Tulfarris Golf Club

copacetic

rafared wrote: »

You realy seem to have an axe to grind with these zombie clubs. Last week you were making tha same point about not supporting clubs like Tulfarris in the thread where the guy was asking about his Golfing trips buisness. It is your right, and I respect it as such, not to play or pay anything to these clubs just as its mine or anyones to avail of whatever best value deal they can get on membership or a greenfee or an overnight deal or whatever. I would also add that if you had the misfortune to pay a large joining fee to one of these clubs you might have a differnet outlook on keeping them afloat rather that letting them go under taking your money with them. The suggestion of removing their GUI affiliation is just crazy in my opinion.

Agreed. These clubs also employ people the same as any other club does. How the owners run their business is up to them. Talk of not playing them is farcical, plenty of members owned clubs have been milking joining fees and green fees for years, while spending the money on fancy clubhouses and dining facilities rather than the course. Leaving them without the cashflow to run the place when the yearly windfall cash dried up. Why should that be 'supported'?

Unglika Norse

copacetic wrote: »

Agreed. plenty of members owned clubs have been milking joining fees and green fees for years, while spending the money on fancy clubhouses and dining facilities rather than the course. Leaving them without the cashflow to run the place when the yearly windfall cash dried up. Why should that be 'supported'?

Because it was the members themselves who by their right to attend and vote at AGMs, 9whether they did or not was another thing) that decided what the fees should be and what in their club the income should be spent on.

the lawman

Can I suggest you raise this topic in a new thread Unglika?

I played Tullfarris yesterday and unfortunatley it was on temp. greens which is nobodys fault but disappointing all the same! Course looks really nice and the greens look really good for this time of year. Some lovely holes with tricky greens. Some of the holes beside the lakes are fantastic and I'd imagine in the summer the course looks fantastic. One downside was the lack of tee box signs and tee direction signs! As predicted the staff (Norma) was very friendly and welcoming and she was genuinely diappointed that they were off temp. greens! All in all this course was well worth it and it's in the running for my membership.

The next step is for us to play Killeen and then it'll be a straight decision between Tull and Killeen.

Dr_Colossus

the lawman wrote: »

The next step is for us to play Killeen and then it'll be a straight decision between Tull and Killeen.

Had to look up Killeen Golf Club to find it was based in Kill, Co Kildare as the only Killeen I'd heard of was Killeen Castle and thought membership was up on €2,600 so not comparable. Let me know how you get on in Killeen, I see on their website membership is advertised at €1,199 but no mention of other hidden costs like bar levies etc.

The only other club apart from Tulfarris I played with a view to joining was South County. Found the management very welcoming and a good atmosphere in the club. Course and greens were in great condition for mid November after all the rain although the Sun I was there only 12 holes were in play as they were protecting the par 3s. Overall though I didn't find the course as varied or as interesting as Tulfarris plus membership was a good bit more expensive at €1,600 plus €200 bar levy and €39 GUI levy and insurance.

I called into Blessington Lakes golf club also but didn't play it, not overly keen on joining a 9 hole course unless it's exceptional value.

the lawman

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Had to look up Killeen Golf Club to find it was based in Kill, Co Kildare as the only Killeen I'd heard of was Killeen Castle and thought membership was up on €2,600 so not comparable. Let me know how you get on in Killeen, I see on their website membership is advertised at €1,199 but no mention of other hidden costs like bar levies etc.

The only other club apart from Tulfarris I played with a view to joining was South County. Found the management very welcoming and a good atmosphere in the club. Course and greens were in great condition for mid November after all the rain although the Sun I was there only 12 holes were in play as they were protecting the par 3s. Overall though I didn't find the course as varied or as interesting as Tulfarris plus membership was a good bit more expensive at €1,600 plus €200 bar levy and €39 GUI levy and insurance.

I called into Blessington Lakes golf club also but didn't play it, not overly keen on joining a 9 hole course unless it's exceptional value.

South County is nice but doesn't really blow me away. Very very busy course too so that puts me off a little.

Killeen are very friendly to deal with and we need to play it, hopefully this weekend, and then we'll make a call.

Tullfarris is in pole position though from yesterday's game.

dnjoyce

Kileen has a great finish from the 15th in and the rest of it is nice, but not amazing. Tulfarris would be the far superior lay-out imho but be interested to hear your thoughts once you have played it.

South County shouldn't even enter the debate!!

ShriekingSheet

Have you considered the Curragh?

the lawman

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Have you considered the Curragh?

Just checked their site and it looks quite nice. Any idea the membership fee? The site says you have to apply to the Hon Sec for details...

dnjoyce

the lawman wrote: »

Just checked their site and it looks quite nice. Any idea the membership fee? The site says you have to apply to the Hon Sec for details...

Yearly membership is €950, including insurance, €100 in bar/restaurant vouchers and GUI levy. Entrance fee pretty much done away with if you have any friends there already they are doing a deal that you can be proposed by them for no entrance fee.

Course has had a tough few years with some bad decisions made on replacing some greens and difficult weather conditions but towards the end of last year the course was in really great shape and has been maintained well over the winter also.

If you're within 30 mins or so of a drive it's definitely worth considering. It has a very active membership with comps on both days virtually every weekend through-out the year and enters competitive teams in all the GUI cups/shields.

ShriekingSheet

the lawman wrote: »

Just checked their site and it looks quite nice. Any idea the membership fee? The site says you have to apply to the Hon Sec for details...

Yeah check it out. I think some of it is common ground, so there's sheep on the course that eat the rough. Greens weren't great when I played it last and it's a bit rough around the edges. But I really liked the club atmosphere. It's not like a Dublin club at all, very welcoming. A couple of deadly par 5s, unfortunately with a few mickey mouse holes thrown in. I came away with the impression that it was a club of lovely people making the best of a fairly poxy track out in the sticks.

Tulfarris is a much better course. Wouldn't have a patch on it as a club though.

thegen

Lawman, It all depends if it's a club or a course you want to join. Of the clubs mentioned Curragh, Killeen and Southcounty have active club competitions and interclub teams. Tulfarris afaik have competitions but not that well supported. Factoring in driving time as well might influence your decision. If based in South Dublin it is between Killeen and Southcounty if you want midweek golf in the summer.

ShriekingSheet

thegen wrote: »

Lawman, It all depends if it's a club or a course you want to join. Of the clubs mentioned Curragh, Killeen and Southcounty have active club competitions and interclub teams. Tulfarris afaik have competitions but not that well supported. Factoring in driving time as well might influence your decision. If based in South Dublin it is between Killeen and Southcounty if you want midweek golf in the summer.

Tulfarris beat Milltown in Barton Cup last year, to be fair.

thegen

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Tulfarris beat Milltown in Barton Cup last year, to be fair.

Should really read that blog of yours!!!!!!

the lawman

thegen wrote: »

Lawman, It all depends if it's a club or a course you want to join. Of the clubs mentioned Curragh, Killeen and Southcounty have active club competitions and interclub teams. Tulfarris afaik have competitions but not that well supported. Factoring in driving time as well might influence your decision. If based in South Dublin it is between Killeen and Southcounty if you want midweek golf in the summer.

I'm based in Clane so Killeen is around the corner and Tull is only a 35 minute drive so not too bad either way.

It's a straight choice between the two to be honest. Killeen on Sunday and then decision next week!

sky6

If you live in Clane lawman I can't believe you haven't tried woodlands. In my opinion i'ts on a par if not better than Tulfarris with cheaper mem 850E.

Kileen is nice but what let's it down for me is finishing with a par 3 is a load of crap.

the lawman

sky6 wrote: »

If you live in Clane lawman I can't believe you haven't tried woodlands. In my opinion i'ts on a par if not better than Tulfarris with cheaper mem 850E.

Kileen is nice but what let's it down for me is finishing with a par 3 is a load of crap.

Thanks for the input sky6 but I only have so many Sundays to test these places out!!

Are you a member? If you are how would you sell it me?

The_Architect

sky6 wrote: »

If you live in Clane lawman I can't believe you haven't tried woodlands. In my opinion i'ts on a par if not better than Tulfarris with cheaper mem 850E.

Kileen is nice but what let's it down for me is finishing with a par 3 is a load of crap.

That's a harsh take.

A par-3 finish is not the accepted norm perhaps but at Killeen I think it works perfectly as a high drama finish for both matchplay and strokeplay

Dr_Colossus

Castleknock finishes on a par 3 also and it's over water so makes for a good finish. The one time I played that course I thought it was very nice. Wouldn't see finishing on a par 3 as a negative and I'm not a fan of par 3s in general as I never seem to score well on them.

wellpastit

Yeah check it out. I think some of it is common ground, so there's sheep on the course that eat the rough. Greens weren't great when I played it last and it's a bit rough around the edges. But I really liked the club atmosphere. It's not like a Dublin club at all, very welcoming. A couple of deadly par 5s, unfortunately with a few mickey mouse holes thrown in. I came away with the impression that it was a club of lovely people making the best of a fairly poxy track out in the sticks.

The Curragh now has the course fenced in from the sheep,has made a huge difference. The new greens have been taken up and replaced with the natural grass and are in super condition. Its open to membership and will be well subscribed. Better course than Kileen IMO and playable all year round which is the main drawback in Tulfarris

ShriekingSheet

sky6 wrote: »

If you live in Clane lawman I can't believe you haven't tried woodlands. In my opinion i'ts on a par if not better than Tulfarris with cheaper mem 850E.

the lawman wrote: »

Thanks for the input sky6 but I only have so many Sundays to test these places out!!

Hang on a minute here...

You're about to spend a thousand euro and you only have "so many Sundays to test places out"?

Testing places out entails having a game of golf, probably for free if you express a proper interest in joining.

You're trying out a place in receivership that's 35 mins away from you, before looking at very nice courses around the corner?

Sorry, I don't buy your "regular guy weighs up options and decides on Tulfarris" spiel.

At best, you're honest, but making a big decision with half-assed information.
At worst, you're dishonest, and posting to mislead people into thinking you're an unbiased guy, making a decision.

Fair play to the Tulfarris staff for posting and identifying themselves. I don't mean any slight on them, or the course which I think is a grand track that just misses a proper club-buzz. I just smell a rat with these "lawman" posts.

shamco

dnjoyce wrote: »

Kileen has a great finish from the 15th in and the rest of it is nice, but not amazing. Tulfarris would be the far superior lay-out imho but be interested to hear your thoughts once you have played it.

South County shouldn't even enter the debate!!

Tulfarris is a fine course but in receivership. Killeen is short and has poor practice facilities so I don't see how you can rule out South County on that basis

sky6

I don't disagree with the comments on par threes. It's just me personally like the challenge of a tough finish hole where you have ob of the Tee or water to the Green to contend with. I've seen many a good round ruined because of the pressure and difficulty of the last hole.
I agree Castleknock has probably the best par three to finish around. My own opinion is Castleknock is one of the best courses I've played and my own personal favorite.
The last par three in Killeen is to short at worst you should score a 4 or 5 even taking a drop from the water.
Which means if you are chasing a leader the game is as good as over after the 17th. As he isn't likely to do any worse.
Lawman if I were you I'd get myself down to Woodlands and give it a try. It's a fantastic track. Especially as your located so close. If only I lived a bit nearer I'd join tomorrow.

Dr_Colossus

shamco wrote: »

Tulfarris is a fine course but in receivership. Killeen is short and has poor practice facilities so I don't see how you can rule out South County on that basis

South County membership = €1,600 + €200 bar levy + €39 GUI levy and insurance
Tulfarris = €1,000 + €100 bar levy + €59 GUI levy and insurance

Given the above I don't think they're comparable especially since if you join Tulfarris your membership is included until Mar 2012 unlike Jan 2012 with South County. South County is a good looking club with a good atmosphere and playing conditions but overall I don't think it's as interesting as Tulfarris. Also it's pretty busy with alot of members so not sure if that's necessarily a good thing if you want to get in a quick game.

Haven't tried Killeen or enquired about membership options so can't comment on that

themaddog1

For me the idea of joining a club is a long term commitment. You get to know people, you play an active part in the club and you play in your club on a regular basis. You can only do that if the club you are joining has a long term future. Value for money means different things but if I was choosing between South County and Tulfarris it would have to be South County. At least I know it will still be in existence in a year or two.

ShriekingSheet

themaddog1 wrote: »

For me the idea of joining a club is a long term commitment. You get to know people, you play an active part in the club and you play in your club on a regular basis. You can only do that if the club you are joining has a long term future. Value for money means different things but if I was choosing between South County and Tulfarris it would have to be South County. At least I know it will still be in existence in a year or two.

It depends what you want imo. Some people aren't really interested in the idea of a club, a social element to golf, meeting new people, competitive teams, Captain's Prizes etc. Some people just want to play golf on a nice course.

What I don't get, is why person like this would join a club at all.

The 1.1k it costs to join the club, is over €100 per playable month of golf. For the same money, any given month you could play Headfort, Tulfarris, Rathsallagh and Moyvalley, and have change left over. And you don't need a handicap for this kind of golf - or society golf!

Personally, I'm happy to pay a premium for what I get out of my club - it's a good buzz. I'd rather join a local football team than kick around in the park with jumpers for goalposts. But everyone is different.

I heard recently that Clontarf has 1,000 members. There's a club prospering for a hundred years. It's a busy course, but they make it work. Big deal if you have to book a slot at the weekend a week in advance.

If you ask me, a "busy" course is busy for a reason.

the lawman

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

Hang on a minute here...

You're about to spend a thousand euro and you only have "so many Sundays to test places out"?

Testing places out entails having a game of golf, probably for free if you express a proper interest in joining.

You're trying out a place in receivership that's 35 mins away from you, before looking at very nice courses around the corner?

Sorry, I don't buy your "regular guy weighs up options and decides on Tulfarris" spiel.

At best, you're honest, but making a big decision with half-assed information.
At worst, you're dishonest, and posting to mislead people into thinking you're an unbiased guy, making a decision.

Fair play to the Tulfarris staff for posting and identifying themselves. I don't mean any slight on them, or the course which I think is a grand track that just misses a proper club-buzz. I just smell a rat with these "lawman" posts.

Excuse me but what are you on about? I feel like just ignoring your paranoia but I'll put you in your place regardless:

At best I'm an honest person but with half-assed information??
It's this one, but you're wrong about the half-assed information garbage. I have been actively seeking a club since mid 2010 and have played many many coruses and spoke to most courses in Dublin / Kildare and Wicklow. I want to join a club NOW so I don't have many Sundays of testing left. I also have a young baby which doesn't always make my time free. Another point is I'm joing with a friend who lives in Dublin so the club has to be reasonably based between the two of us.

At worst I'm misleading people and making them make a decision?
What are you on about. Why would I want to lead anyone into any decision aboutb their own life????? For me this is a discussion board to discuss things and hear other peoples opinions on stuff. I'm really not here to hear this silly nonsense so do me a favour and cut it out.

Its nothing to do with any particular club and nearly every club has been welcoming and friendly but I'm posting in a thread with 'Tullfarris' in the title so, guess what, I'm talking about Tullfarris here.

To close maybe you should not be so ignorant and paranoid before you post things about me and who I am.

ShriekingSheet

the lawman wrote: »

Excuse me but what are you on about? I feel like just ignoring your paranoia but I'll put you in your place regardless:

At best I'm an honest person but with half-assed information??
It's this one, but you're wrong about the half-assed information garbage. I have been actively seeking a club since mid 2010 and have played many many coruses and spoke to most courses in Dublin / Kildare and Wicklow. I want to join a club NOW so I don't have many Sundays of testing left. I also have a young baby which doesn't always make my time free. Another point is I'm joing with a friend who lives in Dublin so the club has to be reasonably based between the two of us.

At worst I'm misleading people and making them make a decision?
What are you on about. Why would I want to lead anyone into any decision aboutb their own life????? For me this is a discussion board to discuss things and hear other peoples opinions on stuff. I'm really not here to hear this silly nonsense so do me a favour and cut it out.

Its nothing to do with any particular club and nearly every club has been welcoming and friendly but I'm posting in a thread with 'Tullfarris' in the title so, guess what, I'm talking about Tullfarris here.

To close maybe you should not be so ignorant and paranoid before you post things about me and who I am.

It's a pretty fair cop.

You played Tulfarris once on frosted temporary greens.
You haven't and aren't going to play other courses that cost the same or less.
You posted a general topic before asking what clubs you should look at and pretty much ignored the many responses you got.
You "want to join now" (in frickin' January) rather than look at options.

For the many people who read this forum when deciding on a club, you're pretty much a model of what not to do when coming to a decision. Have at it buddy!

the lawman

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

It's a pretty fair cop.

You played Tulfarris once on frosted temporary greens.
You haven't and aren't going to play other courses that cost the same or less.
You posted a general topic before asking what clubs you should look at and pretty much ignored the many responses you got.
You "want to join now" (in frickin' January) rather than look at options.

For the many people who read this forum when deciding on a club, you're pretty much a model of what not to do when coming to a decision. Have at it buddy!

You really need to read people's replies before you post captain paranoid.

I have done more work than most in choosing the right club at the right price and I have decided to join now to have a full year of working on my handicap.

Now read this post and my last post in this thread before you type anything unless it's: 'sorry you're right'.

ShriekingSheet

the lawman wrote: »

I have done more work than most in choosing the right club at the right price and I have decided to join now to have a full year of working on my handicap.

Now read this post and my last post in this thread before you type anything unless it's: 'sorry you're right'.

I'm sorry, you're so right.

Most people join a club based on a cursory glance at the website. They wouldn't have the cop on to play it on temp frost greens before parting with a grand.

You on the otherhand, have clearly done your research.

Let us know how you get on immediately working on your handicap for a full year on a golf course famed for it's lack of drainage, where you'll have placing until June, and back again in September.

the lawman

ShriekingSheet wrote: »

I'm sorry, you're so right.

Most people join a club based on a cursory glance at the website. They wouldn't have the cop on to play it on temp frost greens before parting with a grand.

You on the otherhand, have clearly done your research.

Let us know how you get on immediately working on your handicap for a full year on a golf course famed for it's lack of drainage, where you'll have placing until June, and back again in September.[/

Ok I'll be sure to let you know how everything goes.

the lawman

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

+1 regarding Norma in the pro-shop, she's been fantastic on all my queries to date. Very helpful and welcoming as The Lawman stated above. I have decided to join after playing the course in Nov and comparing it to similar options around but on both occasions that I was free to travel down and sign up the weather shut the course. On both occasions though Normal called me prior to traveling explaining the situation and saving me a trip. She's a credit to the club especially when she's the first point of contact.

Hi Dr_Colossus have you joined yet?

I'm playing Killeen this weekend and hopefully one more round in Tull (on normal greens) and we can make our decision.

Dr_Colossus

Hi Lawman, no still haven't joined, haven't had a free weekend in Jan since the thaw, well apart from the one weekend where the course was closed on the Sun due to overnight flooding.
The snow and ice this year really put a spanner in the works as I'd hoped to join in late Nov and take advantage of the extra months practice as part of the membership offer. I haven't really played golf since my junior/student days 8 years ago as couldn't afford the membership rates around Dublin. We started a society in work last year also so the limited number of outings have given me the bug again.

the lawman

When that bug bites there's no escaping it. I'll let you know how Killeen goes seems like a good place and I haven't heard too many bad things about it. A little bit more expensive but it's closer to my house.

Cheers

the lawman

Played Killeen today. Nice course but temp greens and only 13 holes open. Staff very friendly the lady and the man in the shop were very nice. Played my worst round ever so not over the moon with the place. Really good set up but some holes are very samey and long. A big driver will love this place.

So play Tullfarris this weekend again hopefully in proper greens and then we'll decide.

Tull is winning at the moment!

sector

the lawman wrote: »

Played Killeen today. Nice course but temp greens and only 13 holes open. Staff very friendly the lady and the man in the shop were very nice. Played my worst round ever so not over the moon with the place. Really good set up but some holes are very samey and long. A big driver will love this place.

So play Tullfarris this weekend again hopefully in proper greens and then we'll decide.

Tull is winning at the moment!

You were unfortunate @ Killeen today, rarely on temp greens, i think thats the first since the winter came in, anyway id 4 birdies (shameful considering the temps i know!), sure pop back for an open tuesday which are every week. say hello to Joe for me @ Tul.

the lawman

sector wrote: »

You were unfortunate @ Killeen today, rarely on temp greens, i think thats the first since the winter came in, anyway id 4 birdies (shameful considering the temps i know!), sure pop back for an open tuesday which are every week. say hello to Joe for me @ Tul.

I've been unluckey recently on the aul temps where-ever I've been playing!

4 birdies out of 13 holes....thats pretty good in my book sector.

Who is Joe from Tull and how will I know him!!

the lawman

Booked in on Saturday for a round here.

We'll make the final decision next week after we take all factors into mind.

Dr_Colossus

Did you manage to get out in all the rain on Sat lawman? would be interesting to see how the course held up especially after all the wind the previous few days also. Sun would probably have been a better test for the course as to whether it still remained open.

the lawman

Dr_Colossus wrote: »

Did you manage to get out in all the rain on Sat lawman? would be interesting to see how the course held up especially after all the wind the previous few days also. Sun would probably have been a better test for the course as to whether it still remained open.

Hey Dr_Colossus course was open Saturday and Sunday but my friend and I bottled it both days! Won't get out this weekend so I'll have to wait until the following week.

You planning on playing down there?

Dr_Colossus

the lawman wrote: »

You planning on playing down there?

Yea although I'm away this weekend so like yourself it'll likely be the week after now. Good to know the course was open both days as there was a hell of amount of rain on Sat, wouldn't have made for an enjoyable round.

Curly7

Jaysus lads it'll be 2012 before you finally join anywhere!

thegen

Getting their monies worth of advertising;);););););););););) Great longevity in this thread.

the lawman

Curly7 wrote: »

Jaysus lads it'll be 2012 before you finally join anywhere!

We're like two aul-ones myself and my friend. In fairness weather has hampered the progress!

Funny too as I’ve been accused of joining too quickly by some dude in this thread already!!!

Curly7

Ha ha ha, I was actually a member in Killeen last year. And for what it's worth I wouldn't recommend it, I didn't really enjoy it at all so I've changed club this year.

strokes1

Can someone please make it stop!!!!!

the lawman

Curly7 wrote: »

Ha ha ha, I was actually a member in Killeen last year. And for what it's worth I wouldn't recommend it, I didn't really enjoy it at all so I've changed club this year.

If you don't mind me asking where you playing now?

the lawman

strokes1 wrote: »

Can someone please make it stop!!!!!

I agree

PhilipMarlowe

Done.