Latest Top 100 courses in Ireland how many have you played?

Luckycharm · 09-03-2021 12:32pm #1

I have played 52 and booked into another 5 this year Ballybunion, cashen, Tralee, RCD and Ardglass. A few more I would love to play.

https://irishgolfer.ie/top-100/2021/03/09/the-irish-golfer-top-100-courses-in-ireland-2021/?mc_cid=a211271108&mc_eid=3b72f55797

mk7775 · 09-03-2021 12:43pm

Making me very jealous with 52!! 18 played for me at the moment, booked into Carne and Westport this year so far, hope to hit a few more!

09-03-2021 12:52pm

Have played 35 of that list so far. Hopefully get to play a few more this year.

willabur · 09-03-2021 1:02pm

30 for me. Should be able to boost that this year

Booked in to add Waterville, Dooks and Tralee to the list in september
I'd like to get around the ones around dublin which I haven't yet played
St Margarets, The Island, Balbriggan, Laytown&Bettystown & st annes should be doable
also planning a spin up to donegal at some point, will knock off a few up there. Would be doing well to get 40 in before end of the year

slave1 · 09-03-2021 1:51pm

93, still have to do both courses at RCD, after that I can pick away at remainder.

Par72 · 09-03-2021 2:03pm

I've played 53 of them. Top 20 feels a bit links-heavy. I know we are known for our links courses but I always feel like the parklands get a bit hard done by in these rankings. The exception being Ballinrobe that I wouldn't put anywhere near the top 100 courses in Ireland.

benji79 · 09-03-2021 2:18pm

Only 8 for myself

willabur · 09-03-2021 2:26pm

slave1 wrote: »

93, still have to do both courses at RCD, after that I can pick away at remainder.

serious going

paulos53 · 09-03-2021 2:33pm

I have played 49. A good number of them would not have been played without the Boards society.

I also played Hogs Head when it was Skellig Bay and Adare Manor before the revamp but I didn't count the 2 of them in my list

DuckSlice · 09-03-2021 3:31pm

Only played 15 looking at last years list, need to update my Excel file now and count up, i doubt it has changed.

Edit - 16 on the updated list, Ballinrobe I didn't have on the list i was working too. Hoping to get 5 of these at least this year.

RoadRunner · 09-03-2021 3:38pm

37 of them. Looking back over them I think I have played 36 of these courses with people from boards!

thewobbler · 09-03-2021 4:03pm

I’ve played 48.

Some bizarre ones. Notably how Galgorm has climbed about 50 places in the past 3 years. Note to editor: it may have hosted an Irish Open, but it’s still a boring golf course.

At least they got no.1 right!

Ollieboy · 09-03-2021 4:50pm

34, must try to bring that up to about 40 this year.

charlieIRL · 09-03-2021 5:04pm

RoadRunner wrote: »

37 of them. Looking back over them I think I have played 36 of these courses with people from boards!

same here - 37 as well.

slave1 · 09-03-2021 5:16pm

thewobbler wrote: »

I’ve played 48.

Some bizarre ones. Notably how Galgorm has climbed about 50 places in the past 3 years. Note to editor: it may have hosted an Irish Open, but it’s still a boring golf course.

At least they got no.1 right!

Agreed, very under whelming course, same with Farnham due to condition.
I loved Doonbeg but the greens are horrible, don't know how it's that high.
Some weird placings alright

Concerned2 · 09-03-2021 5:42pm

9 for me that includes Adare under the old design (when it was somewhat affordable). I'm surprised Dundrum in Tipperary didn't squeeze into the list somewhere. It's years since I played it but unless a lot has changed it was miles ahead of the likes of Ballinrobe & Castletroy , more in line with Dromoland IMHO.
Druids Glen must have gone down hill over the years. I watched the 2002 Seve trophy there and it was immaculate. I was at the 2002 WGC event in Mount Juliet and Druids Glen was more impressive.
I was in Lahinch one sunny day last summer with the family and I was drooling walking by the golf course, it looks amazing :eek:

dan_ep82 · 09-03-2021 6:04pm

23 for me.

No Knightsbrook?

Monty ahead of Glen, Juliet,Headfort,Luttrelstown and Lough Erne is a hell of a stretch. I like the Montgomerie course but thats crazy IMO

The_Kew_Tour · 09-03-2021 6:14pm

11 here. Mostly the Munster ones.

Luckycharm · 09-03-2021 6:51pm

mk7775 wrote: »

Making me very jealous with 52!! 18 played for me at the moment, booked into Carne and Westport this year so far, hope to hit a few more!

It used to quite small and generally my own course but in the last few years have started to take half days and do opens mainly course within an hour an half of Dublin. Then a few trips away to Donegal/Sligo. Wouldn't mind doing golf trip around belfast area at some stage to try those courses.

Staying in a house in Fota Island in the Summer and friend staying in Castlemartyr, think I will get away with one round. Don't think the family would be impressed with 2 both are similar enough in the rankings - which would people recommend of those 2?

slave1 · 09-03-2021 7:44pm

Fota, Castlemartyr is probably the best "links style" inland course we have, but Fota is super and a true parkland top course

AnBeagalltach · 09-03-2021 7:50pm

I wonder if (when you include lurkers) there are members of all 100 clubs that visit the forum?

When people mention in other threads that they would love to play x or y course at some stage I always wonder if there are most likely members of those courses on the board that would gladly take them out for a pittance if only they know!

09-03-2021 8:19pm

30 for me

FixdePitchmark · 09-03-2021 8:57pm

slave1 wrote: »

93, still have to do both courses at RCD, after that I can pick away at remainder.

Fair play as they are all over Ireland North and South - how on earth did you do it. And over how long.

FixdePitchmark · 09-03-2021 9:24pm

I've put a big effort into this - and still not that impressive with 59.

In general the North and Parklands kill me. Made good progress on the links.

But there are a batch of very hard course to get to - that are a full weekend away to play.

Westport
Dingle
Connemara

Then a few bizarre ones that I should have played but never have - or even got near playing
K Club
Bunclody
Killarney
Watervillie
Tramore
Tullfaris
Powerscourt (amazing I never played there)

I can't ever see myself going up the North to play a parkland - just can't see it - as I'm on the way to a Links.

As for how long I'm at this - can see a time I totally forget a course I played - not yet, but some of the ones is coming up on 25 years - it almost becomes pointless after 25 years. You kinda have to go back at that point.

Covid has made me think a bit about course in Dublin I have not played. There are a good few on the south side - I'm going to play in the next few years - I haven't even played ""The" Grange"" - or Castle. I could go over there and play them in 4 hours. If they let me in.

I haven't given fully up on it yet. Will most certainly get all the Links done - but it takes so much time and effort , it is nearly time to go back and play the ones you loved again as time goes by.

thewobbler · 09-03-2021 10:19pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I've put a big effort into this - and still not that impressive with 59.

In general the North and Parklands kill me. Made good progress on the links.

But there are a batch of very hard course to get to - that are a full weekend away to play.

Westport
Dingle
Connemara

Then a few bizarre ones that I should have played but never have - or even got near playing
K Club
Bunclody
Killarney
Watervillie
Tramore
Tullfaris
Powerscourt (amazing I never played there)

I can't ever see myself going up the North to play a parkland - just can't see it - as I'm on the way to a Links.

As for how long I'm at this - can see a time I totally forget a course I played - not yet, but some of the ones is coming up on 25 years - it almost becomes pointless after 25 years. You kinda have to go back at that point.

Covid has made me think a bit about course in Dublin I have not played. There are a good few on the south side - I'm going to play in the next few years - I haven't even played ""The" Grange"" - or Castle. I could go over there and play them in 4 hours. If they let me in.

I haven't given fully up on it yet. Will most certainly get all the Links done - but it takes so much time and effort , it is nearly time to go back and play the ones you loved again as time goes by.

I’ve a similar thing going on. I’ve never played golf in counties Cork, Kerry, Clare, Limerick or Galway. One day I’m hoping to take a week and cross off the south west.

But with Ballyliffin x2, the new Rosapenna, Portstewart and Portsalon to crack through on one side, and Royal Dublin, St Anne’s, Portmarnock and Arklow on the either, I’ve plenty of closer hunting to be doing first.

Not sure I’d ever drive > 2 hrs for a parkland again to be honest. West Scotland is only 3 hours from my front door and it’s a calling too!

slave1 · 09-03-2021 11:27pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Fair play as they are all over Ireland North and South - how on earth did you do it. And over how long.

Just got to commit to it and not be afraid to BnB those courses further away, I did cover about half of them when I was lucky enough to be on the Golf Digest panel of reviewers for 3 years

redzerdrog · 09-03-2021 11:30pm

25 for me but already have booked 3 of the top 20 for this year.

ridonkulous · 09-03-2021 11:36pm

68 for me over about 20 years of golfing. I can't believe it is as many as that but there you go. Had big plans to add to that last year but we all know what scuppered that. Not gonna let this summer pass by without adding at least a half dozen of the great links courses.

The biggest surprise on the list for me was to see Portsalon ahead of Portstewart. Both fantastic links courses and there is no doubt a few holes on the back 9 in Portstewart lets it down but definitely a better 18 holes of golf for me. But don't get me wrong I would gladly play either for the rest of my life.

Par72 · 10-03-2021 8:59am

I've seen it suggested that this list is skewed to favour courses that host the magazine's events.

blue note · 10-03-2021 9:47am

I've played 19 of them. I thought it was a decent amount, but I'm a long way behind most people here!

I'm hoping to get a couple of days in sligo or donegal over the summer so might add a couple. I won't reach 25 by year end though.

Based on what I've played there are some strange listings, but that's always the way. The best course I've played is narin & portnoy. If I'm in donegal again I'll try to play that again rather than increase my tally.

pinkdoubleeagle · 10-03-2021 9:53am

46. Thought I would have played more. Kerry and the North will have to be visited next.

ridonkulous · 10-03-2021 12:22pm

blue note wrote: »

I've played 19 of them. I thought it was a decent amount, but I'm a long way behind most people here!

I'm hoping to get a couple of days in sligo or donegal over the summer so might add a couple. I won't reach 25 by year end though.

Based on what I've played there are some strange listings, but that's always the way. The best course I've played is narin & portnoy. If I'm in donegal again I'll try to play that again rather than increase my tally.

The changes to Narin & Portnoo are sensational. Some golf course.

ClutchIt · 10-03-2021 12:46pm

Just 5 for me. Def gonna play a few more this summer.
Glad to see Portumna in there, really liked it.

CorkBoyInDub · 10-03-2021 3:23pm

I only started playing a few years ago so I'm miles behind here.

I've played;

Castletroy
Mahonys Point
Castlemartyr
Cork GC
Fota
Dooks

Booked in Portrush, Ballyliffin and Portstewart for this year. Hoping to get in Tralee, Killeen, The Old Head and one or two other Munster ones too if there's any offers around or opens on.

Luckycharm · 10-03-2021 3:27pm

CorkBoyInDub wrote: »

I only started playing a few years ago so I'm miles behind here.

I've played;

Castletroy
Mahonys Point
Castlemartyr
Cork GC
Fota
Dooks

Booked in Portrush, Ballyliffin and Portstewart for this year. Hoping to get in Tralee, Killeen, The Old Head and one or two other Munster ones too if there's any offers around or opens on.

Which is better Castlemartyr or Fota?

CorkBoyInDub · 10-03-2021 3:35pm

Luckycharm wrote: »

Which is better Castlemartyr or Fota?

Ah, I'd have Fota for sure. Not to take away from Castlemartyr or anything but Fota on a nice summer's day is a smashing parkland course. The finishing hole is great walking down towards the lake in front of the bar.

If I had a few quid to spare, I'd join Cork Golf Club ahead of either.

bailey99 · 10-03-2021 3:37pm

38 for me. How they have RCD at 4 and pretty much every ranking in the world has RCD as the best course in Ireland. Lahinch ahead of it.........ah come here!

Joeyjoejoe43 · 10-03-2021 9:49pm

Only 19.... going to target ticking 2 or 3 off this list or a similar one every year for the next long while. So many courses to play, so little time!!

Beaulieu · 10-03-2021 10:05pm

71 played but Ive pencilled in 2 that are in the Top 9 this summer so happy days! Hopefully we will see some of the big hitters reduce their fees for periods over the summer. Ive heard talk of The Island running Friday opens - can anyone confirm?

Down9194 · 11-03-2021 3:03am

32 played and hopefully will add 4/5 new this year

Arthur45 · 11-03-2021 3:09am

Come on this is crazy, really 100 golf courses ?!

redzerdrog · 11-03-2021 8:38am

CorkBoyInDub wrote: »

I only started playing a few years ago so I'm miles behind here.

I've played;

Castletroy
Mahonys Point
Castlemartyr
Cork GC
Fota
Dooks

Booked in Portrush, Ballyliffin and Portstewart for this year. Hoping to get in Tralee, Killeen, The Old Head and one or two other Munster ones too if there's any offers around or opens on.

Portrush, ballyliffin and portstewart part of the event there in October?

Kiith · 11-03-2021 12:07pm

Only played about 6 or 7 of them. I intent on starting my way through the better ones later in the year though.

Waterville, Dooks, Ballybunion and Tralee will be up first (hopefully).

slave1 · 11-03-2021 12:18pm

Kiith wrote: »

Only played about 6 or 7 of them. I intent on starting my way through the better ones later in the year though.

Waterville, Dooks, Ballybunion and Tralee will be up first (hopefully).

Ballybunion and Tralee used to have their scratch cups the same weekend so a good way to get both in especially if you are traveling.
Hopefully when things get back to some form of normality this will pop up again, minimum of 2022 though....

Bgiraffe · 11-03-2021 1:09pm

ridonkulous wrote: »

The changes to Narin & Portnoo are sensational. Some golf course.

Was on family holiday in Donegal as a teenager (I would say 30 years ago at this stage) and played N&P. It absolutely bucketed down and I played awful. But I always remember nailing one particular shot with an old Fred Daly wooden driver, somewhere around the 12th, 13th, 14th I'd say. Always think of that shot whenever I hear of N&P. Golf is a great game for old memories like that.

Mushy · 11-03-2021 1:15pm

ridonkulous wrote: »

The changes to Narin & Portnoo are sensational. Some golf course.

Might be up that way again soon, might have to take a look though want to play different courses

blue note · 11-03-2021 3:45pm

I always think that if you wanted something more meaningful than these lists you'd go for a Michelin star type of system. Whether a course is 90th or 60th probably makes little to no difference. Whereas if a course either had a star or didn't, then you'd consider it a lot more meaningful. Or similarly going from a 1 star to a 2 would be a big deal.

If i was doing it I'd have a "Michelin guide" tier for the likes of tullamore, Tramore, new forest, etc. Basically the courses outside of the top 30 or so in these lists. I'd have one star for those courses that are great, but not quite challenging the top spots, the likes of portsalon, strand Hill. Two star for the courses that are just off the top guys, so the likes of the island. And then the three star courses being Portmarnock, rcd, Portrush, lahinch.

Obviously plenty of playing around with who gets included and not and how many stars. But it would be a better way of doing it for me.

dan_ep82 · 11-03-2021 4:35pm

Kevin Markhams book Hooked is what I use, everything is scored out of 100.

Everything 70 and over is an enjoyable round of golf and yet to steer me wrong.

willabur · 11-03-2021 5:33pm

very interesting idea.

What would separate level 1, 2 & level 3?

Luckycharm · 11-03-2021 6:16pm

Bgiraffe wrote: »

Was on family holiday in Donegal as a teenager (I would say 30 years ago at this stage) and played N&P. It absolutely bucketed down and I played awful. But I always remember nailing one particular shot with an old Fred Daly wooden driver, somewhere around the 12th, 13th, 14th I'd say. Always think of that shot whenever I hear of N&P. Golf is a great game for old memories like that.

My abiding memory is Google maps bringing me to a gate halfway down a fairway on the courses miles away from main entrance. Played it 3 years ago, wasn't as impresses as some on here found it a bit scruffy.

thewobbler · 11-03-2021 6:36pm

blue note wrote: »

I always think that if you wanted something more meaningful than these lists you'd go for a Michelin star type of system. Whether a course is 90th or 60th probably makes little to no difference. Whereas if a course either had a star or didn't, then you'd consider it a lot more meaningful. Or similarly going from a 1 star to a 2 would be a big deal.

If i was doing it I'd have a "Michelin guide" tier for the likes of tullamore, Tramore, new forest, etc. Basically the courses outside of the top 30 or so in these lists. I'd have one star for those courses that are great, but not quite challenging the top spots, the likes of portsalon, strand Hill. Two star for the courses that are just off the top guys, so the likes of the island. And then the three star courses being Portmarnock, rcd, Portrush, lahinch.

Obviously plenty of playing around with who gets included and not and how many stars. But it would be a better way of doing it for me.

I can see some merit in this but to draw comparisons with Michelin: the anonymous aspect of Michelin rankings means you’re effectively being rated for attention to detail every minute of every day. The meal has to be perfectly sourced, perfectly cooked, perfectly presented, perfectly served. All year round.

Golf isn’t like that. For example I’ve given off about Galgorm above, and I don’t wish to sound like I’m bashing the course, but anyhow. One of its nearest neighbours is Massareene GC. It’s a much older, more traditional parkland with good conditioning, a wonderfully rolling layout, and some quirky holes. It’s great fun. There’s not much water about, practice facilities are limited, and its club house is dated. It would struggle to get a star on the Michelin rankings.

Meanwhile, Galgorm in its endeavours to become known as the premier parkland in the 6 counties, has invested significantly in everything imaginable. And these efforts would surely gain it a star. Maybe 2.

Yet I know the one I’d prefer to play, any day or every day, is Massereene.

Latest Top 100 courses in Ireland how many have you played?

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