Portmarnock Hotel & Golf Links

bailey99

Looking to play an open competition there at the end of the month and just wondering what sort of condition the place is in and the opinions of people who have played it previously.

mike12

bailey99 wrote: »

Looking to play an open competition there at the end of the month and just wondering what sort of condition the place is in and the opinions of people who have played it previously.

Always in super condition, played a couple of week ago and would play it 5/6 times a year at least and never have had a complaint.

sodbuster77

Played it on new years eve. It was in great condition for the time of year. There was one temporary green in place due to work being done

golfwallah

Played it a few time every year for past few years - always enjoyable - links golf with beautiful views - what more could you want!

John Divney

Historically the greens are as good as any in winter, were a few weeks back too.

This is prime links real estate

Ollieboy

I play this course every year in Dec and its always in top conditions, its a Links course so usually the wind is the only major issue.

FixdePitchmark

I don't think there are too many better in Dublin - The Island yes - but that is it.

The_Architect

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I don't think there are too many better in Dublin - The Island yes - but that is it.

Not Portmarnock proper then?

Good course, Portmarnock Links. I'd take Royal Dublin ahead of it as well though. By a whisker.

Golfgraffix

Course is in great shape at the moment, the only issue is the poa on the 13th but that seems to be getting better every day.

Hopefully the new owners will pump some money in this year.

J

John Divney

Golfgraffix wrote: »

Course is in great shape at the moment, the only issue is the poa on the 13th but that seems to be getting better every day.

Hopefully the new owners will pump some money in this year.

J

Did they put sand in the bunkers recently?

bailey99

What's POA?

leonards

bailey99 wrote: »

What's POA?

Guess: point of access?

Dealerz

Grass

PARlance

bailey99 wrote: »

What's POA?

A type of grass.
There's issues with the 13th green there. The long par 5.

Love the course but I think that 13th is far too long for most of us playing it.

Golfgraffix

PARlance wrote: »

A type of grass.
There's issues with the 13th green there. The long par 5.

Love the course but I think that 13th is far too long for most of us playing it.

I wouldn't be to concerned about the length, the issue is the length combined with the very few options for all 3 shots. The only safe option off the tee is going down 12, then the second is so tight, the only option is to try and go long and hope to see the flag for your third. Trying to layup leaves you a very long 3rd to a blind pin and trouble all at the layup distance.

I do like the new green complex though and once the poa is gone it will be great but the hole needs some strategy tweaks to make it fair.

Eoinyh

Played it today, the more I play it the more I like it, has some links holes as good as any in the country, wouldn't agree with the 13th been too long, played it off whites today in wind, driver, 3 wood, 148 yards left to pin, which in the conditions today for me was a good 6 iron, open there Saturday the 24th it's worth the €45

shabalala

Played it a few times this year always good, only negative is the lack of atmosphere and the members who when you ask where they are a member say "portmarnock". Bit like asking someone what car you drive and they say "BMW" except its a 1997 BMW.

PARlance

shabalala wrote: »

Played it a few times this year always good, only negative is the lack of atmosphere and the members who when you ask where they are a member say "portmarnock". Bit like asking someone what car you drive and they say "BMW" except its a 1997 BMW.

That says a lot more about you than them.

In any case, most will say "Portmarnock Links" and it sits well within the Top 10% of courses in the country... Hardly something to shy away from or attempt to misguide you.
It's along way from a beaten up beemer... if you want to go judging people and their cars.

Lack of a clubhouse bar may be considered a negative but saying that, I've had grub in the hotel bar that adjoins it and at least there has been a bit of life in it due to hotel guests. Not always the case in a awful lot of club's bars.

Golfgraffix

shabalala wrote: »

Played it a few times this year always good, only negative is the lack of atmosphere and the members who when you ask where they are a member say "portmarnock". Bit like asking someone what car you drive and they say "BMW" except its a 1997 BMW.

Shame we don't have an opposite to the thank button.

Would that be all the members you are talking about or just the ones in you head. As a member and one that knows most if not all the other 99 members and I can safely tell you that you are miles from the truth.

J

shabalala

Golfgraffix wrote: »

Shame we don't have an opposite to the think button.

Would that be all the members you are talking about or just the ones in you head. As a member and one that knows most if not all the other 99 members and I can safely tell you that you are miles from the truth.

J

Just my opinion, which is what the OP was looking for, I just got the impression from some of the members I've met they were almost a bit embarrassed that they weren't members in the real portmarnock, again just my opinion!


D

Golfgraffix

The "Real Portmarnock" as apposed the pretend one ?

How could anyone be embarrassed at playing one of the top courses in the country ?

Of course its your opinion and you are entitled to it but it would love to meet these embarrassed members.

J

Dublin Spur

I play there around 15 times a year - great links course

Only issues for me are

1) is the lack of sand some of the greenside bunkers, this makes it nearly impossible to play a splash shot - the sand should be deeper and finer (less cloggy).

3) The extension to the 13th is poor in my opinion - the target to too narrow and blind and the land infront of the green is very uneven and bumpy. Would be better if theY dug out a valley through the hill in front of the green which resulted in a nice flat approach/view.

Other than these its always a pleasure to play - I nearly joined as it's across the road from my house but the fee was just a little too steep plus the fact that there's no competition on Saturday was a major factor.

f22

Couldn't agree more on the 13th, it ruined the hole and turned what was a good risk/reward par 5 into a chore.

The green complex is poor and out of character with the rest of the course. The fact it appears below the water table doesn't bode well either. I'm glad the old green has been left maintained because some humble pie will need to be taken at some stage to either rework or revert

It's also on my doorstep and I love the course. If they ever open it to wider membership of join in a heartbeat.

Senecio

+1 for reverting back to the old 13th green. The only blemish on an otherwise outstanding course. Every time I play it I love it more and more. If only the membership was a little less.

leonards

Senecio wrote: »

+1 for reverting back to the old 13th green. The only blemish on an otherwise outstanding course. Every time I play it I love it more and more. If only the membership was a little less.

What are the fees?

FixdePitchmark

Is there anything wrong with the odd honest 3 shot-er par 5 ?
Not a big fan myself of some par 5s - A drive and a 6 iron onto some of them.
A drive and a 9 iron I had onto a par 5 last year, that is a joke.

I can see the argument about drive, but if you can play a draw towards trees on right - you are talking what, 6 iron then 8 iron to wedge ?

I like green complex , as great slopes - like the odd up and down green on a links.

Green condition is shocking.

I don't think there are too many bad holes at all on the course.

In fact I'm finding it hard to think of any. Maybe, just maybe, 1 is different, not a great opening but a classic links drain hole. , I like it.
4 maybe a bit dull. 5 then to follow. Maybe weak at turn back there.
14 - for me, is not a hole that is a reachable par 4 - it should be longer or a little shorter.

As for the finish - I think 15 - 16 - 17 - 18 , pure class.

I would have joined , but a little out of way for where I need to get to before and after golf.

Senecio

I've no problem with an honest 3 shot par five. The 18th at Roganstown is a great example. The 13th at the links to me seems like they made it longer for the sake of making it longer. It adds nothing to the hole at all.

Senecio

leonards wrote: »

What are the fees?

€2,500 the last time I enquired not sure what the current rate is. Great course but I just can't justify spending that in club membership.

PARlance

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Is there anything wrong with the odd honest 3 shot-er par 5 ? .

No problems with a 3 shot Par 5 but if it's a 3 shot then let it be as a result of a risk reward decision. Like the 14th in Palmerstown. You'll get there with two big accurate whacks but it also plays as a difficult 3 shot hole too. A great hole imo.

I think the 13th in Portmarnock links was made long for the sake of being long.
3 very good shots are required and even then it's a bit of a lottery if a good approach shot will hold the green or not.

I think that any hole should gave a high % chance of rewarding the average golfer with a birdie putt if they play the hole very well. The 13th doesn't always offer this.

Love the rest of the course though.

FixdePitchmark

Senecio wrote: »

I've no problem with an honest 3 shot par five. The 18th at Roganstown is a great example. The 13th at the links to me seems like they made it longer for the sake of making it longer. It adds nothing to the hole at all.

Not being smart - but it adds length.

It is a modern reality for links courses - particularly ones that are aiming for championship level golf. They take opportunities to add length.

Totally understand how people do not think this is a good thing to do to links courses.

Maybe Golfgraffix has reason behind the change ?

PARlance

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Not being smart - but it adds length.

It is a modern reality for links courses - particularly ones that are aiming for championship level golf. They take opportunities to add length.

Totally understand how people do not think this is a good thing to do to links courses.

Maybe Golfgraffix has reason behind the change ?

Good point with the champions but throw in another tee box for the mortals imo.

HarshOstrich

Senecio wrote: »

I've no problem with an honest 3 shot par five. The 18th at Roganstown is a great example. The 13th at the links to me seems like they made it longer for the sake of making it longer. It adds nothing to the hole at all.

I got home with a driver and 5-wood there a few months ago.

FixdePitchmark

PARlance wrote: »

Good point with the champions but throw in another tee box for the mortals imo.

Yes - money I guess.

That is the amazing things about the big big links - the effort to keep all tees right.

Royal County Down has an amazing variety of tees - they can change the hole so much - I remember Euro a bit like that and The Island.

The real problem for Portmarnock Links is space, it is the right size of a course (imo), but there is little or no extra space in the area. Incredible how it was all squeezed in.

In fact there are many lefties on the Northside who are a bit shocked the an extra 27 holes have been constructed on the peninsula over the last, what, 30 years. It is / was / should be - public land in their eyes.

It is a stunning beach and one of the most popular beaches in the country.

Anyway - no time for lefties here - except Phil Mickelson

First Up

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Yes - money I guess.

That is the amazing things about the big big links - the effort to keep all tees right.

Royal County Down has an amazing variety of tees - they can change the hole so much - I remember Euro a bit like that and The Island.

The real problem for Portmarnock Links is space, it is the right size of a course (imo), but there is little or no extra space in the area. Incredible how it was all squeezed in.

In fact there are many lefties on the Northside who are a bit shocked the an extra 27 holes have been constructed on the peninsula over the last, what 30 years. It is / was / should be - public land in their eyes.

It is a stunning beach and one of the most popular beaches in the country.

Anyway - no time for lefties here - except Phil Mickelson

Yeah, that Bubba gives me the creeps.

Haven't played Portmarnock Links in a while. Fond memories of shooting 60 in a scramble a few years ago. Someone here said the greens are in poor shape. That would be a shame. Hope it is a temporary thing.

leonards

Senecio wrote: »

€2,500 the last time I enquired not sure what the current rate is. Great course but I just can't justify spending that in club membership.

Steep. Considering Carlton House / Druids Glen (i think) are yearly similar sub.

Senecio

First Up wrote: »

Someone here said the greens are in poor shape. That would be a shame. Hope it is a temporary thing.

Not true. The greens are in great shape with the only exception being the newly constructed 13th which has a heavy weed infestation at the moment.

PARlance

leonards wrote: »

Steep. Considering Carlton House / Druids Glen (i think) are yearly similar sub.

Depends on what your preference is.
I know which one I would pick. Year round qualifying golf on a top quality links.

Better than playing in fancy fields

FixdePitchmark

Senecio wrote: »

Not true. The greens are in great shape with the only exception being the newly constructed 13th which has a heavy weed infestation at the moment.

last time I played it - towards end of last year, didn't think the greens were up to their standard.

Now, I know that standard is off this planet. But - I was surprised.

f22

Thought the greens were pretty poor over Christmas too.

Golfgraffix

Senecio wrote: »

Not true. The greens are in great shape with the only exception being the newly constructed 13th which has a heavy weed infestation at the moment.

Played our January medal today and the greens were great, cut and rolled on Friday and the wind has them dried out so really fast and true.

The 13th has no weeds, its another grass that his crept in, I beleive that is harder to get rid of than weeds. Although it looks bad its actually rolling quite well, holed a 20 footer today

I should mention that since it went into NAMA the greenkeeping staff was reduced to over half of what it was before, there are only 4 there now. Considering it gets about 35,000 rounds a year they have done great job in maintaining it to a high standard. Now that it has a new owner we are hoping that they will invest in the course.

There is no doubt that €2500 is pricey, for me being only 5 minutes away and qualifying all year makes it worth it.

J

Dublin Spur

Golfgraffix wrote: »

Played our January medal today and the greens were great, cut and rolled on Friday and the wind has them dried out so really fast and true.

The 13th has no weeds, its another grass that his crept in, I beleive that is harder to get rid of than weeds. Although it looks bad its actually rolling quite well, holed a 20 footer today

I should mention that since it went into NAMA the greenkeeping staff was reduced to over half of what it was before, there are only 4 there now. Considering it gets about 35,000 rounds a year they have done great job in maintaining it to a high standard. Now that it has a new owner we are hoping that they will invest in the course.

There is no doubt that €2500 is pricey, for me being only 5 minutes away and qualifying all year makes it worth it.

J

do you think they might run more member's competitions ? - Is it still only Wednesdays and Sundays ?

Golfgraffix

Dublin Spur wrote: »

do you think they might run more member's competitions ? - Is it still only Wednesdays and Sundays ?

I am on the competitions committee and I can safely say no. Our membership is capped at 100 so trying to get everyone playing together is quite difficult. Getting extra slots from the hotel would not be easy either.

J

John Divney

2.5k if you have it, is great value for a course on land like that.

If it had a club history from when it was opened, 2.5k would be hello money now.

It is only that low because the course was always a tourist attraction and lost 50m in property price after 2008, so it made sense to get some more money off the course.

Golfgorfield

I've played Portmarnock links many times, never been disappointed, yes 2500 is a lot of money for a sub, but 12 months of counting comps, on a very good links, if you are someone who plays all year round that's pretty good!
Ive also played Portmarnock gc a few times the last few years and its been in awful condition, sand everywhere on the fairways and greens.

Dublin Spur

Golfgorfield wrote: »

I've played Portmarnock links many times, never been disappointed, yes 2500 is a lot of money for a sub, but 12 months of counting comps, on a very good links, if you are someone who plays all year round that's pretty good!
Ive also played Portmarnock gc a few times the last few years and its been in awful condition, sand everywhere on the fairways and greens.

yes it's a top quality course.

As previously mentioned I would have a big issue with the lack of competitive golf available to members. With club competitons restricted to Weds and Sun I would really struggle to get my money's worth. Wed is out as I'm a Mon-Fri worker and the idea of a casual game every saturday does not really appeal to me. One competitve game a week @ €2,500 = €50 per round. It's a real shame as I would give it serious consideration otherwise.

Roganstown has a similar model (Privately owned commercial enterprise with a members club 'on the side') yet Roganstown manage to have members competitions every Sat and Sun - its a shame there's no scope for the same at Portmarnock Links.

mike12

Dublin Spur wrote: »

yes it's a top quality course.

As previously mentioned I would have a big issue with the lack of competitive golf available to members. With club competitons restricted to Weds and Sun I would really struggle to get my money's worth. Wed is out as I'm a Mon-Fri worker and the idea of a casual game every saturday does not really appeal to me. One competitve game a week @ €2,500 = €50 per round. It's a real shame as I would give it serious consideration otherwise.

Roganstown has a similar model (Privately owned commercial enterprise with a members club 'on the side') yet Roganstown manage to have members competitions every Sat and Sun - its a shame there's no scope for the same at Portmarnock Links.

Think Roganstown relies on Members where they just don't seem to want them in Portmarnock. Even with 100 members 7 to 9 in the summer would see them all out so plenty of time for green fees.

Norfolk Enchants_

Golfgraffix wrote: »

The 13th has no weeds, its another grass that his crept in, I beleive that is harder to get rid of than weeds. Although it looks bad its actually rolling quite well, holed a 20 footer today

Technically speaking J they are weeds, poa annua or if you prefer annual meadow grass is not desired on golf greens and that technically makes it a weed.
You are correct in saying it's another variety of grass (of which there are hundreds) and there in lies the problem in treating it with any traditional weedkiller, because any weedkiller used to kill to meadow grass would also kill the grasses we want to keep, therefore the only way to treat it is to dig it out by hand and as you can imagine that is a painstaking and laborious task.
It's not uncommon for it to invade new greens, but once the green matures and becomes establish it's alot harder for the poa annua to invade and it's also alot easier to identify and treat.
Anyway it's mainly an aesthetic problem and for the most part doesn't affect the playability of the green too much.

Dublin Spur

mike12 wrote: »

Think Roganstown relies on Members where they just don't seem to want them in Portmarnock.

Yep it appears that way alraight - which is disapointing
It could be a great club if it was allowed to be one.

mike12

Dublin Spur wrote: »

Yep it appears that way alraight - which is disapointing
It could be a great club if it was allowed to be one.

Say they make €250000 now off membership. if they reduce the membership to €1400 i reckon they could get around 400 member over the next couple of years around €600000 PA
Green fee around €50 thats around 7000 green fees per annum or 134 per week.
Even with comps on Saturday and Sunday with 400 members the tee would be free from 10 or 11 in the morning.

leonards

mike12 wrote: »

Say they make €250000 now off membership. if they reduce the membership to €1400 i reckon they could get around 400 member over the next couple of years around €600000 PA
Green fee around €50 thats around 7000 green fees per annum or 134 per week.
Even with comps on Saturday and Sunday with 400 members the tee would be free from 10 or 11 in the morning.

If they reduce and don't get the numbers... Then trying to raise it back again would be a hard sell....

Dublin Spur

leonards wrote: »

If they reduce and don't get the numbers... Then trying to raise it back again would be a hard sell....

only speculating of course - but at €1,400 (+ more club competitions) I think they would get 400 new members with reasonable ease over a 2 year period.