Off the Fringe, “Golf’s best short read.” The award winning newsletter, sent twice monthly, that provides an unconventional perspective on the golf world.
Jack Williams
Richmond
2016-08-17
Member (cart not included), played on Sunday, July 2016 at 8:30 AM
I've been a member for 17 years, so I know this course well. If you enjoy a stern test of golf, you will enjoy playing Willow Oaks. Length from the medal tees is now 7100 yards. Small elevated undulating greens with few bailout areas, lots of water in play -on both sides of 8 holes, deep bunkers with unforgiving sand and plenty of opportunities for risk reward force you to think your way around and strike the ball with confidence. Errant shots feed diabolically into hazards, and drops are usually no bargain. Even mediocre shots are punished. If the breeze is up or the course is at all damp, it will play 1-200 hundred yards longer. Avoiding crooked numbers is the name of the game here. Lester George gets a little self-indulgent on a few holes, but you can play it every day and never get bored. ... frustrated, perhaps, but not bored. Unlike typical courses on 120 acres, this one is laid out on about 80 or so, and yet doesn't feel cramped at all. A rare course that is a joy to walk. Catch Willow Oaks around late May or late September for best course conditions. With tremendous river vistas from multiple holes and no houses really on the course you would never know this course is within city limits. Members and staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, so you shouldn't have a hard time getting on if you aren't a member.
Would travel: 60-120 Miles, Vacation Worthy
Bottom line: I would play again, Better than average course for the area, Bargain priced based on quality and competitive area pricing, Fair priced based on quality and competitive area pricing, Ranks with the best in this price level
Pace of Play, Difficulty, Ambiance, Staff, Layout, No Houses on Course
Member (cart not included), played on Sunday, July 2016 at 8:30 AM
I've been a member for 17 years, so I know this course well. If you enjoy a stern test of golf, you will enjoy playing Willow Oaks. Length from the medal tees is now 7100 yards. Small elevated undulating greens with few bailout areas, lots of water in play -on both sides of 8 holes, deep bunkers with unforgiving sand and plenty of opportunities for risk reward force you to think your way around and strike the ball with confidence. Errant shots feed diabolically into hazards, and drops are usually no bargain. Even mediocre shots are punished. If the breeze is up or the course is at all damp, it will play 1-200 hundred yards longer. Avoiding crooked numbers is the name of the game here. Lester George gets a little self-indulgent on a few holes, but you can play it every day and never get bored. ... frustrated, perhaps, but not bored. Unlike typical courses on 120 acres, this one is laid out on about 80 or so, and yet doesn't feel cramped at all. A rare course that is a joy to walk. Catch Willow Oaks around late May or late September for best course conditions. With tremendous river vistas from multiple holes and no houses really on the course you would never know this course is within city limits. Members and staff are incredibly friendly and welcoming, so you shouldn't have a hard time getting on if you aren't a member.