JustOne
Ryder Cup Winner
Rate it how you will, if it's perfect for you and you like everything about it then it's a 10.
What DON'T you like about your own course and how do you rate it?
- Thread starter JustOne
- Start date
Rate it how you will, if it's perfect for you and you like everything about it then it's a 10.
Qwerty
Tour Winner
I'll give mine a 7 then,The course is pretty good but the club in general is very good. friendly members [mostly], nice clubhouse and good food!
Dislikes-Inconsistent greens, and it can get very busy for a private club.
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Golfmmad
Tour Winner
Hassocks Golf Club.
Some of the bunkers often get flooded. But are being worked on.
Tee boxes on some holes uneven, again, being worked on.
Would like more practice facilities, only have small driving range, irons only. And a putting green.
Clubhouse could be better - a bit small.
I rated it an 8, despite the above.
There is a 5 year plan to increase the yardage by 500yds, tees being moved and others being levelled. Always improvements going on and money being invested.
Very friendly club, with all new members very welcomed, a thriving junior section and are encouraged to enter comps.
Good value at £680 per year subs and I never tire of playing there - it's a different game every time I play it.
Some of the bunkers often get flooded. But are being worked on.
Tee boxes on some holes uneven, again, being worked on.
Would like more practice facilities, only have small driving range, irons only. And a putting green.
Clubhouse could be better - a bit small.
I rated it an 8, despite the above.
There is a 5 year plan to increase the yardage by 500yds, tees being moved and others being levelled. Always improvements going on and money being invested.
Very friendly club, with all new members very welcomed, a thriving junior section and are encouraged to enter comps.
Good value at £680 per year subs and I never tire of playing there - it's a different game every time I play it.
richart
Major Champion
9 for mine. Love the course always in good condition, proper traditional club.! Clubhouse completely refurbished in the last two years. Very friendly members and staff. Well stocked pro shop, with competitive prices. Centenary in 2013 when we are going to have a new entrance gate and wall, as well as centenary blocks on the tees.
Only complaint is the sand in the bunkers. Too much like yellow builders sand. We are looking into getting white crystal type sand which should be much better, and stop the ball plugging so much.
So pleased I joined four years ago.
Only complaint is the sand in the bunkers. Too much like yellow builders sand. We are looking into getting white crystal type sand which should be much better, and stop the ball plugging so much.
So pleased I joined four years ago.
USER1999
Grand Slam Winner
I'm somewhere between a 1 and a 9 on mine. Seems mean to give it a 5 though. Love the course, but wish they would stop changing it. Bunkers could be better, tees could be flatter, we could use the tiger tees more, too much use of temps in winter, too many societies, what ever.
But on a summers evening, there is no where better.
But on a summers evening, there is no where better.
sweatysock41
Q-School Graduate
I've given mine a 5 - main gripe is the bunkers, no consistency, on one of the par 3's if they turn the sprinklers on in the summer it washes the sand out of the front left bunker. Flat tees would be a luxury - some even point towards other tees.
Having said that there does seem to be a move to improve the Overall Club - Refurbished pro shop for our new Pro, New greenkeeping gear (about £250k worth). Hopefully the rest of course will improve the way some of the greens have. But it's a reasonable cost and the members are friendly.
Having said that there does seem to be a move to improve the Overall Club - Refurbished pro shop for our new Pro, New greenkeeping gear (about £250k worth). Hopefully the rest of course will improve the way some of the greens have. But it's a reasonable cost and the members are friendly.
Given mine a 5. It has the potential to be a good 7 but it makes too many basic errors. The bunkers are a disgrace. Stones, lack of consistancy in the level of sand and poorly maintained. They lost the greens with silvertip moss and didn't get them back even when STRI came in when the course was reduced during Ascot week. Basically the greenkeeper isn't up to it and the club don't have the balls to sack him
Design wise it's pretty good apart from the 7th. You don't have to lay up off the tee and can take the ditch at 230-240 on but with only ten yards wide there is little margin for error in the landing error and a hazard left. Being forced to lay up you are then left with 200+ yards in for the second shot. I know it is SI2 and therefore not suppose to be easy but the tee shot takes any choice out of the equation.
Other than that it is still only 6 years old. The trees that they planted are just beginning to be large enough to show where the definition on each hole will be but need another ten years or so to begin posing real problems. I have to be honest my fees are expensive and the state the club has let the course get into has left me seriously thinking about other options for the first time. However the roll up system (no booked times) is so convenient especially in the summer after work. Not many clubs around my way do it so its a balancing act between some recognised faults that the club could/should do something about and getting a game when I want it
Design wise it's pretty good apart from the 7th. You don't have to lay up off the tee and can take the ditch at 230-240 on but with only ten yards wide there is little margin for error in the landing error and a hazard left. Being forced to lay up you are then left with 200+ yards in for the second shot. I know it is SI2 and therefore not suppose to be easy but the tee shot takes any choice out of the equation.
Other than that it is still only 6 years old. The trees that they planted are just beginning to be large enough to show where the definition on each hole will be but need another ten years or so to begin posing real problems. I have to be honest my fees are expensive and the state the club has let the course get into has left me seriously thinking about other options for the first time. However the roll up system (no booked times) is so convenient especially in the summer after work. Not many clubs around my way do it so its a balancing act between some recognised faults that the club could/should do something about and getting a game when I want it
Phil2511
Global Moderator
Blackwood Golf Club.
Course is long enough not too much not too little and depending on wind which is quite often can play alot longer. 7 lakes/ponds large enough to have 2 breeding pairs of swans the past few years that effect 8 holes and numerous streams and drainage ditches, a couple that mean you must carry 200yds to clear them so with wind into you can be interesting, others a bit further on to catch out the long hitters too.
Tee placement and pin position changes twice a week on Mondays and Fridays means mid-week comps and Weekend comps are always playing different even if the weather isnt. 3 tricky par 3's one at 210yds that wind can get you from either side depending, one at 165yds with a lake to carry and on rhs and bunkers lhs and again wind, and one at 180yds that although not really affected left or right can be wind into or assisted with trouble both left and right and a small pond to carry.
A few blind tee shots and even a few blind second shots make it a hard test at times.
Plenty of the bunkers though they often get flooded. Some are filled with stones although they did work on these during 2011.
Tee boxes on some holes uneven in places.
Some ditches tend get not to get the care and attention they need making it hard to find a ball in the hazard.
Fairways are usually good and greens were very very good this season though at times some areas are very boggy and tbh i dont see why as there are streams or lakes nearby to drain the water off to if they put the effort in.
Very long jungle style rough in many areas although they have albeit after numerous people left and societies not returning started to trim it back in the 150-250yd range to stop people losing balls off the tee. At one stage during the summer it was possible to know your ball was in an area no bigger than 5x5ft and come out with a handful of balls and none your own.
Decent practice facilities having a full driving range though you pay £1 for 18 balls.
Plus a 2400yd 18 hole par 3 course with ponds, streams and bunkers etc to keep short game in check.
Clubhouse facilities are poor though being at a pay and play but we have a new clubroom opening next week along with the new caterer starting.
Trying to save money by ignoring things like ditches and rough has now cost them big time in lost membership and returning societies/ cash visitors.
Very friendly club, with all new members very welcomed.
Course shape and layout a 10.
Overall 12 month course conditions a 5
Other facilities a 5
Price at £775 a year for what we have drop it from an overall 6-7 to a 4
Course is long enough not too much not too little and depending on wind which is quite often can play alot longer. 7 lakes/ponds large enough to have 2 breeding pairs of swans the past few years that effect 8 holes and numerous streams and drainage ditches, a couple that mean you must carry 200yds to clear them so with wind into you can be interesting, others a bit further on to catch out the long hitters too.
Tee placement and pin position changes twice a week on Mondays and Fridays means mid-week comps and Weekend comps are always playing different even if the weather isnt. 3 tricky par 3's one at 210yds that wind can get you from either side depending, one at 165yds with a lake to carry and on rhs and bunkers lhs and again wind, and one at 180yds that although not really affected left or right can be wind into or assisted with trouble both left and right and a small pond to carry.
A few blind tee shots and even a few blind second shots make it a hard test at times.
Plenty of the bunkers though they often get flooded. Some are filled with stones although they did work on these during 2011.
Tee boxes on some holes uneven in places.
Some ditches tend get not to get the care and attention they need making it hard to find a ball in the hazard.
Fairways are usually good and greens were very very good this season though at times some areas are very boggy and tbh i dont see why as there are streams or lakes nearby to drain the water off to if they put the effort in.
Very long jungle style rough in many areas although they have albeit after numerous people left and societies not returning started to trim it back in the 150-250yd range to stop people losing balls off the tee. At one stage during the summer it was possible to know your ball was in an area no bigger than 5x5ft and come out with a handful of balls and none your own.
Decent practice facilities having a full driving range though you pay £1 for 18 balls.
Plus a 2400yd 18 hole par 3 course with ponds, streams and bunkers etc to keep short game in check.
Clubhouse facilities are poor though being at a pay and play but we have a new clubroom opening next week along with the new caterer starting.
Trying to save money by ignoring things like ditches and rough has now cost them big time in lost membership and returning societies/ cash visitors.
Very friendly club, with all new members very welcomed.
Course shape and layout a 10.
Overall 12 month course conditions a 5
Other facilities a 5
Price at £775 a year for what we have drop it from an overall 6-7 to a 4
chris661
Money List Winner
Played Blackwood at Easter and TBH I wouldn't rush back.
My gaffe is Portsalon and given it a 9. It was recently voted 27th best course in Ireland rising 8 places from last year. An awful lot of work is being put in on redesigning the bunkering and some layout changes are being bandied about (new/different tees and possibly work on the greens) with Paul McGinley overseeing the changes. The changes that have been done so far have really enhanced the course with the new bunkering being more of a traditional look and in proper places etc. That being said the tee boxes could be doing with a bit of TLC spesh the par 3's but they are trying to manage an awful lot
My gaffe is Portsalon and given it a 9. It was recently voted 27th best course in Ireland rising 8 places from last year. An awful lot of work is being put in on redesigning the bunkering and some layout changes are being bandied about (new/different tees and possibly work on the greens) with Paul McGinley overseeing the changes. The changes that have been done so far have really enhanced the course with the new bunkering being more of a traditional look and in proper places etc. That being said the tee boxes could be doing with a bit of TLC spesh the par 3's but they are trying to manage an awful lot
Crow
Crow Person
Gave mine a 6.
Most greens have too much slope making the 3-putt challenge that's currenlty on the go an impossibility. They were basically just mowed into the fields with no ground work to level them.
Tees aren't great and some seem to be relaid every year but still aren't flat and are bare by the end of the year.
Despite a lot of work on drainage it's still wet in the winter.
Bunkers are very variable, some have the appearance of soil rather than sand.
Still some maturing to do, there were a lot of very young trees planted when it was laid out.
The memberhip, however, I'd give a 9. (Would have been a 10 but I'm a member there)
Most greens have too much slope making the 3-putt challenge that's currenlty on the go an impossibility. They were basically just mowed into the fields with no ground work to level them.
Tees aren't great and some seem to be relaid every year but still aren't flat and are bare by the end of the year.
Despite a lot of work on drainage it's still wet in the winter.
Bunkers are very variable, some have the appearance of soil rather than sand.
Still some maturing to do, there were a lot of very young trees planted when it was laid out.
The memberhip, however, I'd give a 9. (Would have been a 10 but I'm a member there)
D
Deleted member 1740
Guest
I have rated mine at 5 because although its always in good nick and the greens are superb, i just think the lay out is dull and bland.,
It's a typical up and down parkland course with a few doglegs for good measure, but it's 10 mins max from our house so cant really moan.
It's a typical up and down parkland course with a few doglegs for good measure, but it's 10 mins max from our house so cant really moan.
I find my course a little bland.
No fairway bunkers & some bunkers around the greens are poor quality. (they are working on some of them now)
I would like to see a few more features put in around the course to make it more interesting.
The pro shop is poorly stocked
We don't have a driving range at the club. (although I have several near to where I live)
My biggest gripe though, is the clubs close proximity to a large notorious council estate, we get large numbers of inbred hillbilly's on the course usually with several mutts & they are a right pain in the butt.
On the plus side of things.
I like the fact I can just roll up & play (no booked tee times)
The practice facilities are pretty good. (even though we don't have a dedicated range)
The club house is nice & most of the members are friendly.
We have a reciprocal agreement with about 9 other local courses which I can play for £10.00 (which is great)
It's one of the cheaper clubs in Bristol, but the main reason I joined is that it is so close to where I live.
I have given it a 6
No fairway bunkers & some bunkers around the greens are poor quality. (they are working on some of them now)
I would like to see a few more features put in around the course to make it more interesting.
The pro shop is poorly stocked
We don't have a driving range at the club. (although I have several near to where I live)
My biggest gripe though, is the clubs close proximity to a large notorious council estate, we get large numbers of inbred hillbilly's on the course usually with several mutts & they are a right pain in the butt.
On the plus side of things.
I like the fact I can just roll up & play (no booked tee times)
The practice facilities are pretty good. (even though we don't have a dedicated range)
The club house is nice & most of the members are friendly.
We have a reciprocal agreement with about 9 other local courses which I can play for £10.00 (which is great)
It's one of the cheaper clubs in Bristol, but the main reason I joined is that it is so close to where I live.
I have given it a 6
Imurg
The Grinder Of Pars (Semi Crocked)
Solid 7
No "filler" holes to speak of - you know, the ones that you think "here we go again" on..
More bunkers required - not going to happen thanks to the owners of part of the land.
A better "club" atmosphere and clubhouse would be nice but what we have works for me at the moment.
No "filler" holes to speak of - you know, the ones that you think "here we go again" on..
More bunkers required - not going to happen thanks to the owners of part of the land.
A better "club" atmosphere and clubhouse would be nice but what we have works for me at the moment.
Seems to be a lot of 8's on here. Either forum members are all joining top end clubs, they are providing top notch service or they have a rather blinkered members view. Just a casual observation really. Are a lot of clubs really that good?
I think Phils rating of 5 is about right though, I live quite close to it and have only played it twice, the first time I wasnt sure about it as it was rainy...
The course HAS potential but will never in a million years be realised unless it was turned into a proper private course.
richart
Major Champion
This is how were are rating our courses Homer, through our members eyes.
chris661
Money List Winner
Agreed it has tons of potential but it will take lorry loads of cash. It was raining and damp the day I played so that might have clouded my judgement that and the fact I got beat and played like a fool
Not arguing with you and your place would be 8 or so if I were a member there. However are we only looking at the positives. As I said in my post RA should be a 7 with ease but a lack of attention to detail and bottle to make the big calls in terms of spending the cash or getting rid of deadwood is holding it back
chris661
Money List Winner
Phil2511
Global Moderator
Agreed it has tons of potential but it will take lorry loads of cash. It was raining and damp the day I played so that might have clouded my judgement that and the fact I got beat and played like a fool
It actually was in great shape after Easter. Probably May,June,July,August and September apart from the jungle rough everywhere.
But that's because nobody was playing it for a few varied reasons.
1. Lack of somewhere to eat or drink after a round.
2. The Jungle rough was so bad everywhere that it was a 95% chance your ball was lost if you went off the beaten track.
3. They put price up from £22.00 weekends to £27.50.
With points 1 and 2 nobody is going to pay that when the most expensive neighbouring course Clandeboye is £30.00 for the Ava and £35.00 for the Dufferin. You can get food and drink after and don't lose balls for the slightest wayward shot.
We fought with them for months to get it trimmed back and it was only when a group of 18 left for Carnalea that they started to trim SOME areas back.
At an approximate guess we have within the club group lost at least 30 members to other clubs during 2011 and there are another 10 or 12 leaving before the end of the year again to other clubs.
So a loss of £40,000.00 a year on top of the visitor losses.
As Brendy says it has huge potential. Potential even as a pay and play course to be one of the best in the area, but due to bad management and greed by taking out all the profits and not reinvesting by maintaining and improving the course and facilities people started leaving and membership revenue fell, so they hiked up the green fee prices and then that revenue fell.
So now they have made 2 ranger/driving range staff redundant and the talk is 2 green staff are also going.
Quite stupid when all the other courses in the area are crying out for new members.
I believe from older members that the centre was created to enable the man on the street to be able to enjoy the game without the formalities of being in a real golf club, such as joining fees and having to be proposed and seconded and approved by council and members, and at an affordable price. Now it is the 3rd most expensive out of the other 7 in the area. And most of the others include a bar/restaurant levy of £100 which we do not have.
Most that have left are unhappy where they are now apart from the ones who went to Bangor where Brendy plays.
From talking to some I hear it is extremely difficult to get a Saturday Tee time at the other clubs. 1 place still using the ball in the chute to get your place and another where they will put you out in a fourball with strangers, not your own chosen group.
So if things go the way they appear to be heading I could be making my way to join Bangor as it appears to be the best alternative in the area.
