Druids Heath

sweetswing

Played there yesterday for the first time, I didn't know anything about it other than it's a well taught of course, happy to say I was really pleased with the place, a tuff test off the white tees , great greens, great variety of holes, and the index one is a superb hole, one of the strongest par 4s I have ever played, great service aswell, Druids Heath take a bow !

bailey99

was meant to be playing it on the golf trip next week I'm taking but cancelled it due to a lot of negative feedback on the site.

Seems to be a test alright, will play it no doubt sometime in the future but will have to wait for another day.

newport2

While I don't think it's up there with Druid's Glen, it's a nice course.



And I agree, the index 1 12th is a superb hole. Easily the best on the course.

sweetswing

bailey99 wrote: »

was meant to be playing it on the golf trip next week I'm taking but cancelled it due to a lot of negative feedback on the site.

Seems to be a test alright, will play it no doubt sometime in the future but will have to wait for another day.

Jesus I can't believe any true golfer would have anything bad to say about it !

technodub

i play druids heath quite a few times a year as my friends a member down there and i cant understand how it gets negative reviews its a cracking course not as easy on the eye as druids glen but its alot tougher. Greens are in great nick a wide variety of testing holes and quite tight in places if your wild off the tee you may bring a bag of balls! My opinion would be that the negative reviews came from poor golfers as it is quite hard and long so when things arnt goin well its not always enjoyable Many times i left the 18th green a broken man but that was down to my wild golf! Would recommend it to any golfer who likes a challenge if not maybe stick to dublin city or the likes were u do not get punnished for wild shots!

ziggy

This post has been deleted.

technodub

ziggy wrote: »

This post has been deleted.

The reviews were not specifically mentioned by boards users he just said negative reviews that could be from anywere but is neither her nor there
http://www.druidsglenresort.com/images/uploads/Druids-Heath-Scorecard.pdf
Have u played the heath ziggy? If u find it neither hard nor long u must be some golfer!

ziggy

This post has been deleted.

Mr.SlumDuck

technodub wrote: »

i play druids heath quite a few times a year as my friends a member down there and i cant understand how it gets negative reviews its a cracking course not as easy on the eye as druids glen but its alot tougher. Greens are in great nick a wide variety of testing holes and quite tight in places if your wild off the tee you may bring a bag of balls! My opinion would be that the negative reviews came from poor golfers as it is quite hard and long so when things arnt goin well its not always enjoyable Many times i left the 18th green a broken man but that was down to my wild golf! Would recommend it to any golfer who likes a challenge if not maybe stick to dublin city or the likes were u do not get punnished for wild shots!

I put up a thread here a few weeks ago about how I disliked this course.

I think your above post is wrong. I am a good 5 handicap golfer, I dont play any of the "easy Dublin City" courses. I hit the ball about 270-290 off the tee, so length doesnt bother me.

I found the course to be unenjoyable. I thought the greens were extremely tricky in spots, but unfairly so. I hit a 8 iron to lay up on the Par 5 2nd. I had about 190 to the water, so an 8 iron(140) should be fine. The ball bounded down the slopes until it found its way to the hazard. I had in my opinion several bad breaks, bunkers hadnt a lot of sand in them. In fact I think the course plays harder for the better golfers.

It is hard for sure, but I judge courses on whether or not I enjoy them. In this regard it goes into the same category as the Monty Course at Carton. It is a good challenge but mostly a featureless and overly tricky course. The 12th is a stunning hole, but i struggle to recall any others that I go "wow, thats a lovely golf hole". Its ironic because Druid's Glen remains a great test of golf but keeps its aesthetics and golfers of all levels can play and enjoy the Glen.

Course just lacks any guile and subtly in its design. Rather goes for trick greens and undulating fairways that can punish even a well hit long, straight drive.

I am offended by the above comment as I actually had a decent round (79), but wont be rushing back and course wouldnt be in my top 20 courses in Ireland.

sweetswing

Maybe it's horses for courses type of thing ! I do agree higher handicaps will struggle on it , same as they do on the Monty (one of my favourite courses) , and how you play does indeed colour your opinion on a course, it does for me anyway . I played with a 10, 19, 24 handicappers yesterday , the 10 didn't play great but said he couldn't wait to get another crack at it, the19 said it was a Kip (think he lost 10 balls) the 24 said it was ok, he's not played enough courses to know the difference .
I didn't find anything trick about it , I found it to be a good honest course, you have to make sure you have the appropriate club in your hand , the greens were fantastic , my self and the 10 hc had no problems ,but the other 2 lads had a 4 putt each and more than a few 3 putts !
Anyway I can't wait to get back down

thewobbler

It's not an honest course.

Tones69

Mr.SlumDuck wrote: »

I put up a thread here a few weeks ago about how I disliked this course.

I think your above post is wrong. I am a good 5 handicap golfer, I dont play any of the "easy Dublin City" courses. I hit the ball about 270-290 off the tee, so length doesnt bother me.

I found the course to be unenjoyable. I thought the greens were extremely tricky in spots, but unfairly so. I hit a 8 iron to lay up on the Par 5 2nd. I had about 190 to the water, so an 8 iron(140) should be fine. The ball bounded down the slopes until it found its way to the hazard. I had in my opinion several bad breaks, bunkers hadnt a lot of sand in them. In fact I think the course plays harder for the better golfers.

It is hard for sure, but I judge courses on whether or not I enjoy them. In this regard it goes into the same category as the Monty Course at Carton. It is a good challenge but mostly a featureless and overly tricky course. The 12th is a stunning hole, but i struggle to recall any others that I go "wow, thats a lovely golf hole". Its ironic because Druid's Glen remains a great test of golf but keeps its aesthetics and golfers of all levels can play and enjoy the Glen.

Course just lacks any guile and subtly in its design. Rather goes for trick greens and undulating fairways that can punish even a well hit long, straight drive.

I am offended by the above comment as I actually had a decent round (79), but wont be rushing back and course wouldnt be in my top 20 courses in Ireland.

Friend of mine said the very same, played there 2 weeks back, hes off 4 so a good golfer, said some of the greens were just a joke

shamco

Tones69 wrote: »

Friend of mine said the very same, played there 2 weeks back, hes off 4 so a good golfer, said some of the greens were just a joke

Would have to agree I think it's an unfair golf course and tricked up in my opinon

technodub

Mr.SlumDuck wrote: »

I put up a thread here a few weeks ago about how I disliked this course.

I think your above post is wrong. I am a good 5 handicap golfer, I dont play any of the "easy Dublin City" courses. I hit the ball about 270-290 off the tee, so length doesnt bother me.

I found the course to be unenjoyable. I thought the greens were extremely tricky in spots, but unfairly so. I hit a 8 iron to lay up on the Par 5 2nd. I had about 190 to the water, so an 8 iron(140) should be fine. The ball bounded down the slopes until it found its way to the hazard. I had in my opinion several bad breaks, bunkers hadnt a lot of sand in them. In fact I think the course plays harder for the better golfers.

It is hard for sure, but I judge courses on whether or not I enjoy them. In this regard it goes into the same category as the Monty Course at Carton. It is a good challenge but mostly a featureless and overly tricky course. The 12th is a stunning hole, but i struggle to recall any others that I go "wow, thats a lovely golf hole". Its ironic because Druid's Glen remains a great test of golf but keeps its aesthetics and golfers of all levels can play and enjoy the Glen.

Course just lacks any guile and subtly in its design. Rather goes for trick greens and undulating fairways that can punish even a well hit long, straight drive.

I am offended by the above comment as I actually had a decent round (79), but wont be rushing back and course wouldnt be in my top 20 courses in Ireland.

I apoligize to anybody i offended here looking back on it it was a stupid comment to make but generally most people who i have talked to that didnt like it found it too tough and had bad days at the office!.. I was just abit suprised as i think its quite a good course always in good nick (allthough i agree the bunkers are quite bare but the same could be said for alot of courses iv played recently) i never suggested that it would be in the top 20 in Ireland but just think its a good test for any golfer! Different strokes for different folks i suppose again apologies to any golfers offened it was a silly comment!:D

Redzah

Mr.SlumDuck wrote: »

I put up a thread here a few weeks ago about how I disliked this course.

I think your above post is wrong. I am a good 5 handicap golfer, I dont play any of the "easy Dublin City" courses. I hit the ball about 270-290 off the tee, so length doesnt bother me.

I found the course to be unenjoyable. I thought the greens were extremely tricky in spots, but unfairly so. I hit a 8 iron to lay up on the Par 5 2nd. I had about 190 to the water, so an 8 iron(140) should be fine. The ball bounded down the slopes until it found its way to the hazard. I had in my opinion several bad breaks, bunkers hadnt a lot of sand in them. In fact I think the course plays harder for the better golfers.

It is hard for sure, but I judge courses on whether or not I enjoy them. In this regard it goes into the same category as the Monty Course at Carton. It is a good challenge but mostly a featureless and overly tricky course. The 12th is a stunning hole, but i struggle to recall any others that I go "wow, thats a lovely golf hole". Its ironic because Druid's Glen remains a great test of golf but keeps its aesthetics and golfers of all levels can play and enjoy the Glen.

Course just lacks any guile and subtly in its design. Rather goes for trick greens and undulating fairways that can punish even a well hit long, straight drive.

I am offended by the above comment as I actually had a decent round (79), but wont be rushing back and course wouldnt be in my top 20 courses in Ireland.

I don't get all the negativity surrounding Druids Heath. It is a lovely golf course that is tough but fair. It is not unfairly long and is always kept in good condition. I have played this course a handful of times and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time i've played

In relation to Mr.Slumducks comments above, I have also read your comments on the other thread in relation to Druids Heath and have the following response.

1. At 190 yards to the water on a dry fairway and downhill, a 5 handicap golfer would usually not hit an 8 iron to lay up, especially if this 5 handicap golfer claims to hit the ball 290 yards of the tee. Furthermore, at this distance, and with it being a downhill shot, a 220 carry will give you an eagle putt and seeing as you hit it '290' then surely this is the play??

2. Your handicap is 8 on the other thread and 5 on this thread? Are you telling porkies Mr. Slumducks??

3. You had 5 points for the front 9 and 20 for the back nine on the other thread which suggests a best case scenario round of 91(+19) for an 8 handicapper. Yet on this thread you suggest that you had a 79. Are you telling more porkies Mr. Slumducks?

In relation to the 'trick' greens, I believe the greens are well designed and make a golfer think of where he needs to place the ball on the green for his approach. The are also well maintained and have a fair pace. Any golfer who hits an aimless approach and is left either short sided with no chance of an up and down or left with a downhill put clearly did not think before he hit the approach or hit a poor approach shot to end up in that position.

Finally, I would urge an reader to play Druids Heath with an open mind and not buy into all the negativity on these threads, it is a course that rewards a consistent driver of the ball with position the key and will punish those that spray it (like most good golf courses).

technodub

Redzah wrote: »

I don't get all the negativity surrounding Druids Heath. It is a lovely golf course that is tough but fair. It is not unfairly long and is always kept in good condition. I have played this course a handful of times and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time i've played

In relation to Mr.Slumducks comments above, I have also read your comments on the other thread in relation to Druids Heath and have the following response.

1. At 190 yards to the water on a dry fairway and downhill, a 5 handicap golfer would usually not hit an 8 iron to lay up, especially if this 5 handicap golfer claims to hit the ball 290 yards of the tee. Furthermore, at this distance, and with it being a downhill shot, a 220 carry will give you an eagle putt and seeing as you hit it '290' then surely this is the play??

2. Your handicap is 8 on the other thread and 5 on this thread? Are you telling porkies Mr. Slumducks??

3. You had 5 points for the front 9 and 20 for the back nine on the other thread which suggests a best case scenario round of 91(+19) for an 8 handicapper. Yet on this thread you suggest that you had a 79. Are you telling more porkies Mr. Slumducks?

In relation to the 'trick' greens, I believe the greens are well designed and make a golfer think of where he needs to place the ball on the green for his approach. The are also well maintained and have a fair pace. Any golfer who hits an aimless approach and is left either short sided with no chance of an up and down or left with a downhill put clearly did not think before he hit the approach or hit a poor approach shot to end up in that position.

Finally, I would urge an reader to play Druids Heath with an open mind and not buy into all the negativity on these threads, it is a course that rewards a consistent driver of the ball with position the key and will punish those that spray it (like most good golf courses).

well said redzah! didnt read the other comments that were not in the post so i wont comment on that but fully agree with you about the course! I play it once a month on average and thourghly enjoy it each time its a tough test for the amateur golfer !:D

dublinbhoy62

I was invited down to Druid's Heath yesterday by a fellow Boards member as he was saying it was a cracking course and I have to say I came home wanting to play this course again. Personally I have to say I enjoyed it more than Druid's Glen as It does require you to be accurate off the tee as well as thinking about the fairway bunkers which come into play a lot. I play off 9 and my troubles started when i reached the greens,I hit most fairways and greens in regulation but still three putted as I found it hard to convince myself of the suttle breaks on the greens. I will definitely be returning to the Heath again and can't believe that some boards members are giving out about the course, maybe if i lost half a dozen balls or so I might say the course was crap. Thank you Druid's Heath for a great day.

LostPassword

I've only played it once and scored okay - if I remember 33 points off 15. My only real gripe was the compacted and coarse sand in the bunkers. Combined with the raised sloping greens, this made normal bunker shots almost impossible. The greens and their surrounds were also generally tricky - lots of hazards to roll off and into. This makes them a good test, but a tricky test if you've never played there before and don't know how they break - always difficult to judge from 150 yards away.

Redzah

LostPassword wrote: »

I've only played it once and scored okay - if I remember 33 points off 15. My only real gripe was the compacted and coarse sand in the bunkers. Combined with the raised sloping greens, this made normal bunker shots almost impossible. The greens and their surrounds were also generally tricky - lots of hazards to roll off and into. This makes them a good test, but a tricky test if you've never played there before and don't know how they break - always difficult to judge from 150 yards away.

I think you have a fair point about the bunkers which need to be sorted but this is not a major issue and should not result in some of negative comments this golf course has received.

In relation to the approach to the greens, firstly short of the pin will almost always leave you with an uphill putt and secondly, just don't miss the green on the side of the flag, its standard advice really but its crazy how many people will comment negativily on how tricky a green is if they miss it on the short side and are left with an impossible flop shot onto a downhill slope with 2 yards of green to work with, all good golf courses will punish you for greedy approach shot that goes wrong and druids heath is no different!!!!

The greens and their surrounds are shaped very well on this course and don't generally allow for a sculled shot to run up beside the pin as would happen on a lesser course

Mr.SlumDuck

Redzah wrote: »

I don't get all the negativity surrounding Druids Heath. It is a lovely golf course that is tough but fair. It is not unfairly long and is always kept in good condition. I have played this course a handful of times and have enjoyed it thoroughly each time i've played

In relation to Mr.Slumducks comments above, I have also read your comments on the other thread in relation to Druids Heath and have the following response.

1. At 190 yards to the water on a dry fairway and downhill, a 5 handicap golfer would usually not hit an 8 iron to lay up, especially if this 5 handicap golfer claims to hit the ball 290 yards of the tee. Furthermore, at this distance, and with it being a downhill shot, a 220 carry will give you an eagle putt and seeing as you hit it '290' then surely this is the play??

2. Your handicap is 8 on the other thread and 5 on this thread? Are you telling porkies Mr. Slumducks??

3. You had 5 points for the front 9 and 20 for the back nine on the other thread which suggests a best case scenario round of 91(+19) for an 8 handicapper. Yet on this thread you suggest that you had a 79. Are you telling more porkies Mr. Slumducks?

In relation to the 'trick' greens, I believe the greens are well designed and make a golfer think of where he needs to place the ball on the green for his approach. The are also well maintained and have a fair pace. Any golfer who hits an aimless approach and is left either short sided with no chance of an up and down or left with a downhill put clearly did not think before he hit the approach or hit a poor approach shot to end up in that position.

Finally, I would urge an reader to play Druids Heath with an open mind and not buy into all the negativity on these threads, it is a course that rewards a consistent driver of the ball with position the key and will punish those that spray it (like most good golf courses).

Wow, only after seeing this now. Not sure why the personal attack on me. I was giving my opinion of Druids Heath.

No Im not telling any porkies. I have played the course twice in the last couple of weeks. I am officially a 5 handicap(GUI). I achieved that handicap in my mid teens and then gave up golf for about 7 years. I am now in my mid twenties and getting back into golf. I can hit it well but I'm not playing to 5 right now. I like to gamble and play a fair few cash golf games. One of which was at Druids Heath. I was playing of 8 in this particular match(which was about right over a good sample of games played). And yes I did shoot about a 90 there! Dont really know what that has to do with it. I also went back to play and shot79! Dont really care if you believe this but one thing and the only thing that matters is that I didnt really like the course.

You are right in your last paragraph. The course becomes alot more manageable the second time you play it, and as a result more enjoyable. You certainly do have to plan your way around and play to certain parts of the fairways/greens. The first time I played it, I didnt strike the ball poorly but shot about a 90 as I said. I made a triple off the 1st for example where I hit it over the left hand side bunker. I thought this was a good line. Ended up playing 3 off the tee. Needless to say I didnt make that mistake the second time I played.

I dont think a personal attack makes a difference to the opinions posted here and elsewhere that the course is not that enjoyable and has a "tricky" nature to it.

Russman

IMO its a very decent course, probably not as good as some people make out but not as bad either. I think its more a tough course than an "enjoyable" one. In fact its a really tough course now that I think about it !:)

One thing I definitely disagree on is the description of the 12th as a great hole, in my opinion its a stupid golf hole, and the 13th isn't much better - just in my own opinion of course.

16 good holes and 2 other ones

thewobbler

Redzah, you are much too personal, defensive and pious in your opinions about Druids Heath to be taken seriously.

So quick are you to lash out, I doubt if you're capable of a rational discusson on the merits of the course.

Above all things else, golf should be fun. We all have different measures of this, but your take on it seems to be that fun comes from achieving absolute perfection; anything else deserves 40 lashes.

Very few courses attain universal approval, but the better ones don't split opinion - they form it. There is more than enough negative feedback on this thread to indicate that Druids Heath is, at best, a flawed layout. Digging your heels in and shouting denial doesn't help its cause.

MiniGolf

I played Druids Heath today for only the second time. Played off the whites with a view to making my final decision whether to join or not.
I loved it
A number of other factors contributed to my final decision..
1. Convenience.... It is less than 5 minutes from home
2. Driving range, practice bunker and greens. (Nice to be able to hit off grass)
3. Practice holes x 3..... Super spot to practice your shots from real fairways, rough, fringes, bunkers etc. (Although is is a bit neglected at the moment (per head greenkeeper) they plan to do a big job on it over the winter.)

I agree with the sentiments on this thread re the bunkers - a bit bare - still didn't prevent me getting out of them first time - but as a 20 Hcp I had no problems with the greens.
Yes it is a long course off the whites but I could manage it without too much trouble (Apart from the trouble I got myself into :eek:)
If you hit it straight and a decent distance it should not be too difficult

Oh yes..... I did join :D:D

Redzah

thewobbler wrote: »

Redzah, you are much too personal, defensive and pious in your opinions about Druids Heath to be taken seriously.

So quick are you to lash out, I doubt if you're capable of a rational discusson on the merits of the course.

Above all things else, golf should be fun. We all have different measures of this, but your take on it seems to be that fun comes from achieving absolute perfection; anything else deserves 40 lashes.

Very few courses attain universal approval, but the better ones don't split opinion - they form it. There is more than enough negative feedback on this thread to indicate that Druids Heath is, at best, a flawed layout. Digging your heels in and shouting denial doesn't help its cause.

Wobbler, I saw many inconsistencies in The Slumducks two posts which were less than 1 week apart and I decided to challenge him on this. It also appears from his posts that his lack of course knowledge effected his opinion greatly as it was his first time playing the course, i.e. going left on 1 and in water on 2.

As a 2 handicap golfer with a couple of senior cup and barton shield medals in the locker, I believe I deserve to be taken seriously and I am perfectly able to have a rational discussion on the course.

I also believe that we can also have a rational discussion without you consulting your thesaurus or referring to your soundings poetry book as you appear to in the last paragraph.

Many of the better courses both split and form opinion and the fact that there is many opinions on these courses suggest that it is a popular venue. There are numerous examples of courses that split opinion in ireland but are generally accepted to be good golf courses. A prime example would be Doonbeg in Co.Clare. This course has split opinions since it was formed 10 years ago due to it being a newer links which challenges the old guard of lahinch, ballybunion etc. and has unusual features which split opinion. However, this is widely regarded as a fantastic golf course even though it may split opinion as well as form it.

I believe the weakest holes in druids heath are in fact their 2 signiture holes 12 and 13. I beleive 12 is a stupid hole that can be a bit of a lottery both off the tee and with the approach shot and 13 needs to be either lengthened (to provide a tougher test with the tee shot) or shortened (to allow the aggressive golfer to take on the green from the tee). Aside from the above I believe all the other 16 holes are well thought out and provide the average golfer with both enjoyment and a stern test.

shaviebeby

Played there on many occasions. Caddied for David Lynn on Taylor Made's 25th anniversary golf celebration. Clarke, Goosen, Garcia were a few names that played. We hung around with them at the end in the clubhouse and the opinion (their opinion) was that the course was a slog and not enjoyable. Multiple major winners there!! McDowell won with 2 under!!....On a nice day it's enjoyable, but being so open the wind tends to always play.

sweetswing

thewobbler wrote: »

It's not an honest course.

Why do you say this ?

sweetswing

Russman wrote: »

IMO its a very decent course, probably not as good as some people make out but not as bad either. I think its more a tough course than an "enjoyable" one. In fact its a really tough course now that I think about it !:)

One thing I definitely disagree on is the description of the 12th as a great hole, in my opinion its a stupid golf hole, and the 13th isn't much better - just in my own opinion of course.

16 good holes and 2 other ones

I love to hear why you think the 12th is a stupid hole ?

newport2

sweetswing wrote: »

thewobbler wrote: »

It's not an honest course.

Why do you say this ?

Some terrible lies?

Russman

sweetswing wrote: »

I love to hear why you think the 12th is a stupid hole ?

I just don't think its right for the lie of the land, its like you can hit a good tee shot, but not too good. Its not really any one thing with it, I just don't see it as a good hole - an extremely tough hole to par, obviously, but it doesn't do it for me. Its probably a better hole in the winter.
Just my opinion of course, if people think its a great hole, thats fair enough too.

GreeBo

Played Druids Heath yesterday and have to admit that I wasnt too impressed

Firstly the look of the place has gone down hill drastically since I played Druids Glen about 4 years ago. Lots of overgrown areas and the "planted signs" were missing and covered in ivy, not a great first impression. Also nearly every bunker that I was in or near had grass/weeds growing in them, thats crazy for a course of this "level".

As for the course itself: we ended up playing off the whites as there were 3 other beginners/high handicappers and it was blowing a gale.
I found the general layout of the course to be good, some nicely shaped holes with some interesting approach shots.
However I did find that some of the holes were pretty much impossible for a high handicapper. e.g. if you have two shots on a hole you should be able to hit 2 layups and then go for the green. You cannot do that on 12 or 13 without a lot of luck.

To be honest I thought the greens were silly. Not a single flat putt on the course from what I remember. I have no problem with fast greens, I actually prefer them, but you cannot have fast greens that are not flat anywhere. It was actually impossible to leave the ball within 6 feet, and that was in the lashing rain.

Put it this way, I wouldnt go back.

PadBol

I played Druids Heath yesterday. It is about the 8th golf course I have played in the last 4 weeks as I am assessing various qualifying ones for membership. And I have to say that I am staggered at some of the negative comments about this course. It is a beautiful course that is challenging. The fairways are in general bowl shaped so that if you hit the fairway you are less likely to bound off into the rough. The greens are nothing short of spectacular, really fast and many quite sloped. They are NOT tricky, the slopes are obvious and capable of putting. That said I did 3 putt 7 times but that is more related to me being not a great putter, and also the fact that many of the greens are massive and you can be on the green but 30-40 feet from the pin.

2 things I totally agree with:

1. It is the type of course that you need to play a few times to get accustomed to it and the greens. It requires more round management than any other course I have played but I think that is a really great thing.
2. The quality of the sand in the bunkers is not great and needs to be sorted out . I also had 7 sand shots - that may seem a lot but I would reckon it may be close to average for a person playing the course for the first time. I swear there are same holes where there may well be more sand than grass!

Your final shot on to the green in many holes requires a really good pitch due to the high number of protective bunkers and fast greens, but once again I think that is a good way for a golf course to be.

Finally, no question but I am joining. Absolutely fell in love with it!

MiniGolf

PadBol wrote: »

2 things I totally agree with:

1. It is the type of course that you need to play a few times to get accustomed to it and the greens. It requires more round management than any other course I have played but I think that is a really great thing.
2. The quality of the sand in the bunkers is not great and needs to be sorted out . I also had 7 sand shots - that may seem a lot but I would reckon it may be close to average for a person playing the course for the first time. I swear there are same holes where there may well be more sand than grass!

Your final shot on to the green in many holes requires a really good pitch due to the high number of protective bunkers and fast greens, but once again I think that is a good way for a golf course to be.

Finally, no question but I am joining. Absolutely fell in love with it!

First thing I will say I am a member.... Joined recently!

Re: Point 1...
That is one of the major reasons why I joined the club. I want to start to think my way around the golf course.
Re: Point 2...
I have a bit of "inside" information re the bunkers....
There is a plan in place to remove quite a few of the existing bunkers as it is felt that there are too many and a lot of them are unfair on the majority of players using the course. The sand will be removed and re-used to improve the remaining bunkers. Hence the condition of the bunkers not being as good as they might be!!
Glad to hear you fell in love with it and if you fancy a round I would be happy to join you as I live nearby..... time and weather permitting
MG

P.S. If you fancy playing on Sunday at 9:30 I have booked myself in.... If you haven't joined by then you may have to pay... I think it's €35. P.M. me if you fancy it!

Unblinkered

Slumduck, I agree entirely with your comments re. the Heath. Had a mate who played off 7 and stuck it for 6 months as a member and then decided he would play for pleasure elsewhere and forgo the pain of frustation. You may not have noticed but there are bunkers DIRECTLY in front of the flags on Nine holes and some more in the dead centre of the fairway on 8 9 and 18. Now where do you see that on even a top PGA course? I mean, middle of the fairway! You are right -a" tricked -up" designed golf course. You could call the 18th hole," Find the Grass", I think there are 12 bunkers on it alone. People play it, come off with their asses kicked and say I'd love to play it again and see how I do. They play it a few more times as a "challenge" and then realise there is no pleasure to be gained at all. You could get addicted thinking there is some hidden pleasure in there somewhere! Then you hear about the turnover of members and the penny drops. Stay away unless you are a masochist. Regards, Unblinkered.

G1032

Unblinkered wrote: »

You may not have noticed but there are bunkers DIRECTLY in front of the flags on Nine holes and some more in the dead centre of the fairway on 8 9 and 18. Now where do you see that on even a top PGA course? I mean, middle of the fairway!

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

heavyballs

G1032 wrote: »

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

you picked 1 hole from them all,well done you:rolleyes:.

G1032

heavyballs wrote: »

G1032 wrote: »

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

you picked 1 hole from them all,well done you:rolleyes:.

Get over it. If you can't just give a wry smile then I guess you've no sense of humour.

Unblinkered

Missed that one at Agusta! Never thought to compare the Heath to Augusta, silly me and should have known better! Agree with you also on needing a sense of humour because if you did'nt have one playing there you would wind up tearing your hair out.Any comments on the 18th there, the ugliest hole in golf? There is an old saying amongst Golf Course Designers that goes, "when you run out of ideas stick in some more Bunkers". My points are self evident so I rest my case. Regards, Unblinkered.

Kingswood Rover

Played Druids Heath today and having read the thread was really looking forward to it. The bunkers are in excellent nick and the amount of them wow, the 1st 10 holes are good and bar the 1st play pretty much as you see playing off the whites with plenty of room. The next 6 holes bar the par 3 across the valley are a real lottery tight fairways with massive undulations and only small landing areas. Last 3 again play pretty much as you see them. Off the whites i found it long with a lot of 5 wood approach shots having to be hit from 180 yards out. The greens are massive but if i am honest were very poor with bare parches and moss quite evident on the majority of them. Would i go back ....yes in the middle of summer. but the greens really poor.

Redzah

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

Played Druids Heath today and having read the thread was really looking forward to it. The bunkers are in excellent nick and the amount of them wow, the 1st 10 holes are good and bar the 1st play pretty much as you see playing off the whites with plenty of room. The next 6 holes bar the par 3 across the valley are a real lottery tight fairways with massive undulations and only small landing areas. Last 3 again play pretty much as you see them. Off the whites i found it long with a lot of 5 wood approach shots having to be hit from 180 yards out. The greens are massive but if i am honest were very poor with bare parches and moss quite evident on the majority of them. Would i go back ....yes in the middle of summer. but the greens really poor.

I'm quite surprised by your comments on the greens as I can recall they were always the best part of the course (albeit too fast at times for the undulations making them borderline unplayable). Agree with your comments regarding finding the fairway difficult on the back 9.

Kingswood Rover

Redzah wrote: »

I'm quite surprised by your comments on the greens as I can recall they were always the best part of the course (albeit too fast at times for the undulations making them borderline unplayable). Agree with your comments regarding finding the fairway difficult on the back 9.

Yea really surprised, given the budget they must have but i reckon in 6 or so weeks with the new growth they will be fine.

Seve OB

Only played it the once a few years ago. Really enjoyed it, despite it being a miserable day. I think the second hole is class. Never understood how it always gets slated

d2ww

Seve OB wrote: »

Only played it the once a few years ago. Really enjoyed it, despite it being a miserable day. I think the second hole is class. Never understood how it always gets slated

I suppose it's because it gets lot of green fee and society players, who like myself would be mid to high handicappers. These players would reasonably expect to par 4-6 holes in a typical round*. Whereas on DH, you would lucky to get one or two max.

* Well, that's what I normally expect.

Dtoffee

Just bumping this to ask about member turnover at The Heath, anyone still a member ? anyone join and leave after a year? if so why ?

I am looking at a few courses down that way and The Heath is very keen for new members, they went from 232 members in 2015 to 250 last year and their pricing is compeditive..... I played 15 holes there two weeks ago and it was interesting to say the least. Having read all the comments here, it looks to me that people join and enjoy the challenge but the course is hard to beat. From my visit, I would say that its not an average seniors / high handicappers course as its a good stretch of the legs and you need to be able to hit high approaches to greens or you will struggle. It is a good golf course though, I can see the attraction and how it would improve your game (if thats possible of course).

I was also told that weekly mens competition prizes are credit for the resort (golf shop / food etc) and not GUI vouchers, is this true ?

Seve OB

Dtoffee wrote: »

I was also told that weekly mens competition prizes are credit for the resort (golf shop / food etc) and not GUI vouchers, is this true ?

you seem to be saying this as if it was a bad thing.

Dtoffee

Seve OB wrote: »

you seem to be saying this as if it was a bad thing.

I dont know because I am not a member, maybe its great value or maybe they are limited in what they can spend their vouchers on and the prices are dear.

If I'm lucky enough to win a prize, I have to admit I like the GUI vouchers system as I can use them in the club shop or McGuirks etc.

fred funk }{

Dtoffee wrote: »

I dont know because I am not a member, maybe its great value or maybe they are limited in what they can spend their vouchers on and the prices are dear.

If I'm lucky enough to win a prize, I have to admit I like the GUI vouchers system as I can use them in the club shop or McGuirks etc.

Pro shop vouchers are the norm and keeps the money in the club. I think it's a good idea and if you become invested in the club you'll probably think that too.

d2ww

One of the clubs in the area should win the Glen of the Downs jackpot this spring, and Druids Heath would be a strong contender as they have the capacity. I know Bray gave the former members a presentation, Steve OB, do you know if Greystones did the same?

Dtoffee

d2ww wrote: »

One of the clubs in the area should win the Glen of the Downs jackpot this spring, and Druids Heath would be a strong contender as they have the capacity. I know Bray gave the former members a presentation, Steve OB, do you know if Greystones did the same?

When was this ?

I know Delgany sent out an email offering support and use of their facilities with a view to signing up a few.

Any Druids Heath members past or present on here ?

Seve OB

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

jarrieta

Seve OB wrote: »

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

It is true, we former members of GotD can play in DH until the 17th Feb

Charlesland and Delgany also offered some information meetings to attract some members, but they don't have but a small capacity to accept new members

Dtoffee

Seve OB wrote: »

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

True they are and they are talking about group rates for 50+, 100+ and 150+ .... the thing is that many GoDs members still want to go back 'home' and that will not be ruled out until a sale happens. The liquidator and recievers have been appointed, the farmer is still interested in buying back his land and things could change overnight (or not, depending on how pessimistic the reporter is).

Already some have joined other courses, but there is still a sizable number willing to play the waiting game (mainly due to winter golf not being a priority). One thing is sure, every day it lies closed is a loss making day for everyone and its value as a possible future going concern will quickly disappear.