Weekend Golf Thread...

[RUevolution36]

Wife is interested in going out to play a short 9 hole course this weekend...

Have any of you all played the Neshanic Valley Academy course, Minerals course, or Galloping Hills Learning 9? Preferences if you have?

 

[RU85inFla]

Is your wife any good at golf?

 

[RUevolution36]

She's not good for distance, but she hits it straight and won't embarrass herself with a completely awful swing.

 

[RU85inFla]

That's good then. I asked because as long as any golfer knows how to move around they can play at most public places. However, if they don't know how they should only play the most horrible courses on the planet.

Bad golfers can keep pace if they have half a brain. I'm sure the locals can give you better info than I.

 

[RUevolution36]

She's been playing a hell of a lot longer than myself, so etiquette and pace aren't an issue.

 

[Section124]

Orchard Hills in Bergen County is the type of course you want. Galloping Hills is a tough 9 hole course due to the hills on 2 and 3.

 

[NJbound]

9 hole course at Neshanic is very nice.

 

[RutgersMC]

Neshanic is a nice short 9 hole course. No par 5s. I think it is par 31 or 32.

 

[RUevolution36]

Orchard Hills in Bergen County is the type of course you want. Galloping Hills is a tough 9 hole course due to the hills on 2 and 3.

unfortunately don't want to head all the way up to bergen county. is galloping hill really that challenging?

 

[RUBubba]

Though I play Neshanic frequently, I have never played the Academy course. One of my friends though takes his 11 year old son there frequently.

 

[RUScrew85]

Leaving work in 45 minutes to get 18 in and start the weekend.

 

[RBS05]

I've heard the Hyatt Hills 9 hole course is good too. They have double pin locations for variety in case you're running it back.

 

[jtung230]

Are you guys see a decline in traffic at the golf course? Was reading up on why Nike is getting out but didn't know that rounds played are down by that much. I know country clubs are hurting but didn't think less people are playing the game. Maybe it's the other parts of the country.

 

[RBS05]

Are you guys see a decline in traffic at the golf course? Was reading up on why Nike is getting out but didn't know that rounds played are down by that much. I know country clubs are hurting but didn't think less people are playing the game. Maybe it's the other parts of the country.

I have a Bergen County card as a non-resident and I can't get a tee time before noon on a weekend despite logging in at the exact moment the times are released. Guessing residents get a day or two early access but traffic is definitely still strong around here.

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

Are you guys see a decline in traffic at the golf course? Was reading up on why Nike is getting out but didn't know that rounds played are down by that much. I know country clubs are hurting but didn't think less people are playing the game. Maybe it's the other parts of the country.

Nike is getting out of clubs, bags, and balls but staying in golf apparel, which is more their core competency. It's tough to make money in golf clubs because nobody wants to buy year old clubs/models and there is always something "new." I think "lower tier" country clubs are often looking for members, the more "upper tier" clubs are fine, I think. The USGA is always looking to expand the sport and cultivate new players so they are thinking a lot about ways to shorten the time of a round and make it more accessible to more people and people of different ages.

 

[Knightmoves]

With Golfsmith now considering bankruptcy I'd say that play is down the past few years.

A buddy of mine was a PGA teaching professional in Union County and he told me a few years ago that golf play is down 20% from where it was ten years ago.

 

[Section124]

I have a Bergen County card as a non-resident and I can't get a tee time before noon on a weekend despite logging in at the exact moment the times are released. Guessing residents get a day or two early access but traffic is definitely still strong around here.

Bergen County resident. The county courses are packed. You have the same opportunity as I do. You just have to know the tricks to get the good Tee times.

Nike equipment was horrible. I used to use their golf balls until the early 2000's and then stopped. And Nike is my client so I like them in general.

 

[Section124]

With Golfsmith now considering bankruptcy I'd say that play is down the past few years.

A buddy of mine was a PGA teaching professional in Union County and he told me a few years ago that golf play is down 20% from where it was ten years ago.

I definitely don't agree play is down at the county courses. Maybe for lessons. That being said golf stores are doing down because companies like TaylorMade flood the market every year with new gear. Golfers have fatigue from all the new models. Just wait a few months and get it half price. Plus online retailers can stock more.

 

[Section124]

unfortunately don't want to head all the way up to bergen county. is galloping hill really that challenging?

The first 5 holes are more difficult than most 9 hole courses, but it's not crazy difficult. If you are not used to walking up/down hills in humidity, take a cart. Hyatt Hills may be the better option in Union County.

 

[jtung230]

Bergen county is not really a good gauge because of population density. I have a friend in south Jersey and golf courses can't give rounds away. Like to get some input from people outside of NJ.

 

[Section124]

Bergen county is not really a good gauge because of population density. I have a friend in south Jersey and golf courses can't give rounds away. Like to get some input from people outside of NJ.

Are you comparing county courses to daily fee courses? If you mean the daily fee courses, I agree since those cost $99 and more on weekends. I played Twisted Dunes at the end of June during the week and it was pretty booked. So was Seaview Bay. Seaview Pines was empty. Remember we have 5 country courses in Bergen as well. People just want cheap golf. That is why country clubs and daily fee courses are closing.

 

[RBS05]

I definitely don't agree play is down at the county courses. Maybe for lessons. That being said golf stores are doing down because companies like TaylorMade flood the market every year with new gear. Golfers have fatigue from all the new models. Just wait a few months and get it half price. Plus online retailers can stock more.

And online is generally cheaper. People may go into stores to check things out, only to buy online.

Not to mention these are usually massive stores which means huge overhead expenses.

 

[RBS05]

Bergen County resident. The county courses are packed. You have the same opportunity as I do. You just have to know the tricks to get the good Tee times.

Well?? I'll take a PM.

 

[jtung230]

And online is generally cheaper. People may go into stores to check things out, only to buy online.

Not to mention these are usually massive stores which means huge overhead expenses.

Online is cheaper but there are so many fakes/counterfeits out there. Don't think the discount is worth it plus fitting does matter. Just wait 6 months and it'll be 50% off.

 

[phs73rc77gsm83]

Are you comparing county courses to daily fee courses? If you mean the daily fee courses, I agree since those cost $99 and more on weekends. I played Twisted Dunes at the end of June during the week and it was pretty booked. So was Seaview Bay. Seaview Pines was empty. Remember we have 5 country courses in Bergen as well. People just want cheap golf. That is why country clubs and daily fee courses are closing.

I don't know, I think there is a market for "cheap golf" but there is also a market for the high end private clubs. Courses like Trump National, Somerset Hills, Plainfield, Montclair, Baltusrol, the Ridge, and many others are doing fine. People join these clubs for not only great layouts, but you can generally play when you want with whom you want--you might be a single, twosome, threesome or foursome and they don't pair you with someone if you don't want. Pace of play is generally good for multiple reasons. It's some of the mid level clubs that I think are hurting.

 

[knightfan7]

Not NJ but f you look at all the courses that closed in Myrtle Beach '00-10, it was the cheaper courses the most part.

I'd think around here when a course closes it's because the land becomes so much more valuable than anything they can make as a golf course.

 

[Section124]

I don't know, I think there is a market for "cheap golf" but there is also a market for the high end private clubs. Courses like Trump National, Somerset Hills, Plainfield, Montclair, Baltusrol, the Ridge, and many others are doing fine. People join these clubs for not only great layouts, but you can generally play when you want with whom you want--you might be a single, twosome, threesome or foursome and they don't pair you with someone if you don't want. Pace of play is generally good for multiple reasons. It's some of the mid level clubs that I think are hurting.

I agree that the really good private courses, especially the ones you named with a famous architect that designed the course, are doing OK. You would be surprised how many on your list are desperate for members. Most are offering deals to get you in. I agree they have a better experience and pace of play. However people are not joining them as much since I can play high end daily fee courses for less money than the annual dues at most places. That is what keeps the high end daily fee courses going. The only negative is their 5-5.5 hour rounds.

 

[Section124]

Well?? I'll take a PM.

Sorry! Was playing my 820 tee time with the wife. I'll PM you later.

 

[tychicus]

shot a 90, my lowest ever yesterday at rockleigh

still trying to break 90 before year end, my main goal

 

[Section124]

shot a 90, my lowest ever yesterday at rockleigh

still trying to break 90 before year end, my main goal

Good job! Rockleigh is a good course. #7 to me is the hardest. 450 yard par 4 that always plays into the wind. Keep playing! I shot an 85 at Darlington this AM. Should have been a little lower but took a triple on #13. The balls were flying far in the humidity today.

 

[RUScrew85]

Are you guys see a decline in traffic at the golf course? Was reading up on why Nike is getting out but didn't know that rounds played are down by that much. I know country clubs are hurting but didn't think less people are playing the game. Maybe it's the other parts of the country.

I think many of the trend following Tiger fans who took up golf have moved on to the next big thing. Personally, I love it.

 

[RUScrew85]

Nike is getting out of clubs, bags, and balls but staying in golf apparel, which is more their core competency. It's tough to make money in golf clubs because nobody wants to buy year old clubs/models and there is always something "new." I think "lower tier" country clubs are often looking for members, the more "upper tier" clubs are fine, I think. The USGA is always looking to expand the sport and cultivate new players so they are thinking a lot about ways to shorten the time of a round and make it more accessible to more people and people of different ages.

My strategy is to buy last year's model woods when I need them.

 

[RUScrew85]

Shot a 79 at Mercer East Sunday. I'm playing about as good right now as I ever have played.

 

[tychicus]

Shot a 79 at Mercer East Sunday. I'm playing about as good right now as I ever have played.

Any range tips?
I feel like range time does not help me at all... feel like it ruins my game

 

[tychicus]

also, what is everyone's thoughts on this...

I received the M-2 driver as a gift recently. I really like the driver I have now which is the old R7. I'm thinking of returning the M-2 for a putter (maybe a scotty)? My putter game has been utter shit, using a hand me down odyssey putter currently. I have no feel for the putting game, and was hoping a brand new putter would fix that. Thoughts?

 

[RBS05]

also, what is everyone's thoughts on this...

I received the M-2 driver as a gift recently. I really like the driver I have now which is the old R7. I'm thinking of returning the M-2 for a putter (maybe a scotty)? My putter game has been utter shit, using a hand me down odyssey putter currently. I have no feel for the putting game, and was hoping a brand new putter would fix that. Thoughts?

If it's that bad, it's not the putter. Get out to a practice green and work on your grip, stance, and the stroke. Focus on hitting through the ball.

Doesn't mean you can't benefit from a new putter...go out and get one...but you'll likely just be repeating the same mistakes with a fancier club.

 

[RUScrew85]

Any range tips?
I feel like range time does not help me at all... feel like it ruins my game

Drink two pints before you start. Re-apply as necessary during the round.

Limit your backswing. Have a good tempo. Don't swing hard.

Also, drive into fairways not the rough or OB. Put putts IN hole not just closer. Hit irons where aiming. Only spend one shot in sand traps if you find yourself in one.

LOL. Seriously on the second sentence though.

 

[RUScrew85]

also, what is everyone's thoughts on this...

I received the M-2 driver as a gift recently. I really like the driver I have now which is the old R7. I'm thinking of returning the M-2 for a putter (maybe a scotty)? My putter game has been utter shit, using a hand me down odyssey putter currently. I have no feel for the putting game, and was hoping a brand new putter would fix that. Thoughts?

Those Cameron putters are like $400. That's just nuts. I played an Oddessy Rossie II for 15 years and just upgraded to some 2-Ball Fang thing this year.

Maybe take a couple of lessons?

 

[RUScrew85]

If it's that bad, it's not the putter. Get out to a practice green and work on your grip, stance, and the stroke. Focus on hitting through the ball.

Doesn't mean you can't benefit from a new putter...go out and get one...but you'll likely just be repeating the same mistakes with a fancier club.

Agree here.

 

[tychicus]

About those lessons...

I got this pride thing with golf. pretty much self taught and emulating dad. I can't get myself to pay for lessons, feel like I can get better on my own lol