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Daryl David

  • Karma: +0/-0
Castle Course-not a hit?
« on: April 18, 2008, 01:32:18 AM »
I have been helping a friend and his father with a trip to Fife this summer.  While booking their golf something has shocked me a bit.  The Castle course is pretty much wide open for play most days even during the busiest times in August.  This is something I certainly did not expect since it was so eagerly awaited. 

As an example, Kingsbarns is pretty much full at this point for the the busy times of the summer, while the Castle has an open book.  Same is true with the New Course which has few open times left.

Some questions for our friends on that side of the pond.

1. Is it just the newness or some sign of acceptance of the course? 

2. Are the local clubs not including the Castle in their regular play this season and instead sticking with the Old, New and Jubilee?

3. Is the Castle then left to compete for overseas golfers with Kingsbarns? (a battle it doesn't seem to be winning) 

Any insights?

cary lichtenstein

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #1 on: April 18, 2008, 02:06:03 AM »
Perhaps the word isn't out yet, or travel agents are not getting much if any commission?
Live Jupiter, Fl, was  4 handicap, played top 100 US, top 75 World. Great memories, no longer play, 4 back surgeries. I don't miss a lot of things about golf, life is simpler with out it. I miss my 60 degree wedge shots, don't miss nasty weather, icing, back spasms. Last course I played was Augusta

Adrian_Stiff

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #2 on: April 18, 2008, 02:13:29 AM »
I think UK-errrs are more of a wait and see. It has not had loads of press yet and because its still not quite finished there are none of those really great pics out to tempt.
A combination of whats good for golf and good for turf.
The Players Club, Cumberwell Park, The Kendleshire, Oake Manor, Dainton Park, Forest Hills, Erlestoke, St Cleres.
www.theplayersgolfclub.com

Sean_A

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #3 on: April 18, 2008, 03:13:39 AM »
The Castle Course hasn't been heavily marketed and I am not sure it will be relative to American style marketing.  In any case, I am guessing that this course will rely on overseas visitor money to be successful.  Not that local or UK play isn't important, I am sure it is, but there are many golf mad folks here that simply will not pay the green fee at the Castle.  Hence, I am not sure marketing to the UK market is a high priority.  Most overseas visitors and folks with money who travel will already know about the Castle.  It simply becomes a waiting game.  That is, waiting to see if the course is any good before sacrificing a game at another trophy club.  Look at all the hype Kingsbarns had.  So far as I remember, it took a few years for that place to consistently fill its summer book.  I visited a year or so after it opened and the place was nearly deserted in the summer.  Also, the economic climate and exchange rate are not conducive to travel.  Give it time.  I am guessing that system of having to book one of the other courses when booking the Old will prove to be a great boost for the Castle. 

Ciao 
« Last Edit: April 18, 2008, 03:16:59 AM by Sean Arble »
New plays planned for 2024: Nothing

Sean Walsh

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #4 on: April 18, 2008, 04:03:31 AM »
During those busy times The New and the Jubilee take a large amount of the load away from TOC.  This is mainly in terms of Amateur comps and local club competitions.  Although I'm sure locals with a Links pass will play the castle it will be a day or a week in advance type booking.  I would expect very few club comps will be played up there in this the first year.

Also at £120 or so it will not get a lot of people play it that aren't on the Play one round on TOC one on any other course deal.  On this deal you don't have to fork out the extra £50 vs The New..


Mark Bourgeois

Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #5 on: April 18, 2008, 08:59:18 AM »
The Castle Course hasn't been heavily marketed and I am not sure it will be relative to American style marketing.  In any case, I am guessing that this course will rely on overseas visitor money to be successful.  Not that local or UK play isn't important, I am sure it is, but there are many golf mad folks here that simply will not pay the green fee at the Castle.  Hence, I am not sure marketing to the UK market is a high priority.  Most overseas visitors and folks with money who travel will already know about the Castle.  It simply becomes a waiting game.  That is, waiting to see if the course is any good before sacrificing a game at another trophy club.  Look at all the hype Kingsbarns had.  So far as I remember, it took a few years for that place to consistently fill its summer book.  I visited a year or so after it opened and the place was nearly deserted in the summer.  Also, the economic climate and exchange rate are not conducive to travel.  Give it time.  I am guessing that system of having to book one of the other courses when booking the Old will prove to be a great boost for the Castle. 

Ciao 

True enough for Americans, but where are the Nordic and Teutonic hordes?

Forrest Richardson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2008, 07:32:53 PM »
I walked much of it a few weeks ago. I would play it if you can. While I cannot speak to the strategy having only been there a while, I can attest to the drama and wonderful orientation to the town. It is a marvelous site and a terrific job of putting golf holes and greens in great alignments.

I can speak to the greens — they are a varied bunch of thieves, each one with its own version of a weapon, and each ready to mug the unsuspecting golfer of shots, bets and pride.
— Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect/ASGCA
    www.golfgroupltd.com
    www.golframes.com

Phil_the_Author

Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #7 on: April 19, 2008, 07:41:46 PM »
Forrest,

"I can speak to the greens — they are a varied bunch of thieves, each one with its own version of a weapon, and each ready to mug the unsuspecting golfer of shots, bets and pride."

An architect writes one terrific book (Hazards) and all of a sudden Herb Wind is channeling through him.  ;D

Wonderful thought...

Forrest Richardson

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #8 on: April 19, 2008, 07:51:39 PM »
At least you did not use the nickname, "Herbie"...   ;D
— Forrest Richardson, Golf Course Architect/ASGCA
    www.golfgroupltd.com
    www.golframes.com

Jason Topp

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Castle Course-not a hit?
« Reply #9 on: April 20, 2008, 01:22:41 AM »
Kingsbarns was pretty much wide open shortly after it opened.  I of course skipped it.

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