Thinking of joining Beechpark Gc?

Gel21

Just wondering what the general opinion of Beechpark is here? I'm considering joining for 2015 as its closer to home then were I'm currently a member, I haven't play it yet but weather permitting I'm hoping to get out this week to have a look but I know it's not going to be at its best in December. Thanks in advance

GreeBo

I think its a nice parkland course, a lot of the par 4s would probably be short by modern standards but some nice finishing holes.
Greens are usually good during summer, but I wouldnt know much about the greens or course in general during the winter.

Reckon you could do a lot worse.

dennyire

played it a couple of times during the summer and enjoyed. On my list for return visit 2015

Russman

I know they've taken in quite a few members recently, so maybe check out what getting on a time sheet at your preferred time is like.

Kevinmarkham

Agreed, it's a fine parkland course. They boast an 'Amen Corner' on the back nine, which is the stronger of the two nines.

Dayor Knight

Gel21 wrote: »

Just wondering what the general opinion of Beechpark is here? I'm considering joining for 2015 as its closer to home then were I'm currently a member, I haven't play it yet but weather permitting I'm hoping to get out this week to have a look but I know it's not going to be at its best in December. Thanks in advance

What's the deal for joining, the sub?

Nozebleed

Last year they were offering a reduced 7 day membership at 995 for groups of 6 or more. I think its 1250 for individual 7 day at the moment..no hello money either. Its a lovely course. Always wondered about the timesheet. They will allow you to play the course free of charge if you call the club manager.

slave1

Played it in 2012, played CityWest in the afternoon of the same day thinking CW would be the superior course, boy was I wrong. Really enjoyed BP, course was in excellent nick, lovely maintained tee boxes and greens were lightening, Summer round.

Gel21

Dayor Knight wrote: »

What's the deal for joining, the sub?

I think it's about 1150 for full membership but I'd be able to get the under 30's which is 690 plus 100 behind the bar.

kenco

Lovely track. Joined in a couple of years back and unfortunately didnt get to play it as much as I wanted (injuries, weather, etc). Couldnt justify the annual subs last year but they were very understanding and fair on same.

Super greens and a reasonable test. Yes the par 4s are not all very long but its tight and you need to be accurate. I know a number of low handicappers who are members and various holes test them every round.

Overall if you can afford the annual fee I would definitely recommended it. The time sheet does get busy but you can book on line and slots do come free. Good bunch of members so dont be afraid to join a two ball you dont know.

dubber

I played it this year, short, tight and in good condition. Their trophy cabinet was bursting at the seams!

First Up

Drainage isn't the best. Apparently it sits on a very solid base of rock. Grand in dry weather but can be sloppy after any sort of rain.

8under

I joined last year and am really enjoying the course and club. Very good parkland course, well maintained and friendly members.

I have found no problems with drainage. Improvement works carried out a while ago addressed most issues apparently. I recently played on a day following torrential downpours and the course was excellent despite all the rain the previous day.

kbarnesie

Played it a number of times last summer and yes it is very nice.
Front nine is a little dull with very similar holes but once you hit Amen Corner it becomes more of a challenge.

Have you played Castlewarden ?
I play there and in my opinion it is a longer and more challenging course.
It also has much better practice facilities.

If you are coming from Dublin it is only an extra 3 minutes from Rathcoole

PM me if your interested

GreeBo

Castlewarden would be much more open, being much newer?

Russman

kbarnesie wrote: »

Played it a number of times last summer and yes it is very nice.
Front nine is a little dull with very similar holes but once you hit Amen Corner it becomes more of a challenge.

Have you played Castlewarden ?
I play there and in my opinion it is a longer and more challenging course.
It also has much better practice facilities.

If you are coming from Dublin it is only an extra 3 minutes from Rathcoole

PM me if your interested

Not to go too far OT, but can I ask how you find the timesheets in Castlewarden ? It was "sort of / potentially" on my radar (it's not really anymore, I'm staying put where I am) but a good buddy of mine is a member and was only telling me a week or two ago when I asked him, that it's very difficult to get a time you want, and you almost certainly can't get book a line if you want a game with your friends. He said all you'll get is single slots and usually if you're not online within a minute of the sheet opening you'll end up on a waiting list hoping to get an email during the week with a random slot. No idea if he just had a bad experience or if that's a regular thing.
That's not to knock it over Beech Park, personally I'd choose it over BP any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

First Up

Russman wrote: »

Not to go too far OT, but can I ask how you find the timesheets in Castlewarden ? It was "sort of / potentially" on my radar (it's not really anymore, I'm staying put where I am) but a good buddy of mine is a member and was only telling me a week or two ago when I asked him, that it's very difficult to get a time you want, and you almost certainly can't get book a line if you want a game with your friends. He said all you'll get is single slots and usually if you're not online within a minute of the sheet opening you'll end up on a waiting list hoping to get an email during the week with a random slot. No idea if he just had a bad experience or if that's a regular thing.
That's not to knock it over Beech Park, personally I'd choose it over BP any day of the week and twice on Sundays.

I wouldn't have thought there was much between them as courses. I'd rate them about the same. I think I would marginally prefer Beech Park but I know people who gave up on it because of time sheet problems so I'd say its a toss up.

ForeRight

You need to have your finger on the button as the sheet is opening at beech park to get the time you want ideally. It's difficult to get a line complete.

Beech is a beautiful course. The members are very friendly and there is a great atmosphere.

Castlewarden is similar with the time sheet. Both clubs have big numbers so it's to be expected. It's also a beautiful course. Definitely longer than beech but I honestly wouldn't find it any tougher a test that beech. I think beech has more "feature" holes but castlewarden has far superior practice facilities which is something beech is lacking unfortunately.

I was members in both clubs and I can't really separate them. It depends on if you are big into practice I suppose. If you spend time chipping, putting hitting long irons at the course practicing its castlewarden for you. If not pick which ever you like best.

Coin toss for me.

First Up

ForeRight wrote: »

You need to have your finger on the button as the sheet is opening at beech park to get the time you want ideally. It's difficult to get a line complete.

Beech is a beautiful course. The members are very friendly and there is a great atmosphere.

Castlewarden is similar with the time sheet. Both clubs have big numbers so it's to be expected. It's also a beautiful course. Definitely longer than beech but I honestly wouldn't find it any tougher a test that beech. I think beech has more "feature" holes but castlewarden has far superior practice facilities which is something beech is lacking unfortunately.

I was members in both clubs and I can't really separate them. It depends on if you are big into practice I suppose. If you spend time chipping, putting hitting long irons at the course practicing its castlewarden for you. If not pick which ever you like best.

Coin toss for me.

I'd agree. Both are accessible with big catchment areas and neither is going to beat you up and leave you in tears. Wherever you have mates I reckon.

beepee

Was up in Beech Park today and there's a large list of new members on the board. Talk is that they will be closing for membership soon as they are close to maximum capacity. Good sign for the club itself as it looks like it'll be healthy for a long time to come.

Rikand

Good for beechpark