Druids Heath

bailey99

I'm looking for course guide, photos of the holes, fly overs, walk throughs for Druids Heath. Playing it next month for the first time.

Cant seem to find anything online though. Anyone know where I can find something?

Also, what sort of condition is Druids Heath in at the moment? Thanks

thewobbler

One of the least enjoyable golf experiences of my life. Unnecessarily tough, with inconsistent greens. Go somewhere else.

Kevinmarkham

bailey99 wrote: »

photos of the holes

Only a few shots - I wasn't allowed out to walk the course/take photos, so these are all from near the clubhouse, but will give you an idea. The wobbler's being a bit harsh, but it is certainly a tough, unmoving course. Good luck

Druid's Heath

thewobbler

Maybe a bit harsh Kevin, but it really wasn't any fun. It's not even that it's tough, it's plain cruel in places.

Bailey, based on one drunken weekend there:

#1 is a long par four. Stay right if you can, it makes for an easier approach. The green slopes right to left.

#2 is a medium length par 5, mostly all downhill. The green is narrow though and guarded on three sides by water. Unless you're confident of stopping a long iron/hybrid quickly, you'll be laying up on the right hand side with your second, so don't worry about melting the drive.

#3 is a medium length par 3, with a long water carry, which isn't as daunting as it sounds. The green is very wide; you're almost better missing it than leaving a 100 ft putt.

#4 is a flat and easy par 5, with the only danger being gorse to the right of the green.

#5 is one of those par 3s over a valley to a raised green. You can't go long because of the bushes out of the back, and there's a big bunker on the slope up to the green. If I remember right, it's a very low index.

Rest of the front nine are straight-ish par fours, with 9 being the best of them.

#10 I played the course twice, and the second time was the cruelest pin position I ever saw. It's a fairly long par 4, we were playing into a 25mph breeze, and the flag was sat atop the bunker that guards the left side of the green. Every grain on the green turns towards that bunker.

#11 is a staightforward par 3

#12 is simply a cruel hole. A blind drive to a narrow fairway that will try to push your ball into the hedge. A long 2nd involves playing down into a valley where everything tries to push your ball into the water on the right.

#13 is a nice hole and despite the water that guards the green, isn't long enough to scare. There is a giant tree though between the water and the green. You'll be approaching the green with a high flight and depending on the pin position, you should drive to avoid bringing the tree into play.

#14 is the signature par 3. I found it a club long, my mate found it a club short. The valley confuses things. So I'm no help to you at all!

After that, it's a nondescript path home, apart from the strange par 5, which off the green tees is really only a par 4.

bailey99

the negativity is a little worrying. I played Druids Glen and although it was nice, I didnt believe it to be a stunning course. Not a patch on Adare Manor in my opinion. We're in the area for a week and I picked Druids Heath to have a game on this time round.

We're a 10, 12, 17 (but should be 14!) and a non-GUI golfer (but has a fairly decent game in fairness). I left out courses of the calibre of Bunclody, Dunmurry Springs, Arklow, Carlow etc to play Druids Heath.

Just hoping the course isn't a disaster now after hearing your feedback. Was the place in good condition (greens etc) when you played there?

thewobbler

Bailey, I'm rarely negative about any golf course, but there was something just not right about the Heath. The first round was quite enjoyable, as the feature holes are quite eye-opening. But on the second day, course knowledge didn't seem to help. It was just gruelling (and apart from a changeable wind, it was a perfect day for golf).

It probably doesn't help that the feature holes are loaded at the front of each nine. By the time I got to the end, they were largely forgotten.

In terms of greens, I'd consider myself a pretty solid putter, but I couldn't get these ones at all, and they tore my confidence apart. The pace was inconsistent and the lines were unreadable. Some people love the challenge of greens like this. Me, I prefer an easier life. Unable to rely on putting to save my card, in some ways I suppose I was looking forward to the next hole with trepidation rather than anticipation, which wouldn't help matters.

We played the Glen on the Sunday of that trip, and it was a world apart. I can't wait to play Adare if you consider it several rungs up the ladder! While the Heath can be barren and unforgiving, the Glen was always a pleasant walk.

Kace

Bailey if you were not impressed by Druids Glen then don't even bother going to the Heath. Or if you do, bring your long game.

Sounds like you may enjoy Powerscourt East or Carton Monty better.

AGC

Hate the place. Some of the greens are just a joke.

Caddied there a few years ago when Taylor Made had their 25th anniversary and they had a good few tour pro's. Garcia, Goosen, McGinley...All the lads that were with Taylor Made at the time and they all said if there was a tour event there they wouldn't play.

bailey99

I'm so surprised with the feedback from people here about Druids Heath. I saw in Golf World it was 34th best course in Ireland. And still it obviously doesnt sit well with people.

Gonna cancel the booking and go elsewhere as a result of feedback. Kevin Markham; can you comment how the course was ranked 34th in Ireland and yet people feel so strongly against it???? I would welcome your opinoin.

To the poster who commented about playing Adare Manor. I couldnt recommend it high enough. Great opening two holes in my opinion. 5th is a easy enuf index 1 tho. Very parable. Great downhill par 3 6th hole. The seventh is magnificient twisting right around the lake almost in a U shape from tee to green. Dont be greedy here and u'll be wedging it onto the green for your 3rd. 8th and 9th a bit bland, but the setting with the Manor behind the 9th green is visually lovely.

10th is a nice straightforward par 4 beside the river. 11th, par 3 over the river, very scenic setting. 12th is the start of the fun!!!

12th, par 5 twisting dogleg to the left, Magnificent view into the green if u drive to the top of the hill. 13th, my favourite hole on the course. Cut outta the massive trees, par 4 with a tough green to hit, simply awesome, something outta Augusta I always think when playing it.

14th, lovely par 4 towards the lake. Other Adare course behind the hole with views of the abbey ruins. 15th, short par 4 with water and manor all down the right. Very birdie able hole. 16th, is this the signiture hole, all carry over the water. 17th is the weakest hole on the course in my opinion. 18th par 5. Dunno what to say about this hole. Just stand on the tee box for a few mins to appreciate the hole. Magnificient doesn't do it justice. Think Trent Jones said its probably the best finishing hole he's ever designed. Or else he said it was the best par 5 ever ever designed. River Maigue all up the left. A good drive means u can try carrying the river to the green on the opposite side. Otherwise, layup with a wedge and carry the river with your third, another wedge. Out of bounds over the green. Without a doubt its the best parkland course I've ever played.

Always in fantastic condition, and the staff there are so nice and helpful without being lick-arsey if you know my meaning!!!

macewindu

Bailey I am so sorry to hear that you are going to cancel your game in Druids Heath. Its true that it is a very challenging course, and obviously not as picturesque as its sister course, Druids Glen, but it really does have some super challenges.

If the feature holes HAVE to be at the end of each 9, well, then I guess, so be it. I have to be honest though, the approach in to the 18th is only super - a green literally surrounded by undulating slopes leading in to all sorts of differing bunkers.

If its the easy life one craves going around golf courses, then in Ireland we have plenty of options - but please don't disregard a super course that sits right on our doorstep. We are spoilt in this country with course design, green fee price variation, special offers etc etc.

Next time you are planning on playing in Wicklow, message me and I would be delighted to meet you for a game around the 34th best golf course in the country, delighted.

Jul3s

Wow, it's a real daming indictment on a course when your average Joe Soap gives out about the greens in such a manner as above, "I consider myself a solid putter but........".

Kevinmarkham

bailey99 wrote: »

Kevin Markham; can you comment how the course was ranked 34th in Ireland and yet people feel so strongly against it???? I would welcome your opinoin.

Currently everyone (bar the most recent poster) has been very anti the course, so you're getting a very one-sided argument so far. Personally, I'm not a fan either - it's too much work for not enough joy. It's 6,600 yards off the white tees but it plays longer.

As for its ranking, the designers of the course and the quality will always have people eager to make a fuss over it - certainly when I've been there the greens were excellent (so a bit surprised at thewobbler's initial post) and the shape is attractive enough... but there is definitely a desire to make this a tough course. Perhaps some people like that.

Why it's 34, I can't say - it's not where I'd want to see it. It was 55th in Golf Digest Ireland's 2010 list (Druid's Glen was 27th), which would be a more accurate positioning. There are plenty of other courses roundabout worth a shot - Macreddin, Arklow, Woodenbridge, my home course - Greystones, Bainroe... Kace mentioned Powerscourt East - again, not a favourite of mine for the money you pay, and the West course is more fun.

bailey99

as with a previous posting, i've a week up in the area on a golfing trip.

Druids Heath - Sunday
Rathsallagh - Monday
The European Club - Tuesday
Wednesday - Day off
Thursday - The Heritage
Friday - Macreddin
Saturday - Tulfarris
Sunday - Mount Wolseley

The ones I've in reserve are Carlow, Dunmurry Springs and Arklow. We've played Bunclody previously and for the price, I'm not willing to pay that much to play it again.

I was going to substitute in Dunmurry Springs for Druids Heath, firstly and primarily cause of what people have posted here. Secondly, it would take 90km off our driving on the first day.

However, is Druids Heath as bad as posters here have made out??? I dont mind a challenge at all, but i was looking for a course guide or planner or smthg, just to see if there are many blind shots, will we be losing lots of balls off the tee into gorse. I've no problem with nice placed bunkers and water hazard round greens etc. I would consider myself a good putter, but if greens are just downright unfair, surely Druids Heath members and visitors wouldnt stand for it.

6,600 yards is long, but my home course is 6,500 yards off the whites so the distance wouldnt be a total killer for us.

But are fairways/landing zones visible off the tees? I get that people arent happy with the slopes on the greens. But if the greens are in good condition, then surely the course is viewed as a challenge as opposed to be horrible course and not enjoyable to play????

TheGrump

That sounds like some week, I wouldn't mind a week of golf on those courses. If you were looking for another place in that general area (Wicklow/Kildare) instead of the Heath, you could try Palmerstown House in Naas, it might be a bit further to travel but I really like the course.

Sport101

Mount Juliet isn't that far away?-Definitely worth a trip.
FWIW-Played Dunmurray Springs last year, wouldn't dream of going back, the front nine is nearly as bad as Glenn of the Downs.

bailey99

Would love to go to K Club or Palmerstown but money is on a tight budget, and our big blurge is the open singles in the European Club for €60 on the Tuesday.

Using Teetimes and Openfairways for the other courses.

Druids Heath is €27.50 a man on the Sunday.

PhilipMarlowe

Blainroe maybe worth a look, near the European. I've played it a few times and it's enjoyable... shouldn't be too expensive either. Beside the sea (well, some of it is) but it's not a links.

heavyballs

macewindu wrote: »

Bailey I am so sorry to hear that you are going to cancel your game in Druids Heath. Its true that it is a very challenging course, and obviously not as picturesque as its sister course, Druids Glen, but it really does have some super challenges.

If the feature holes HAVE to be at the end of each 9, well, then I guess, so be it. I have to be honest though, the approach in to the 18th is only super - a green literally surrounded by undulating slopes leading in to all sorts of differing bunkers.

If its the easy life one craves going around golf courses, then in Ireland we have plenty of options - but please don't disregard a super course that sits right on our doorstep. We are spoilt in this country with course design, green fee price variation, special offers etc etc.

Next time you are planning on playing in Wicklow, message me and I would be delighted to meet you for a game around the 34th best golf course in the country, delighted.

i have to say i do like the course but it defo doesn't suit a short hitter or a bad putter(there may be a few above),i disagree that it's an unfair course,maybe the pins are a bit stupid at times but that's only the odd time

in terms of the last hole i would have to say imo it's one of the worst final holes i've ever played,you stand on the tee and you've no real idea where you're going,all you can see is a binch of bunkers with no properly defined fairway
aside from that i like the course and i think the commnts above are mostly ott

Tones69

bailey99 wrote: »

as with a previous posting, i've a week up in the area on a golfing trip.

Druids Heath - Sunday
Rathsallagh - Monday
The European Club - Tuesday
Wednesday - Day off
Thursday - The Heritage
Friday - Macreddin
Saturday - Tulfarris
Sunday - Mount Wolseley

The ones I've in reserve are Carlow, Dunmurry Springs and Arklow. We've played Bunclody previously and for the price, I'm not willing to pay that much to play it again.

I was going to substitute in Dunmurry Springs for Druids Heath, firstly and primarily cause of what people have posted here. Secondly, it would take 90km off our driving on the first day.

However, is Druids Heath as bad as posters here have made out??? I dont mind a challenge at all, but i was looking for a course guide or planner or smthg, just to see if there are many blind shots, will we be losing lots of balls off the tee into gorse. I've no problem with nice placed bunkers and water hazard round greens etc. I would consider myself a good putter, but if greens are just downright unfair, surely Druids Heath members and visitors wouldnt stand for it.

6,600 yards is long, but my home course is 6,500 yards off the whites so the distance wouldnt be a total killer for us.

But are fairways/landing zones visible off the tees? I get that people arent happy with the slopes on the greens. But if the greens are in good condition, then surely the course is viewed as a challenge as opposed to be horrible course and not enjoyable to play????

If you havent played Carlow yet then you should defnitely give it a shot, you wont be dissappointed!

thewobbler

I've just bought Golf World, and The Heath's entry is quite amusing.

The only way on God's earth anyone could rate Druids Heath higher than Concra Wood is if they haven't played them both. At every possible level, Concra is a better course and a better experience.

These rankings should be completely ignored, and the poster so adamant about them should hang his head in shame.

Kace

bailey99 wrote: »

as with a previous posting, i've a week up in the area on a golfing trip.

Druids Heath - Sunday
Rathsallagh - Monday
The European Club - Tuesday
Wednesday - Day off
Thursday - The Heritage
Friday - Macreddin
Saturday - Tulfarris
Sunday - Mount Wolseley

The ones I've in reserve are Carlow, Dunmurry Springs and Arklow. We've played Bunclody previously and for the price, I'm not willing to pay that much to play it again.

I was going to substitute in Dunmurry Springs for Druids Heath, firstly and primarily cause of what people have posted here. Secondly, it would take 90km off our driving on the first day.

However, is Druids Heath as bad as posters here have made out??? I dont mind a challenge at all, but i was looking for a course guide or planner or smthg, just to see if there are many blind shots, will we be losing lots of balls off the tee into gorse. I've no problem with nice placed bunkers and water hazard round greens etc. I would consider myself a good putter, but if greens are just downright unfair, surely Druids Heath members and visitors wouldnt stand for it.

6,600 yards is long, but my home course is 6,500 yards off the whites so the distance wouldnt be a total killer for us.

But are fairways/landing zones visible off the tees? I get that people arent happy with the slopes on the greens. But if the greens are in good condition, then surely the course is viewed as a challenge as opposed to be horrible course and not enjoyable to play????

Great week ! I wouldn't cancel the Heath if I was you. It's a good test and on a fine day it's a very nice place to be. In fact, it's nearly always a fine day down that side. As long it's not blowing a gale you will still enjoy it.

Played the Glen yesterday and couldn't believe that the roads were completely dry there - it pissed rain ALL day in Dublin and I got 18 in short sleeves - sweet !

Be prepared for a serious kicking at the European and bring your 2 iron !!

bailey99

Played the European in March and won the competition that day. Magnificent course. Being a distance member of Carne though certainly helped prepare me for the european club.

I'm gonna give Druids Heath a shout and see if they can direct me to a course planner or something!

d2ww

Had the good fortune to play Enniscrone and Carne for the first time last week, and I have to say Carne really is spectacular, just fantastic from the first to the eighteenth. I would encourage everyone to make the effort to get out there and play.
Bailey99, you're a lucky boy! being able to enjoy that dramatic scenery on a regular basis, I would be interested about what you think of how the European measures up.
As for Enniscrone, what were the town planners thinking of, allowing ugly industrial warehousing, sorry, an hotel right next to the course.

Unglika Norse

thewobbler wrote: »

I've just bought Golf World, and The Heath's entry is quite amusing.

The only way on God's earth anyone could rate Druids Heath higher than Concra Wood is if they haven't played them both. At every possible level, Concra is a better course and a better experience.

These rankings should be completely ignored, and the poster so adamant about them should hang his head in shame.

Your obviously having a laugh,

thewobbler

No. I'm deadly serious.

BUACHAILL

I live very close by to all courses mentioned, Druids Glen, Blainroe, Heath, Arklow, European club etc and have played every single one of them lots of times and I will tell you now forget the negativity. Its the type of place that tests every element of your game. Is it as pretty as Concra wood no, is it as enjoyable a place to be mmmmmm maybe not but if your looking for a course that will bring out your real ability or ask every question of your game you wont find better than Druids Heath and no I aint a member. I played it last week, play off 6 and for anyone to say the greens are rubbish and inconsistant its rubbish its your putting that is inconsistant.

If your looking for a nice relaxing game with not much else but good scenery dont play it, if you want to see just how good you can play you wont be dissapointed its a beast. Its actually not to unlike European club for difficulty in spots but not as pretty. I was a member in Arklow, played Carlow, Concra and a hundreds of other courses and there is only a hand full that makes me nervous as you cant afford to be off your game, the Heath is one of them.

Play it and make your own mind up !!

bailey99

d2ww wrote: »

Had the good fortune to play Enniscrone and Carne for the first time last week, and I have to say Carne really is spectacular, just fantastic from the first to the eighteenth. I would encourage everyone to make the effort to get out there and play.
Bailey99, you're a lucky boy! being able to enjoy that dramatic scenery on a regular basis, I would be interested about what you think of how the European measures up.
As for Enniscrone, what were the town planners thinking of, allowing ugly industrial warehousing, sorry, an hotel right next to the course.

Unforunately, I live in Cork and last played Carne in February of this year. A group of us headed up there for 10days. One day it lashed rain and the other 9days was glorious sunshine. We saw the course in the best of the best conditions.

I had read all that has been written about Carne, a love the quote that if giants played golf, then Carne would be their home club. I talked to an American visitor who played Carne and said that he would walk from Shannon airport to Carne over broken glass to play the course again. He said it was the best course in Ireland he had played.

In comparison to the European club, I'll do my best. The European Club is a fantastic course. For me, its mre forgiving than Carne. The fairways are wider, more manicured and greens much bigger targets than in Carne.

The major plus for me that has me favouring Carne is the unique fairways. In Carne there is not on single flat fairway. There are humps, hollows, dips and on the 18th fairway (a hollow 100yards deep just before the green!). The European club is a much easier walk, flatter fairways.

If one considers European Club magnificent then Carne must surely be a work of art. Mix in the locals, the food in the clubhouse afterwards, Carne is an experience I would recommend to every golfer in the country. For a visitor to play Carne, it requires an incredibly long journey. Even from Galway its a good 2.5hours to Belmullet to the course. It takes me around 4.75hours from Cork City. But the reward is certainly there for those willing to make the effort to travel there.

bailey99

BUACHAILL wrote: »

I live very close by to all courses mentioned, Druids Glen, Blainroe, Heath, Arklow, European club etc and have played every single one of them lots of times and I will tell you now forget the negativity. Its the type of place that tests every element of your game. Is it as pretty as Concra wood no, is it as enjoyable a place to be mmmmmm maybe not but if your looking for a course that will bring out your real ability or ask every question of your game you wont find better than Druids Heath and no I aint a member. I played it last week, play off 6 and for anyone to say the greens are rubbish and inconsistant its rubbish its your putting that is inconsistant.

If your looking for a nice relaxing game with not much else but good scenery dont play it, if you want to see just how good you can play you wont be dissapointed its a beast. Its actually not to unlike European club for difficulty in spots but not as pretty. I was a member in Arklow, played Carlow, Concra and a hundreds of other courses and there is only a hand full that makes me nervous as you cant afford to be off your game, the Heath is one of them.

Play it and make your own mind up !!

Thanks a million for your input! It a toss up between Druids Heath and Moyvalley as this moment. Druids just to make up my own mind! Moyvalley, is a little more open, forgiving, first outing of the trip, two higher handicappers might really suffer in Druids Heath I fear.

Can I ask you, are there many blind shots in Druids Heath. Like can we see the fairway, landing zone off the tee on many holes? Is it fairway or gorse-bushes, i mean, is there a large fairway area, large rough or if you miss the fairway is the ball gone (lost in gorse bushes)

Thanks for your input, I appreciate any advice from members or people who have experience of playing Druids Heath.

NoelAPM

There is a reachable slope on the first hole which you can't see past. But it's a wide target. O.B left and the 9th on the right if you do spray.

The 12th is index 1. And you won't be able to see your drive. Keep it inside the trees on the right and you'll be ok. To far left and you'll be in the bushes. As it's a dog leg right. Probilly starts turning 230 yards from the tee! Very scary driving hole.

Other than that you can see everything. The 18th can be a bit covered if the tee area is located to the left hand side of the tee box!

There is decent amount of semi rough before any heavy rough. The heavy rough is quite narrow on alot of holes where it is dividing 2 holes. So if you do mess up a drive you will often be on a neighboring hole with a good chance of reaching the green.

It's a great course. Very rewarding because when you post a good score you know you've played very well!

bailey99

Many thanks to all who gave me a little bit of information about Druids Heath. After much deliberation, I've decided to drop Druids Heath and The European Club from the itinerary. The European is being dropped as it brings down the overall cost of the trip quite siginificantly, which for others on the trip is most welcome, even though they were well up for playing a 'big' course!

Going with the following, all tee times between 12-1.30pm:
Sunday - Moyvalley/New Forest
Monday - The Heritage
Tuesday - Rathsallagh
Wednesday - Day off (Can play Dunmurry Springs if we want)
Thursday - Esker Hills (Open Competition)
Friday - Macreddin (With buggys)
Saturday - Tulfarris
Sunday - Mount Wolseley

Travelling from Cork, so for petrol/car costs etc, 5 bedroom house rental and all the golf, the cost is down to 265euro each. Very pleased with the price as I don't think I could get much cheaper than that!!! :D:D

kingcobra

I played Druids Heath last week and I did not find it hard at all, im not saying its easy either though. The course condition itself wasnt too bad either and the greens are fairly fast! On my second round I also tried playing it as quick as possible and ended up getting 18 done in 2 hours, and that was my second 18 of the day.
If you're looking for somewhere to play I'd recommend Druid's Glen, some stunning holes there!

FixdePitchmark

kingcobra wrote: »

I played Druids Heath last week and I did not find it hard at all, im not saying its easy either though. The course condition itself wasnt too bad either and the greens are fairly fast! On my second round I also tried playing it as quick as possible and ended up getting 18 done in 2 hours, and that was my second 18 of the day.
If you're looking for somewhere to play I'd recommend Druid's Glen, some stunning holes there!

Was that with a golf cart, I guess, if not ?

Grudle

Just in from a game around Druids Heath. Course is in good condition.

Some of the holes are very tough but I enjoyed the round and would definitely go round again.

It was my first time round so got a stroke saver and it did help. As I said some very tough holes, especially 12 and 13 where it borders on unfair but playable.