Big Jim Mansfield and the receiver

conno16

prob same as the blackbush i'd imagine

they'll alternate the 18 holes on given days etc

The_Architect

blackwaterfish wrote: »

Update:
All works are going ahead. what previously was the lakes course will ( from circa 18th sept ) be 9 holes. the works on lengthening the current Championship course are again proceeding with tee boxes on specific "shorter" holes pulled back significantly.

citywest as a 27hole course will re-open on circa 18th sept.

I'm not sure where they are getting the room to lengthen these holes unless they are using some land from the executive course to create a few new holes for the main 18 and re-routing the whole course?... Is that the case... With a new lengthened 3rd nine on the same land?

And unless that work has been underway all season, it sounds like another Citywest hatchet job.

The Executive course was the best thing about the place in my opinion so I don't hold out a huge amount of hope.

blackwaterfish

The_Architect wrote: »

I'm not sure where they are getting the room to lengthen these holes unless they are using some land from the executive course to create a few new holes for the main 18 and re-routing the whole course?... Is that the case... With a new lengthened 3rd nine on the same land?

thought i was pretty clear. Architects eh? :rolleyes:

current Championship course: tee boxs on certain holes pulled back to create length ( land required for same within grounds of existing Championship course )

the Lakes course: converted into a 9 hole. - simply put there will be a new par 5 + less par 3's.

The_Architect wrote: »

And unless that work has been underway all season, it sounds like another Citywest hatchet job

Which previous hatchet job is this?
Sods required to form new tee boxes and surrounding landscaping has been lifted from areas of the Lakes course that will not form part of the its new 9 hole layout.

Will this new work be bedded in sufficiently such that the whole place doesnt turn into a quagmire ( giggity ) during a wet september... who knows. lets wait and see.

The_Architect wrote: »

The Executive course was the best thing about the place in my opinion so I don't hold out a huge amount of hope

Aw... Want a hug?

what concerns me is the distance the new 9 holes will be from the existing 18... quite a trek!
but word has it big jim has personally guaranteed to chopper folk over and back all day on the condition we call him T.C.

blackwaterfish

1916 wrote: »

Never played it, will the new layouts be able to play like 3 9's?

correct... or so they say. may involve some serious walking between nines.

blackwaterfish

@ conno

with that big tit at the helm anything could happen and probably will.

The_Architect

By hatchet job, I mean that there's never really been a proper masterplan for the place and the golf course has suffered. It has got progressively weaker with each change.

If all they are doing to the existing 18 is trying to find more length within an existing routing in the same land parcel, then I don't hold out much hope. It will be the same course with perhaps a few added safety problems.

I though the executive course was very enjoyable and something we could have more of in this country - short, entertaining golf courses built with a little (but not too much) budget...

Fourcandle

Rang them this morning to book, was told someone would ring me back, that was 4 hours ago so we're going to Carton instead.

conno16

jaysus big jim will be furious

sums the place up rightly tho

brick tamland

The_Architect wrote: »

The Executive course was the best thing about the place in my opinion so I don't hold out a huge amount of hope.

What was the executive Course?

Edit - its the old name for the lakes course isnt it

snowy666

blackwaterfish wrote: »

Update:
All works are going ahead. what previously was the lakes course will ( from circa 18th sept ) be 9 holes. the works on lengthening the current Championship course are again proceeding with tee boxes on specific "shorter" holes pulled back significantly.

citywest as a 27hole course will re-open on circa 18th sept.

Thanks for this. I'm actually glad it's staying as is with a little lengthening. The first version was supposed to have meant not using the home stretch, including the 18th:eek:(one of the best finishing holes you'll find imo.

@The Architect - New Tee boxes for hole 2 have been pushed back 70(ish) yards, the new tee will mean driving through a "shoot" of trees - just like Augusta;)

Par 3 3rd lengthened by about 40 yards.

Par 4 4th lengthened about the same - will be a very tricky drive now.

Par 4 9th lengthened by about 60 yards, pond put in place along right hand side up to green.

Afaik that's it. I actually enjoy the course, however, the CS leaves a lot to be desired and it really is just an add-on to the hotel, with no "club" feel. I'll continue to play, but will be moving membership - anyone got any good ideas (11 h/cap), living in Tyrellstown, I'd be glad to hear them.

Tin_Cup

Par 4 9th lengthened by about 60 yards, pond put in place along right hand side up to green.


Would love to see how they found 60yds on the 9th Hole.

blackwaterfish

Tin_Cup wrote: »

Par 4 9th lengthened by about 60 yards, pond put in place along right hand side up to green.


Would love to see how they found 60yds on the 9th Hole.

They appear to have had plenty of room just to literally pull the teebox back 60 yards. this and the 7th tee will be in a new configuration. 9 is a pretty tight drive now with pond on right.

blackwaterfish

Approximated Changes to holes:

( left out changes to 3rd hole as i didnt notice any when putting together a tidy triple bogey )

HOLE 2


HOLES 7 & 9

conno16

looks like a joke to me
i certainly wont be wasting my time down there

blackwaterfish

conno16 wrote: »

looks like a joke to me
i certainly wont be wasting my time down there

... ha ha ha hilarious!.... well thats ruined my day!

conno16

what sort of course has esb pylons in the middle of it
sure big jim would build a flyover thru it and stick a luas line on it if he thought he'd get a few euros

blackwaterfish

Id be happy to meet you out there some evening as my guest and play a round and see what you genuinely think afterwards. i find it a pleasant track to play... atmosphere there is very relaxed and while not a world beater certainly it isnt worthy of the contempt held for it by some.

you might enjoy it conno. plus it wont cost you a penny. whataya reck?

conno16

should i bring a hard hat and high visibility jacket?

blackwaterfish

fair enough conno. the offer stands fella.

while we're on the subject, when was the last time you were out there?

conno16

bout a year ago
booked a teetime for around 10:30 on a sunday morning
big fook up on the bookings situation
think i finally got out around 12:30 when the backlog had cleared
one of the worst run clubs i have ever had the misfortune to come across

blackwaterfish

so you hung around for 2 hours!?

conno16

damn right i did
big jim already had my cash and i'd organised my day around 18 holes
no way was i leaving without tearing up some of big jims field

jimjo

Conno, you appear extremely criteria of courses in the greater Dublin area…

Tell me, have you found any good, well run clubs around that are to your liking?? You must have some favourite courses around Dublin, apart from elm green of course.

If so can you inform us? Would offer a good insight to any foreign tourist knowing little about Dublin golf…

Maybe compiling this information into a book could prove profitable… Conno’s Dublin Golf adventures or Conno’s RAM wedge to the soul could be catchy titles…. However I’m sure you could think of much much better.

conno16

couple of decent courses around the GDA but i have not played enough of them to compare and contrast
running a golf course is not rocket science
maintaining a golf course is not rocket science
designing a golf course is not rocket science
there is no reason why people should have to endure the citywest experience
and it amazes me that people frequent such courses
i for one take great satisfaction from seeing sorry excuses close now that the celtic tiger years are well and truly a period of the past

blackwaterfish

conno16 wrote: »

damn right i did
big jim already had my cash and i'd organised my day around 18 holes
no way was i leaving without tearing up some of big jims field

Cool bananas. Thats absolutely returded man, sticking around for that long... but okie dokie, if you say so it musta happened.

cripes!

conno16

i wouldn't have brought it up unless i had some problem with big jim's golf course
its not the only time this has happened either according to reports
badly run = outa business from here onwards thankfully

The_Architect

OK,

It's possibly unfair to be critical with only vague memories of the course and those overheads to go on...

...But if those are the changes, then a hatchet job it is...

Firstly, they are moving a pylon on 2 just to put in a new tee?... Big, big bucks for one new tee... And now the pylon is directly within sight from the tee.

As for the new tees on 7 & 9, they've used new land to create tees that now provide a safety problem by creating crossing holes... With the inclusion of the lake and the extra yards on 9, they've also removed the temptation to go for the green from the tee..

In other words, they are spending money to make the course worse, regardless of length...

EDIT - One advantage of the new back tee on 7 is to change the driving line for those who tried to cut the corner. That was a huge safety problem with the second hotel if I remember rightly... So they've improved one safety issue on the hole and created another.

snowy666

Firstly, they are moving a pylon on 2 just to put in a new tee?... Big, big bucks for one new tee... And now the pylon is directly within sight from the tee.

Agree. Tee shot is now going to be somewhat stupid.

With the inclusion of the lake and the extra yards on 9, they've also removed the temptation to go for the green from the tee..

Agree, when the tees are back. When they're up it's still risk/reward, just more risk.

One advantage of the new back tee on 7 is to change the driving line for those who tried to cut the corner. That was a huge safety problem with the second hotel if I remember rightly... So they've improved one safety issue on the hole and created another.

There won't be a crossover issue - one tee will be back as the other is up and vice versa, but the cutting corner problem does remain.

Like I said before, it's a nice enough track - and I've played plenty whilst living here to know - the real issues are off-course.

conno16

is there any truth in the rumour (for those of ye who are more familiar with the course, surroundings etc) that jim went for the ryder cup the same year as the k-club?

jimjo

So will membership prices stay the same there?? From what I've read and heard these changes will make the course better in the long road...

Davidth88

conno16 wrote: »

is there any truth in the rumour (for those of ye who are more familiar with the course, surroundings etc) that jim went for the ryder cup the same year as the k-club?

What I do know is that he did use a lot of his facilities for the Ryder Cup

For example the two park and ride sites were Weston Aerodrome and what was the PGA ( now Palmerstown Hse )

So he did contribute ( now doubt he was rewarded for this ).

conno16

i heard he went head-to-head with smurfit to host the event but quickly discovered he was out of depth
would love to have seen tiger bend some tee shots round the pylon.

blackwaterfish

@ jimjo

membership prices prior to course amendments

7 day membership to play both courses : €1600

7 day membership to play Lakes courses only €1100

5 day membership : €795

Easy pay option - Choose any of the above, pay €500 and pay rest over six months via direct debit



Memberships options now..

7 day membership : €1100

5 day membership : €795

Easy pay option - Choose any of the above, pay €500 and pay rest over six months via direct debit

jimjo

blackwaterfish wrote: »

@ jimjo

membership prices prior to course amendments

Memberships options now..

7 day membership : €1100

5 day membership : €795

Easy pay option - Choose any of the above, pay €500 and pay rest over six months via direct debit

Cheers for that.

Think you posted a link for last years membership but didn't come up with me. However €1,100 is good value yearly membership.

At that price their pitching themselves against Hollystown, Turvey and the likes... but I take it its a lot better a course then those two.

If you live close to the course its good value as Dublin membership prices go...

blackwaterfish

couldnt agree with you more there Jimjo. Exactly the reasons im a member there... 20mins drive from house.... and for that money the other options, as you listed, are mostly inferior courses imo.

Dont enjoy hollystown... wouldnt call it a hatchet job, a lazily OTT phrase anyway, but its akin to a swamp in the winter months. saying that tho... theyre still finessing the course but its so rough around the edges at the mo. im sure in 3 years or so theyll have a handle on it. turvey, with respect, just does not do it for me. Elm green bores the tits off me. corballis is amazing in places but not close enough to me for quick evening nine holes. hence citywest with its faults... ( the actual course though, which is very well maintained ) is the obvious choice.

Saying that, as soon as i have the funds available i'll be knocking on castleknock g.c.'s door.

Tom Fiat

How much is Castleknock membership?

blackwaterfish

Tom Fiat wrote: »

How much is Castleknock membership?

€2,750

Tom Fiat

I have played there and I'm not so sure it's worth that in todays environment. Good course though and close to downtown.

decdoherty

hi blackwaterfish,

I'm currently looking to join somewhere in south west Dublin and with those new membership fees it looking very reasonable price / course quality wise, as at the moment I can't really justify paying up to 2k pa, when I'm only getting back into golfing, haven't played regularly since I started college about 10 years ago. Whats the story with members competitions etc, are there any regular competitions for members and are there any inter-club teams playing out of Citywest. There doesn't seem to be any mention of any club committee etc at all?

bridestream

Has anyone mentioned the fact City West is a very noisy course due to the Naas Road and Baldonnel Military Airport nearby?

Newlands is another noisy course due to the closeness of the
Belgard and Naas Road(s).

heavyballs

bridestream wrote: »

Has anyone mentioned the fact City West is a very noisy course due to the Naas Road and Baldonnel Military Airport nearby?

Newlands is another noisy course due to the closeness of the
Belgard and Naas Road(s).

Augusta national is also a bit loud in places?

snowy666

blackwaterfish wrote: »

couldnt agree with you more there Jimjo. Exactly the reasons im a member there... 20mins drive from house.... and for that money the other options, as you listed, are mostly inferior courses imo.

Dont enjoy hollystown... wouldnt call it a hatchet job, a lazily OTT phrase anyway, but its akin to a swamp in the winter months. saying that tho... theyre still finessing the course but its so rough around the edges at the mo. im sure in 3 years or so theyll have a handle on it. turvey, with respect, just does not do it for me. Elm green bores the tits off me. corballis is amazing in places but not close enough to me for quick evening nine holes. hence citywest with its faults... ( the actual course though, which is very well maintained ) is the obvious choice.

Saying that, as soon as i have the funds available i'll be knocking on castleknock g.c.'s door.

I'm in exactly the same positon as yourself, black. I was a member of Hollys (2mins from me) but the swamp-like nature in the winter put me off. They are working to improve it and they have good inter-club comps etc. plus the value is great.

Elm is just out of the running - far too bland.

Castleknock is just too much right now, although I've heard rumours of new pricing for '11, coming out in Sept. Same goes for Luttrelstown - if they stay open for '11.

If Citywest had a decent committee structure/clubhouse/inter-club thing it would be perfect. As you said it currently very well maintained but I spoke to someone (can't say who for fear of getting him into ****) who told me two groundskeeping companies have put in tenders for 2011 and if the 2nd (cheapest) of the two get it, it'll fast go downhill. No more bunker maintenance etc.

blackwaterfish

Cheers for the heads up Snowy. might hold off another month till renewing membership so .... and see whats the dealio with castleknock.

i get the impression from the current citywest members, that ive spoken to, that one of the principle things keeping them there is the standard the course is kept in... if that fell away it could be an exodus enmass.

surely theyll go with the 1st on the tender list unless theyve fcuked up theyre tender. fingers crossed.

incidentally on bunkers, ive asked them a few times to stick up a few "please rake bunkers after use" signs here and there. playing there in the evenings during the week some of the bloody things are in a state. kills me. no doubt denim wearing posse at it again . sorry for off-topic spiel.

Mister Sifter

blackwaterfish wrote: »

ive asked them a few times to stick up a few "please rake bunkers after use" signs here and there.

Yep, they'll make all the difference.

snowy666

Yeah, hopefully the current guys (who have tendered their own budget - oops, I've given the game away ) will win the tender, the do keep it in very good nick.

Got a mail from Castleknock today saying they are releasing details of their '11 offer next week.

blackwaterfish

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Yep, they'll make all the difference.

no youre right, i'll say nothing and the hopefully the bunker pixies will rake them when no ones looking

conno16

snowy666 wrote: »

.

Got a mail from Castleknock today saying they are releasing details of their '11 offer next week.

please update the forum when you have more details

Mister Sifter

blackwaterfish wrote: »

no youre right, i'll say nothing and the hopefully the bunker pixies will rake them when no ones looking

Signs will make zero difference.

blackwaterfish

Mister Sifter wrote: »

Signs will make zero difference.

I have to disagree with you there... they might trip a few of offending shartboxes up..... hopefully headfirst into a bag of angry cats.

brick tamland

Blackwaterfish:

Whats the course like at the moment? is the work effecting it in any way? I was thinking of playing it some day next week