Next stop for me today was Redwood Canyon (formerly known as Willow Park). Not sure why the name change. "Canyon" definitely fits well, but I didn't see anything remotely resembling a redwood there! I... Continue »

Next stop for me today was Redwood Canyon (formerly known as Willow Park). Not sure why the name change. "Canyon" definitely fits well, but I didn't see anything remotely resembling a redwood there! I booked a 10:18 time on their website for $27. I was teeing off by myself just before 10:00. I caught some groups halfway through the front nine and then ultimately joined the twosome that was ahead of me at the turn. They turned out to be great guys. The foursome ahead of us got slower and slower as the round wore on, but I still ended up finishing at a good 3:20 clip.

The course was in mediocre condition, to put it nicely. I would say consistently inconsistent. Many tee boxes were rock hard and it was difficult to get the tee in the ground. Level enough, though. Fairways were kind of hodge podge of grass/weeds/hardpan/dirt/etc. and not always cut to consistent lengths. Some areas pretty good and others not so good. Rough more of the same, but even spottier. I was in one bunker and it had very nice soft sand. The greens were soft-ish and rolling at medium/slow speeds. Bumpy at times and some ugly spots here and there, so nothing to write home about (even though that's what I'm kind of doing right now).

The conditions leave plenty to be desired. The layout is decent. Flat overall as the whole course runs through a very secluded canyon with no significant changes in elevation. Lots of trees in play (many uncomfortably placed for my fade shot!). The highlight here is the scenic setting and seclusion. Otherwise, just an OK East Bay option with the right deal.

Played Friday, a little rain off an on, but the course was in good condition. The greens had been recently aerated, the back 9, and the front 9 had just been aerated with four temporary greens. The pe... Continue »

Played Friday, a little rain off an on, but the course was in good condition. The greens had been recently aerated, the back 9, and the front 9 had just been aerated with four temporary greens. The person behind the counter recommended I play the back 9 twice which I did. Positives; Greens, with recent aeration, they were a little bumpy and the rain the past week slowed them down, but overall in good condition, Fairways were in good condition, just a couple brown spots, Tee Boxes for the most part were in very good condition, and the maintenance folks relocated all of the tee locations mid way through the round giving the person I was paired with and myself a new look the second time through. Negatives: Sand, hard the one trap I was in was shallow and ended up putting out. Overall a very good experience, friendly staff, good price through GolfNow of $20 and POP was 3 1/4 hours. Recommend you keep your driver in your bag unless you are very accurate, the fairways are very tight with lots of trees.

Willow is a beautiful track. The greens were slow but perfect. Though they could have used a broom. This course's scenery is top notch and there are birdies to bad here...

Willow is a beautiful track. The greens were slow but perfect. Though they could have used a broom. This course's scenery is top notch and there are birdies to bad here...

Course is quite tight with creek in play on most holes. Only real complaint was the bumpiness of the greens. Probably wouldn't return.

Willow Park Golf Course Review
Castor Valley California Golf ... Continue »

Course is quite tight with creek in play on most holes. Only real complaint was the bumpiness of the greens. Probably wouldn't return.

Willow Park Golf Course Review
Castor Valley California Golf Course Reviews

We played a round here on Tuesday and found the course to be tight and quaint. The driving range is over water and they use floating balls with distance markers on rafts. They have old carts,some with... Continue »

We played a round here on Tuesday and found the course to be tight and quaint. The driving range is over water and they use floating balls with distance markers on rafts. They have old carts,some with gas power, and the cart paths are largely dirt. The course itself is in good shape and fun to play even though it seems short with the back tees playing to 5846 yds. There is a water course down the right side of most of the holes on the front nine and water is in play on the back nine as well. If you bring a slice to the first tee, bring your waders and a ball stick. This course is in a Regional park valley and there isn't a home in sight. As it's name indicates, it's in a valley full of willow trees and an abundance of wild life crisscrosses the fairways without fear. The course doesn't drain well and should be avoided after a hard rain but everyone should play here at least once a year,"it's a hoot".

Willow Park is nestled in picturesque valley. The challenging front nine is narrow with a latteral water hazzard on the right of every hole. The back nine is open with with the same creek criss crossi... Continue »

Willow Park is nestled in picturesque valley. The challenging front nine is narrow with a latteral water hazzard on the right of every hole. The back nine is open with with the same creek criss crossing all but two holes. Excellent place to play for the money. It doesn't help that I live less than one mile from the course. I play there all the time.

I live within 3 miles, but rarely play here. It's scenic in this little valley, but the course conditions are largely "goat path", the staff is unfriendlyand not accommodating, parking is not custome... Continue »

I live within 3 miles, but rarely play here. It's scenic in this little valley, but the course conditions are largely "goat path", the staff is unfriendlyand not accommodating, parking is not customer friendly (they reserve the most convenient spaces for employees) and their fees are too high for what you get. We play at least once a week, and our group doesn't give this place a second thought.

I disagree with some of the reviews. Rene has improved and is continuing to improve the golf course. We played it in March — it was so-so. Played in April and saw a drastic improvement! The fairway... Continue »

I disagree with some of the reviews. Rene has improved and is continuing to improve the golf course. We played it in March — it was so-so. Played in April and saw a drastic improvement! The fairways are cut short and the rough is not as high, and the greens are healing. I would highly recommend this course not only for playability but the beautiful setting. Why travel? We have a great golf course right in our own back yard!

greens are poor. poa everywhere
dead spots all around played on 4-19-08 course was dry and hard. one of the most scenic natural settings in the bay area
it's just sad the golf is compromised by upk... Continue »

greens are poor. poa everywhere
dead spots all around played on 4-19-08 course was dry and hard. one of the most scenic natural settings in the bay area
it's just sad the golf is compromised by upkeep