Northern Ireland hols / golf

[USER1999]

I am visiting Northern Ireland for the week 14 Sept to 20 Sept for a weeks cycling, relaxing and generally getting wet. I am staying at Slieve Donard hotel, next to Royal County Down (sneaked that one past the wife), and plan to play RCD championship course just the once (to satisfy my curiosity, as my Dad says it is the best course he has ever played).

I also plan on playing Ardglass (a bit more affordable, but where my Dad was a member 30 years ago).

Does anyone know how early I need to book RCD, as I would rather wait until I arrive and see what the weather looks like for the week, and try to pick a nice day (not the full links experience if it isn't blowy and wet, but hey, I'm a southerner).

Also, anyone fancy joining me at Ardglass for a round? Not chosen a date yet, but I guess it will be easier to get a tee time here.

 

[brendy]

Greenfees need to be booked in advance matey, though Id phone them and ask. Excellent choice btw, apparently the hotel has had a revamp recently and the course is always immaculate.
Ardglass is also a cracking little course with a couple of very difficult par fours in the front nine, especially if you are hitting out over the cliffs into the wind!
Ardglass times would be easier, and you can book online or call them.
http://www.royalcountydown.org/cmpshpfees4.htm

For anyone not falmiliar with ardglass, its a cracking course with plenty of wind and rough to keep you on your toes.
http://www.ardglassgolfclub.com/pictures.php

 

[USER1999]

Cheers Brendy, I will give them a ring, and see what comes out of it. Really looking forward to it, as I am new to links golf. Could do with some sunshine though, if you could put a word in with the man.

 

[brendy]

Meh, it was our captains day last saturday, it was warm and dry for the first 9 holes, 19 points and looking solid, then it lashed down for the entire back 9, 13 points! haha. So when it comes to weather, im not much of a good luck merchant.

 

[viscount17]

murph it so happens that GM have sent me 'Golfing in Ireland' (3rd Edition) to review. If you would like a taster of its comments on RCD and Ardglass . . .

 

[USER1999]

So, given what it says in the book, would you spend £150 on RCD, and £40 odd on Ardglass?

 

[viscount17]

Bear in mind this is written by an American, and I suspect primarily aimed at Americans as all fees are quoted in US$ (2007). These appear to be, mostly, courses that he has personal experience of and a declared love of Irish links courses.

Ardglass - 'The golf course is a wonderful, largely undiscovered jewel that is challenging and fair to players of every level. In addition, it remains a great golfing value.' (He rates fees as Moderate ($60+) 'Ardglass is relatively short - a little over 6200 yards from the medal markers . . ."You'll use every club in your bag and if you can't keep it low into the wind, you're in for a rough round." '. . . it is a superbly pleasant golf course that's fun to play. . . well worth a detour and certainly not to be missed if you're already in the neighbourhood.'

RCD - 'is wonderful, a fair and pure challenge on one of the world's great links. It is not a golf course for beginners, but for experienced players seeking to sample world class golf, it is well worth the trip out to Newcastle.' 'One of RCD's finest points is its great variety of holes, a result of the combined genius of Morris and Vardon. The Par 4's range from the massice 473 yard third to the tiny 265 yard sixteenth. Three of the Par 3's equal or exceed 200 yards, while the little seventh is a mere 129 yards.' (He rates fees as Very Expensive ($125+)

He also comments on the par 65 Mourne Course at 4100 yards, adjoining the Championship Course (no seperate fees noted). It is described as 'a shotmakers course - 'you have to think about every shot'. (He notes that the RCD can be fully booked, up to six months in advance)

He also comments that some courses will take the full green fee in advance (others 50% deposit) with no refunds for cancellation, whatsoever the cause.

There are some comments on and tips about playing some of the holes on each course.

 

[USER1999]

Thanks Viscount, that sounds good, except the advance booking. Better get on that telephone I guess.

 

[brendy]

One thing touched on there is the little course at newcastle, it certainly doesnt play 4200 yards, it feels like you have played as long a course as any when you see how some of the holes just eat up a driver or long iron and still require something similar to the green on a normal (read: rather windy) day. Ita usually only around 25-30 quid a game and worth a run round if you are at a loose end one afternoon as it intertwines with the big course. Even if you cant justify the 140 or whatever for RCD the little course will give you a taste of what the big course is about, without the massive dune bunkers, they are saved for the biggy.

 

[thecraw]

Not played either of these courses but I have played further north at Royal Portrush, Portstewart and Castlerock with a cross border raid to Ballyliffen.

Wonderful golf, wonderful food and great great people, also took £20 off of a guy in a pub in Belfast over a 35 foot put that he claimed Clarke would hole during the Ryder Cup, needless to say he missed and he made me take the money! Managed to get him a few drinks with it in return!