Portstewart....how good?

[archie_struthers]

 


To this day my one experience playing Portstewart left me singularly impressed. How about those who have been there more than me and why isn't it given more accolades ?

[Ally Mcintosh]

To this day my one experience playing Portstewart left me singularly impressed. How about those who have been thee more than me and why isn't it given more accolades ?

Depends what level of good you are talking about? For me, it would be one of the easiest no-brainers for a sensitive renovation. Loads of excellent stuff going on though; and great land.

[archie_struthers]

 


Thanks Ally >I'm interested in hearing as it seemed to have unlimited potential and some of the quirkiest holes that I have ever played . Remember the sharp contrasts between the nines. Don't know that I've played many holes like #2 and the dunes were immense.


James Finegan has written a lot about the links of Ireland and considers it one of his favorites. I caddied for him and can tell you that he was very particular. Will look to see what he said about Portstewart as it might refresh my memory . Had a great experience there as we drank beer with our caddie / members after the round . This was a while ago yet some of the holes are quite fresh in my memory

[Tom_Doak]

My impression was that the dunes were awesome (maybe too big) but the shaping was more DIY and not that well done.  But that was based on a single round 25 years ago.  I heard recently they are looking at doing some major work to it.

[Ally Mcintosh]

Yes, I believe one of the designers at EGD is engaged (Not Robin).


For what it’s worth, I am disappointed every time a traditional firm is engaged to renovate a links course. Whatever about the actual need for change in the first place, surgery to links land needs a full time design presence on site. Drawing detail and handing to an external contractor / shaper does not work nearly as well.


Shaping of some of those front nine greens isn’t that exciting but a couple of them are hemmed in the pocket of dunes and have little scope. If you wanted to go really minimal on the front nine, I think a whole lot could be improved just with altered fairway mowing lines.


But the whole course would benefit from a bunker overhaul. And there’s a few structural things that could be changed on the back nine including restoring a couple of tee positions.


I believe EGD’s primary focus will be on the 16-18 area of the course.

[Rob Marshall]

I just remember standing on the first tee thinking wow! The front nine I remember being very good and the back nine being flatter and more open. 

[Brad Tufts]

I saw it for the first time this July, and while the front nine was pretty spectacular, I didn’t hate the back nine either….there were several good holes.  It’s a bit odd…the front nine dunes almost too big and the back nine not big enough maybe?


I think they plan to change the order of 16/17/18 as the 16th green is closest to the clubhouse.


Overall, I was impressed, and I’d go back in a second.

[mike_malone]

It has been more than 20 years but I have fond memories and preferred the meadow holes.

[Joe_Tucholski]

I'll be honest I don't love the first tee shot that I assume is meant to start the wow factor.  I did enjoy the course but have to wonder why the club feels work is required.  They are charging 215, which I think is the second most expensive in the Northwest.  I don't think it's the second best course in the Northwest and can't imagine after work they'll be able to charge much more (Royal Portrush is 295).

[Thomas Dai]

£215 for the Portstewart Stand course! John McEnroes famous “You cannot be serious” comment come to mind.
Atb