Boards Golf Society (Round 7) Tullamore Golf Club (27th Aug 1400 hrs)

FixdePitchmark

OK all. .

I'm delighted to post about our 2nd last outing of the year (excluding Jug) - Finish line can be seen , the sun is setting earlier , details of captains are up. We are on the last leg.

A few people have almost crowned our leader Spacecoyote after two wins in a row - but him the brilliant mathematician he is - will understand, the new scoring system , pulls everyone way tighter together - and as can be seen now, even winners of events are now outside of the jug team.

Anyway - back to the outing. CharlieIRL is a long time member of the golf society - he is a past captain and long term committee member. He has helped out with this outing and it is going to be a great day. I can not emphasize enough, how important people like Charlie are to the Boards Golf Society - 10 years ago, when I started out - meeting someone off the internet was still a very strange thing (still is) - but, back then, it was terrifying. It was real - If I don't come back by 8pm, call this number stuff. Anyway - in this rather odd situation - people like CharlieIRL were gold - he was so calm , at ease , welcoming, knew all the names and usernames , had a laugh and a joke and was the perfect host. So thanks again Charlie. He is not a man for out front bluster and B.S like me - he (and a few others) are the true foundations of this society. Only problem is, he is a MOD (😂)

Anyway - Tullamore Golf Club always gets into the top 50 in Ireland - on the face of it , it is a traditional town based Irish Parkland - but when you dig into the History and Design (James Braid) - and actually see the course. You see, you are in the top tier of Irish parklands.

I have been to a few boards outings here - I do recall a rare good performance , but I will leave that to our own historian Seve. Sometimes , I allow false memories to colour the hurtful past.

We will try play a bit further back for this one (For Slave and delusional players) (Some courses do not let societies out further back) - we will also try get pace of play back to club level (it is not a resort , so people will rightly expect timely golf).

For some of the big names in the society, with good Jug records , they would want to get a serious move on at this one. If they don't, that offer from LIV could look more realistic - your JUG career is over , and you know FIX (won't pick , Friends, poor form, or LIV players)

Did I just refer to myself in the 3rd person - I think it is time for that new 2023 captain 😂

http://www.tullamoregolfclub.ie/

THE TIME SHEET WILL OPEN 3rd Aug (1900 Hrs) - see notes in ClubNet thread on changes to top up for year end.

Seve OB

Class course. I think we played it in 2014 on the regular rota and then went on to play the jug there that year. I’m pretty sure we also made at least one further return. I’ll have to go digging in the archives 🧐

unfortunately I’m pretty sure I won’t make this one at all. Like last month was 50:50, but this time around it’s more like 95:05 that I won’t be there. So I’ll have to make damn sure I can source someone to mind my kids for Captains in September and put a performance in there if I have any hope of playing in the Jug this year. Honestly I’ll be devastated if I’m not on the team, I’ve never missed one……. Yet!

blue note

I used to play here a good bit when I dated a girl from the town. I'm really looking forward to going back (to the course). I have such fond memories (of the course).

I've the day booked off and please God nothing changes between now and then. Tullamore is a mix of some kind holes (7-9 are a very gentle end to the front 9) and some tough holes (16-18 are a not so gentle end to the back 9). Some good risk reward - the par 5 4th is a tricky green to go for in two, and on 5 there's a lake that you can avoid entirely or be brave / stupid and opt to go over it. I'll tell you which I decided after I hit my shot. The par 3s are strong - 3 long ones to small greens if I remember correctly. But I do remember the course being fair. If you're playing well you can go on a run of pars. If you're playing badly you won't!

I'm looking forward to seeing you all there for it anyway!

slave1

Lovely course, expecting strong win for CharlieIRL on his home turf, I'll come along to make up the numbers. The whites in Tullamore are well back, they don't really do forward society tees except in Winter.

benny79

@blue note Have you any pictures? (not of the course) 😂

blue note

That's her right there

spacecoyote

Yep Fix, it's certainly not in the bag at this moment, especially when you look a little further down the list and see the guys in strong positions with less than 5 events played (Slave, Doublecross, etc). All still to play for!

slave1

Me think he doth protest too much😉

a post punk

I am hoping for a strong finish to the last 2 events myself and knock out the poor scores to get on the team. I’ve even brought a bit of inspiration on holidays as preparation…..

A great read and nearly a month to put it into practice before Tullamore.

Mount Juliet will be class for captains , FairPlay Fix 👏🏻👏🏻

Snackbox20

Hoping I can make this too, loved the last time I played there. Looking forward to captains too 👍👍

charlieIRL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119398689#Comment_119398689

Not sure about the win here for me, my swing changes from my lessons will take time to bed in

Every single competition we play here is off the back tees so it will be great to be even a few foot forward for the day.

Course is in fantastic condition at the moment and I’ll take a few pics Sunday / Monday when I’m playing again to show it off. Everyone should enjoy the round here

I got injections into both my ankles yesterday so hopefully they will be right and I can get back playing proper golf, it’s been very unpleasant the last 8 months so fingers crossed.

Kiith

Will do my best to make this, but not sure yet. Really hope to get up, as i was a member there for a year and loved the course. Some cracking holes out there.

bobster453

Only played here once with boards in 2016 I think.

Great track.

Need a top 3 finish here.

ciano15

Was really looking forward to this one but wont be able to make it as ill be in portugal

kev_s88

Really looking forward to this one. Another new course for me and have heard good things

RoadRunner

Did a sneaky reconnaissance round yesterday. Course is nice. Finished with 32 points. Will be looking to increase that next time out though.

Macker1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119418869#Comment_119418869

Not that sneaky if you are coming clean on the forum about it. 😋

benny79

You making an appearance @Macker1 😁

FixdePitchmark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119418869#Comment_119418869

Should be a new rule next year - ok if it falls for you naturally - but a ban of intentional reconnaissance.

In particular because it is a very difficult word to spell.

FixdePitchmark

All - I mentioned early on that I wanted a bit of coaching at an outing. So I've asked the pro in Tullamore (Corey Doherty) if he could possibly put on a 1 hour short game clinic from 1230 to 1330 - there is probably room for 12 to 15 - and would suit the early starters. Could you thank this post if this sounds like something you would be interested in. If you are, put your self out early I guess. Not 100 % on this yet - wanted to make sure people would travel that early for this.

slave1

16th

bakerbhoy

Stayed there last night. Was hoping to get out for a few today.

Carried shopping bags instead.

charlieIRL

Had the pleasure of showing the lads around yesterday morning, showed them exactly where not to hit the ball a few times!!

Greens were a bit slower than normal but the course is in decent condition. My putting was way off unfortunately and I had 7 x 3 putts I think in the end.

FixdePitchmark

Again ...7 people have thanked above post ...with me we are at 8 ...so not far off the required 12.

Again when timesheet opens please allow people going to short game clinic to take first 12 slots thanks

blue note

Is the timesheet going live today or on the 13th?

I think I'll be going for as late a time as possible so will miss the clinic. It's a good idea though and something I could do with.

FixdePitchmark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119424223#Comment_119424223

Due to at 1900 hrs - I'll just confirm.

FixdePitchmark

Yes will open at 1900 hrs...again please leave first 3 slots for short game clinic ...

blue note

Ah grand. The pop up on the app says it's going live on 13th, so I just wondered.

bobster453

Cost for short game clinic?

FixdePitchmark

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119424477#Comment_119424477

Free Bobster .

Also please remember to enter 2s...

And see top up advice in other thread ...

kev_s88

who am I to turn down a free short game lesson... 🤣

spuddy4711

Expect my game to improve at Tullamore due to the complimentary lesson.

FixdePitchmark

Good stuff all.

See there are 9 in for the first groups...I hope to join makes it 10.

Then some from gaps in first 3 should make it a good group for short game clinic.

More details at end of month...

Thanks,

Fix

a post punk

I wont make it early enough for the clinic but a great idea again Cap,I need to stay in the early slot though on the day.

Kiith

Put myself in the 1st group there, as i'll come along for the short game clinic. Don't mind if i get moved around in the groups though.

FixdePitchmark

Thanks all - again details are not 100 % firmed up - need to see if people would actually come early - so fair play for the enthusiasm again.

There is scope for more in group 4 to sign up - but I will issue exact details when I have them.

FixdePitchmark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4J1G-TlosE&list=PLfsnkPNpHGZdu5PzRpV-uZ_JBZ_wSf8lK

Very nice HD clips on You tube if you want to look up more holes. There are some holes that have unusual doglegs worth looking at.

On Front worth looking at 5 , 7 and 8.

RoadRunner

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119431888#Comment_119431888

Just get your drive beyond the juveniles teebox on 1 and you'll have outdriven both myself and benny79 significantly 🤔

Kiith

Its a great course, and really looking forward to playing it again. Few holes that are real risk/reward if you have the distance (5th, 8th, 10th and 16th).

The 16th is the best hole on the course, and easily my favourite (though i have a soft spot for the 7th, where i got my first ever eagle).

blue note

5th really is a great risk reward hole if you have the distance. Playing safe to the middle of the fairway is grand if you hit it there. Miss the fairway to the right and you're wet. Miss to the left and it's a very long second you'll be left with. So you might be tempted to play a little safer and aim for the left of the fairway. If you pull it a bit you could have 200m left to the green. Which wouldn't be the worst thing!

I don't think I've ever gone for the green on 10 even though I'd easily have the distance, but have no idea of the line.

I like the par 3s on the course. 6, 11 and 17 are all long enough holes and the greens I never felt were terribly big. Hard holes to make a par on.

I always really liked the 4th - green is very reachable in 2, but you're going in with a long iron and it's not the easiest green to hit. I'd be tempted to hit an iron from the tee to remove the temptation to go for it in 2.

I never actually liked the 10th hole because I tend to slice it and you can't start it left with the trees so close to you. I suppose I can't fault a course for testing my limitations.

13th is a lovely hole - an intimidating drive where you're hitting between trees. It always reminded me of those huge statues of the two men in Lord of the Rings, at the end of the fellowship I think. If you get it through them it's an easy par 4.

14th is a proper hard index 1. get the drive away and it's makeable in 2, but a tough approach. And even the green isn't easy.

I always scored very well on 16 so never had the fear of it that I was supposed to. But was always a satisfying par.

And 18 is a great finishing hole. I've played here plenty of times and it's the only hole I don't recall parring. You need to stay left from the tee so that you're not blocked off from the green by trees. I rarely did that.

I'm looking forward to this round! I just hope I don't end up going down thinking about which side of the fairway I'd like to hit on each hole and then by the third hole have to ask people not to stand perpendicular to where I'm aiming.

FixdePitchmark

What your handicap now Blue Note , you've a great mind for golf and strategy.

Could have another win on our hands with your course knowledge..need someone to calm the leaders run....

blue note

15.2 nowadays. I was 18.4 for the first comp, but I've played away rounds mostly since then so gotten it down a bit further. 15.2 is the best 8 from my 14 away rounds. I wonder if I could replace my 6 home ones with away rounds might I be able to come down another shot.

And I'll pretend I've no aspirations to win, but in reality we all start our rounds in hope. I've a playing handicap of 17 there. I never had a big score in Tullamore (from a points perspective, gross I've had them plenty big), but I've plenty of shots so if I can keep the doubles and scratches off my card I should have a chance of something decent.

And I don't expect strategy to be the problem, but plenty of things could put their hand up for their turn to ruin my round on the day. I've been driving very well in my last few rounds - I'm due a day of slicing it the width of a couple of fairways. Or crazy first putts are always likely too - going 10 feet short or long on my first putts. And blading / duffing wedges are good round wreckers too. 80m from the middle of the green and I'm not entirely sure if I'll be 40m short, 60m long or pin high. No strategy can counter those things.

blue note

If anyone wants a lift down or back by the way I'll be driving from Portmarnock and have an empty car. I'm out last but could spin down a little early. Just to save everyone bringing a car if some of us are going from the same spot.

FixdePitchmark

OK all, 7 spots to go.

Will review next week to offer spaces back to club if no movement.

Know about 2 more to come in....

charlieIRL

Course is in fantastic condition but playing very hard with the fine weather.

Kiith

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119470228#Comment_119470228

The 11th, yeah? How are the greens these days?

Was thinking earlier what the best longest drive hole is. 4th or 13th maybe? 15th could work, though that stream half way up would probably stop people going for it.

charlieIRL

Yupp the 11th. Hit the drive of the year right up to the fringe of the green!!

I’d go with 13 for long drive! Only other one really is 18

bobster453

Looking forward to @charlieIRL s hole by hole breakdown of the course.

Cant beat a bit of local knowledge.

charlieIRL

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119478944#Comment_119478944

Fade your tee shots, middle of the green on approach and avoid the water on 5 & 7!!! :)

charlieIRL

I better not get the “Course Guide Curse” for doing this, however …..

Tullamore is a tough course but is mostly all out in front of you. Keep out of the trees and the water!!!

1.       Drive to the left is best for approach. Uphill green. Left or right in trees is a lost ball

2.       There’s more room behind the front bunker than you think but don’t go long - lost ball again

3.       Keep left with tee shot on this long tough par 4. OOB right and ball bounces into it if it lands close to the trees. - another lost ball. Ground is hard so it will bounce in.  

4.       3 wood is plenty – it’s 3 good shots to the green. Don’t go left with approach as anything in the tress is gone. I did say to stay out of them!!

5.       3 wood depending on tee box. If it’s foward I can drive it over the pond. Water right and fairway feeds down into it. 

6.       Long par 3, get the distance and make sure to hit that number. Soft sand in front bunker and balls get plugged. Wait till you see the shot I had Saturday morning - see pic at end

7.       Stay left as fairway feeds into the pond, OOB on the right of the green too. 

8.       Risk / Reward – you need to play here a few times to know the line to go for the green in 1. If you use driver off the tee you risk going into the rough the far side of the fairway. Lost ball!! Common theme here eh?!!

9.       Easiest par 3, PW or 9 iron

10.   Hug the tall trees to the left hitting a draw. Hit the trees and its hard to find the ball. Too far right of the fairway and it’s a lost ball too. 

11.   Lay up to top of hill or aim for the post in the distance – if its dry I can nearly drive the green. Too far right is OOB

12.   Another tough Par 3 – do not go long, long left or long right!!! A 4 here is a good score.

13.   Through the trees, OOB right. Keep straight!!

14.   Drive it over the bunker but not too far right, catch the tall trees and ball can bounce OOB. Tough tough bugger of an index 1

15.   If its dry – 3 wood, I can drive it into the drain in the summer. Don’t go long when going for the green

16.   Keep right, anything left is a hack out sideways. Go for the green if you are on the fairway!

17.   Another damm tough par 3. Use 1 club more than normal

18.   Keep left with drive unless you go absolutely crazy right – then you MIGHT have a clear line to the green. Putting green and surrounding areas is OOB. 

charlieIRL

Spot the ball!!!