Hogs Head GC, Ireland, RTJ2 - Has this been discussed?

[Ronald Montesano]

I saw the appearance of this press release and did not recall its mention in these hallowed 0s and 1s. Did I miss it?


http://www.thegolfwire.com/story/327579?mc_cid=9be7189988&mc_eid=39c6e74462

[Tom_Doak]

There was a mention a year or two ago that the Skelling Bay course [which sits just north of Waterville House, three miles from Waterville Links] was being re-done.  I didn't know Bobby was the architect, though.


I had a bad experience there once; it was entirely personal, though.  It's one of the only places I would say that I'd never go back, even if the golf course was terrific.

[jeffwarne]

"Chairman and Master Architect"......


Actually I have a soft spot in my heart for Waterville as it was my introduction to Irish/UK golf.
I know the land for Hog's Head pretty well as it was previously owned by my first host in Waterville.
 Spectacular views and hopefully the holes are half as good as that blathery PR piece.
Spectacular views up there, but quite exposed.
I'm not really their target market as I'm sure it's anything but simple or low key, but no doubt they had to spend a lot to create the faux links they describe.

[Niall C]

“Transforming the previous landscape, Jones moved soil and rock walls while resculpting the entire site”

That was the phrase that jumped at me. I take it RTJ2 doesn’t do minimalism ?

Niall

[Ally Mcintosh]

I'm looking forward to seeing this course. Although I'm a little disappointed that they've cleared all the stone dykes that added to the charm of Skellig Bay.

[jeffwarne]

“Transforming the previous landscape, Jones moved soil and rock walls while resculpting the entire site”

That was the phrase that jumped at me. I take it RTJ2 doesn’t do minimalism ?

Niall

Nial,
No but given the site, minimalism would've produced likely a poor draining site and a course you and I might like, but the average punter wouldn't pay up for.
I'm sure they're throwing a little Kingsbarns/Castle Stuart eye candy at it to highlight the long views and creat on course views as well.


I look forward to it-another reason to visit Parknasilla and Sneem

[Howard Riefs]

There was a mention a year or two ago that the Skelling Bay course [which sits just north of Waterville House, three miles from Waterville Links] was being re-done.  I didn't know Bobby was the architect, though.

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48600.msg1095634.html

[Howard Riefs]

Matt Ginella explored Hogs Head on Morning Drive today:


http://www.golfchannel.com/video/hogs-head-gc-waterville-tiny-village-new-fun-filled-destination/

[jeffwarne]

So relieved-at 4:50 in the video
"We're putting in simulators, a spa, and ..customer service"
I know one new member and he'll fit right in.


The course actually does look beautiful-and the views on that high ground wll be spectacular.



If you need me I'll be in Donegal.

[Jim Hoak]

I just heard--good things--about this course.  Has anyone played it since this was last discussed?
I know the Waterville area and course pretty well, but I wasn't aware of this pretty new course.

[Brad Tufts]

A couple guys from my club played it like 6 weeks ago and subsequently joined.


The rest of their group said it was quite nice if unspectacular.

[Matt MacIver]

Any update on this course?  Would folks recommend 36 at Waterville or just one round and an afternoon at Hogs Head?

[David_Tepper]

https://www.hogsheadgolfclub.com/

4-minute video:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nlbt_zQIdZQ

[Dónal Ó Ceallaigh]

Am I the only one that feels that the golden grass looks unnatural and does not in any way blend in with the surroundings? The grasses they use at Dumnarnie Links have more variety, with different colours and textures. I also wish they tried to make the course look more natural and thought about the shaping along the sides of the fairways. I've only see two RTJ2 courses, and both are at Bro Hof in Sweden. Some of the holes at Hogs Head remind me of the Castle Course at Bro Hof, especially the ones along the river. The views look great as expected, but the course doesn't excite me in any way. 

[Garland Bayley]

There was a mention a year or two ago that the Skelling Bay course [which sits just north of Waterville House, three miles from Waterville Links] was being re-done.  I didn't know Bobby was the architect, though.

http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,48600.msg1095634.html

Almost sounds like Bobby is giving it the Chambers Bay treatment.

[Jonathan Cummings]

I've played it a few times and think it's fabulous.  Almost Old Head views and a much better golf course.  I played Skellig when it opened some years ago and was underwhelmed.  The back nine at Hogs Head is Pebble-Beach-ish.  Great finishing hole as well.  The big drawback is the expense.  It's a price-is-no-object operation.  My member friend and his son took me along the first time they saw the place.  My friend asked that he and his son share a room.  Nope.  Everybody must have their own room at $500/night.  Great food, a fine dining experience but I shutter at the expense.  They encourage members and guests to use their two Hog's Head helicopters.  JC

[Niall C]

Interesting comments Jonathon. I wonder how sustainable that model will be with all the world wide competition for high end.

In terms of the golf course there does look to be some good interesting architectural touches but I wonder how well they play given the nature of the ground. The website suggests its a links but I suspect not and if it does play soft then I think that might negate some of the apparent features such as the kick plate on one of the waterfront holes.

If I was being critical (and why not, it's got a high price tag) then I'd say it's another bowling alley type course with "dune" ridges/mounds flanking fairways. I say that never having been there but from looking at photos only. Am I being unfair ?

Niall

[Garland Bayley]

Interesting comments Jonathon. I wonder how sustainable that model will be with all the world wide competition for high end.

Let's hope it becomes a staple of the well heeled American tourist on his southern Ireland, money is no object, tour, and leaves the fun of northwest Ireland to the rest of us.

In terms of the golf course there does look to be some good interesting architectural touches but I wonder how well they play given the nature of the ground. The website suggests its a links but I suspect not
Peper did not list Skellig Bay as a links.
and if it does play soft then I think that might negate some of the apparent features such as the kick plate on one of the waterfront holes.

If I was being critical (and why not, it's got a high price tag) then I'd say it's another bowling alley type course with "dune" ridges/mounds flanking fairways. I say that never having been there but from looking at photos only. Am I being unfair ?

Niall