Carne Golf Links

Deporhostia · 15-06-2020 12:55pm #1

I am hoping to play 36 holes at Carne. I last played there 8 years ago, the condition of the Kilmore 9 wasn’t quite as good as the original 18.

Does anyone know how it’s playing at the moment? And if you had 36 holes, which 9 holes would be best to repeat? The original back 9 or the new Kilmore 9?

Thanks in advance

DuckSlice · 15-06-2020 1:29pm

I think they have changed the layout this year so now the Kilmore 9 is included in the standard 18 holes along with the original back 9, not sure what the name of it is. Also not sure if this change went ahead but it was the plan.

If it was my choice I think I would play the old back 9 twice. Has a good mix of everything. I have only played the Kilmore 9 once and not sure on the condition now but hopefully it is better.

slave1 · 15-06-2020 1:34pm

Played Carne most years for the last 5, every time the "new" 9 greens are just brutal, but I don't go all that way to play just 18 so I end up playing 27 every time

Kiith · 15-06-2020 8:22pm

I'm playing it in September, when i'm up that way for a 3 day Enniscrone trip. Looking forward to it, as i've heard it's great.

FixdePitchmark · 16-06-2020 12:45pm

Might be controversial - but is Carne a bit overrated ?

I only played it once , yes stunning isolation etc. But you often hear it mentioned it was not it great condition.

I mean your driving past Enniscrone to get there. Played in one of them classics - a bit slow and maybe wind was hardcore , rain, maybe a bit tired and emotional.

But - I can sit here and smile thinking about Ballybunion , Portstewart, Portrush .

One I need to play again clearly. But a long bloody way.

ronnie3585 · 16-06-2020 1:04pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Might be controversial - but is Carne a bit overrated ?

I only played it once , yes stunning isolation etc. But you often hear it mentioned it was not it great condition.

I mean your driving past Enniscrone to get there. Played in one of them classics - a bit slow and maybe wind was hardcore , rain, maybe a bit tired and emotional.

But - I can sit here and smile thinking about Ballybunion , Portstewart, Portrush .

One I need to play again clearly. But a long bloody way.

I think it's about managing your expectations.

Carne is not Ballybunion, Portstewart or Portrush. It's an almost entirely natural course, built and maintained on a shoestring in a very rural, poor part of the west of Ireland.

I play there every year and I love it, it's my favourite course. I think the story behind it, it's remoteness, the dunes and the genuinely warm welcome one receives really add to the experience. I never go there expecting a very well manicured course, I think that would be foolhardy. It's always a bit rough around the edges and the greens on the new 9 have a ways to go, but I never come away from Carne feeling short changed.

slave1 · 16-06-2020 1:36pm

Carne is Links with soul

DuckSlice · 16-06-2020 2:19pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

Might be controversial - but is Carne a bit overrated ?

I only played it once , yes stunning isolation etc. But you often hear it mentioned it was not it great condition.

I mean your driving past Enniscrone to get there. Played in one of them classics - a bit slow and maybe wind was hardcore , rain, maybe a bit tired and emotional.

But - I can sit here and smile thinking about Ballybunion , Portstewart, Portrush .

One I need to play again clearly. But a long bloody way.

I think the new 9 have questions over the condition of them but I think they are improving from what I hear.

I play there 5/6 times a year and the old 18 I have found always to be in good condition.

If it was windy and rainy then this may have given you a bad experience. Its a horrible place in the wind and rain but it is a serious test of golf in them.

FixdePitchmark · 16-06-2020 3:11pm

ronnie3585 wrote: »

I think it's about managing your expectations.

Carne is not Ballybunion, Portstewart or Portrush. It's an almost entirely natural course, built and maintained on a shoestring in a very rural, poor part of the west of Ireland.

I play there every year and I love it, it's my favourite course. I think the story behind it, it's remoteness, the dunes and the genuinely warm welcome one receives really add to the experience. I never go there expecting a very well manicured course, I think that would be foolhardy. It's always a bit rough around the edges and the greens on the new 9 have a ways to go, but I never come away from Carne feeling short changed.

I think that is a fair post. And, I am a golfer that loves the quirky unusual courses. Just when you go on one of them big journeys - you are use to something that is Ballybunion , is RCD - that is, what them journeys are for.

I do accept that the ones that are a bit different are far more intriguing and are the ones that grow on you - you have to play them a good few times. The Island can be a bit like that.

But Enniscrone is one of my favorite courses in Ireland - I'm always going to play that on the way. It is always in perfect condition and has a fantastic layout with a great mix of holes.

I'l hit Carne again - but I'm not sure the shoestring , very poor part, rural thing has a role in the various merits of a courses.
It is admirable , and a great story - but it should come down to the quality of the course at the end of the day.

Portmarnock / Royal Dublin - are urban , wealthy , with no end of course investment. But I'd play Enniscrone or Lahinch every day before them.

I might try head up next spring.

Deporhostia · 16-06-2020 3:20pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think that is a fair post. And, I am a golfer that loves the quirky unusual courses. Just when you go on one of them big journeys - you are use to something that is Ballybunion , is RCD - that is, what them journeys are for.

I do accept that the ones that are a bit different are far more intriguing and are the ones that grow on you - you have to play them a good few times. The Island can be a bit like that.

But Enniscrone is one of my favorite courses in Ireland - I'm always going to play that on the way. It is always in perfect condition and has a fantastic layout with a great mix of holes.

I'l hit Carne again - but I'm not sure the shoestring , very poor part, rural thing has a role in the various merits of a courses.
It is admirable , and a great story - but it should come down to the quality of the course at the end of the day.

Portmarnock / Royal Dublin - are urban , wealthy , with no end of course investment. But I'd play Enniscrone or Lahinch every day before them.

I might try head up next spring.

Yeah my plan is 36 holes at Enniscrone and 36 at Carne over 3 days. The only other time I played them both, I came away slightly preferring Enniscrone, not because of anything negative about Carne, and I’m not gonna drive 4.5 hours up there and miss out on either of them.

Does mean Rosses Point and Strandhill will have to wait!

kermitpwee · 17-06-2020 10:13am

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

I think that is a fair post. And, I am a golfer that loves the quirky unusual courses. Just when you go on one of them big journeys - you are use to something that is Ballybunion , is RCD - that is, what them journeys are for.

I do accept that the ones that are a bit different are far more intriguing and are the ones that grow on you - you have to play them a good few times. The Island can be a bit like that.

But Enniscrone is one of my favorite courses in Ireland - I'm always going to play that on the way. It is always in perfect condition and has a fantastic layout with a great mix of holes.

I'l hit Carne again - but I'm not sure the shoestring , very poor part, rural thing has a role in the various merits of a courses.
It is admirable , and a great story - but it should come down to the quality of the course at the end of the day.

Portmarnock / Royal Dublin - are urban , wealthy , with no end of course investment. But I'd play Enniscrone or Lahinch every day before them.

I might try head up next spring.

I was a member in Carne for 2 years, I'm playing golf 30 years. Its totally overrated, some weak holes but it has some magic as well, would I play it again? No!

DuckSlice · 17-06-2020 10:31am

kermitpwee wrote: »

I was a member in Carne for 2 years, I'm playing golf 30 years. Its totally overrated, some weak holes but it has some magic as well, would I play it again? No!

Interesting, are you sure its just the weak holes you have an issue with?

Whiplash85 · 17-06-2020 10:37am

I have played Carne 5 or 6 times in recent years. It is a course I have come to love. Yes it is an effort to get to but in my opinion it is well worth it. The people are some of the friendliest you could meet and you probably have the run of the course to yourself. The dunes themselves are the most natural and biggest dunes you will see anywhere. I cant wait to get back these actually.

FixdePitchmark · 17-06-2020 1:04pm

kermitpwee wrote: »

I was a member in Carne for 2 years, I'm playing golf 30 years. Its totally overrated, some weak holes but it has some magic as well, would I play it again? No!

That seems harsh for a course you joined - why did you join it so.

Maybe you do not like Links at all - course like that are not for everyone.

willabur · 17-06-2020 1:54pm

strange comment. would be interested to see what courses the poster rates

RoadRunner · 17-06-2020 2:53pm

There are links courses that you could play each week and there are some that are better for a visit when conditions allow. Similarly, I'd LOVE to visit the international space station but I wouldn't like to live there for the next two years

bailey99 · 14-07-2020 12:45am

Big carne fan. The course. The setting. The people. The history. The dunes. Links for the soul.

Ally McIntosh · 14-07-2020 11:04am

My understanding is that after years of neglect, the club have been putting time and effort in to the new 9 with regards to conditioning over the last 12 months.

So you should see improvements from that angle. It’s been a while since I visited.

DuckSlice · 14-07-2020 11:31am

Ally McIntosh wrote: »

My understanding is that after years of neglect, the club have been putting time and effort in to the new 9 with regards to conditioning over the last 12 months.

So you should see improvements from that angle. It’s been a while since I visited.

I think they were going Marketing the old back nine and the new nine as the "wild Atlantic Dunes Course" and I think this would be planned to come the primary 18 holes. not sure if this went ahead.

willabur · 14-07-2020 12:17pm

going to play there in a few weeks - first time. CANNOT WAIT

Ally McIntosh · 14-07-2020 1:03pm

etxp wrote: »

I think they were going Marketing the old back nine and the new nine as the "wild Atlantic Dunes Course" and I think this would be planned to come the primary 18 holes. not sure if this went ahead.

I believe it has, at least as an option on certain days.

For what it’s worth, the design intent was that this composite course plays in the following sequence:

Front nine: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 5K, 6K

Back nine: 7K, 8K, 9K, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 17, 18

Thanks,
Ally

pinkdoubleeagle · 14-07-2020 1:19pm

willabur wrote: »

going to play there in a few weeks - first time. CANNOT WAIT

What rate did you get?

DuckSlice · 14-07-2020 2:25pm

Ally McIntosh wrote: »

I believe it has, at least as an option on certain days.

For what it’s worth, the design intent was that this composite course plays in the following sequence:

Front nine: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 5K, 6K

Back nine: 7K, 8K, 9K, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 17, 18

Thanks,
Ally

I think I would like that configuration. The 18th is a fantastic finishing hole I think so hopefully it stays as the finishing hole.

Deporhostia · 14-07-2020 3:51pm

Yep, we are playing 36 holes in a day, first 18 holes are the ‘Wild Atlantic Dunes’ and then I’m hoping the second 18 will be the original front 9 plus whichever 9 I preferred in the morning, if they’ll let me choose!

willabur · 14-07-2020 3:57pm

pinkdoubleeagle wrote: »

What rate did you get?

80 quid for 27 holes

bailey99 · 14-07-2020 9:33pm

etxp wrote: »

I think they were going Marketing the old back nine and the new nine as the "wild Atlantic Dunes Course" and I think this would be planned to come the primary 18 holes. not sure if this went ahead.

I always thought the 3rd and the 8th holes were simply magnificent. A shame if they are squeezed into the 'other' nine

Deporhostia · 15-07-2020 12:39am

willabur wrote: »

80 quid for 27 holes

Similar. €55 for each 18 holes I think, slightly discounted for the ‘day’ rate

avud · 13-08-2020 9:45am

Thinking about playing Carne at end of this month. Any updates on what's available regarding the old and new courses and recommendation if possible the best 18 if I'm allowed to pick between both. Any ideas of green fee rates also.

Ally McIntosh · 23-08-2020 6:26pm

avud wrote: »

Thinking about playing Carne at end of this month. Any updates on what's available regarding the old and new courses and recommendation if possible the best 18 if I'm allowed to pick between both. Any ideas of green fee rates also.

I am here at the moment. It’s the longest I’ve been away since we built the new nine and the really positive news is that after years of neglect, the new head green-keeper has worked wonders with the conditioning over the last 18 months, to the extent that they gave the Wild Atlantic Dunes course its debut at the Pro-Am last week.

Not sure on green fees but the way things are setup, you should have a choice on which course you want to play. You really should play all 27 though.

bailey99 · 26-08-2020 11:31pm

Ally McIntosh wrote: »

I am here at the moment. It’s the longest I’ve been away since we built the new nine and the really positive news is that after years of neglect, the new head green-keeper has worked wonders with the conditioning over the last 18 months, to the extent that they gave the Wild Atlantic Dunes course its debut at the Pro-Am last week.

Not sure on green fees but the way things are setup, you should have a choice on which course you want to play. You really should play all 27 though.

Is the 27 holes in really good condition? Greens? Fairways? Tees?

slave1 · 27-08-2020 4:15am

bailey99 wrote: »

Is the 27 holes in really good condition? Greens? Fairways? Tees?

Was always the greens on the “new” 9 that was the weakest link, everything else was always there every time I played it

DuckSlice · 27-08-2020 8:22am

I would say the greens on the Kilmore 9 are not up to the same standard as the original 18. Still decent greens though.

Tee boxes when I played a few weeks back were only ok, and a lot of them were fairly bad. The index 1 was very bad which was surprising as its a hole for the driver or fairway wood and there was a lot of divots on it.

kermitpwee · 02-09-2020 12:57pm

FixdePitchmark wrote: »

That seems harsh for a course you joined - why did you join it so.

Maybe you do not like Links at all - course like that are not for everyone.

I joined Carne because I love links Golf, the new 9 wasn't built when i was there, I thought a lot of the holes were weak, I am a decent golfer, 5-7 handicap the last 20 years. I just didn't enjoy it, if I never play it again I wouldn't be bothered, I was actually playing quite well when i was a member there, perhaps my expectations were too high, perhaps I need to go back again for a look?

sailing · 02-09-2020 1:08pm

kermitpwee wrote: »

I joined Carne because I love links Golf, the new 9 wasn't built when i was there, I thought a lot of the holes were weak, I am a decent golfer, 5-7 handicap the last 20 years. I just didn't enjoy it, if I never play it again I wouldn't be bothered, I was actually playing quite well when i was a member there, perhaps my expectations were too high, perhaps I need to go back again for a look?

My experience. I’ve played it numerous times over the years. Excellent course. To be a mid single handicap golfer on a course like that is a serious test of one’s ability. My own course in the East is a chalk and cheese scenario. I would not be able to play anywhere near my current handicap as a member there.

bmay529 · 26-11-2020 12:54am

Does anyone know if there is a drone video of the new course which I believe is now in play? I have played Carne "old" course each year for the past several years so know it quite well but never the "new" 9. I understand the new course is a composite of the two starting on the "old" 10th and finishing on the "old" 17th and 18th

fearruanua · 26-11-2020 10:30am

bmay529 wrote: »

Does anyone know if there is a drone video of the new course which I believe is now in play? I have played Carne "old" course each year for the past several years so know it quite well but never the "new" 9. I understand the new course is a composite of the two starting on the "old" 10th and finishing on the "old" 17th and 18th

check out the no laying up episode on you tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyvHOP-bqAI

it's a while since i watched it but nearly sure they played the new 9.

bmay529 · 26-11-2020 1:26pm

fearruanua wrote: »

check out the no laying up episode on you tube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyvHOP-bqAI

it's a while since i watched it but nearly sure they played the new 9.

Thanks. Lovely video and while I have not played the new nine I can recognise all the back nine holes.

I saw somewhere a list of the holes on the new course but haven't been able to find it again yet... started with 10, 11 on Hackett then interspersed with new 9 finishing with 17 and 18 on the Hackett.

It would be really great if Gerry McGuire or someone at Carne could have your video edited so as to show the holes in order of play and put it on their web site. That would be a super marketing tool at little cost... or maybe someone would do a drone flyover of each hole with a voice over added.

Carne is one of my favourite courses even if I have been bashed and battered a few times in high winds and horizontal rain... you need to be prepared for anything but the place is still special.

Ally McIntosh · 26-11-2020 2:16pm

Bmay529: The hole order is on post 21 of this thread.

Thanks,
Ally

Deporhostia · 26-11-2020 10:34pm

Bmay there’s a map of all the holes with a key explaining which ones are part of what routing, and what they used to be.

The download at the bottom still takes you to the old set up

http://belmulletgolfclub.ie/contentPage/10037111/map_of_links

bmay529 · 27-11-2020 1:14am

Thanks again Guys. I was on http://www.carnegolflinks.com/ site and didn't realise there was also a http://belmulletgolfclub.ie which has all the detail of the new Wild Atlantic Dunes course I was looking for. Can't wait to give it a go and glad to see the Hackett name has been retained on the second course.

I have yet to play the WAD 18th well... any strategy suggestions from those who have figured it out? I have lost more balls with driver off that tee shot. Last time I even used 3 wood (hit it well on the edge of the left dune) and still never found it. Next time I would be tempted to use a 7 iron off the tee just so as to have a chance to find it and go from there!!

DuckSlice · 27-11-2020 10:09am

bmay529 wrote: »

Thanks again Guys. I was on http://www.carnegolflinks.com/ site and didn't realise there was also a http://belmulletgolfclub.ie which has all the detail of the new Wild Atlantic Dunes course I was looking for. Can't wait to give it a go and glad to see the Hackett name has been retained on the second course.

I have yet to play the WAD 18th well... any strategy suggestions from those who have figured it out? I have lost more balls with driver off that tee shot. Last time I even used 3 wood (hit it well on the edge of the left dune) and still never found it. Next time I would be tempted to use a 7 iron off the tee just so as to have a chance to find it and go from there!!

Its a big hit to get a 7iron up there, I usually knock down a driver, get it up there about 220 yards, then I lay up to the bottom of the big dip, then trust my yardages on my wedges from there. Usually end up with a 5/6 and I have a shot on the hole. If im chasing a score I would be going a bit more aggressive.

Deporhostia · 27-11-2020 6:51pm

etxp wrote: »

Its a big hit to get a 7iron up there, I usually knock down a driver, get it up there about 220 yards, then I lay up to the bottom of the big dip, then trust my yardages on my wedges from there. Usually end up with a 5/6 and I have a shot on the hole. If im chasing a score I would be going a bit more aggressive.

Yeah I think if you take too much off the tee shot, your second shot will be a bit of a tight squeeze when getting past the top of the ridge. iirc a couple of pinching dunes there. So I'd be hitting at least 200yd on the drive if possible to make it easier to get into the valley on second shot, which is wider

bmay529 · 27-11-2020 11:38pm

When I said 7 iron it was a bit "tongue in cheek" but I meant something that would not reach any trouble (assuming hit reasonably straight), maybe my rescue 4 would do the job. Can't remember if they do a stroke saver but if they do it might help me pick a line off the tee and target/landing points along the hole. I can't think of any other hole in golf where I have trouble picking the right/target line from the tee even after having played the hole a few times. Mind you nasty weather was a factor a couple of times. Super hole.

DuckSlice · 28-11-2020 2:12pm

bmay529 wrote: »

When I said 7 iron it was a bit "tongue in cheek" but I meant something that would not reach any trouble (assuming hit reasonably straight), maybe my rescue 4 would do the job. Can't remember if they do a stroke saver but if they do it might help me pick a line off the tee and target/landing points along the hole. I can't think of any other hole in golf where I have trouble picking the right/target line from the tee even after having played the hole a few times. Mind you nasty weather was a factor a couple of times. Super hole.

The 17th is a much harder driving hole, anything left has a chance of going down the big valley, anything right is in the long stuff. Two great finishing holes.

bmay529 · 28-11-2020 7:05pm

Agreed, two great finishing holes. On 17 you have to hit the fairway but you can at least see the fairway you are aiming at whereas on 18 the fairway wanders around to the left through the dunes. How far is fairway run out if you go straight... 200 yds?

bmay529 · 29-06-2021 8:36pm

Heading to Belmullet in a few weeks to play Carne as part of the Atlantic Challenge. I am totally confused... can anyone enlighten me what course we will play this year and how it relates to the old course which I have played several times and would know quite well. I never played the "old" 9 holes which I thought was called the Hackett course. Some of the links from earlier in this post seem to no longer work. I thought the new 18 course was called the Wild Atlantic Dunes and was a mix of the old course and the hackett 9 playing 10 - 16ish as the first 7 and then mixing in holes from the Hackett 9 finishing with the 17th and 18th from the old course???

PokeHerKing · 29-06-2021 8:39pm

bmay529 wrote: »

Heading to Belmullet in a few weeks to play Carne as part of the Atlantic Challenge. I am totally confused... can anyone enlighten me what course we will play this year and how it relates to the old course which I have played several times and would know quite well. I never played the "old" 9 holes which I thought was called the Hackett course. Some of the links from earlier in this post seem to no longer work. I thought the new 18 course was called the Wild Atlantic Dunes and was a mix of the old course and the hackett 9 playing 10 - 16ish as the first 7 and then mixing in holes from the Hackett 9 finishing with the 17th and 18th from the old course???

Think the back 9 of the Hackett and the Kilmore 9 are the wild Atlantic 18.

NotCarrotRidge · 30-06-2021 7:16am

bmay529 wrote: »

Heading to Belmullet in a few weeks to play Carne as part of the Atlantic Challenge. I am totally confused... can anyone enlighten me what course we will play this year and how it relates to the old course which I have played several times and would know quite well. I never played the "old" 9 holes which I thought was called the Hackett course. Some of the links from earlier in this post seem to no longer work. I thought the new 18 course was called the Wild Atlantic Dunes and was a mix of the old course and the hackett 9 playing 10 - 16ish as the first 7 and then mixing in holes from the Hackett 9 finishing with the 17th and 18th from the old course???

This is copied from a post by Ally McIntosh earlier in this thread:

I believe it has, at least as an option on certain days.

For what it’s worth, the design intent was that this composite course plays in the following sequence:

Front nine: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 5K, 6K

Back nine: 7K, 8K, 9K, 1K, 2K, 3K, 4K, 17, 18

I played it on Sunday, and that appears to ring true, particularly if the Kilmore no. 5 is a crazy par 5 that wraps around the base of a dune in never-ending dog leg!

willabur · 30-06-2021 8:47am

NotCarrotRidge wrote: »

This is copied from a post by Ally McIntosh earlier in this thread:

I played it on Sunday, and that appears to ring true, particularly if the Kilmore no. 5 is a crazy par 5 that wraps around the base of a dune in never-ending dog leg!

no 5 is a work of genius, most enjoyable hole I have ever played. Fairway that wraps around the dune is pretty much a decoy

NotCarrotRidge · 30-06-2021 10:05am

willabur wrote: »

no 5 is a work of genius, most enjoyable hole I have ever played. Fairway that wraps around the dune is pretty much a decoy

Me too. The most memorable hole I will ever play, I suspect. The use of the natural landform is outstanding.

dk1982 · 30-06-2021 10:26am

we had some craic on that hole 3 weeks ago :eek:

Carne Golf Links

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