a couple of short climbs around the place. Take a look at some photos to give you an idea:

Rathcore photos. I thought I had more than 5, but these will give you an idea.

billy3sheets

Fursttimer wrote: »

Very hilly golf course.

What? Rathcore has one "furze covered natural hillock" in the middle of it where someone called it "tee box spaghetti junction". Bit of a pull from 4th to 6th but I wouldn't call it a very hilly golf course at all.

Bazzmundo

billy3sheets wrote: »

What? Rathcore has one "furze covered natural hillock" in the middle of it where someone called it "tee box spaghetti junction". Bit of a pull from 4th to 6th but I wouldn't call it a very hilly golf course at all.

It's not flat but it's not Slade Valley hilly either. It's undulating to hilly I'd say.

Fursttimer

Of course, go ahead and compare it to some of the most-hilly golf courses scattered around and you can comment it isn't that bad. It's a hilly golf course.

the lawman

Bazzmundo wrote: »

It's not flat but it's not Slade Valley hilly either. It's undulating to hilly I'd say.

How you getting on Bazzmundo? What are you first impressions and did you make the right choice?

tang1

Fursttimer wrote: »

It's a hilly golf course.

I'm a past member there and its nothing like hilly, Esker Hills, Muskerry and Slade Valley are hilly courses. Rathcore is undulating as already said.

Fursttimer

tang1 wrote: »

I'm a past member there and its nothing like hilly, Esker Hills, Muskerry and Slade Valley are hilly courses. Rathcore is undulating as already said.

Of course it's undulating.

But, you are trying to make out that you don't walk up hills? Just mere undulations? Pull the other one.

tang1

Fursttimer wrote: »

Of course it's undulating.

But, you are trying to make out that you don't walk up hills? Just mere undulations? Pull the other one.

Each to there own i suppose. You think its hilly its hilly.

Bazzmundo

Let's just agree that it's somewhat hilly.... and quite undulating.... Can't we all just get along:)

Bazzmundo

the lawman wrote: »

How you getting on Bazzmundo? What are you first impressions and did you make the right choice?

Love it! Delighted with myself. Course is in amazing condition. Struggling a bit at the moment but I can see myself getting it together. Brother joined too. Next step is to get my Handicap.

the lawman

Bazzmundo wrote: »

Love it! Delighted with myself. Course is in amazing condition. Struggling a bit at the moment but I can see myself getting it together. Brother joined too. Next step is to get my Handicap.

Great to hear. My joining partner is playing tomorrow and then we will make the final call on whether we join. Hopefully I'll be a fully paid up member by next week!

tang1

Bazzmundo wrote: »

Let's just agree that it's somewhat hilly.... and quite undulating.... Can't we all just get along:)

Apologies Bazzmundo, didn't mean to hijack your thread, hope you enjoy Rathcore. As i told you to begin with its a great course that will improve your golf no end.

Bazzmundo

tang1 wrote: »

Apologies Bazzmundo, didn't mean to hijack your thread, hope you enjoy Rathcore. As i told you to begin with its a great course that will improve your golf no end.

No worries! It's disapproving it no end at the moment but I know what you mean. Getting my first ever lesson on Sunday so that might put things right....!

Donal94

I'd just like to wiegh in on the hilly-ness of the course, I'd say its more not particulary flat than especially hilly! I'm his brother and it is dis-improving his golf!!

the lawman

I will officially be a member during the week.

My first club after playing the game for 12 months.

Can't wait.

Bazzmundo

Congratulations!

lubo_moravcik

OP, how are you getting on after 4 months of being a member? I played it once back in May, and as a beginner I struggled a fair bit on it.
I live in the local area and will be looking to join one of the three main courses (Rathcore, County Meath or Knightbrook). Have played Knightbrook a few times lately and enjoying the challenge.

So Rathcore, would you recommend?? And why???

snowy666

lubo_moravcik wrote: »

So Rathcore, would you recommend?? And why???

FWIW I would go with RC for a home course choice. Whilst they are both excellent courses in their own ways, KB has far more of a 'big' course feel, where you need to be hitting driver off every tee box other than the par 3's, due to it's length and RC is a very varied track.

RC tackles your course management far more. A good example is the risk/reward par 4, 3rd. You can chop the corner (blind) and go for the green or lay up to the corner with a 7 iron. I can't think of any holes on KB where you get any real choice of shot off the tee.

Both courses are kept in very good condition. Basically, if you're a good, long driver of the ball you'll do very well at KB, if you're crisp iron player, RC is more suited. (note: not saying RC is short btw, as it's not. About avg.)

lubo_moravcik

snowy666 wrote: »

FWIW I would go with RC for a home course choice. Whilst they are both excellent courses in their own ways, KB has far more of a 'big' course feel, where you need to be hitting driver off every tee box other than the par 3's, due to it's length and RC is a very varied track.

RC tackles your course management far more. A good example is the risk/reward par 4, 3rd. You can chop the corner (blind) and go for the green or lay up to the corner with a 7 iron. I can't think of any holes on KB where you get any real choice of shot off the tee.

Both courses are kept in very good condition. Basically, if you're a good, long driver of the ball you'll do very well at KB, if you're crisp iron player, RC is more suited. (note: not saying RC is short btw, as it's not. About avg.)

Thanks for the input there snowy, great help. I played Rathcore once before and booked in for a round tomorrow and will enquire about the membership. I remember that 3rd hole oh so well, think I hit two off the tee into the trees on the left. I'm more of a crisp iron player than big hitter.

thoscon

lubo_moravcik wrote: »

Thanks for the input there snowy, great help. I played Rathcore once before and booked in for a round tomorrow and will enquire about the membership. I remember that 3rd hole oh so well, think I hit two off the tee into the trees on the left. I'm more of a crisp iron player than big hitter.

Your playing it at the right time its captains prize tmrw course will be in great nick for that..loads of tricky flag positions no doubt !!

1916

Played it yesterday, first time and impressed. Course in great condition. Some lovely Par 3's

One thing I noticed is that you can hear a lot of chatter from other groups, perhaps because of the tight vicinity of some holes

lubo_moravcik

thoscon wrote: »

Your playing it at the right time its captains prize tmrw course will be in great nick for that..loads of tricky flag positions no doubt !!

Better be sure not to rip the place up with divots. Great news on the pin positions, will help me with my goal of no more than 2 putts per hole