Druids Heath

MiniGolf · 12-09-2011 05:27PM

PadBol wrote: »

2 things I totally agree with:

1. It is the type of course that you need to play a few times to get accustomed to it and the greens. It requires more round management than any other course I have played but I think that is a really great thing.
2. The quality of the sand in the bunkers is not great and needs to be sorted out . I also had 7 sand shots - that may seem a lot but I would reckon it may be close to average for a person playing the course for the first time. I swear there are same holes where there may well be more sand than grass!

Your final shot on to the green in many holes requires a really good pitch due to the high number of protective bunkers and fast greens, but once again I think that is a good way for a golf course to be.

Finally, no question but I am joining. Absolutely fell in love with it!

First thing I will say I am a member.... Joined recently!

Re: Point 1...
That is one of the major reasons why I joined the club. I want to start to think my way around the golf course.
Re: Point 2...
I have a bit of "inside" information re the bunkers....
There is a plan in place to remove quite a few of the existing bunkers as it is felt that there are too many and a lot of them are unfair on the majority of players using the course. The sand will be removed and re-used to improve the remaining bunkers. Hence the condition of the bunkers not being as good as they might be!!
Glad to hear you fell in love with it and if you fancy a round I would be happy to join you as I live nearby..... time and weather permitting

MG

P.S. If you fancy playing on Sunday at 9:30 I have booked myself in.... If you haven't joined by then you may have to pay... I think it's €35. P.M. me if you fancy it!

Unblinkered · 11-08-2012 10:05PM

Slumduck, I agree entirely with your comments re. the Heath. Had a mate who played off 7 and stuck it for 6 months as a member and then decided he would play for pleasure elsewhere and forgo the pain of frustation. You may not have noticed but there are bunkers DIRECTLY in front of the flags on Nine holes and some more in the dead centre of the fairway on 8 9 and 18. Now where do you see that on even a top PGA course? I mean, middle of the fairway! You are right -a" tricked -up" designed golf course. You could call the 18th hole," Find the Grass", I think there are 12 bunkers on it alone. People play it, come off with their asses kicked and say I'd love to play it again and see how I do. They play it a few more times as a "challenge" and then realise there is no pleasure to be gained at all. You could get addicted thinking there is some hidden pleasure in there somewhere! Then you hear about the turnover of members and the penny drops. Stay away unless you are a masochist. Regards, Unblinkered.

G1032 · 11-08-2012 11:11PM

Unblinkered wrote: »

You may not have noticed but there are bunkers DIRECTLY in front of the flags on Nine holes and some more in the dead centre of the fairway on 8 9 and 18. Now where do you see that on even a top PGA course? I mean, middle of the fairway!

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

heavyballs · 12-08-2012 12:20AM

G1032 wrote: »

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

you picked 1 hole from them all,well done you:rolleyes:.

G1032 · 12-08-2012 08:33AM

heavyballs wrote: »

G1032 wrote: »

There is a bunker in the middle of the 10th fairway in Augusta

you picked 1 hole from them all,well done you:rolleyes:.

Get over it. If you can't just give a wry smile then I guess you've no sense of humour.

Unblinkered · 12-08-2012 09:20AM

Missed that one at Agusta! Never thought to compare the Heath to Augusta, silly me and should have known better! Agree with you also on needing a sense of humour because if you did'nt have one playing there you would wind up tearing your hair out.Any comments on the 18th there, the ugliest hole in golf? There is an old saying amongst Golf Course Designers that goes, "when you run out of ideas stick in some more Bunkers". My points are self evident so I rest my case. Regards, Unblinkered.

Kingswood Rover · 15-04-2015 10:33PM

Played Druids Heath today and having read the thread was really looking forward to it. The bunkers are in excellent nick and the amount of them wow, the 1st 10 holes are good and bar the 1st play pretty much as you see playing off the whites with plenty of room. The next 6 holes bar the par 3 across the valley are a real lottery tight fairways with massive undulations and only small landing areas. Last 3 again play pretty much as you see them. Off the whites i found it long with a lot of 5 wood approach shots having to be hit from 180 yards out. The greens are massive but if i am honest were very poor with bare parches and moss quite evident on the majority of them. Would i go back ....yes in the middle of summer. but the greens really poor.

Redzah · 16-04-2015 09:09AM

Kingswood Rover wrote: »

Played Druids Heath today and having read the thread was really looking forward to it. The bunkers are in excellent nick and the amount of them wow, the 1st 10 holes are good and bar the 1st play pretty much as you see playing off the whites with plenty of room. The next 6 holes bar the par 3 across the valley are a real lottery tight fairways with massive undulations and only small landing areas. Last 3 again play pretty much as you see them. Off the whites i found it long with a lot of 5 wood approach shots having to be hit from 180 yards out. The greens are massive but if i am honest were very poor with bare parches and moss quite evident on the majority of them. Would i go back ....yes in the middle of summer. but the greens really poor.

I'm quite surprised by your comments on the greens as I can recall they were always the best part of the course (albeit too fast at times for the undulations making them borderline unplayable). Agree with your comments regarding finding the fairway difficult on the back 9.

Kingswood Rover · 16-04-2015 09:20AM

Redzah wrote: »

I'm quite surprised by your comments on the greens as I can recall they were always the best part of the course (albeit too fast at times for the undulations making them borderline unplayable). Agree with your comments regarding finding the fairway difficult on the back 9.

Yea really surprised, given the budget they must have but i reckon in 6 or so weeks with the new growth they will be fine.

Seve OB · 16-04-2015 03:41PM

Only played it the once a few years ago. Really enjoyed it, despite it being a miserable day. I think the second hole is class. Never understood how it always gets slated

d2ww · 16-04-2015 06:41PM

Seve OB wrote: »

Only played it the once a few years ago. Really enjoyed it, despite it being a miserable day. I think the second hole is class. Never understood how it always gets slated

I suppose it's because it gets lot of green fee and society players, who like myself would be mid to high handicappers. These players would reasonably expect to par 4-6 holes in a typical round*. Whereas on DH, you would lucky to get one or two max.

* Well, that's what I normally expect.

Dtoffee · 01-02-2017 03:37PM

Just bumping this to ask about member turnover at The Heath, anyone still a member ? anyone join and leave after a year? if so why ?

I am looking at a few courses down that way and The Heath is very keen for new members, they went from 232 members in 2015 to 250 last year and their pricing is compeditive..... I played 15 holes there two weeks ago and it was interesting to say the least. Having read all the comments here, it looks to me that people join and enjoy the challenge but the course is hard to beat. From my visit, I would say that its not an average seniors / high handicappers course as its a good stretch of the legs and you need to be able to hit high approaches to greens or you will struggle. It is a good golf course though, I can see the attraction and how it would improve your game (if thats possible of course).

I was also told that weekly mens competition prizes are credit for the resort (golf shop / food etc) and not GUI vouchers, is this true ?

Seve OB · 01-02-2017 03:46PM

Dtoffee wrote: »

I was also told that weekly mens competition prizes are credit for the resort (golf shop / food etc) and not GUI vouchers, is this true ?

you seem to be saying this as if it was a bad thing.

Dtoffee · 01-02-2017 03:52PM

Seve OB wrote: »

you seem to be saying this as if it was a bad thing.

I dont know because I am not a member, maybe its great value or maybe they are limited in what they can spend their vouchers on and the prices are dear.

If I'm lucky enough to win a prize, I have to admit I like the GUI vouchers system as I can use them in the club shop or McGuirks etc.

fred funk }{ · 01-02-2017 04:05PM

Dtoffee wrote: »

I dont know because I am not a member, maybe its great value or maybe they are limited in what they can spend their vouchers on and the prices are dear.

If I'm lucky enough to win a prize, I have to admit I like the GUI vouchers system as I can use them in the club shop or McGuirks etc.

Pro shop vouchers are the norm and keeps the money in the club. I think it's a good idea and if you become invested in the club you'll probably think that too.

d2ww · 01-02-2017 04:41PM

One of the clubs in the area should win the Glen of the Downs jackpot this spring, and Druids Heath would be a strong contender as they have the capacity. I know Bray gave the former members a presentation, Steve OB, do you know if Greystones did the same?

Dtoffee · 01-02-2017 04:54PM

d2ww wrote: »

One of the clubs in the area should win the Glen of the Downs jackpot this spring, and Druids Heath would be a strong contender as they have the capacity. I know Bray gave the former members a presentation, Steve OB, do you know if Greystones did the same?

When was this ?

I know Delgany sent out an email offering support and use of their facilities with a view to signing up a few.

Any Druids Heath members past or present on here ?

Seve OB · 01-02-2017 05:05PM

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

jarrieta · 01-02-2017 05:11PM

Seve OB wrote: »

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

It is true, we former members of GotD can play in DH until the 17th Feb

Charlesland and Delgany also offered some information meetings to attract some members, but they don't have but a small capacity to accept new members

Dtoffee · 01-02-2017 05:23PM

Seve OB wrote: »

not sure, haven't heard of anything. To be honest, I think we have enough members. Tough getting on the timesheet these days :rolleyes:

I did hear Druids heath offered GOD members free membership for a month or so. not sure how true that was

True they are and they are talking about group rates for 50+, 100+ and 150+ .... the thing is that many GoDs members still want to go back 'home' and that will not be ruled out until a sale happens. The liquidator and recievers have been appointed, the farmer is still interested in buying back his land and things could change overnight (or not, depending on how pessimistic the reporter is).

Already some have joined other courses, but there is still a sizable number willing to play the waiting game (mainly due to winter golf not being a priority). One thing is sure, every day it lies closed is a loss making day for everyone and its value as a possible future going concern will quickly disappear.

neckedit · 01-02-2017 08:31PM

Druids Heath is tough aul slog but....
They do plan to soften it up in the coming 12 month, to attract more playing members and create a Club Vibe that it has been lacking..... Charlesland is the club of choice for a certain demographic and is prooving to be one of the strongest clubs in the area. It is getting out there that they are teaching capacity but id say they have space for a few more. I think the mass move to the Heath could be the begining and the making of something good up there.

First Up · 01-02-2017 09:10PM

neckedit wrote:

Druids Heath is tough aul slog but.... They do plan to soften it up in the coming 12 month, to attract more playing members and create a Club Vibe that it has been lacking.....

Any info on what changes are planned? Most of it is OK (although some of the greens are a bit tricked up) but those couple of sideways holes on the back 9 are a pain.

neckedit · 01-02-2017 09:33PM

First Up wrote: »

Any info on what changes are planned? Most of it is OK (although some of the greens are a bit tricked up) but those couple of sideways holes on the back 9 are a pain.

I've no real insight just talking to some of the Green staff last week, I believe they are going to start to close some of the bunkers..... 90 something bunkers... gonna close up to 50 % of them... that in its self will make it play a little easier.
I disagree the greens are tricked up, they where designed for tour players, where they might be hitting 8iron down, we are more likely to be 2-3 clubs behind that and maybe 30-40 yards back too.... if not more. The main gripe I hear are no atmosphere.... more players... more atmosphere.

bobwilliams · 01-02-2017 09:47PM

neckedit wrote:

I've no real insight just talking to some of the Green staff last week, I believe they are going to start to close some of the bunkers..... 90 something bunkers... gonna close up to 50 % of them... that in its self will make it play a little easier. I disagree the greens are tricked up, they where designed for tour players, where they might be hitting 8iron down, we are more likely to be 2-3 clubs behind that and maybe 30-40 yards back too.... if not more. The main gripe I hear are no atmosphere.... more players... more atmosphere.

What do u mean saying they were designed for tour players.
Some greens are too severe in places...I was a member there up untill 2015...some nice holes and some shocking bad holes.
In the summer the front of the 8th and 17th greens are a joke and the green staff still place the hole there.

neckedit · 01-02-2017 09:57PM

bobwilliams wrote: »

What do u mean saying they were designed for tour players.
Some greens are too severe in places...I was a member there up untill 2015...some nice holes and some shocking bad holes.
In the summer the front of the 8th and 17th greens are a joke and the green staff still place the hole there.

I agree completely some good some bad holes.... personally not a huge Fan. What I mean by A design for your player it's along championship course that was designed to host tournament plyers and big events, but it prooved too tough . Let's take a par 4 @ 440 of the tips... tour player good amateur pipes it 300... leaving 140 to get home... pw-9iron.... Forward tees playing 400, 16 hc hits it 200-230 leaving 200 too 170 home.... 5iron - 3 wood.... totally different flights and trajectory. Green are receptive to a short iron not so much to a long iron wood etc....

First Up · 01-02-2017 10:24PM

neckedit wrote:

I disagree the greens are tricked up, they where designed for tour players

A bit silly, given that tour players don't play there.

neckedit · 01-02-2017 10:35PM

First Up wrote: »

A bit silly, given that tour players don't play there.

Couldn't agree more... I'm not saying it's right I'm just offering an opinion.

rollotomasi · 02-02-2017 02:09PM

Druids Heath is a tough trek but not unfair, IMO (I am a member). The main difficultly is hitting the raised greens but the greens are quite large. There are few 45pt winners there and that isn't a bad thing.

Dtoffee · 02-02-2017 02:34PM

rollotomasi wrote: »

Druids Heath is a tough trek but not unfair, IMO (I am a member). The main difficultly is hitting the raised greens but the greens are quite large. There are few 45pt winners there and that isn't a bad thing.

What tees was that off and which do you usually play off.

How do you think the timesheet will cope with an extra 150+ men and women on top of your current 275 members ? will it need extra time?

What happens if the hotel has a big booking that includes golf, do they have the right to the course ?

tks

thewobbler · 02-02-2017 03:01PM

It could just be me, but if I was attempting to design a course for for tour players, I'd start with the holes and then maximise the value of the greens. Druids Heath seemed to miss that first step.

Druids Heath

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