The Links Thread

Cheers! Last time I played was August and it wasn't qualifying and the reason they gave was the temp green.

Played in the Portmarnock winter series yesterday. Golf wasn't great but course in amazing condition. We played off the very back which was long but there wasn't much wind. I struggled with my putting but was very impressed with the course. The bunkering is incredible. Highly recommended it and for €55 is a bargain.

In terms of the conditioning of the course it has never been better, I think that is as much to do with less traffic over what has been a very mild winter so far. Not hearing as much whinging about the timesheet these days. I can be flexible enough with regard to who I play with and what time I play on a sunday so it has been fine by me.

That's were the BRS purse comes into play I guess. If it no show in our place the comp fee is taken from your purse. Have to take yourself out by 4pm day before at latest in my place. Stops people just booking and no-showing. Not perfect, but helps

Playing Murvagh next week, 2 open comps on the bank Holiday days, 35 quid for entry so can't go wrong there

Just back from a weekend in Murvagh.

the course isn’t quite in the best of shapes. Greens were pole forked recently, which should be sorted by the time you arrive…. but they’re generally patchy and look like they’ve had a tough winter. There’s bits of GUR on most holes and 5-6 bunkers under reconstruction - though you’d expect that surely this time of year.

Still an enjoyable course, a good but fair test (rough is generally manageable), and the warmest of welcomes from all staff. But you won’t be getting the links greens you’ve been dreaming off over the winter.

Mourne GC have open week from 8th May to end if week, so that cover Royal County Down

https://twitter.com/Mourne_GC/status/1506169214570270721?t=T_aEZ2yzxJ1y07K8eFDQqg&s=19

You’re right there Kevin. St Patrick’s wasn’t designed to be over-manicured. It’s natural golf. I guess what I mean in terms of conditioning is that when I played (first weekend open to public tbf!) there were a few sparse patches here and there, and I’d guess that over time there will become a clearer definition between green and fairway (which there’s really no need for).

Ballyliffin (played in Nov) enjoys a similar kind of disparity between its course “style” rather than conditioning. The Old feels more natural. Some would describe that feeling as “rougher round the edges”. Whereas I think most people without any information at all would be able to pick out Glashedy and Sandy Hills as having the same designer. There’s a clear symmetry in polished presentation between those too.

Annual trip to Rosapenna for me again in a few days. Love the place.

Played there last year and the condition was close to perfect. So have to disagree strongly with that

Haven't played there since July last year, but can't say it stood out for being in poor condition IMO

Booked in for May for the 3 courses. Cant wait.

4 of us do an annual trip away and we normally do 3 different courses. But this involves a lot of travelling. Last year we done Portmarnock, RCD and Ardglass. Rosapenna is perfect for 3 days golf and only having to travel 5 minutes between rounds. And they are doing the 3 course pass for €195, serious value.

Playing the Old Course in Lahinch next week for the first time. Beyond excited!

Any tips? Haha

They’re taking bookings for courses they don’t own.

I’m sure it’s entirely possible. And I’m sure it wouldn’t be difficult to set up.

i’d expect they discuss doing it every year too.

But I expect that when they balance up paying for it, getting it set up and getting staff trained up, for one week a year…. going back to pen and paper has more benefits.