Blackbush members

IanPoulter

Thinking of joining Blackbush GC. Anyone have any views on it. Do they use temporary greens in winter? Does it suffer from many closures due to drainage (or our crap weather for the last few years). Difficult/challenging or easy/dull. Membership numbers/ BRS system. Easy or difficult to get on the timesheet?

All views welcome

Seves Three Iron

IanPoulter wrote: »

Thinking of joining Blackbush GC. Anyone have any views on it. Do they use temporary greens in winter? Does it suffer from many closures due to drainage (or our crap weather for the last few years). Difficult/challenging or easy/dull. Membership numbers/ BRS system. Easy or difficult to get on the timesheet?

All views welcome

Been a member there since the place started, in 1988. It's 27 holes as you probably know, 18 holes (A & B, Par 73) and a further 9 (course C, par 35). C is really the practice nine, pretty meh.

In the early days, it was quite open but they planted a serious amount of trees throughout the place and it's completely the opposite now, very tight, particularly from the tee. The course record was shot by a member, 68, -5, off the back tees. I'm there my entire life and best round off the back tees is level. So nobody is going to tear it apart.

Strange dynamic there in that the difference between the back tees (blue) and forward tees (white) is quite big. About 3/4 shots per round. So you have a lot of guys maintaining low handicaps off the white tees and then bombing out in the big comps.

Anyhow, as for the practicalites. They put a levy on members about 15 years ago to invest in drainage so the fairways are pretty good all year round. Rough, like everywhere, can be wet enough. Greens are decent and only out of play when it's frosty.

BRS is not in operation. It's webgolf.ie. Works pretty well. As far as I know one of the members is involved in that company.

A few things I've found over the years about the place;
* It's on a slight incline in the land and always seems to be windy, even if it's calm when you leave home.
* Course is protected from the tee. But if you drive straight (obviously easier said than done) there's little or no protection in front of the majority of greens.
* It's beginning to churn out some quality young players. John Dwyer (Ashbourne), John Kelly (St Margs) played there in my day but there was a lull of good players coming through for a long time.

Bottom line, it's a decent track with regular and well run comps. Like everywhere, it's hitting some money trouble but hasn't any significant loans (essentially debt free as far as I'm aware).

IanPoulter

Seves Three Iron wrote: »

Been a member there since the place started, in 1988. It's 27 holes as you probably know, 18 holes (A & B, Par 73) and a further 9 (course C, par 35). C is really the practice nine, pretty meh.

In the early days, it was quite open but they planted a serious amount of trees throughout the place and it's completely the opposite now, very tight, particularly from the tee. The course record was shot by a member, 68, -5, off the back tees. I'm there my entire life and best round off the back tees is level. So nobody is going to tear it apart.

Strange dynamic there in that the difference between the back tees (blue) and forward tees (white) is quite big. About 3/4 shots per round. So you have a lot of guys maintaining low handicaps off the white tees and then bombing out in the big comps.

Anyhow, as for the practicalites. They put a levy on members about 15 years ago to invest in drainage so the fairways are pretty good all year round. Rough, like everywhere, can be wet enough. Greens are decent and only out of play when it's frosty.

BRS is not in operation. It's webgolf.ie. Works pretty well. As far as I know one of the members is involved in that company.

A few things I've found over the years about the place;
* It's on a slight incline in the land and always seems to be windy, even if it's calm when you leave home.
* Course is protected from the tee. But if you drive straight (obviously easier said than done) there's little or no protection in front of the majority of greens.
* It's beginning to churn out some quality young players. John Dwyer (Ashbourne), John Kelly (St Margs) played there in my day but there was a lull of good players coming through for a long time.

Bottom line, it's a decent track with regular and well run comps. Like everywhere, it's hitting some money trouble but hasn't any significant loans (essentially debt free as far as I'm aware).

Thanks for taking the time to post such a comprehensive reply, and if I do join (which is more likely now) I look forward to seeing you up there.

Dr_Colossus

How much is membership and other additions and levies?

I've only played the course twice, in early May and again at the end of Oct this year during their open competitions. On both instances I found the course and welcome offered very enjoyable and as such it's a place I like playing. Although the open competitions were played from the white tees the course (A+B) was playing quite long in Oct due to a cold wind and weeks of wet weather leading up to the event. Never the less the course played very well and apart from an abundance of leaves throughout the rough was in good shape. There's good practice facilities with two pitching/chipping greens, large putting green and a driving range with a grass area and enclosed bays capable of hitting mid irons. Pity the driving range can't be extended to longer clubs but other than that very good. There's a great pro shop on the premises with a wide range of quality products at very competitive prices and the personnel manning the shop are very friendly without being pushy.

Seves Three Iron

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

How much is membership and other additions and levies?

Apols for the late reply Doc. Membership details below
http://www.blackbushgolfclub.ie/membership.htm

finchkerry

Seves Three Iron wrote: »

Apols for the late reply Doc. Membership details below
http://www.blackbushgolfclub.ie/membership.htm

By god I didn't think membership was that cheap. I enquired about three years ago and a women said its €5,000 joining fee plus your name has to go up on the board for a period of time but was rather rude about it which I found patronising and put me off...

I really rate the set up there, great practice facilitates, plus the extra nine would be great for a bit of practice on comp days when the A & B are being used. At €980 it will really challenge the North Dublin membership general price of €1500 when the set up there is much much better.

Dr_Colossus

Resurrecting an old thread to see if there are any current members of BlackBush on here that can offer some insight since "Seves Three Iron" and "IanPoulter" are no longer active on boards.

Investigating it as a possible place to join for 2014 so "Seves Three Iron"'s post above answers a good few questions. I rang the club last week seeking answers to the below but the person on the phone was somewhat hesitant and didn't do a very good job selling the place.

1) What are member competition times like both summer and winter? How busy and punctual is the time sheet and is it easy to get a time.

2) What are the competition entry fees again both summer and winter? Are there different prices for "majors" such as Captain's, President's prizes and medals as opposed to normal weekend competitions? Is there 2's included on top of standard competition entry fees? Are the bigger competitions held on a Sat or Sun? During the winter how many holes are the competitions, 9, 12, 15 or 18?

3) Are there Golfer of the Year and Winter League competitions throughout the year and how are these run (can't see any information or eligibility on their website). Similarly are there singles matchplay competitions/leagues held? What are the prizes like in general given the entry fees in question 2?

4) What is the situation with the driving range? I was told on the phone that I could use my own golf balls and retrieve them or else buy a bucket of range balls from the proshop. Surely it's one or the other as it would be difficult retrieving your own balls from hundreds of range balls left on the range not to mention difficult/impossible if there were other people purchasing range balls.

5) How busy is the club midweek of a summers evening at around 18:00? Easy to get out with the 27 holes, ie no need to prebook or is the place and practice facilities overrun with juniors on holidays?

6) Are there any member offers for lessons from Shane O'Grady and how often is he onsite?

Thanks.

PARlance

Hey Dr, pretty sure DarCool is a member there. He's on here the odd time so you might want to send him a PM instead.

dar_cool

Hi lads,
I'll try my best to answer your questions.
1. Member competitions in summer are every Wednesday there is an open with slots from 8-5ish. Saturday and Sunday competitions are well supported but not difficult to get out on the timesheet but the earlier times do fill up quicker. In winter the place isnt near as busy as you would expect. I've never missed a time slot but seems pretty laid back if you give the lads a shout in the pro shop they will accommodate you for a different time if your running late etc. The thing I don't like about webgolf system they use you can only make changes up to midnight on the day before.

2. Entry fees for normal competitions are 6 euro plus 2 euro on top of that for the 2's. Sunday medals are 8 euro. I think the captains was 20 euro but that covered qualifying and repechage if needed. The other "majors" were 8 euro. One of which I won . Yes the bigger competitions are on Saturday and Sundays. Winter is 15 holes I think. I haven't got out since October so not sure on that.

3.Yes there are golfer of the year tables. It's all in the members section. The points count from all the medals during the year and the majors. There are several league type setups the hamper league during the winter and even in the summer there is a good 9 hole league every week which is good fun. Prizes are pretty good. Wednesday open top prize is 80 euro usually supervalu vouchers as the local shop sponsers it. 2nd is 50 and 3rd 30. The medals is 120 usually pro shop vouchers or club vouchers which can be put off membership next year or spent in bar/restaurant.Yes there are singles matchplay and team matchplays.

4.As regard driving range I think you can only use the club's balls. But it's cheap. 2 euro for 50balls iI think. It's not the longest range but it's good for most clubs.

5. You will always get out for a few holes. It's pretty casual no need to book. A+B is the main course so you will always get out on C. Sometimes they have bunnies competitions on C but you will get out on A or B. It's not overrun with juniors but there are a few alright.

6. I'm not sure about membership offers fir lessons from him. There is another pro in his shop Fintan who is suppose to be brilliant. I heard he's going to work in st.Andrews. they have an offer if you join you get your swing videoed or something. Not 100% on that.

I only joined last April and have loved it. Got a serious amount of practise in at all times which seen my handicap go from 15 to 6. It's a challenging course from the back sticks. Hope this helps. Let me know if you want anymore info.
Cheers
Darren

Dr_Colossus

Thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail Darren, and congratulations on the gargantuan handicap drop, sounds like you got good value with plenty of practice.

Sounds like a positive club, I had concerns regarding the competition fees as I was told on the phone all competition fees were €8 with an optional €2 for 2's on top which I told her was very expensive. The open competition I played in Oct this year was €8 for members but only €15 for visitors which I didn't think was fair, I would have as easily paid €20 and thought a members fee should be no more than €6 and preferably an even €5.

Do you live in close proximity to the course or what enticed you to join BlackBush initially? Did you know anyone before joining and how easy is it to get to know people there by putting your name down on the timesheet randomly.

Are you planning on maintaining your membership there for 2014, presume the calendar year run from Jan to Jan? Are you eligible for the under 30s membership deal and is 2014 the first year they've introduced this. Would you have any feedback as to how it's perceived by the full members given the considerable discount for no reduction in playing rights.

Thanks again.

dar_cool

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Thanks for taking the time to reply in such detail Darren, and congratulations on the gargantuan handicap drop, sounds like you got good value with plenty of practice.

Sounds like a positive club, I had concerns regarding the competition fees as I was told on the phone all competition fees were €8 with an optional €2 for 2's on top which I told her was very expensive. The open competition I played in Oct this year was €8 for members but only €15 for visitors which I didn't think was fair, I would have as easily paid €20 and thought a members fee should be no more than €6 and preferably an even €5.

Do you live in close proximity to the course or what enticed you to join BlackBush initially? Did you know anyone before joining and how easy is it to get to know people there by putting your name down on the timesheet randomly.

Are you planning on maintaining your membership there for 2014, presume the calendar year run from Jan to Jan? Are you eligible for the under 30s membership deal and is 2014 the first year they've introduced this. Would you have any feedback as to how it's perceived by the full members given the considerable discount for no reduction in playing rights.

Thanks again.

No problem. I was trying to get info like this when I was joining but couldnt get any so took a chance. No I'm pretty sure it's 6 euro entry fee unless it went up but I doubt it. They have good support from non members on the opens so I think that's why it's 15. Royal Tara, etc Is 15 for the opens.
I live in Clonsilla so only about twenty minutes away which is grand. Where do you live yourself? No I didn't know anybody when I joined. There a very welcoming bunch and are just glad to see new members coming in. There's no problem at all throwing your name down beside anyone.
Yes I'll be renewing my membership and yes I'm under 30 so get the 560 deal which is great. No they have had the under 30's for a few years. Other members I've talked to mostly welcomed it because it was opening the gates to a lot of young people who previously wouldnr have bothered in joining a club.
Any more help needed let me know.
Cheers
Darren

Dr_Colossus

Thanks, I'm currently in Cabra so it would be a 30min commute each way which is not negligible hence the reconnaissance mission at present. I'm currently a member in Hollystown which itself is nearly 15mins away so extending the commute does require consideration.

I also don't qualify for the under 30s deal so the membership fee is a factor also when you have other clubs such as Knightsbrook offering full membership for €750. To be honest I'm a bit peeved that the under 30s deal is at such a discount and that I miss out by a couple of years (great for you and makes joining and continuing your membership a simple decision). I know it shouldn't affect my decision but my take on it is that I'd be inclined to join that bit faster if the under 30s deal wasn't at such a discount or had reduced playing rights to offset the perceived poorer value the "full" membership is offering.

I wouldn't have an issue joining a club where I don't know anyone, golf is very much an individual sport and the two clubs I've been a member to date were joined in similar circumstances and there was never an issue but good to know that the club and players are welcoming.

sydneybound

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Thanks, I'm currently in Cabra so it would be a 30min commute each way which is not negligible hence the reconnaissance mission at present. I'm currently a member in Hollystown which itself is nearly 15mins away so extending the commute does require consideration.

You’re talking about an extra 15 - 20 minutes drive, if it was me I would happily drive the extra distance to play Blackbush over Hollystown. The practice facilities alone are superb and when I played the course it feels more of a club then Hollystown. Hollystown has private owners and you play by their rules. Only my opinion but don't let the extra 15/20 minutes scare you too much.

Dr_Colossus

Just to update, I signed up as a new member of BlackBush in the last week so looking forward now to getting out and the year ahead.

The website did mention a referral bonus of €100 for introducing a new member but when I raised this with the club I was told it was no longer applicable. I gave your name anyway Darren (only knew your first name but they were able to locate you in the database based on cross referencing the details I knew about you from above).

The club in general don't appear overly eager in attracting new members which I found surprising. Doing away with the €100 referral bonus doesn't make much sense as surely it encourages existing members to increase the member base. Also there was zero room for negotiating a better introductory rate as a new member and they wouldn't even throw in a few green fee vouchers for guests which I thought stingy given I was going to be paying out a large chunk of money. My application still had to be approved by the committee also which is fair enough in a member owned club since it's part of the constitution but not the most welcoming of introductions.

Also I was none too pleased to discover that there was a €100 bar/restaurant levy to be paid on top of the annual subscription. There was no mention of this anywhere on the website with the annual subscription repeatedly shown as €960 for full membership plus it was never mentioned during my initial inquiries with the club and subsequent membership application.

Anyway hope to see you throughout the year at BlackBush and will keep an eye for you on the results page Darren.

dar_cool

Ah good stuff. To be honest with you I haven't paid the bar levy and haven't heard anything..I'm all for supporting the club and all but that's a bit mad. I might throw my name down for saturday morning if your around?Weather looks good!!

dar_cool

They were like that with me when I joined aswell. Felt like they were doing me a favour by replying etc. Once your in its good I assure you!!

Dr_Colossus

dar_cool wrote: »

. I might throw my name down for saturday morning if your around?Weather looks good!!

Won't make it Sat but hope to get out on Sun for a game since the new handicap number came through today. Last question I promise, the winter 12 hole competitions are listed on the East and West courses, is the West course the A or B course?

dar_cool

Ah good stuff!! I haven't really played the winter league but I think its a mixture of a+b for west and a mixture between.b+c for east. Not 100% on that.though. give me a shout if your looking for a game.

mike987654

I’m hoping to join Blackbush soon but before I do I was wondering how long does it take to get round on Saturdays morning between 8-9.30am?

I’m hoping it will take under the four hour mark at that time in the morning. Its just a case my time is a little tight and I have to be back by a certain hour before I’m in trouble!

Also are the competition always €8? I think that’s a bit pricey for my likening, I’m used to paying €5 which I think is enough to be giving away every weekend!

I take it with the 27 holes you always get out on the spare 9 even for a couple of holes on a busy Saturday if you just fancy a few, is that the case?

Finally how wet does it get in the winter time. Granted that every course is pretty much unplayable at certain times during the winter but is the drainage at Blackbush fairly good?

Dr_Colossus

Alright Mike, will try to answer the below but let me know if you've any follow up questions:

mike987654 wrote: »

I’m hoping to join Blackbush soon but before I do I was wondering how long does it take to get round on Saturdays morning between 8-9.30am?

I’m hoping it will take under the four hour mark at that time in the morning. Its just a case my time is a little tight and I have to be back by a certain hour before I’m in trouble!

Yes a round generally takes under 4hrs of a Sat morning but that said you won't fly around in 3hrs30 either as it's not a particularly short cource (par 73) and between 08:00 and 11:00 is prime time with a full time sheet so 3 balls going out every 7 and 8 minutes alternatingly. The rough is generally well cut down (too much so in my view) and the undergrowth around the trees well maintained so there isn't any significant time lost searching for balls.
Over the year I can't remember any exceedingly long rounds and would estimate the longest at about 04hrs 20 but on average very consistently at the 4hr mark.

mike987654 wrote: »

Also are the competition always €8? I think that’s a bit pricey for my likening, I’m used to paying €5 which I think is enough to be giving away every weekend!

Agree regarding the competition fees, they are very expensive but only the medals, majors and for some reason I can't fathom open competitions of a weekend are €8. Normal weekend competitions and midweek open competitions are €6 during the playing season.
9 hole competitions (generally of a Mon evening) are €3 and over the winter/spring they run 12 hole competitions but these are disproportionally expensive at €6 so I don't play in those out of principal.
There is an optional 2's club run by the proshop so an additional €2 on the above applies if you want to be included in that. I generally don't bother with the 2's except for in medals as it makes the entry fee even more expensive plus the 2's money only entitles you to proshop credit so cannot be accumulated towards membership cost, competition fees etc.

mike987654 wrote: »

I take it with the 27 holes you always get out on the spare 9 even for a couple of holes on a busy Saturday if you just fancy a few, is that the case?

Yes it's a great asset and it's maintained to the same standard as the primary A+B course just that its layout is not as challenging. You'll occasionally get small groups out on it but generally you shouldn't have any problem getting out of a few holes regardless.

mike987654 wrote: »

Finally how wet does it get in the winter time. Granted that every course is pretty much unplayable at certain times during the winter but is the drainage at Blackbush fairly good?

Overall I'd say the drainage is good and course playable year round. Certain areas of the rough do get quite soft and prone to plugged balls in the winter and paths and tee box surrounds can get a bit muddy but it's rarely closed due to excessive rain.


Where are you moving from and what handicap level would you play to? I presume you've played the course a few times if considering joining, what would you're initial thoughts be.
Generally I'd say it's a well run club and despite some negative and annoying aspects as you get with all clubs it's one I can see myself staying in, I will be renewing my membership this year again anyway. Sure let me know of any further questions.

dar_cool

Good post !! I also see you got another hole in 1!!! Savage stuff!

Dr_Colossus

dar_cool wrote: »

Good post !! I also see you got another hole in 1!!! Savage stuff!

Yea, on the 13th in the gale on Sat but lost out big time not having put in on the 2's as would have taken a lucrative pot. Also had a 2 on the 16th so may have to reconsider my 2's strategy going forward as they say things happen in 3's so will be aiming/hoping/hacking for a third throughout the year.

mike987654

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Alright Mike, will try to answer the below but let me know if you've any follow up questions:

Yes a round generally takes under 4hrs of a Sat morning but that said you won't fly around in 3hrs30 either as it's not a particularly short cource (par 73) and between 08:00 and 11:00 is prime time with a full time sheet so 3 balls going out every 7 and 8 minutes alternatingly. The rough is generally well cut down (too much so in my view) and the undergrowth around the trees well maintained so there isn't any significant time lost searching for balls.
Over the year I can't remember any exceedingly long rounds and would estimate the longest at about 04hrs 20 but on average very consistently at the 4hr mark.

Agree regarding the competition fees, they are very expensive but only the medals, majors and for some reason I can't fathom open competitions of a weekend are €8. Normal weekend competitions and midweek open competitions are €6 during the playing season.
9 hole competitions (generally of a Mon evening) are €3 and over the winter/spring they run 12 hole competitions but these are disproportionally expensive at €6 so I don't play in those out of principal.
There is an optional 2's club run by the proshop so an additional €2 on the above applies if you want to be included in that. I generally don't bother with the 2's except for in medals as it makes the entry fee even more expensive plus the 2's money only entitles you to proshop credit so cannot be accumulated towards membership cost, competition fees etc.

Yes it's a great asset and it's maintained to the same standard as the primary A+B course just that its layout is not as challenging. You'll occasionally get small groups out on it but generally you shouldn't have any problem getting out of a few holes regardless.

Overall I'd say the drainage is good and course playable year round. Certain areas of the rough do get quite soft and prone to plugged balls in the winter and paths and tee box surrounds can get a bit muddy but it's rarely closed due to excessive rain.

Where are you moving from and what handicap level would you play to? I presume you've played the course a few times if considering joining, what would you're initial thoughts be.
Generally I'd say it's a well run club and despite some negative and annoying aspects as you get with all clubs it's one I can see myself staying in, I will be renewing my membership this year again anyway. Sure let me know of any further questions.

Excellent post, thanks very much for taking the time to type it.

Going out in threeballs is refreshing as I did notice its a par 73 with five par 5's so naturally enough it would take a while to walk around. Provided my rounds don't go over the four hour mark I'll be very happy. Can you get out before 8am? Sometime getting out before the pack at say 7:30 or 7:45am when the clocks go back can be a handy way of shooting round quickly.

I think I'd take a very similar stance to yourself re comp fees. I would play all the normal comps at €6 and not enter the 2s while I wouldn't enter the €8 open open comps and just play a normal round. €8 for a regular comp round is a little too much to stomach. I take it theres no problem putting your name down on a Saturday morning without entering the comp? Some clubs can be funny about that, you have to enter to play on a Saturday morning.

Yes this is one of the main reasons why I would join. Say weekends when the weather isn't great I wouldn't fancy playing the whole 18 I would like to nip out on the C course to get a few in. A less challenging layout would actually suit as this would be simple practice.

I'm off 8 and actually came second in a open comp there about 6 years ago. I actually won a jumper with a Blackbush crest so I'd fit in already!

I only played the course the once and I liked it but then again it was a picture perfect day in August when all courses are at their best. From what I can recall there was a chipping area with bunker, a couple of putting areas and a driving range. The different practice areas along with the extra 9 holes are a big pull towards joining the club. When I do move to the area fully in about 9-12 months I would intend joining and staying there for the forseeable future. I would much prefer to join a club on my doorstep then jump from club to club if you get me.

The locker room must have been done up at the time and were very nice and the food upstairs was good too. From the little I heard or saw from the members they seemed friendly.

SevesThreeIron

I was in BB since day one and would give it the thumbs up. Worked there for years with the greens staff all of whom are still there and take care of the place very well. Can't say a whole pile bad about it. I left for Royal Tara coz it's on my doorstep and time had become an issue. I would say to you not to discount Tara, especially if you're moving anywhere near Dunsh. The course and clubhouse are better in Tara and it's the same price pretty much. Also 27 holes.

That said, BB is a very good test with fine facilities. As the trees have grown and they've made various changes around the course, it's turned into a tough trek off the blues. Less so off the whites.

In terms of drainage, they did a big job about 15/20 years ago on the fairways. It cost a wad of money at the time and levies were required. But it's had a good effect. Best of luck if you join! If you want info regarding Tara just shout.

Dr_Colossus

mike987654 wrote: »

Excellent post, thanks very much for taking the time to type it.

Going out in threeballs is refreshing as I did notice its a par 73 with five par 5's so naturally enough it would take a while to walk around. Provided my rounds don't go over the four hour mark I'll be very happy. Can you get out before 8am? Sometime getting out before the pack at say 7:30 or 7:45am when the clocks go back can be a handy way of shooting round quickly.

Yes all singles competitions are out in three balls which is great and helps the golf flow. Yes competition tee times start about 30 mins after sunrise during the year with the earliest being 07:00 during the summer to allow the pro shop open. This weekend the first competition tee time is from 07:15 and I'm down to play at 07:30 on the Sat as need to be back early so there's a good deal of flexibility.

mike987654 wrote: »

I think I'd take a very similar stance to yourself re comp fees. I would play all the normal comps at €6 and not enter the 2s while I wouldn't enter the €8 open open comps and just play a normal round. €8 for a regular comp round is a little too much to stomach. I take it theres no problem putting your name down on a Saturday morning without entering the comp? Some clubs can be funny about that, you have to enter to play on a Saturday morning.

Not too sure on that front to be honest, generally the tee times are indicated as competition times so being on the time sheet implies you've entered the competition. That said I don't remember reading any rule stating you have to play in the competition so I guess you could play at the designated time and just mark and sign your playing partners card.

mike987654 wrote: »

Yes this is one of the main reasons why I would join. Say weekends when the weather isn't great I wouldn't fancy playing the whole 18 I would like to nip out on the C course to get a few in. A less challenging layout would actually suit as this would be simple practice.

I'm off 8 and actually came second in a open comp there about 6 years ago. I actually won a jumper with a Blackbush crest so I'd fit in already!

What a terrible prize for an open competition, not a fan of crested clothing or paraphernalia of your home club never mind an away club. I'm of similar standard, currently of 7, and was surprised for a club of about 800 members how few there were off single figures. There is an huge proportion of golfers with 20+ handicaps which can be a bit disheartening given some of the crazy scores posted throughout the year (another reason the rough should be made more penal). It's another reason I don't play in the winter/spring leagues as even with 2/3 handicap allowances for the 12 holes winning scores are usually 30 and 31 pts given the forward tees and placing. That for me is outside the realms of possibility.

mike987654 wrote: »

I only played the course the once and I liked it but then again it was a picture perfect day in August when all courses are at their best. From what I can recall there was a chipping area with bunker, a couple of putting areas and a driving range. The different practice areas along with the extra 9 holes are a big pull towards joining the club. When I do move to the area fully in about 9-12 months I would intend joining and staying there for the forseeable future. I would much prefer to join a club on my doorstep then jump from club to club if you get me.

Yes the practice areas are quite good, good quality chipping green with a playing surface akin to the course greens (a lot of players practice their putting on this also given it's quality), a separate putting green, a pitching green for shots from 40 yards with good sized practice bunker, driving net adjacent to the first tee and a grass based driving range of about 200 yards in length. The surface on the driving range can be a bit rough especially in winter with the lack of growth. There is also 4 covered bays beside the teaching bay but the path from the 18th green passes in front of this so they're not supposed to be in use while the course itself is in play. Range ball tokens are available from the pro shop at a members discount of €1 per 25 balls which is very reasonable but to offset this the quality of the balls are terrible.

mike987654 wrote: »

The locker room must have been done up at the time and were very nice and the food upstairs was good too. From the little I heard or saw from the members they seemed friendly.

Yea the locker rooms are decent and clubhouse itself quite big with an upstairs bar/restaurant and separate snooker room and downstairs has a larger function room with bar used on occasion. Last year there was a €100 bar/restaurant levy on top of membership so it meant using the restaurant on occasion to spend the credit, food was very good but a little expensive. This year the bar/restaurant levy is no longer compulsory and instead they're offering something like a 10% discount on purchases if you top up by €100 or more.
Just to be aware also, this year the club is imposing a €100 levy on all members to clear operating losses sustained during 2014 partly resulting from the purchase of course machinery and falling membership subscriptions but I don't believe this applies to new members. Also since you mentioned Sat mornings in your opening post bear in mind that last year all the medals and majors were on Sun so bear that in mind if Sun is not a viable option. The calendar for 2015 hasn't been published yet but I can't image there being too much drastic changes. There are separate competitions on both Sat and Sun and each are well supported with similar numbers.

If you're looking for a game at any stage let me know, I'm usually stuck in work Mon to Fri but usually get in a round at the weekends and since qualifying rounds are not in effect yet not too pushed about the competitions.