[Ian_L]

Hi all,


I will be spending a weekend in Healdsburg, CA and may have the chance to sneak out for a round. I live in the Bay Area but haven't heard much about public golf in Sonoma county. Any suggestions?


Thanks,


Ian

[David_Tepper]

"I live in the Bay Area but haven't heard much about public golf in Sonoma county."

Ian L. -

The reason you have not heard much about public golf in Sonoma County is that there isn't much quality golf there.

The muni in Windsor (just north of Santa Rosa) is pretty good. It is a nice layout that takes advantage of a creek bed that runs thru the property. The Hogan/Nike Tour used to play there. It is very close to highway 101.

https://www.windsorgolf.com/

Another option is the Northwood 9-hole course in the Russian River Valley. It is reputed to be an untouched Alister Mackenzie design. Some big redwood trees now line the course.

https://www.northwoodgolf.com/

Be sure to let us know where you play.

DT

[Evan_Green]

I'd second Northwood - its a cool experience - has the tallest trees I've ever seen on a golf course...and the MacKenzie heritage as well. Plus its only 9 holes so you won't spend too much time away from the food/wineries etc. which to me is the primary charm of that area.

[Andrew Buck]

On a recent fried egg podcast Andy and Zac Blair gushed about Northwoods.  They were on a trip that included SFGC, Pasa, MPCC, Cal club and others and talked most about Northwoods.


Of course some bunkers are grass now and trees have grown, but it’s supposedly pure MacKenzie for $20.

[JLahrman]

I've only driven past Northwood, I haven't played it. But the two lane highway will take you right past it. When my wife and I drove past it I thought a) those are the most magnificent trees I've ever seen on a golf course, but b) they've got to really be an obstacle to the GCA. Hopefully I'm wrong, given that it's supposedly pretty untouched MacKenzie.

[Tim Gavrich]

Another vote for Windsor GC here. Really strong course with a lot of fun holes and only one bad one, the overly narrow 2nd.

[Evan_Green]

I've only driven past Northwood, I haven't played it. But the two lane highway will take you right past it. When my wife and I drove past it I thought a) those are the most magnificent trees I've ever seen on a golf course, but b) they've got to really be an obstacle to the GCA. Hopefully I'm wrong, given that it's supposedly pretty untouched MacKenzie.

The trees are definitely a factor on the course, but are so magnificent and so tall that they dwarf any incremental GCA improvement you might get from opening up the course. These are national park quality trees - wouldn't be like tree clearing on a regular golf course . As such I see this this is a situation where there trees come first and the golf course second. Its a wonderful outdoor experience though to hit golf shots through trees this tall and spectacular and the Mackenzie heritage is a clear bonus.

[James Brown]

I’ve played Chardonnay Golf Club and it has a few very interesting holes and is in a great setting.  Convenient on your way back to SFO or Oakland. 

[David_Tepper]

James B. -

Chardonnay is pretty good too, but it is a healthy drive (75 to 90 minutes) from Healdsburg.

DT

[John Keenan]

Do not miss Northwood a great place to play. The course is a nice challenge. I would agree with Zack Blair on this course it is not to be missed. Post round you can eat at the restaurant at the course which is good. Another option is to stop at Boon in downtown Guerneville. Excellent food and a good local wine selection You pass through Guerneville to get to Northwood.
As to golf in Healsburg only one course I know of Healsburg Golf Club at Tayman Park. A nine hole course I have never played. I would suggest eating at Costeaux French Bakery for breakfast or brunch. Great place to eat and their bakery products are superb.
One last item if you enjoy wine the Pinot’s are great.
 

[Tim Leahy]

Sonoma Golf Club is private but has a tie in to the Fairmont Hotel so maybe you could find a way to get on. Tell them you are interested in a membership and maybe you could get the guest rate. It is a classic course that was redesigned 30 years ago and has held a Senior Tour Championship.

[Joshua Pettit]

Another option is the Northwood 9-hole course in the Russian River Valley. It is reputed to be an untouched Alister Mackenzie design. Some big redwood trees now line the course.

Northwood is well worth a visit but it is not an "untouched" MacKenzie.  Six of the nine greens are original, though have shrunk a bit in size over the years.  There are several original grassed over bunkers that remain evident, with the contours generally in tact, which would make for a fairly easy restoration.

I absolutely love Northwood, but that it is the only noteworthy course in this area is a sad reminder of the low caliber of golf in a region home to some of the most interesting geography in the world.

[Evan_Green]

I absolutely love Northwood, but that it is the only noteworthy course in this area is a sad reminder of the low caliber of golf in a region home to some of the most interesting geography in the world.

Mayacama is not that far away and is a world class course - albeit a high end private course and this thread was about public golf in the area.


But I agree with you - although at this point building golf courses in this area is uneconomical in many places given the wine trade. Chimney Rock GC (right in Stags Leap District - the heart of Napa Valley) used to collect a ~$20 or so green fee, now its a vineyard for $100/bottle+ Cabernets. How can you compete with that? 

[Ian_L]

Thanks all for your advice! 9 holes may be ideal for this trip, so I will try to head over to Northwood and will report back if I'm able to make it.

[Andy Johnson]

In Jim Urbina's words "You gotta go to Northwood"


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2uE9ljWDOA


You gotta go.

[Connor Dougherty]

It's really a shame Aetna Springs is NLE because I would have sent you there instantly over Northwood if it still was. Given the 10 round split, it's 8-2 in favor of Aetna for me.


I liked Northwood a lot, and for geeks like us, seeing the bones of what used to be is really special. However, Aetna was a terrific track as it existed, and my only great regret was that I made it there for the first time on the last day it was open.

[David_Tepper]

Connor D. -
Aetna Springs is a long drive from Healdsburg. Heck, Aetna Springs is even a long drive from Napa.
DT
 

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