Time to move

[need_my_wedge]

I drive a 120 mile round trip to my office three times a week, so don't worry too much about driving. I have a local golf course about 500 yards from my front door, and two more within about 10 mins. All 3 have a floodlit driving range with ball machine, a chipping area and putting greens. However, I am member at a course that takes me 15 - 20 mins to drive (11 miles away) as it is a much better quality course, and the membership and clubhouse is very friendly. On the down side, we have a limited practice area (can't use a driver down on the range as it is too short), and we have to take our own balls, which we have to pick up after practice. We easily add an extra 150 miles a week travelling back and forth on average, 6 return trips this weekend alone between me and the mrs.

The quality of the course and the friendlines of the club, far outweigh the proximity of the the other three.

 

[Hooker]

Hope we have confused you enough to help you come to the conclusion..........


.............move house so you live next to Blackmoor

 

[Deleted member 21258]

If you play in busy times, definitely check on what getting a tee time is like, I once left a club as I never could and if paying a joining fee that hurts.

If you are into playing in the evening, then I think I would probably be thinking local course.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Thanks Hogan, you’re a member aren’t you?

rumbled...I didn't want to make that admission in case it put you off

I know quite a few of the lads who have come across from MW - and in general they seem to be pleased with their move.

BTW - the new bunkers are just the tops. Played Saturday in the damp and rain, and the difference in playability when the sand is wet and heavy between the new ones and the old ones was very noticeable. Played with a couple of mates who had never played the course before, and where they normally struggle out of bunkers they found that in playing a bunker shot, they were able to get out of the new ones - even though they look fearsome - much better than the rest.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

Hope we have confused you enough to help you come to the conclusion..........


.............move house so you live next to Blackmoor

not a bad idea 👍🏻

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If you play in busy times, definitely check on what getting a tee time is like, I once left a club as I never could and if paying a joining fee that hurts.

If you are into playing in the evening, then I think I would probably be thinking local course.

It's a good point and one I mentioned. If a club operates a booking system through most of the day (including late afternoon/early evening) then going up and "popping on" may not be an issue, especially if members have had to wait for societies etc to play. The fact we don't have booking times (aside from comps) is a big plus point for me. If any of the OP's preferred clubs are rock up and go then happy days. If not, it's something to consider

 

[woofers]

North Hants ?
Quality course in the same 'catchment' area I think.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

It's a good point and one I mentioned. If a club operates a booking system through most of the day (including late afternoon/early evening) then going up and "popping on" may not be an issue, especially if members have had to wait for societies etc to play. The fact we don't have booking times (aside from comps) is a big plus point for me. If any of the OP's preferred clubs are rock up and go then happy days. If not, it's something to consider

Definitely something to be considered, I often get a free afternoon at last minutes notice.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

North Hants ?
Quality course in the same 'catchment' area I think.

annual subs are very well priced but the joining fee is a big hit, shame as I’d definitely consider otherwise. Thanks for the suggestion 👍🏻

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Definitely something to be considered, I often get a free afternoon at last minutes notice.

I had a mate that left us to go to another club locally. Often finished early and would go up to the club to play and have to wait for several hours as the tee was booked in advance. With it being a place that relied a lot on corporate and society golf, these would often still be going out around 3.00 in the afternoon. I think he lasted about 3-4 months (including a joining fee and mandatory bar tariff) and then came back.

 

[Laner]

I joined Farnham from Merrist in January, it's like night and day! The course maintenance is tip top and all the staff are really friendly. The Saturday roll ups are also really friendly and a great way to meet people quick. I was only at MW 18 months and my only regret was I wish I would have joined Farnham earlier. I couldn't believe not having any mud on my shoes after 18 holes

 

[Shooter McPowick]

I joined Farnham from Merrist in January, it's like night and day! The course maintenance is tip top and all the staff are really friendly. The Saturday roll ups are also really friendly and a great way to meet people quick. I was only at MW 18 months and my only regret was I wish I would have joined Farnham earlier. I couldn't believe not having any mud on my shoes after 18 holes

Hey Laner,

You must have joined MW at a similar time to me, good to hear that you have enjoyed the change.

I’ve noticed Farnham isn’t like MW in that there is no two loops of nine holes. What’s Farnham like if trying to squeeze in a few holes in an evening is there a loop of holes you can do?

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

Hey Laner,

You must have joined MW at a similar time to me, good to hear that you have enjoyed the change.

I’ve noticed Farnham isn’t like MW in that there is no two loops of nine holes. What’s Farnham like if trying to squeeze in a few holes in an evening is there a loop of holes you can do?

Piece of cake - loads of options. I often play a few holes in the evening. e.g. if I've got an hour or so then I pay 1-4 then 13 and walk in (5mins). Or I might play the 1st and cut across to 14th fairway if no-one there and play from 150yds to green then 15-18.

Bit longer I'll play 1-5 then 12, 13 and in. etc etc. Lots of options as the course tends to be quiet most evenings so no issues doing mix and match.

 

[Shooter McPowick]

Piece of cake - loads of options. I often play a few holes in the evening. e.g. if I've got an hour or so then I pay 1-4 then 13 and walk in (5mins). Or I might play the 1st and cut across to 14th fairway if no-one there and play from 150yds to green then 15-18.

Bit longer I'll play 1-5 then 12, 13 and in. etc etc. Lots of options as the course tends to be quiet most evenings so no issues doing mix and match.

Sounds great! Thanks Hogan

 

[richart]

Sounds great! Thanks Hogan

I used to drive out to the 5th and play to the 12th. Assume the car park is still there at the 12th. That meant you got to play the best holes on the course. Proper heathland holes.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

I used to drive out to the 5th and play to the 12th. Assume the car park is still there at the 12th. That meant you got to play the best holes on the course. Proper heathland holes.

Yup - car park still there and can still do that - though I tend not to.

 

[clubchamp98]

Thanks for the replies guys. The convenience factor is perhaps something I’m under rating by comparison to you guys but you make a very valid point.

It sounds harsh but but I think I could move anywhere else in the area and the course would be better condition.

The better of the 2 courses is on my doorstep but is approx 25% more expensive.

Still very conflicted...

Time and petrol cost would even out over the year would it not.
If the club costs £1000 its £250 for petrol but you don’t get that time back.
Travel here is a nightmare and it’s getting worse , I wish I had a decent club on my doorstep .

 

[Laner]

As Mr Hogan says, loads of options once you get your bearings. Personally I prefer it better then having to do a loop as you can jump across holes and mix it up. I started on the 3rd tonight and come in on the 18th. One 4 ball and me sharing the course. With the sun coming out more the course is starting to really shape up.
Have you played there yet?

 

[Shooter McPowick]

As Mr Hogan says, loads of options once you get your bearings. Personally I prefer it better then having to do a loop as you can jump across holes and mix it up. I started on the 3rd tonight and come in on the 18th. One 4 ball and me sharing the course. With the sun coming out more the course is starting to really shape up.
Have you played there yet?

hey Laner, I haven’t played it yet but planning to very soon.

Thanks for the comments, sounds like a great place. I’ve been studying the layout on google earth and think I have it sussed out.

 

[woofers]

For what it's worth, a pal of mine was a member at CH about 10 years ago and left as he couldn't get on the course at weekend mornings (stories of having to get there at 7 am to get a game) and during the week it was quite society and corporate orientated - of course a lot could have changed since then.

I have played Farnham a couple of times in their Seniors Team Open. A lovely golf course with a good variety of holes and well presented. Seems like a decent 'clubby' place. The only reason we haven't been back to the Open is that it's a shotgun start, which is all very well but shotgun 'finishes' are not fun. 80 or so Seniors trying to get through 4 showers is not pretty and then there's the queue for the bar and food.