Letterkenny Golf Club
Barnhill,
Letterkenny, Donegal
Tel : +353 (0)74 21150

Karen McGlinchey wrote on: Sep 25, 2009

It's interesting that Mr Charlton has generated much comment from Letterkenny Golf Club members, which appears to fly in the face of the opinion of one alledgedly disgruntled "local member" whom he met after his round in the bar.
I think any member of any club would welcome constructive and honest criticism but unfortunately in this case, Mr Charlton qualified any words of praise with the caveat that there "was a dry spell of weather" which though unsaid, insinuated this was the reason for any noticable improvements in the course.
Globally, I think it would be fair to say that after green speeds, the next most controversial and discussed feature on any golf course is its sand bunkers. Curiously, Mr Charlton has stated as fact that "they still use construction sand". I am not sure where he gleaned this nugget of mis-information. Anyone who knows anything about bunker sand would know that selecting the proper sand for bunkers is arguably the most difficult area to be considered when evaluating bunkers. Does Mr Charlton really know the difference between 'beach' sand, 'construction' sand and actual quality bunker sand??
As a member of both Letterkenny Golf Club & Portsalon Golf Club, to which he referred, I know a little of what I am talking about, when it comes to talking about beach sand and bunker sand!
Portsalon Golf Club is a links course. A beautiful course also. Yet last New Years it was closed because it was too wet...whereas Letterkenny was open for business. I know...I played there! Last week, 6 inch placing was put in place in Portsalon. Letterkenny has not, as yet, introduced this. I think this is a testament to the quality and maintainence of the course.
Letterkenny Golf Club is a parkland course. I wasn't around in the bad old days when the course was very wet. But in the last number of years, the members of the club paid hugely to have the course re-designed and a complete drainage system put in place.
I think when anyone gives an opinion it must be fair & balanced. Weather conditions are a big factor in the North West of Ireland. We suffer so many extreme conditions not experienced in the South. I have played quite a few parkland courses in the south and I say without hesitation, Letterkenny Golf Course is as good, if not better, than many of the so called fine established courses, who charge half a mortgage to play and are promoted worldwide by Bord Failte and politicos whose notion of Irish Tourism begins and ends in Co. Kerry.
I can't help but wonder why Mr Charltons 'opinion' had to become so personalised against local members who take on the thankless, time consuming and unpaid jobs undertaken by the committee. I am not a member of a committee but I absolutely appreciate the effort that every indivdual makes to ensure the club even exists.
I am somewhat surprised that this 'local member' who had so much to say about the bar, the committee and the greens staff didn't alert Mr Charlton to the fact the bar and restaurant are actually franchised and not run by the committee!
I think perhaps Mr Charlton is more than consumed by his own verbosity and might know a little bit more about hot air than fresh air.
Finally, a huge CONGRATULATIONS to the members of Letterkenny Golf Clubs Pierce Purcell team.....yes indeed...coming from this very fine golf course nestled on the banks of Lough Swilly in the North West of Ireland..we have produced the All Ireland Champions 2009!!!

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Daniel P wrote on: Sep 22, 2009

Upon reading both of David reviews,I cant help but think that this is someone who has got some sort off issue regarding our commitee! As he continually complains about it! Also if he played this course in 2006 why did he fail to spot all the construction that was ongoing at the time..IE Massive sand drains on the fairways,Temporary greens and so on!! And as for the bar! well in my lifetime any Club bar i've visited is never hustle and bustle unless there is a prize giving or event on!

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David Charlton wrote on: Jun 25, 2009

I decided to play Letterkenny again recently in response to comments made after my previous comments and I must say I was suprised at the improvements in the course, albeit after a fairly dry spell of weather. There was no plugging of the ball that day, however the bunkers were still very disappointing. They still use construction sand and they could do with a serious deep raking. Check out the bunkers in Portsalan golf club which I also played, copy them !!! It can't be that difficult! Overall however the course was challenging and quite enjoyable to play. The par 3's are interesting and were tough that day in a strong wind. There was something different about the bar but I couldn't quite put my finger on it, this didn't improve the atmosphere anyway, there's just no life about the place, maybe that is an issue for the commitee running it or maybe they are the root of the cause. On speaking with one local in the bar he did agree with me that the bar had no atmosphere and he had some angry words regarding members of the committee amongst other things including the green staff. I would recommend a round of golf here now and have to say well done to whoever implemented the improvements in general, but do something about the bar guys, it's the heart and soul of any good golf club!

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ciaran gilchreest wrote on: Jun 6, 2009

I like to insert golf clubs in my anus.

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Patrick Ryan wrote on: Mar 22, 2009

This course is a complete transformation to the course I played a few years ago. A real challenge and a course that I will be visiting again in the future. Catering facilities were first class and the food excellent. Credit to all involved.

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Fergal Tinney wrote on: Mar 22, 2009

Played course recently and is a great challenge. Par 3 holes are first class. Redevelopment has taken place over the past few years and the work done has made the course playable all year round. A real pleasure to play and best of luck for the future.

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Robert O'Connor wrote on: Mar 19, 2009

In the last 3 years this course has been almost totally redesigned. Greens are recognised as one of, if not THE BEST in Donegal. Course is now very challenging and can only improve further given that is has just had 3 years development work. I believe it is now the best Parkland Course in the North West. Well worth a visit.

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Tom Wherity wrote on: Mar 18, 2009

This course has undergone a transformation over the past 5 years with a €2m+ investment by the club. It is now arguably among the best parkland courses in the Northwest and a severe test of golfing skills at all levels.

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Bill O Riain wrote on: Mar 17, 2009

Played Letterkenny today after a gap of several years and I was truly amazed at the transformation of the Course.Imaginative water features have greatly increased the challenge of playing this mature parkland Course.Greens were excellent for so early in the season.
Enjoyed a very tasty meal in a lively clubhouse.Will be back

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Cynthia Fuery wrote on: Mar 16, 2009

This course has undergone a superb redesign and development by Declan and Ronan Branigan and it is pleasure to play it any day of the week. Well done to the guys who the foresight to plan this as L/Kenny GC is one of the best courses in the country and I would suggest to anyone visiting the area to make a point of playing this lovely parkland course and also enjoy the excellent food in the award winning clubhouse restaurent served up by chef Tom Lally.

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Padraic Munnelly wrote on: Feb 11, 2009

Please remove Mr Charlton's review of Letterkenny Golf Course dated Aug 23 2006 as it is completely untrue both of the course and the club house. I am a member of this club and his comments could not be further from the truth. Leaving this type of material published lowers the integrity of your website.
Best regards.
Padraic Munnelly

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David Charlton wrote on: Aug 23, 2006

Played there recently. The front few holes are permanently wet even in summer due to being below sea level. The golf course is poorly redesigned and permanently wet resulting in a messy muddy round even in August. Expect plugged lies and municipal manicuring at its worst! The bunkers are shallow and heavy and built with construction sand. The last 6 holes are played above sea level and are bland and lack charater. The bar is unpretentious and feels small due to its low ceiling and lack of floor space and dont expect food to be ready and waiting after the round! Asthetically the bar is awful with an antique fireplace and cheap replica historic drinks advertisements totally from the Del boy line of design! and is itself rather badly designed for a clubhouse of such size and potential. The entire experience is far removed from the professonal standards of other donegal courses. The club is primarily for local members and has a loyal amateur member committee which runs both the course and clubhouse which is reflected in the standards of everything but dont expect anything but a 40 euro green fee. drive on to another course for a better experience

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John Nee, Medfield, MA, USA wrote on: Oct 31, 1998

I wish you all the best with your new clubhouse. Visited there in August and was most impressed. Played the course in the past with my cousin Philomena Grieve's husband Frank and children Eammon and Garvin. Say hello to them for me. Good luck

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