Willowick Golf Course

Address:	3017 W 5th St, Santa Ana, CA 92703, USA
Phone:	+1 714-554-0672
Site:	willowickgolf.com
Rating:	3.3

Location

Photos 84

Reviews 31

Andy Roberts

Wide open with some great bunkers guarding the greens. Greens were soft but not too slow. Tried the course on a whim and it was a good way to spend the afternoon. Overpriced for the condition, even with the free soda and hot dog. No water hazards and very open "fairways"; in parentheses because they arent really kept up with some odd weed growth. There wasnt much difference between the rough and the I was able to walk on and the front was very fast, the back nine was a parking lot on every hole. There was no ranger to help move things along so we just got to know all of the other groups. The course could use some signs to direct people to the next hole. If you havent played the course its pretty easy to get turned around since most of the holes look pretty similar. I had to ask more than once where the next hole was. The overall maintenance of the course needs some improvement. There is a ton of graffiti on the course. The proshop was pretty sparse so dont go thinking youll buy your next driver there. The staff was really friendly. Unless I got a killer deal or took someone new out to try golf I dont know I would come back.

climber bob

I saw one person bash this place and I couldnt just let it sit. I have no idea what hes talking about it being a dangerous course LAYOUT. Certainly its no worse than any other. Ive played many courses that have been crammed into much tighter confines. It must have been the groups around him. As far as this course goes, I grew up on it. Back in the 60s and early 70s, the STUDENT rate for 18 holes was $1.50! No, I didnt misplace the decimal point. Back to the course - usually in pretty darn good shape, especially for a public course. Of course they have to do maintenance such as air-rating the greens and topping with some sand, but all courses do. Regulation size, and I recall back to back par 5s of 515 and 545, theres some uumph to it. However, most of the fairways, particularly on those, you could land commercial airliners on them - theyre very WIDE. Great course for an enjoyable day. Wild parrots used to nest in the back left corner of the course in the palm trees, so theres a little entertainment value too.

Edward Radomsky

I play Willowick once a month, every month. Its a regulation length course with NO water hazards. The fairways are wide and there is plenty of room between the trees. Sounds pretty easy, right? Just dont get stuck behind one of the trees, they are mature and large. This courses main defense are the bunkers IN FRONT OF THE GREENS. Some have 6 or 7 foot faces. Some golfers can only escape sideways (especially on hole #8). As a rule the course is in very good shape. During wet months it gets soggy (I suspect it does not drain well), otherwise there is nothing to complain about here. Well, one complaint: they dont run a beverage cart anymore. As hot as Santa Ana can get that would be a welcome relief.

Rick Bailey

Pluses: Its a wide open course, good for beginners as there are a lot of adjacent fairways to hit from. You can also get specials through donovandaily. Its usually $28 after 10:30 Wed-Fri and includes a hot dog/ soft drink. The greens are VERY soft and not terribly challenging. BUT... If the special is in effect get ready for a 5+ hour round, with lots of walkers...and be ready to duck a couple of times. And the fairways are severely parched, so youll probably want to play winter rules. Its a pretty good place to get your game squared away, but if you play too many rounds there, your game will suffer when you play tougher courses in OC

A Private User

Better bring your hard hat. I dont know what Billy Bell was thinking when he designed this place but it is just plain dangerous. I have never had so many shots whiz by me than this place. Granted there are alot of hackers out here because of the price but the course design is definitely the main cause of the danger. Besides taking your life in your hands the course is not in good shape either so its not even that enjoyable. I normally enjoy the old Bell courses with their tree lined fairways and small greens but save your money and your life and pick another course to spend your day.

Tim Mcc

Fantastic price early a.m. for a lunch pass. Regulation course for great inexpensive golf. The local rules are lenient, and the hazards are strategically placed for a challenge to intermediate golfers trying to lower their handicap and shoot lights out from the "blue" (pro) tees.

Alan Boyar

Poor condition, 15% of trees are dead (bark beetle) but havent been removed, mowing is uneven, school kids walk across course to and from school with impunity and disregard for golfers, course fencing is down in places. On good side, its cheap so you get what you pay for.

Jim Bendt

Local muni course with the local muni course problems. Uneven tee boxes, cow pasture fairways but the greens were puttable. For the price its a good deal. If you want a luxury experience youll have to go elsewhere.

Greg Jerome

Greens were ok. EXTREMELY slow. Gave up after 11 holes. Tee boxes very rough. Fairways not much better. Pretty ghetto to be honest. Wish I could say it is good value but its not.

Kevin Luck

Nice municipal course in the heart of Orange County. Not a very difficult course. Facilities are fairly simple but the course is not expensive.

jeff jacobsen

Nice course for what you pay, can be busy, so it can be slow ...have to figure out how to adjust and enjoy the time...better than working

Memo Garcia

Fun course, greens were in great shape. Good course for those of us with high handicaps. Got done in just over 4 hours on a weekday.

Mike Sinclair

This is a very fun and easy course good shots are rewarded and bad shots are not a death sentence great place for a relaxing round

Jim Bucklew

Its a great course for beginners. I think that indexes 16 and up will enjoy it. Also be prepared for long weekend rounds.

Frank Robles

Ive been playing at Willowick for many years now. Its very forgiving and I rarely lose a ball since they have not water.