Athlone Courses

This is it

Evening all,

Heading to Athlone for a few days in September, mid-week, and I'm looking for two good courses in the area. Staying in Athlone town but don't mind driving within say 30 minutes. Any suggestions? I see Athlone Golf Club, Glasson and Mount Temple. Any others or would you recommend any of these? All players would be pretty new with high handicaps

Thanks.

Golfhead65

This is it wrote: »

Evening all,

Heading to Athlone for a few days in September, mid-week, and I'm looking for two good courses in the area. Staying in Athlone town but don't mind driving within say 30 minutes. Any suggestions? I see Athlone Golf Club, Glasson and Mount Temple. Any others or would you recommend any of these? All players would be pretty new with high handicaps

Thanks.

Moate is a lovely course worth visiting not too punishing and some great holes, best par 3 in Ireland I believe (my opinion) great food in a lovely clubhouse afterwards. BTW I'm not a member just an occasional visitor

This is it

I don't get out much on full courses, usually squeezing in a par 3 of an evening, so I'm hoping to play two full courses. I'll definitely keep that as an option though, thanks

kyleman

This is it wrote: »

I don't get out much on full courses, usually squeezing in a par 3 of an evening, so I'm hoping to play two full courses. I'll definitely keep that as an option though, thanks

Moate is a full course.

This is it

kyleman wrote: »

Moate is a full course.

Ah, apologies. I took it that it was a par 3 course, like Balheary in Swords. Thanks for that

Golfhead65

This is it wrote: »

Evening all,

Heading to Athlone for a few days in September, mid-week, and I'm looking for two good courses in the area. Staying in Athlone town but don't mind driving within say 30 minutes. Any suggestions? I see Athlone Golf Club, Glasson and Mount Temple. Any others or would you recommend any of these? All players would be pretty new with high handicaps

Thanks.

You didn't say anything about squeezing in Par 3 courses here in your post

Wichita Lineman

I am a member in Moate and it is most DEFINITELY a full course. :D:D

You'll find Athlone and Mount Temple are too but Glasson is currently reduced to 12 holes (and maybe less at times I hear) as they are doing a major redevelopment over there.

This is it

Golfhead65 wrote: »

You didn't say anything about squeezing in Par 3 courses here in your post

When you said "best par 3 in Ireland" I thought you meant it was a Par 3 course, a misunderstanding, that's all.

brick tamland

Athlone GC is a fine course, well wort a round if in the area.

slave1

Forget about Glasson for starters, down to 12 holes until improvements works finished next yr.
As new to golf I’d discount Esker Hills which is a shame, probably Athlone too as it’s tough enough.
Given new golfers I’d go Tullamore and Moate, both forgiving enough, I’d skip Mount Temple, bland place.

Fann Linn

Fully recommend Roscommon GC. 30 mins from Athlone, 18 hole parkland with water features on some holes.

wazabru

I was told locally that following the press up group acquisition that Glasson are removing those picturesque 6 holes and replacing them with further developments to accommodate weddings.....they talked about a stand alone barn like structure, possibly a glamping development. A mix of modern accommodation and entertainment venues. Their view was that Glasson would not become an 18hole course again.

charlieIRL

wazabru wrote: »

I was told locally that following the press up group acquisition that Glasson are removing those picturesque 6 holes and replacing them with further developments to accommodate weddings.....they talked about a stand alone barn like structure, possibly a glamping development. A mix of modern accommodation and entertainment venues. Their view was that Glasson would not become an 18hole course again.

I was out there Monday night and find that hard to believe, the 13th is still there and so is the 15th and 18th. It looks like they are redeveloping the 16th and 17th - the 16th green is being rebuilt.

Wichita Lineman

I've heard it will go back to 18 holes alright but it will be in a condensed space and it sounds like the practice / driving range area will be no more due to increased wedding / catering / accommodation facilities. Apparently they want to have an island green as their feature hole.

charlieIRL

Wichita Lineman wrote: »

I've heard it will go back to 18 holes alright but it will be in a condensed space and it sounds like the practice / driving range area will be no more due to increased wedding / catering / accommodation facilities. Apparently they want to have an island green as their feature hole.

crikey, the practice area / range isn't long built.

Back to the OP, I'd play Athlone / Moate / Tullamore and if you fancied some tough courses add in New Forest and Esker Hills.

First Up

New Forest outside Tyrellspass is a nice course.

NotCarrotRidge

Would Portumna be too far? Maybe 40 minutes? I'd avoid Glasson given the restrictions and it's tough and hilly anyway.

spacecoyote

NotCarrotRidge wrote: »

Would Portumna be too far? Maybe 40 minutes? I'd avoid Glasson given the restrictions and it's tough and hilly anyway.

Glasson down to 12 holes at the moment too

This is it

Booked Moate for one day, one to go. Thanks for all the recommendations so far!

Rikand

The open day in athlone is on the wednesday and its a great course. Tough but built on the shores of Lough Ree its very picturesque with views of the lake on all holes (if you're tall enough to see it from the 15th )

I would definitely play Athlone if I was in the area on holidays for a week

This is it

Rikand wrote: »

The open day in athlone is on the wednesday and its a great course. Tough but built on the shores of Lough Ree its very picturesque with views of the lake on all holes (if you're tall enough to see it from the 15th )

I would definitely play Athlone if I was in the area on holidays for a week

Athlone showing mostly booked for the day I've left bar a few very early tee times. Will ring and see if they have anything just in case

Rikand

This is it wrote: »

Athlone showing mostly booked for the day I've left bar a few very early tee times. Will ring and see if they have anything just in case

Do ring because looking in through the member side of things, there's plenty of space on the sheet

This is it

Played Mount Temple on Thursday and Moate on Friday. I'm very new to golf but I thought Mount Temple was fantastic. Arrived early and met Michael, I think that was his name, from the club shop. An absolute gent. Brought carts down to the car to load up our gear. Talked us through the first 9 before heading out. Had a bit of a chat, dished out free tea and coffee after the front 9, gave us the low down on the back 9 and we were on our way again.

Someone mentioned earlier the best par 3, I presume it was the 8th they were talking about? I hit a driver on it and landed about 8ft from the pin if I hit it 10 times again I couldn't do it. Only got a par but was delighted with the tee shot. Fantastic looking hole. Anyway, finished on 104 which was by far my best ever score. We were playing off 28, will need to sort out the points when I get a chance.

Really enjoyed Moate too but the weather was tough for the first 12 or so holes. I don't mind a bit of light rain but that heavy rain isn't for me. Once it cleared up I started to play a bit better but over all not a good round. Finished on 119 there. Lovely food in the club house after.

Thanks for all the suggestions, at the very least I'll definitely be returning to Mount Temple in future.

slave1

Had my first ever round of golf in M Temple, never played the game before, a lovely 129.
Haven’t played there in years and playing it tomorrow morning.
Small world

faffingaround

Golfhead65 wrote: »

Moate is a lovely course worth visiting not too punishing and some great holes, best par 3 in Ireland I believe (my opinion) great food in a lovely clubhouse afterwards. BTW I'm not a member just an occasional visitor

Which hole is the best par 3 in Ireland as a matter of interest?! The second hole I presume... not in anyways easy either

faffingaround

This is it wrote: »

Played Mount Temple on Thursday and Moate on Friday. I'm very new to golf but I thought Mount Temple was fantastic. Arrived early and met Michael, I think that was his name, from the club shop. An absolute gent. Brought carts down to the car to load up our gear. Talked us through the first 9 before heading out. Had a bit of a chat, dished out free tea and coffee after the front 9, gave us the low down on the back 9 and we were on our way again.

Someone mentioned earlier the best par 3, I presume it was the 8th they were talking about? I hit a driver on it and landed about 8ft from the pin if I hit it 10 times again I couldn't do it. Only got a par but was delighted with the tee shot. Fantastic looking hole. Anyway, finished on 104 which was by far my best ever score. We were playing off 28, will need to sort out the points when I get a chance.

Really enjoyed Moate too but the weather was tough for the first 12 or so holes. I don't mind a bit of light rain but that heavy rain isn't for me. Once it cleared up I started to play a bit better but over all not a good round. Finished on 119 there. Lovely food in the club house after.

Thanks for all the suggestions, at the very least I'll definitely be returning to Mount Temple in future.

Michael is a real character! He put me off playing a lot more regularly in Mount Temple over the years after standing about six feet away from all of us as we tee'd off.
He told me they were twinned with Pinehurst in the US too this summer. Not sure how that works! Would think there is a real difference in the green fees!

I think it's
Athlone
Mount Temple
Moate

and in that order. Nothing against Moate though. We are very lucky in the midlands for golf!

This is it

faffingaround wrote: »

Which hole is the best par 3 in Ireland as a matter of interest?! The second hole I presume... not in anyways easy either

Ah, I got confused between Moate and Mount Temple. Still thought the 8th in Mount Temple was brilliant.

Enjoyed the second at Moate. Another par 3, the forth, was tough. Valley between tee and green, huge bunker across the whole front, big slope off the left. I tried to go straight at it but went off to the right which was safe for a chip on

This is it

faffingaround wrote: »

Michael is a real character! He put me off playing a lot more regularly in Mount Temple over the years after standing about six feet away from all of us as we tee'd off.
He told me they were twinned with Pinehurst in the US too this summer. Not sure how that works! Would think there is a real difference in the green fees!

I think it's
Athlone
Mount Temple
Moate

and in that order. Nothing against Moate though. We are very lucky in the midlands for golf!

I tee'd off first and all I heard was "ah, is he the hurler?". I should sort my grip

Rikand

I'd say the 4th is the one being considered the best par 3 in the country. 100 yards of pure torture

This is it

Rikand wrote: »

I'd say the 4th is the one being considered the best par 3 in the country. 100 yards of pure torture

Yep, one of the lads looked to be landing just on the left edge of the green, but it drifted at the end and took a wicked bounce way left. The bunker just looks like an absolute wall of sand, huge and seriously steep. Thankfully none of us landed there

searay

You'll find Athlone and Mount Temple are too but Glasson is currently reduced to 12 holes (and maybe less at times I hear) as they are doing a major redevelopment over there.[/QUOTE]

I'm currently a member in Glasson but would considering moving due to the redevelopment plans and the uncertainty over what that entails. Athlone or Moate would be my preferred options as they are within 20 minutes of where I live.

I'd appreciate some feedback from members of those clubs on how easy or difficult it is to get a slot on Saturday or Sunday timesheets.

Unknownability

searay wrote: »

You'll find Athlone and Mount Temple are too but Glasson is currently reduced to 12 holes (and maybe less at times I hear) as they are doing a major redevelopment over there.

I'm currently a member in Glasson but would considering moving due to the redevelopment plans and the uncertainty over what that entails. Athlone or Moate would be my preferred options as they are within 20 minutes of where I live.

I'd appreciate some feedback from members of those clubs on how easy or difficult it is to get a slot on Saturday or Sunday timesheets.[/QUOTE]

What have you heard are the future plans? I've heard so many rumours not sure what to believe.

searay

Unknownability wrote: »

I'm currently a member in Glasson but would considering moving due to the redevelopment plans and the uncertainty over what that entails. Athlone or Moate would be my preferred options as they are within 20 minutes of where I live.

I'd appreciate some feedback from members of those clubs on how easy or difficult it is to get a slot on Saturday or Sunday timesheets.

What have you heard are the future plans? I've heard so many rumours not sure what to believe.[/quote]

In August, the owners gave the members 2 days notice that the last 6 holes would be closed for the rest of the year, until May for redevelopment. Work is well underway but I still haven’t seen a full layout plan so I’ve no idea if it’s an improvement on the 6 great holes that were there.

The work seems motivated by making room for re-development of the hotel. Signs for a planning application have just been put up. The course isn’t mentioned presumably because planning isn’t required.

I’ve no idea if there will be changes to the first 12 holes but I think there is room for improvement to those holes.

Being reduced to 12 holes is a pain and it’s an expensive 12 hole course.

JohnnyFlash

Head a bit further and play Portumna.

charlieIRL

searay wrote: »

Signs for a planning application have just been put up. The course isn’t mentioned presumably because planning isn’t required.

I just checked there and the plans haven't been submitted to the council yet or its not on their system just yet.

i was out that way 3 weeks ago, some work being done on the 16 & 17th holes. I'll see if i still have the pics.

searay

charlieIRL wrote: »

I just checked there and the plans haven't been submitted to the council yet or its not on their system just yet.

i was out that way 3 weeks ago, some work being done on the 16 & 17th holes. I'll see if i still have the pics.[/quote

The changes to date on the course are all on the last 6, Work started on the 18th in the last fortnight and they are building a new green on the left half of the driving range.

I’m more interested in finding out more about membership options with Athlone and Moate. Portumna is close to an hour from my home, so not for me.

Rikand

searay wrote: »

You'll find Athlone and Mount Temple are too but Glasson is currently reduced to 12 holes (and maybe less at times I hear) as they are doing a major redevelopment over there.

I'm currently a member in Glasson but would considering moving due to the redevelopment plans and the uncertainty over what that entails. Athlone or Moate would be my preferred options as they are within 20 minutes of where I live.

I'd appreciate some feedback from members of those clubs on how easy or difficult it is to get a slot on Saturday or Sunday timesheets.

Re: Athlone - it depends what time of the day you want to go.

Saturday morning fills up pretty quickly as members play from 7:30am-10am at 10 minute intervals and then after that we usually have societies until about 1pm. The timesheet is usually relatively free from 1pm onwards though and you'll always get a game, whether you want solo or with others.

Sunday morning again fills up pretty quickly from 7:30am-10:30am and after that you'll get a timeslot pretty easily.

We play in four's at the weekends, unless there is one of our 6 Golfer of the Year competitions on, in which case its 3's.

Normal Full Membership costs about 900 for the year, but with Covid and stuff going on at the moment, there could be other offers out there for new members. You can ring the pro shop on 09064 92073 (click option 2 on the answering machine system)

Course is unreal shape at the moment. We have a new course manager this year and he's doing a super job on the place. Course is still tough, but its very enjoyable to play all the same And our catering is top notch!

searay

Rikand wrote: »

Re: Athlone - it depends what time of the day you want to go.

Saturday morning fills up pretty quickly as members play from 7:30am-10am at 10 minute intervals and then after that we usually have societies until about 1pm. The timesheet is usually relatively free from 1pm onwards though and you'll always get a game, whether you want solo or with others.

Sunday morning again fills up pretty quickly from 7:30am-10:30am and after that you'll get a timeslot pretty easily.

We play in four's at the weekends, unless there is one of our 6 Golfer of the Year competitions on, in which case its 3's.

Normal Full Membership costs about 900 for the year, but with Covid and stuff going on at the moment, there could be other offers out there for new members. You can ring the pro shop on 09064 92073 (click option 2 on the answering machine system)

Course is unreal shape at the moment. We have a new course manager this year and he's doing a super job on the place. Course is still tough, but its very enjoyable to play all the same And our catering is top notch!

Thanks for the response. I’d be in the 7:30 to 8:30 category at weekends. When you say it fills fast, is it within an hour of the timesheet going up or is it more flexible than that?

Rikand

searay wrote: »

Thanks for the response. I’d be in the 7:30 to 8:30 category at weekends. When you say it fills fast, is it within an hour of the timesheet going up or is it more flexible than that?

Saturday is not too bad. You'd be okay to get on at the time for a day or two, sometimes later. I have often gotten a game saturday early with a day or two to go. And not only that, but you get frequent drop outs in the morning slots saturdays, so if you had to wait till nearer the weekend, there's still a decent chance you'd get a spot for yourself with a premade.

Sunday fills up much faster. Pretty much fastest finger first gets the slots at that time

Wichita Lineman

Moate is busier than it used to be but there are usually spots early Saturday and Sunday. We've started playing in 3 balls from 7-9.30 to cater for the increased demand for an early quick round while still respecting the fact that a lot of members enjoy playing in fourballs.

Membership is €600 and that will cover you from now to February 2022.