November 2007

RGSC, Ireland

Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland Club of the Year Award is not something thats won easily. R.G.S.C. (It stands for Roadstone Group Social Club) achieved that distinction in 2006 and any visit to the club will demonstrate that the members worked hard to attain it.

The imposing entrance on Kingswood Avenue demonstrates a club of substance. R.G.S.C. boasts some 120 members - one of the biggest in Dublin. The members are active at all levels of Pitch and Putt in Dublin and across Ireland. Theres a generous car park - one of the biggest on the Irish Pitch and Putt circuit. The Pitch and Putt course is located at the back of a large pavilion.

The course is undoubtedly a thing of beauty. Small immaculate greens featuring many slopes and undulations require touches of putting artistry. The hole distances mix the long and the short affording ample opportunity to open the shoulders. Many large trees on the course come into play and the meandering streams have often claimed a ball or two.

Cunning design has overcome some loss of land to road network development around Ireland's capital. Immediately, there's water to be carried off the first tee and water comes into play on several of the other holes. The eighteenth hole may be relatively short but there are bunkers to be avoided front and back of the green. The fearsome 17th demands a long teeshot to a very narrow green. It was a superb pitch to within inches at this hole that secured Ray Murphy's double double in the Irish Strokeplay this summer.

Former PPUI President John Smith is part of the working group (dubbed The Chain Gang) that maintains the course in pristine condition all year round. Former PPUI Secretary Peg Smith (John's wife) is 2007 Lady Captain during one of the most significant years in the club's proud history. The National Mens Strokeplay was played here in August. Previously, R.G.S.C. hosted the National Ladies Strokeplay (2002) and the National Mixed Team Event (1999) at their new course. The club moved to the current site, adjoining the busy N7, main artery from Dublin to the south, in the early 1990s. That was when R.G.S.C. were forced to leave their previous and also very beautiful course on the Belgard Road. League of Ireland soccer player of past decades, Derek Carroll is a wise and articulate Club Chairman.

The Club runs competitions all year round and the club is buzzing Friday through Sunday each week. R.G.S.C. welcomes visitors and societies. Expert coaching is available for novices and juveniles.

A recent addition is the Kevin Blackburn monument beside the clubhouse. This is a testimony to the camaraderie of the club. The former Competitions Secretary, who died a couple of years ago, gave so much of his time to the R.G.S.C. The monument and a popular Scramble that will bear his name mean that he will never be forgotten.

As one passes through the pavilion to get to the course, one can see the first class facilities for indoor football, bowls and basketball. So good are the amenities that the Irish international basketball side train here. The clubhouse features bars, function rooms (home to many a rollicking Cabaret over the years) and a restaurant, where the carvery lunch is particularly popular at weekends. There are also Snooker rooms for adults and children.
Annual Membership costs just €90 for an individual and €120 for a couple.
Contact R.G.S.C. at Phone - + 353 1 4592635.