Heath GC Laois

Ceist_Beag

I'm looking at joining a golf club in the south Laois/north Kilkenny area and from reading old threads in this forum The Heath sounds like it could tick a lot of boxes. I'm going to play a round there in the coming weeks to see what it's like but I'd appreciate any thoughts from anyone who has played it in recent years or even better, who is or was a member there. Ideally I'm looking for a small, friendly club with reasonable membership fees (by reasonable I mean around the 600-700 mark) and from reading previous reviews here on The Heath it sounds like it matches up well but most posts are about six years old so I'm looking for some current feedback if anyone has any recent experience of it. Also if anyone has recommendations for other courses in the area I'd love the hear them.

Seves Three Iron

Years since I played The Heath. Only memory is of the sheep wandering around the place and a tough closing hole (Gorse up the right I think??)

Anyhow, if I was joining a place in the area on a budget I'd be considering Abbeyleix GC. I live up in Meath but regularly head down there for Friday opens when I'm off. Great little track with some brilliant holes right from the off. Dunno how close it is to you but worth considering.

If I was picking flaws in Abbeyleix I would say it can be a bit soggy and the clubhouse is pretty mediocre. But in decent weather, for a pure golfing experience, it's great fun.

Ceist_Beag

Thanks for that Seves 3I! Abbeyleix is very close to us, I was skipping it based on reviews I read on this forum but sounds like I should check it out for myself!

Seves Three Iron

Oh definitely check it out for yourself. Personally, I believe a lot of reviews of Abbeyleix are coloured by the first impression of the clubhouse and the changing rooms. There's no denying they're poor enough but, at the end of the day, it's either a golf club or a social club you're after. That would be my opinion anyway, and the course is decent. If holes 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 12 & 13 don't leave you with a smile on your face then I'd be surprised. As I say, it can be a bit wet in the off season. Anyhow, it's only my opinion! But give it a try.

cpb

I would recommend the Heath but I am biased as I having been playing there for the last 25 years. Yes there are sheep on the course they dont interfer with play and the numbers go up and down depending on the time of year.

There is a good pro shop with very friendly pro Mark O Boyle and the club house is pretty decent.

The course is in good condition most of the year and have great greens esp. during the summer when they can get very quick.

Like most courses have gone through a programme of cost cutting and as far as I know are hoping to cut the annual fee from €700 to €595.

They have a good list of competitions during the year including a open singles every Wednesday and they enter a team in most of the GUI competitions check out the website www.heathgc.ie for some pictures and deals they have on membership.

ftlnn

You'd be off your rocker at least not to go and see the Heritage. As I understand it membership is on offer for 800 (NAMA are in there). Fantastic course. I'd join in a second if I lived that close to it.

thinks too much

Castlecomer are offering a deal for new members of €500 a year for next 3 years and after that its back to normal fees which are currently around €742. I am a member there and while many people dont like it because they believe its too hilly i would say it is a good colfing course. and with the exception of the climb to first tee box and from 10th green to 11th tee i dont see it as being that bad in terms if hills. Then again I am biased. The clubhouse and changing facilities are poor though but you would never have a problem getting a game which is the main thing.

As for the Heath i am not its greatest fan but in terms of location and fees its worth a shot. mountrath were offering good deals last year to new members so maybe worth giving them a call to see whats on offer. Abbeyleix is not a faourite of a lot of golfers but i like it and again its reasonable to join.

If you fancy a game in castlecomer to see waht its like if you have not already played then i would be happy to go out with you.

NotCarrotRidge

Rathdowney is also worth checking out. Like most places, they have a decent deal on membership going at the moment. I live in KK and would join there if it was just a bit closer. I know a few lads who are members there and they really like it.

Ceist_Beag

Thanks all for the great suggestions. I think we'll have to try all of them out before we make any decision - I didn't realise the membership was as reasonable as that for Castlecomer and The Heritage!

NotCarrotRidge

Ceist_Beag wrote: »

Thanks all for the great suggestions. I think we'll have to try all of them out before we make any decision - I didn't realise the membership was as reasonable as that for Castlecomer and The Heritage!

How awful for you!

Ceist_Beag

NotCarrotRidge wrote: »

How awful for you!

I know, it's a tough job alright!

kyleman

Mountrath has matured into one of the best courses in laois and without doubt have had the best greens in laois for the last 3 years and in my opinion is better than the heath and a long way ahead of abbeyleix. Fees are under 600 and a few of the lads i golf with have joined already and have the last 3 months for free this year.