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Hooked - amateur's guide to golf courses in Ireland

  • 28-04-2009 09:13PM
    #1
    Tipp-Boy
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 76 ✭✭


    Hi All,

    Just thought I'd bring your attention to a book I came across by Kevin Markham. I've seen Kevin trawl across the posts on this forum so I think its worth a plug. Quite simply Kevin took off in his camper van to play every golf course in Ireland. It took him 18months! The book lists all the courses alphabethically and scores them out of a 100 (using various benchmarks such as course design, value , location, greens, fairways etc). Anyway its a great read and I have had many a discussion/argument with friends over the ratings - well worth a read.

    If your interested the official title is
    "HOOKED - an amateur's guide to the golf courses of Ireland"
    ISBN is 13:9781905172948

    I know he has a webpage up and running so you can probably get it there.

    Kevin - a question for you?
    You say you have a handicap of 7 ---- what handicap did you start off at on your trip?


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Comments

  • #2
    Mr. Larson
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,429 ✭✭✭Mr. Larson


    +1

    Kudos to Kevin on a great idea and a great book. Bought it a few weeks back and it's alyway a good one to pick up off the coffee table and flick through when there's bugger all on the T.V.

    Good question re: the handicap b.t.w. - would be interested to hear that too.


  • #3
    OilBeefHooked2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 836 ✭✭✭OilBeefHooked2


    Yes fantastic achievement Kevin well done.
    Bought the book a couple of weeks ago and find that it's a great reference point for courses I'd like to play as well as been fair and accurate about my home courses and courses I've already played.
    Again well done Kevin.


  • #4
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    Jeez guys, you're making me blush.
    Glad to hear you find the book entertaining. Let me know if there are any ratings you strongly agree or - more interestingly - disagree with.

    Handicap. Started at 7 - and finished at 7. I touched 6 for a month after a good round in Athy, but I didn't play in that many competitions because it simply didn't work out that way.

    I'll stick a post up here in the next week or so about a launch I'm planning at Greystones Golf Club. I have 20 free fourballs to give away at the launch - for Old Head, Adare, Tralee... and everyone's invited.

    K


  • #5
    thegen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭thegen


    Kevinmarkham wrote: »
    Jeez guys, you're making me blush.
    Glad to hear you find the book entertaining. Let me know if there are any ratings you strongly agree or - more interestingly - disagree with.

    Handicap. Started at 7 - and finished at 7. I touched 6 for a month after a good round in Athy, but I didn't play in that many competitions because it simply didn't work out that way.

    I'll stick a post up here in the next week or so about a launch I'm planning at Greystones Golf Club. I have 20 free fourballs to give away at the launch - for Old Head, Adare, Tralee... and everyone's invited.

    K

    Kevin,

    You will have an awful lot of new friends on the night from Boards;)


  • #6
    mccutchie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 272 ✭✭mccutchie


    Guys, where is the book available as its something I would be interested in purchasing. PM me if necessary.

    Thanks


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  • #7
    WithCheesePlease
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,007 ✭✭✭WithCheesePlease


    mccutchie wrote: »
    Guys, where is the book available as its something I would be interested in purchasing. PM me if necessary.

    Thanks

    me too...


  • #8
    Codofwar
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 328 ✭✭Codofwar


    Ill join you in adare, 15 mins from home, Maybe it might bring down some of the boardsies from around the dublin area. THere seems to be a lot of ye!


  • #9
    clg23
    Closed Accounts Posts: 134 ✭✭clg23


    I got the book in Reads (Nassau St) €15.99. Its a great resource and id agree with most the reviews I have read, but I havent played all that many courses (ive played 23 so only 326 to go...)


  • #10
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    mccutchie wrote: »
    Guys, where is the book available as its something I would be interested in purchasing. PM me if necessary.

    Thanks


    I saw it in Easons yesterday (Dundrum) or you can buy it from the www.collinspress.ie website. Some bookshops can take their time putting the book out on the shelves.

    K
    www.golfcoursesireland.blogspot.com


  • #11
    Blunder
    Closed Accounts Posts: 367 ✭✭Blunder


    I got it in Hughes and Hughes in Stephens Green SC.

    Great book Kevin. Well Done!


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  • #12
    stockdam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭stockdam


    Is the book cheaper in Northern Ireland like everything else is?
    :D


  • #13
    thegen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭thegen


    I picked it up in Easons, as they say it is available in all good bookshops and a few bad ones as well no doubt;)

    Great read, I was surprised at some of the ratings. But the review on Dublin Mountain is classic.


    Congratulations Kevin on a job well done


  • #14
    mccutchie
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 272 ✭✭mccutchie


    Bought the book myself today. I like the reviews of some of the courses I have played and i must admit to agreeing with Kevins comments.

    Well done Kevin, i'll be using this when planning golf trips.


  • #15
    Obni
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 424 ✭✭Obni


    Well done Kevin.
    Nice bit of get-up-off-your-arse-and-do-it-ness.
    Heading off to Eason's to grab a copy.


  • #16
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    [quote=thegen;[URL="javascript:void(0)"][/url]60046894]I picked it up in Easons, as they say it is available in all good bookshops and a few bad ones as well no doubt;)

    Great read, I was surprised at some of the ratings. But the review on Dublin Mountain is classic.


    Congratulations Kevin on a job well done[/quote]


    Sooooo, which are the surprises? I know people are going to disagree with reviews/ratings - that's the nature of being subjective - and it's good to hear what other people have to say. I was following the thread on courses in Meath/Louth and noted how people felt about Bellewstown. It's a love/hate course and I don't tend to pull my punches - as you noted with Dublin Mountain!

    K


  • #17
    thegen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭thegen


    Kevinmarkham wrote: »
    Sooooo, which are the surprises? I know people are going to disagree with reviews/ratings - that's the nature of being subjective - and it's good to hear what other people have to say. I was following the thread on courses in Meath/Louth and noted how people felt about Bellewstown. It's a love/hate course and I don't tend to pull my punches - as you noted with Dublin Mountain!

    K

    Was surprised to see you rated Edmondstown above Grange and Hermitage. Thought Castle would have a higher rating. I am going to get a bit of mileage out of all of them as you rated my home course higher, thank you.

    Am I correct in saying the picture on the back cover of the book goes by them name "Garvaghy Road"


  • #18
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    [quote=thegen;[URL="javascript:void(0)"]60055557[/URL]]Was surprised to see you rated Edmondstown above Grange and Hermitage. Thought Castle would have a higher rating. I am going to get a bit of mileage out of all of them as you rated my home course higher, thank you.

    Am I correct in saying the picture on the back cover of the book goes by them name "Garvaghy Road"[/quote]


    A member of Stackstown are you!

    Yep, that's Garvaghy Road alright. It looks amazing in the photo.

    I guess the thing about the rating total is that it doesn't give the full picture. It's all about the weighting and how it adds up. The 'golf experience' is the important one - both Edmondstown and Grange get 15, Hermitage gets 16 and Castle 17. One course may have a higher total than another but that doesn't necessarily mean I prefer it.


  • #19
    thegen
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,081 ✭✭✭thegen


    Kevinmarkham wrote: »
    A member of Stackstown are you!

    Yep, that's Garvaghy Road alright. It looks amazing in the photo.

    I guess the thing about the rating total is that it doesn't give the full picture. It's all about the weighting and how it adds up. The 'golf experience' is the important one - both Edmondstown and Grange get 15, Hermitage gets 16 and Castle 17. One course may have a higher total than another but that doesn't necessarily mean I prefer it.

    Kevin,

    Played your home course a couple of times. I played for a year or two with the La Touche Society, long story, I'm in Rathfarnham. My home club looks across onto Royal Dublin Mountain.


  • #20
    PhilipMarlowe
    Subscribers Posts: 4,419 ✭✭✭PhilipMarlowe


    I bought it up yesterday and am very impressed with the bit I've read so far... like where you say Rathdowney is perfect for societies and club golfers. I have often advised (dublin) people on here to check it out as a place to get a membership that might be affordable but still a course that is within reach.
    The ones I've read so far were pretty much within my thinking although you were generous with Glenmalure :)


  • #21
    Patrick_K
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 339 ✭✭Patrick_K


    What were your feelings about Dublin Mountain Kevin ?
    I played there recently, interesting to say the least .... :-)


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  • #22
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    [quote=Licksy;[URL="javascript:void(0)"]60060893[/URL]]

    The ones I've read so far were pretty much within my thinking although you were generous with Glenmalure :)[/quote]



    Really? You thought I was being generous!:eek: It has a few interesting quirks and the views, but that's about it.

    As for Dublin Mountain, Patrick K, let's just say I will never, ever get an invitation to play there again. If you played it and liked it, then there are 348 other courses you'll like a whole lot better.

    K


  • #23
    conman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 183 ✭✭conman


    Kevinmarkham wrote: »
    Really? You thought I was being generous!:eek: It has a few interesting quirks and the views, but that's about it.

    As for Dublin Mountain, Patrick K, let's just say I will never, ever get an invitation to play there again. If you played it and liked it, then there are 348 other courses you'll like a whole lot better.

    K

    ordered your book there a few days ago Kevin, lookin forward to the read..
    :D i live near bray, so should be interesting to see your views on the huge amount of courses nearby. :D


  • #24
    david
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,693 ✭✭✭david


    Hi Kevin, it was great to have you down playing again (Macreddin). I haven't had a chance to pick up your book yet but I'm looking forward to it.

    BTW I was thinking you were playing off the ladies tees when you said you hit a 7 onto the 7th upwind alright :-).

    I'd really appreciate it if you could either e-mail or pm me both the Coollattin and Macreddin reviews.

    Thanks,
    D.


  • #25
    DU.LLAHAN
    Closed Accounts Posts: 220 ✭✭DU.LLAHAN


    seen the review of the book in todays golfer and was impressed with the book just after ordering it i cant wait to sit down and give it a good read.I enjoyed the story about the guy who would take a shot and run to the ball and back again to keep fit. there are some characters out there. Kevin doing what you did is a great acheivement well done it was an impressive feat.


  • #26
    dnjoyce
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 281 ✭✭dnjoyce


    picked up a copy today, great read so far. great job Kevin. seemd to like my home course as well (curragh) but unfortuantely the greens are letting it down at the moment with the 5 "new" greens needing to be completely re-seeded.


  • #27
    BrianD3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,749 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    The book sounds really good, I'll try bookshops for it next week. I'd say one big advantage of the book over other sources of review is consistency seeing as all the reviews in "Hooked" are written by the same person.

    Also, it sounds like you picked a good time to write the book, had it been written it ten or fifteen years ago there would now be lots of new courses missing from the book. But new course openings will be much less in the next few years so the book will remain relatively up to date


  • #28
    -Chris-
    Closed Accounts Posts: 12,035 ✭✭✭✭-Chris-


    david wrote: »
    I'd really appreciate it if you could either e-mail or pm me both the Coollattin and Macreddin reviews.

    Thanks,
    D.

    http://golfcoursesireland.blogspot.com/2009/04/little-magic-at-macreddin.html might give you something to chew on!

    Must buy this book too - seems like a fascinating project!!


  • #29
    stockdam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,472 ✭✭✭stockdam


    I think people are being hard on Dublin Mountain. It's not that bad a course and has some interesting holes. I don't know what the membership fees are but I'd guess they are relatively reasonable so the course provides a reasonable standard for those who can't afford the silly (yes silly) prices that other courses around Dublin charge.


  • #30
    Kevinmarkham
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,026 ✭✭✭Kevinmarkham


    [quote=stockdam;[URL="javascript:void(0)"]60089094[/URL]]I think people are being hard on Dublin Mountain. It's not that bad a course and has some interesting holes. I don't know what the membership fees are but I'd guess they are relatively reasonable so the course provides a reasonable standard for those who can't afford the silly (yes silly) prices that other courses around Dublin charge.[/quote]


    I don't disagree with you, Stockdam - not at all. Courses like Dublin Mountain serve a specific and important purpose, but I'm looking at it from the point of view of a visiting golfer. If you travel from Galway or Northern Ireland or further afield, you're not going to want to play Dublin Mountain for a great Irish golfing experience.
    david wrote: »
    I'd really appreciate it if you could either e-mail or pm me both the Coollattin and Macreddin reviews.
    Thanks,
    D.

    Dave, I should be up your way soon enough and I'll drop in. Suffice to say, both courses get good reviews and I still say that Macreddin has the best 12th hole in the country.


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  • #31
    BrianD3
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,749 ✭✭✭BrianD3


    Picked up my copy of "Hooked" today. Very good book, for the courses I'm familiar with I fully agree with the comments and ratings.

    I was pleased to see that you gave glowing praise to Rathcore GC in Meath, that is one of my favourites.

    Something I noticed is Donegal GC (Murvagh) gets a score of 94 yet doesn't appear in the list of top ten links courses while other links courses with the same or lower scores do. A mistake or am I misunderstanding the rating system?

    Book is well worth buying anyway.


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