Who's played Celtic Manor

[Cernunnos]

Will be playing at Celtic Manor's 2010 & Montgomerie course next month & wondered who's already played these course & what they thought of them & what part, or parts of the game seems to be the most important around each course.

I'm currently deciding on what ball to use, been trying some new balls to the market against the ones I've been using & its clear from my experiences today that some balls are better for short game, putting & recovery others for the long game.

So around the new Celtic manor courses, what's going to be more important, long game & driving, or short game & putting. Or is it going to have to be a rounded game... Or any other pearls of wisdom regarding the two new courses.

 

[Smiffy]

Long game and driving.
Some of those holes (especially on the back 9) are right gits

 

[Cernunnos]

So Smiffy, you're saying use the ball thats going to stay straight give the distance & bugger the feel around the green then ?, but are there some greens that are going to still need some feel, are they large greens or small or undulating buggers...?

I've essentially got three basic choices for ball depending upon how the course plays & your reply has already narrowed things a bit, but depending upon size of greens & how much touch they're gonna need will get me my choice & time to hone the feel with whatever the choice.

Just to give an incling of what I've been considering I've been trying out a couple of new offerings from Bridgestone against my usual ball choices (Taylor Made TP Red & TP Burner) & against the new Srixon Z-Star & the established Z-Urs.

As nice a ball as the Z-Star is already it will be discounted as an option until Summer, or I can dust off my game for a Bombing course.

 

[The_Squire]

For the 2010 it will depend on the tee's that your playing off but as already mentioned, on the back nine you need your driving game with you. There has been some drainage work on the fairways and the greens have been aerated over the last few weeks but are already looking good.

The Montgomerie is a shorter course where driving length is not so important but to be accurate is. Over the winter the greenkeepers have been closing the Montie and Roman Road for two days ( Tues and Weds ) on alternate weeks for winter maintenance. The last two weeks I have been on the Roman and for February it is in great condition, and all through the winter we haven't had temp tees or greens.

If I think of anything else I will let you know.

The Squire

 

[Smiffy]

I'm not saying "bugger the feel around the green", far from it. But Celtic Manor is a real test of your ball striking, and because of it's length you don't get many second bites of the cherry. It's a bit like St Mellion. It asks questions about your game, and if you don't come up with the right answers you are basically...... shagged.
There are many, many courses that you can visit, you don't quite feel right, you are not hitting the ball as well as you know you can...but you still manage to scrape a score together. That doesn't happen at Celtic Manor.
Once when I played there I wasn't playing at my best. I was last off the tee nearly every time. I have never been so glad to walk off an 18th hole as I was that day. There was no respite, no chance whatsoever to make up for my shortcomings that day. It had me by the goolies and wasn't going to let me go.
It's a great course though. I'm not knocking it. But you really do have to have all cylinders firing.

 

[Cernunnos]

OK, thanks, Smiffy. So that sounds like I've now discounted using Srixon Z-Star & at the other end of the scaole the Bridgestone e7 unless the wind is up.

So choices have narrowed to my usual TM TpRed & TpBurner, or The Bridgestone B330RX & Srixon Z-URS, as I'm getting both distance & feel with the B330RX & The Z-URS.

And Squire, thanks for the imput I must admit its the Roman Road I was wanting to play, though the choice of 2010 & Monty(gomerie) was down to the Company Society organizers, been looking forward to this all winter & now realizing I've not been playing as much as I'd normally, or would like to have, so will have to do some serious swatting over the next three weeks to get the game back, especially as recovering with a bad right knee. Knee-cap needs to move back into position still, so have been having to be a bit tentative & careful about how I come through the ball. Still I've been getting good distance today with my 4 & 5 irons.

So is the Monty an undulating or flat course? or for that matter hilly? Tree lined or open..? If its a Treelined hilly Course I'll be doing some preperation at Uttoxeter, if just Tree lined & undulating, then Lichfield.

How much water is there on each course?, if there is is it accross or along the sides of the courses ?

Whats the rough like on each..? Is it just a long grass or is it more of a clinging Marram or Tiger grass ?

Thanks again for the imput

 

[Smiffy]

OK, thanks, Smiffy. So that sounds like I've now discounted using Srixon Z-Star & at the other end of the scaole the Bridgestone e7 unless the wind is up.

So choices have narrowed to my usual TM TpRed & TpBurner, or The Bridgestone B330RX & Srixon Z-URS, as I'm getting both distance & feel with the B330RX & The Z-URS.

And Squire, thanks for the imput I must admit its the Roman Road I was wanting to play, though the choice of 2010 & Monty(gomerie) was down to the Company Society organizers, been looking forward to this all winter & now realizing I've not been playing as much as I'd normally, or would like to have, so will have to do some serious swatting over the next three weeks to get the game back, especially as recovering with a bad right knee. Knee-cap needs to move back into position still, so have been having to be a bit tentative & careful about how I come through the ball. Still I've been getting good distance today with my 4 & 5 irons.

So is the Monty an undulating or flat course? or for that matter hilly? Tree lined or open..? If its a Treelined hilly Course I'll be doing some preperation at Uttoxeter, if just Tree lined & undulating, then Lichfield.

How much water is there on each course?, if there is is it accross or along the sides of the courses ?

Whats the rough like on each..? Is it just a long grass or is it more of a clinging Marram or Tiger grass ?

Thanks again for the imput

Errr....dunno.
I just stand on the tee and hit it.
I don't give any consideration to the type of ball I use really, I just try to finish each hole with the same one.

 

[Canfordhacker]

I don't give any consideration to the type of ball I use really, I just try to finish each hole with the same one.

LOL - I agree, paralysis by analysis going on here!

 

[Deleted member 1147]

How much water is there on each course?, if there is is it accross or along the sides of the courses ?

Loads of water on the 2010 (you get a great view from the 3rd green on the Monty), not much water on the Monty!

I loved the Monty & wish we'd paid the extra and played the 2010 instead of the Roman Road.

We played there in October - the greens were lightning the rough quite thick & everything beautiful condition.

Main advice I'd give is get a buggy - there's plenty of walking on the Monty & it's hilly!

 

[The_Squire]

Hi, the Montie is fairly hilly and has four what I would call treelined holes, no's 3,5,10 and 12. It is a long walk but I expect you will have buggies. I am playing the Montie tomorrow so will let you know what condition it's in.

Lots of water on the 2010 but a lot flatter than the Montie.
Here is a link to the website, it has the 2010 course guide link on this page and some info on the Montie.
http://www.celtic-manor.com/golf.aspx

 

[The_Squire]

Loads of water on the 2010 (you get a great view from the 3rd green on the Monty),

This is a pic from the 3rd on the Montie looking over the 2010. (Hopefully)
http://i278.photobucket.com/albums/kk99/1Squire/?action=view&current=2010frommontie3rd.jpg

 

[Cernunnos]

OK, thanks, Smiffy. So that sounds like I've now discounted using Srixon Z-Star & at the other end of the scaole the Bridgestone e7 unless the wind is up.

So choices have narrowed to my usual TM TpRed & TpBurner, or The Bridgestone B330RX & Srixon Z-URS, as I'm getting both distance & feel with the B330RX & The Z-URS.

And Squire, thanks for the imput I must admit its the Roman Road I was wanting to play, though the choice of 2010 & Monty(gomerie) was down to the Company Society organizers, been looking forward to this all winter & now realizing I've not been playing as much as I'd normally, or would like to have, so will have to do some serious swatting over the next three weeks to get the game back, especially as recovering with a bad right knee. Knee-cap needs to move back into position still, so have been having to be a bit tentative & careful about how I come through the ball. Still I've been getting good distance today with my 4 & 5 irons.

So is the Monty an undulating or flat course? or for that matter hilly? Tree lined or open..? If its a Treelined hilly Course I'll be doing some preperation at Uttoxeter, if just Tree lined & undulating, then Lichfield.

How much water is there on each course?, if there is is it accross or along the sides of the courses ?

Whats the rough like on each..? Is it just a long grass or is it more of a clinging Marram or Tiger grass ?

Thanks again for the imput

Errr....dunno.
I just stand on the tee and hit it.
I don't give any consideration to the type of ball I use really, I just try to finish each hole with the same one.

Sorry, I was more thinking out loud as it were. And you have helped me focus on certain things I need to do over the next few weeks & not just current ball choice, which may or may not change anyhow. And is simply a consideration to allow myself to finish with what I start with on each hole & in as few shots as possible.

 

[Cernunnos]

Hi, the Montie is fairly hilly and has four what I would call treelined holes, no's 3,5,10 and 12. It is a long walk but I expect you will have buggies. I am playing the Montie tomorrow so will let you know what condition it's in.

Lots of water on the 2010 but a lot flatter than the Montie.
Here is a link to the website, it has the 2010 course guide link on this page and some info on the Montie.
http://www.celtic-manor.com/golf.aspx

Thanks again Squire ( & Everyone)...

Will be taking my Motocaddy, much prefer to walk albiet with the aid of the electric cart taking the clubs.

 

[The_Squire]

I played the Montgomerie yesterday and it is in very good condition for February, firm under foot with the rough cut down and the greens true although a little slow.

 

[OldWindy]

I just hope you're not 'aquaphobic'...otherwise bring plenty of lake balls to release back from whence they came.

 

[The_Squire]

'Three off the tee' is a well used phrase down on the 2010.

 

[Cernunnos]

Really looking forward to this now

I have had times of being aquaphobic, but generally gotten over this & see the challenge & the beauty rather than the water. Doesn't stop trees being magnetic or the occasional hazard.

Slow greens I can cope with, especially the reletively good deal we've gotten.

I'm well versed in Declararing a provisional ball. Though my stats in finding first balls has improved over the last 12 months. Hope I'm not tempting fate.

Got a couple of practice rounds to play this next week already, though nothing to how many one mate of mine is putting in over the next week, think he's taking it more seriously than I am. Its his turn to drive this time so for a change I'll get a chance to enjoy a wee-dram or several for a change.

Will raise a toast to you for some useful information.

 

[The_Squire]

When are you playing The Manor? I hear the 2010 is starting to look good again after some work on its drainage and the Montie is cracking for this time of year.

 

[Cernunnos]

I played the 2010 on Monday & the Monty on Tuesday.

Some of the greens on the 2010 had been treated & prepared, maning they were not quite playing as they should, but hey, for this time of the year I thought well enough. Thoughoughly enjoyed it. Now even though this meant I three putted more than I'd have liked on the 2010 my stats were 2.1 putts avarage. there were a few soggy patches, but again can be more than forgiven imo.

It was great to play where the Welsh Open & Ryder Cup will take place.

The Monty is a great course it has many aspects to it, I was very impressed. Its a course that seriously owes me a decent round for next time I get the opertunity. Great condition too. The amount of single putts & two putts I had was no-ones buisiness, just a pity I fell foul of Montys bunkers.

Wish I could afford to revisit before the end of April & take advantage of the special on the Monty & Roman Road.

 

[The_Squire]

I'm glad it wasn't a dissapointment to you, I was on the Montie on Tuesday and it is looking good and it was a beautiful day in the sun. On the Roman today and a stableford comp tomorrow. We should have had a pint together.

How was the welcome from the staff? Did you get the full service on the 2010, clubs cleaned etc ?