slave1 wrote: » Sounds great. I agree with you, Portrush is on a different planet to any other course I've played (I've yet to RCD), has everything, only Lahinch comes close to it
FixdePitchmark wrote: » This post is spot on.
hurleronditch wrote: » Thanks!! I actually think now is the obvious time of year to do it, late September into October and early November. Clubs have had their majors over with and any GUI or pro tournament hosting that was to be done. Imagine if they even worked together. BallyB, lahinch and Waterville all the same week, Royaler, Portmarnock, The Island another week, Old Head, Fota, Cork GC. The northwestern courses are more affordable and do have more opens but there’s endless possibilities. Portrush, RCD, Portstewart..... Would get a great buzz going, local hoteliers and B&Bs would love the boost with most of the Americans gone (in a normal year). Be great craic getting three lads in the car, booking a few nights in a B&B or local hotel and playing 3 different spots for affordable competitive golf. The upside for the GUI? I have a big number of mates, colleagues, acquaintances who love golfing, but have no interest in joining anywhere. Happy out to pick up a green fee 12 times a year and play for the craic, if they were not invited on a similar trip because they weren’t a card carrying member, 350 quid to join Corballis or Elm Green or somewhere else affordable might come on the radar. Just a thought. Anyways, Portmarnock have put on an extra day, October 19th, and I got a slot!!
Ally McIntosh wrote: » For me, the BIG 5 are Portrush, RCD, Portmarnock, Lahinch and Ballybunion. To those, I would add Baltray which I think is criminally underrated. I could argue these 6 in any order any day of the week but if I was pushed, I’d say Portrush was the best and Lahinch was my favourite. Watch out though: The new course at Rosapenna / St.Patricks will make a serious attempt at usurping the top order.
ChippingSodbury wrote: » I played Lahinch twice last year and while I enjoyed it, my expectations weren't exceeded! The first 5 holes are very ordinary to say the least and I think the Dell (blind Par 3) is just a gimmick.
Miley Byrne wrote: » The 3rd is far from ordinary to be fair. I can understand people's differing opinions on 4 & 5 but 6, 7 and 8 make up for them, superb holes. 1 & 2 are good holes too, maybe 2 is short but the elevated tee and playing back in to town makes it a memorable hole
ChippingSodbury wrote: » I played Lahinch twice last year and while I enjoyed it, my expectations weren't exceeded! The first 5 holes are very ordinary to say the least and I think the Dell (blind Par 3) is just a gimmick. 18 is a bit of a let-down after playing some really great holes from 6 to 17. My favourites in no particular order (that I've played) would be Waterville, Enniscrone and Rosses Point (OK, I'm biased!!). Having walked around Portrush, it looked spectacular. To be really controversial, I'd also add Headfort New to that list: maybe it's to do with the fact that I play links almost exclusively and a really good parkland is a great change.
Ronney wrote: » Anyone hear of or get any deals in Waterville recently, am there in a few days and want to get a round in?
hurleronditch wrote: » I tried a good few years ago, didn’t want to know about a discount or GUI rate when I rang them but times are different now so ring them and chance your arm.
hurleronditch wrote: » If anyone fancies a round for €150 quid around Hogs Head, the local national school are having their fundraising classic there the 26th and 27th for 600 quid per team.
fred funk }{ wrote: » €600? Holy moley
hurleronditch wrote: » Really? Team of 4 for a fundraiser in about the only course in Ireland you can’t walk up and pay a green fee. I’ve paid €85 per head to play in my old national schools fundraising classic and that was around Lee Valley, which is grand and all, but just for context
etxp wrote: » What's the prize for a 600 a team entry? It must be top notch for that sort of entrance money.
hurleronditch wrote: » No idea, I just saw a flyer posted to Instagram from a friend who’s from waterville. I’m not marketing it, I’m just putting it here in case anyone is interested. My only observation is that it’s possibly the only course in the country you can’t pay a green fee at, it’s supposed to be a superb course, and people may have an interest in paying to see what the fuss is about.
etxp wrote: » Emailed them, 275 a head. Caddie is essential apparently, which I guess means you have to get them. 100 for the caddie including tip. 20% of rounds a year are for visitors. So if its on your list of links courses to play then the above is a good deal. Would this be considered a links?
Salvadoor wrote: » It's not a links course, same as Old Head isn't a links course either
etxp wrote: » Emailed them, 275 a head. Caddie is essential apparently, which I guess means you have to get them. Would this be considered a links?
FixdePitchmark wrote: » To be honest . What a load of bull****.
etxp wrote: » Yea complete bull. But I suppose we aren't the clientele they want to be attracting . I hadn't even heard of this course until this year.
