castleknock 5 day

Ryder · 01-10-2020 10:23am #1

Hi. Know this has been discussed recently enough but would like to get some perspective from members about the 5 day option...have heard very hard to get out on a Sunday

Am usually free to play on a Wednesday or Friday afternoon. Is it easy enough to get out those days and would there be generally enough members playing that I could get my card marked? (playing a couple of years but my current club is dead mid-week)

Know Tuesday is competition day, but that rarely suits

Thanks

Doyler92 · 01-10-2020 11:00am

Hi Ryder,

I’m a 5 day flexi member in Castleknock. I joined in May.
I found it very easy to find a slot with members who could mark your card. Sometimes it was a 3 ball and you would have to go out with them. As long as you’re ok with that you will be fine.

I don’t really golf on the weekends so I can’t comment on the availability. All I do know is I tried to book it once but the app wouldn’t let me as it knows I’m a 5 day member.

My membership got organised by a guy called Barry from Carr Golf and he told me to contact him if I ever want to play on the weekends.

Ryder · 01-10-2020 11:26am

thanks for the reply....seems weekends very hard to get out on, almost need to be sitting on the BRS the second it opens to get out on a sunday morning

played last week and enjoyed the course - tricky, but playable. it was busy the day I played (Tuesday open) but got 9 in in 2 hours

if easy enough at short notice to get out on a Wednesday or Thursday, Ill sign up. 3 balls etc wouldn't bother me much.....much better than playing on your own

pinkdoubleeagle · 01-10-2020 12:08pm

The majority of courses at the moment is impossible to get out at weekends. Over 50 on the waiting list in our place now on Saturday & Sundays

Ryder · 01-10-2020 12:28pm

pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »

The majority of courses at the moment is impossible to get out at weekends. Over 50 on the waiting list in our place now on Saturday & Sundays

I think the ability of 1 person to book a line of 4 makes the problems worse and must be incredibly frustrating. surely allowing only 1 booking per person would give everyone else more chances and allow people to meet more members

Seve OB · 02-10-2020 11:15pm

Ryder wrote: »

thanks for the reply....seems weekends very hard to get out on, almost need to be sitting on the BRS the second it opens to get out on a sunday morning

Firstly you won’t be using BRS. It’s Chronogolf and it’s the worst booking system imaginable.
Having said that, it’s not that difficult to get a game at the weekend. It’s busy, but if you are ready to book you will probably get down, but failing that, there is always last minute drop outs.
There is no waiting list.
Problem is that the comps are early and finish by 11ish.....which is daft considering the number of members.

Midweek comps Tuesday and Thursday, though they tend not to tell you to much about the Thursday comps!

Any why do you need your card marked if you are already in a club? Have you never gotten your handicap there?

Members are all pretty decent and if you do want to find someone to play with you probably will. It’s probably harder to go out on your own at the moment!

Enjoy though, it’s a good club, nice course.

bobbyy gee · 02-10-2020 11:19pm

i just hand someone 100 euro and i get on
when the next three player team starts

Ryder · 03-10-2020 10:58am

Seve OB wrote: »

Firstly you won’t be using BRS. It’s Chronogolf and it’s the worst booking system imaginable.
Having said that, it’s not that difficult to get a game at the weekend. It’s busy, but if you are ready to book you will probably get down, but failing that, there is always last minute drop outs.
There is no waiting list.
Problem is that the comps are early and finish by 11ish.....which is daft considering the number of members.

Midweek comps Tuesday and Thursday, though they tend not to tell you to much about the Thursday comps!

Any why do you need your card marked if you are already in a club? Have you never gotten your handicap there?

Members are all pretty decent and if you do want to find someone to play with you probably will. It’s probably harder to go out on your own at the moment!

Enjoy though, it’s a good club, nice course.

Thanks. Actually signed up for 5 day. Everyone dead sound so far.

I got a ridiculous handicap when I started 2 years ago and have improved a little but due to me only playing midweek, and my last club being empty mid week, I haven't been able to put cards in to get a lower hc.

not yet · 05-10-2020 9:27pm

Part of, if not the biggest problem in Castleknock are societies. Sat Sun members are given approx 3 hours for comps, then timesheet seems to be rammed with societies.

Seve OB · 12-10-2020 8:24pm

Ryder wrote: »

Thanks. Actually signed up for 5 day. Everyone dead sound so far.

I got a ridiculous handicap when I started 2 years ago and have improved a little but due to me only playing midweek, and my last club being empty mid week, I haven't been able to put cards in to get a lower hc.

I just rejoined. Scratch what I said above :rolleyes: seems very difficult to get on now, I was trying to play last Saturday or Sunday. Got lucky at the 11th hour and got a spot on Sunday at 12:30. A tortuous 4:40 round. Can’t get my name down at all for next weekend.
Been trying to get on for tomorrow and again got lucky the other night when a spot came free. I see a couple more just came free now, but it’s booked solid.
No waiting list is a pain in the butt. A bigger kick in the teeth was that next Sunday is medal and was 3 balls, filled up instantly, I was 30 mins or so late as I forgot that booking was going live. So I keep checking if a spot comes free. Now it’s four balls and all full, still no room for me

You have to be sitting on the booking it seems once it goes live.

blue note · 12-10-2020 8:59pm

Can you play on weekends with a 5 day membership?

not yet · 12-10-2020 9:01pm

Seve OB wrote: »

I just rejoined. Scratch what I said above :rolleyes: seems very difficult to get on now, I was trying to play last Saturday or Sunday. Got lucky at the 11th hour and got a spot on Sunday at 12:30. A tortuous 4:40 round. Can’t get my name down at all for next weekend.
Been trying to get on for tomorrow and again got lucky the other night when a spot came free. I see a couple more just came free now, but it’s booked solid.
No waiting list is a pain in the butt. A bigger kick in the teeth was that next Sunday is medal and was 3 balls, filled up instantly, I was 30 mins or so late as I forgot that booking was going live. So I keep checking if a spot comes free. Now it’s four balls and all full, still no room for me

You have to be sitting on the booking it seems once it goes live.

Nightmare trying to get on timesheet at weekends, it is also getting harder to get a game midweek.

not yet · 12-10-2020 9:03pm

blue note wrote: »

Can you play on weekends with a 5 day membership?

Yeah, not sure if you can play in the comp times though.

Seve OB · 12-10-2020 9:11pm

not yet wrote: »

Yeah, not sure if you can play in the comp times though.

Not sure you can even book a slot. I moved from 5 day to full before chronogolf came in so not sure that it allows it anymore.

I think that 5 days pay an extra 5bucks (maybe 10) for weekend play.

pinkdoubleeagle · 13-10-2020 9:10am

Heard a huge amount of members have left and gone to Luttrellstown

A Shaved Duck? · 13-10-2020 9:39am

Where did you hear this, the car park is packed with the same cars every week.

pinkdoubleeagle · 13-10-2020 10:09am

From members up there

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 10:13am

Unfortunately the big problem up there at present is Carr golf's love of dollar bills, there is a thousand members there now and the members comps on Saturday are closed at 11:30 to facilitate societies, it's a joke but golf is so popular at the moment that members leaving is not a problem as there is a waiting list of members more than willing to part with their €1600

A Shaved Duck? · 13-10-2020 10:32am

Members comps are definitely an issue, time needs to be given to extend these and give more people the option to get on the timesheets. Even an hour longer gives 24 members a game on saturday and sunday.

I can see why some people would leave to be honest if they cant get a game after being a member for a while. The rumored loss of members is clearly being mitigated with the uptick in memberships.

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 10:38am

It's such a fantastic course with a great bunch of members and the competitions at the moment are excellent. If only upstairs was sorted out

pinkdoubleeagle · 13-10-2020 10:43am

A Shaved Duck? wrote: »

Members comps are definitely an issue, time needs to be given to extend these and give more people the option to get on the timesheets. Even an hour longer gives 24 members a game on saturday and sunday.

I can see why some people would leave to be honest if they cant get a game after being a member for a while. The rumored loss of members is clearly being mitigated with the uptick in memberships.

70 was the figure mentioned to me

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 10:43am

A Shaved Duck? wrote: »

Members comps are definitely an issue, time needs to be given to extend these and give more people the option to get on the timesheets. Even an hour longer gives 24 members a game on saturday and sunday.

I can see why some people would leave to be honest if they cant get a game after being a member for a while. The rumored loss of members is clearly being mitigated with the uptick in memberships.

There have been a number of members that have left to try Luttrelstown but there was no mass exodus by any means.

There is a problem with comps at the weekend and they are trying to rectify it. There is more than 3 hours for the members comps also and for bigger events like medals we get most of the day.

The issue is weekend societies taking up a lot of slots. The flexible membership is the best value in Dublin by a mile at €1,450 so there has to be a trade off. I would be happy if they raised that to 2k and got rid of societies but most people would complain. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

At the moment there is a waiting list to get in so if any members want to leave there is no one forcing them to stay!

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 11:00am

eoghan104 wrote: »

There have been a number of members that have left to try Luttrelstown but there was no mass exodus by any means.

There is a problem with comps at the weekend and they are trying to rectify it. There is more than 3 hours for the members comps also and for bigger events like medals we get most of the day.

The issue is weekend societies taking up a lot of slots. The flexible membership is the best value in Dublin by a mile at €1,450 so there has to be a trade off. I would be happy if they raised that to 2k and got rid of societies but most people would complain. You can't have your cake and eat it too.

At the moment there is a waiting list to get in so if any members want to leave there is no one forcing them to stay!

A few members joined Luttrelstown as 5 day members and from what I hear the place is dead with zero atmosphere.

personally I think the 7 day flexible option should be scrapped.

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 11:20am

Tescosfinest wrote: »

A few members joined Luttrelstown as 5 day members and from what I hear the place is dead with zero atmosphere.

personally I think the 7 day flexible option should be scrapped.

I use the 7 day flexible myself and that is what has kept me there since moving to Naas. It just is ridiculous good value and allows you to play wherever you want without feeling like you are missing out by not playing as much as possible in your own club. Also with closures for Covid and snow the last few years it has been excellent.

I do agree that scrapping it would clear up the issues being faced at the moment but the knock on effect for the bar and pro shop would be pretty bad.

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 11:29am

Tescosfinest wrote: »

A few members joined Luttrelstown as 5 day members and from what I hear the place is dead with zero atmosphere.

personally I think the 7 day flexible option should be scrapped.

Luttrelstown is a far superior course with super practice facilities, a good bit longer though.
Castleknock is a superior bar/restaurant atmosphere/setting.... not as luxurious as Luttrelstown though. Castleknock management has always let it down, they could do so much better with not a lot of effort. The restaurant used to the best in Dublin 15 and great value. Over the last few years its really only average but also gone very expensive. They have a BBQ set up now on the terrace so I went to get a burger after 9 holes at the weekend. It was €9.00 for a plain burger wrapped in tinfoil. That is scandalous. I skipped it and kept walking straight to the 10th tee.
Castleknock credits is the only reason I joined (it's my second club but on my doorstep) most of my credits get spent in the bar/restaurant with the wife and kids. I had to really seriously consider rejoining this year as I'm not sure I'll get to many days out with the family over there and the only reason I did was because of the county lockdowns and not sure how long they will continue.

If I was joining a club for the golf and not a member elsewhere, Luttrelstown all the way, the extra cost is so much worth it.

blue note · 13-10-2020 11:54am

I really like the Castleknock course. I don't get why people have such reservations about it. It's fun and interesting without being too hard. For someone of my level that's a good thing!

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 12:18pm

blue note wrote: »

I really like the Castleknock course. I don't get why people have such reservations about it. It's fun and interesting without being too hard. For someone of my level that's a good thing!

It's a super course and always in fantastic condition. There will be people telling you every course is ****e if you look hard enough. Any visitors I have ever brought have loved it.

Off the blues it is a good test and that is reflected in the new course/slope ratings.

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 12:43pm

blue note wrote: »

I really like the Castleknock course. I don't get why people have such reservations about it. It's fun and interesting without being too hard. For someone of my level that's a good thing!

there are a few issues with it, but in general it's a good course. greens are poor ATM but lots of traffic and time of year not helping. normally much better.

bustercherry · 13-10-2020 1:24pm

blue note wrote: »

I really like the Castleknock course. I don't get why people have such reservations about it. It's fun and interesting without being too hard. For someone of my level that's a good thing!

It's always been an average course with good conditioning as there are too many bland holes (first 4 on the back 9 for example). It's no where near the level of a Luttrellstown (even when their conditioning slipped) or a Killeen Castle/K Club for example; let alone the elite courses like RCD/Portrush/BallyB etc....

I think a lot of the perceived negativity "around the course" is just people pointing out it's not at the level as it has hyped itself to be rather than people saying it's sh1te. I've enjoy playing it but there are better courses/value to be had if I was looking for an open.

The club setup and carr golf is completely different though.

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 1:29pm

bustercherry wrote: »

It's always been an average course with good conditioning as there are too many bland holes (first 4 on the back 9 for example). It's no where near the level of a Luttrellstown (even when their conditioning slipped) or a Killeen Castle/K Club for example; let alone the elite courses like RCD/Portrush/BallyB etc....

I think a lot of the perceived negativity "around the course" is just people pointing out it's not at the level as it has hyped itself to be rather than people saying it's sh1te. I've enjoy playing it but there are better courses/value to be had if I was looking for an open.

The club setup and carr golf is completely different though.

Where are the better courses at the same price point? I don't think the like of Roganstown, Corrstown or Margaret's are a patch on Castleknock

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 1:49pm

Tescosfinest wrote: »

Where are the better courses at the same price point? I don't think the like of Roganstown, Corrstown or Margaret's are a patch on Castleknock

It is probably a little expensive for opens alright. There is no better value membership option near Dublin City.

dk1982 · 13-10-2020 2:09pm

Tescosfinest wrote: »

Where are the better courses at the same price point? I don't think the like of Roganstown, Corrstown or Margaret's are a patch on Castleknock

Personally I'd have Roganstown and Margarets ahead of it by a bit of a distance

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 3:36pm

dk1982 wrote: »

Personally I'd have Roganstown and Margarets ahead of it by a bit of a distance

You probably are not alone in that thinking. Both are quite far from the city centre though and I assume more expensive for membership.

To be honest neither can be considered "in the area"!!

not yet · 13-10-2020 3:38pm

pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »

From members up there

A handful of members went to LT, that has been more then offset by new members since lockdown.

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 3:40pm

not yet wrote: »

A handful of members went to LT, that has been more then offset by new members since lockdown.

And new members totally taking the piss with their handicaps ðŸ˜

dk1982 · 13-10-2020 3:42pm

eoghan104 wrote: »

You probably are not alone in that thinking. Both are quite far from the city centre though and I assume more expensive for membership.

To be honest neither can be considered "in the area"!!

Agreed not as central as Castleknock. was just replying to the specific statement by Tescosfinest that neither of them are a patch on Castleknock. Also, full 7 day membership is cheaper in both Margarets and Roganstown than in Castleknock

not yet · 13-10-2020 3:45pm

dk1982 wrote: »

Agreed not as central as Castleknock. was just replying to the specific statement by Tescosfinest that neither of them are a patch on Castleknock. Also, full 7 day membership is cheaper in both Margarets and Roganstown than in Castleknock

Not sure the are, think Both are priced around 1800

dk1982 · 13-10-2020 3:49pm

not yet wrote: »

Not sure the are, think Both are priced around 1800

Sorry I was looking at full 7 day in Castleknock rather than the flexi 7 day....

Anyway...

€1595 Margarets, €1450 Roganstown

blue note · 13-10-2020 3:55pm

bustercherry wrote: »

It's always been an average course with good conditioning as there are too many bland holes (first 4 on the back 9 for example). It's no where near the level of a Luttrellstown (even when their conditioning slipped) or a Killeen Castle/K Club for example; let alone the elite courses like RCD/Portrush/BallyB etc....

I think a lot of the perceived negativity "around the course" is just people pointing out it's not at the level as it has hyped itself to be rather than people saying it's sh1te. I've enjoy playing it but there are better courses/value to be had if I was looking for an open.

The club setup and carr golf is completely different though.

I didn't think anyone was comparing it to Kileen Castle or the K Club. I'd have it more in the bracket of the likes of St Margarets / Balbriggan to pick two I've played. All three are lovely courses, but I wouldn't be putting them down as top parkland courses in Ireland or anything. I would say that Castleknock is built to a higher spec. This doesn't make it better, but it can be nice at times. Expensive to maintain I suspect though.

And to the other poster - when I said not "too hard" I didn't mean I thought it was at all easy. I think it's a good challenge and you feel like you earn your scores on the course. I always feel if I play well there I can score. That's a compliment to the course really.

bustercherry · 13-10-2020 4:10pm

Tescosfinest wrote: »

Where are the better courses at the same price point? I don't think the like of Roganstown, Corrstown or Margaret's are a patch on Castleknock

Margaret's is a much better course by a long way.

Castleknock may be the best option within a specific catchment area as a club. There are a number of other deciding factors (apart from the course) that a golfer would consider when choosing a club or whether to play an open.

Ignoring all those factors and basing on course/green fee; Strandhill, Tramore, and Headford New for start (as played them in the last 2 months). I'd rather drive from Dublin to Strandhill, play and drive back than play Castleknock

I see Portmarnock links is 55 or 45 as a member guest for opens on their website; and it's light years ahead of Castleknock. I'd be stumping up the extra just to play in that.

In fact last year I was playing opens in the European for 50 euro (I know it's gone up this year) and I may be wrong but Castleknock was 45 at one point.

bustercherry · 13-10-2020 4:21pm

blue note wrote: »

I didn't think anyone was comparing it to Kileen Castle or the K Club. I'd have it more in the bracket of the likes of St Margarets / Balbriggan to pick two I've played. All three are lovely courses, but I wouldn't be putting them down as top parkland courses in Ireland or anything. I would say that Castleknock is built to a higher spec. This doesn't make it better, but it can be nice at times. Expensive to maintain I suspect though.

And to the other poster - when I said not "too hard" I didn't mean I thought it was at all easy. I think it's a good challenge and you feel like you earn your scores on the course. I always feel if I play well there I can score. That's a compliment to the course really.

Which is the nearly the same as what I was saying, it's an average course with above average conditioning/maintenance.

There is nothing wrong with it as a course (ignore why you would choose to join it as a club) but when people point out it's nothing spectacular it's perceived as negative. The K Club, Killeen are just used as a reference, I'm well aware people aren't really comparing them or at least they shouldn't be

blue note · 13-10-2020 4:33pm

bustercherry wrote: »

Margaret's is a much better course by a long way.

Castleknock may be the best option within a specific catchment area as a club. There are a number of other deciding factors (apart from the course) that a golfer would consider when choosing a club or whether to play an open.

Ignoring all those factors and basing on course/green fee; Strandhill, Tramore, and Headford New for start (as played them in the last 2 months). I'd rather drive from Dublin to Strandhill, play and drive back than play Castleknock

I see Portmarnock links is 55 or 45 as a member guest for opens on their website; and it's light years ahead of Castleknock. I'd be stumping up the extra just to play in that.

In fact last year I was playing opens in the European for 50 euro (I know it's gone up this year) and I may be wrong but Castleknock was 45 at one point.

Firstly, Margarets being a much better course is a matter of opinion. In mine, they're fairly similar, but I'd go for Castleknock any day.

Secondly, you're comparing the price of it to courses in cheaper golfing locations or the cheapest prices you can get other courses for. I'd assume you can get member guest rates / opens in Castleknock too. If you're to compare their regular green fee price to castleknock, I think Portmarnock Links is €80 for GUI and I don't know what the European is. But I'd be confident in saying that Castleknock is a lot cheaper. When you compare Castleknock to other Dublin clubs, it's fairly average in terms of price. But above average as a course (in most people's opinions).

eoghan104 · 13-10-2020 4:44pm

bustercherry wrote: »

Margaret's is a much better course by a long way.

Castleknock is a much better course than Margaret's by a long way.

opinions and all that....

The €1,450 option in Castleknock is a great value membership for the modern type of golfer that isn't playing 3 times a week in their own club. For most people it is a much better value option than traditional golf memberships. It's also right beside the city centre and any comparable clubs are way more expensive.

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 7:17pm

eoghan104 wrote: »

Castleknock is a much better course than Margaret's by a long way.

opinions and all that....

The €1,450 option in Castleknock is a great value membership for the modern type of golfer that isn't playing 3 times a week in their own club. For most people it is a much better value option than traditional golf memberships. It's also right beside the city centre and any comparable clubs are way more expensive.

it has gone up by €40 plus the levys
€1,490+ GUI Levy €24+Comp Levy €20 +Insurance €27.
So the way I look at it, if you want to get a handicap but are not sure how much golf you will play, it is the cheapest membership available anywhere @ just €71 and leaves you with €1,490 to spend however you please be that on new gear, boozing in the bar, eating in the restaurant or playing golf, and you can even use it to bring your buddies or society out

not yet · 13-10-2020 8:23pm

Seve OB wrote: »

it has gone up by €40 plus the levys
€1,490+ GUI Levy €24+Comp Levy €20 +Insurance €27.
So the way I look at it, if you want to get a handicap but are not sure how much golf you will play, it is the cheapest membership available anywhere @ just €71 and leaves you with €1,490 to spend however you please be that on new gear, boozing in the bar, eating in the restaurant or playing golf, and you can even use it to bring your buddies or society out

I personally don't think the 7 day flexible is good value. @ 35euro Sat or Sun it would run out if you played 40ish games.

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 8:26pm

not yet wrote: »

I personally don't think the 7 day flexible is good value. @ 35euro Sat or Sun it would run out if you played 40ish games.

I agree if you are a regular player, hence why I said above that if you were unsure of how much you would play. It is a great option for me as a second club who doesn’t play castleknock all that often.
Also further up I did say If I was shelling out for unlimited golf that luttrelstown is much better.

Found out that the castleknock guys who moved got a deal of 800 for the year, I would have jumped all over that if I had of known about it.

not yet · 13-10-2020 8:47pm

Seve OB wrote: »

I agree if you are a regular player, hence why I said above that if you were unsure of how much you would play. It is a great option for me as a second club who doesn’t play castleknock all that often.
Also further up I did say If I was shelling out for unlimited golf that luttrelstown is much better.

Found out that the castleknock guys who moved got a deal of 800 for the year, I would have jumped all over that if I had of known about it.

Is that 800 for 5 day membership? Played Corrstown earlier with a pal, 1150 full membership..

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 8:48pm

not yet wrote: »

Is that 800 for 5 day membership? Played Corrstown earlier with a pal, 1150 full membership..

Yes. Think it’s normally about 1300
Corrstown is not in the same league so not really a fair comparison

not yet · 13-10-2020 8:56pm

Seve OB wrote: »

Yes. Think it’s normally about 1300
Corrstown is not in the same league so not really a fair comparison

I'd agree with you, but it's getting to the point of not being able to get on the timesheet Sat or Sun in Castleknock. It's 10 min away for me which is the main reason I stay, that, and you could not meet a nicer bunch out on the course.

Seve OB · 13-10-2020 9:06pm

not yet wrote: »

I'd agree with you, but it's getting to the point of not being able to get on the timesheet Sat or Sun in Castleknock. It's 10 min away for me which is the main reason I stay, that, and you could not meet a nicer bunch out on the course.

I meant the guys who moved from castleknock to Luttrelstown got that deal of 800

Tescosfinest · 13-10-2020 9:08pm

Seve OB wrote: »

I meant the guys who moved from castleknock to Luttrelstown got that deal of 800

That's for 5 day membership I think

castleknock 5 day

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