Avid, insistent walking proponents will obviously take the stance that Sherwood, simply because it is not easily walked, cannot be considered a great course. I don't know that I adhere to that philosophy – while I acknowledge the high degree of correlation, most rules have exceptions.
I consider myself lucky to have played Sherwood last spring. Mr. Wagner was and is the quintessential host and I think his leadership will allow the club to maximize its potential.
I found much to like about the course and I think it provides an excellent tournament venue in terms of the shot demands, excellent course conditioning, and adequate gallery space (although it may be hard to follow groups if they shuttle players
). To score well, the course insists that one position their ball correctly with every shot, which is tough to do when you’re playing poorly in an alternate shot format… Otherwise, you’ll be contending with large oaks, rock-lined barrancas, and penal bunkering in your desired line of play. Yet, IMHO the course has few holes that I would consider standouts on the level of a truly elite golf course. It’s a very good track that I’d love to play again, and it’s probably better than 99% of the courses found in Southern CA., but I doubt it’s a top 100 contender nationwide.
I reserve the right revise that stance as I play more courses from the various magazine rankings.