GolfPass Icon
Rating Index Rating
Tooltip Information Icon
3.5
1156 Reviews (1156)
5 Stars
166
4 Stars
252
3 Stars
338
2 Stars
194
1 Stars
206
Conditions
3.1
Value
3.9
Layout
3.7
Friendliness
4.3
Pace
3.9
Amenities
3.5
71.1%
Recommend this course
674 out of 1156 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.6
39 Reviews (39)
5 Stars
8
4 Stars
20
3 Stars
3
2 Stars
5
1 Stars
3
Conditions
3.3
Value
4.2
Layout
3.6
Pace
3.7
Amenities
3.5
StaffFriendliness
4.4
84.6%
Recommend this course
33 out of 39 reviews
Read Reviews
Average Rating
Avg Rating
3.8
107 Reviews (107)
5 Stars
39
4 Stars
33
3 Stars
15
2 Stars
13
1 Stars
7
Conditions
3.5
Value
4.2
Layout
3.8
Pace
4.0
Amenities
3.8
StaffFriendliness
4.5
79.4%
Recommend this course
85 out of 107 reviews
Read Reviews
frame.svg
AI summaries based on real golfer reviews
circle-star.svg
Course Highlights
The consistently friendly and helpful staff stand out as a genuine highlight at Willowick Golf Course. Exceptional value for money and a forgiving open layout make it a rewarding choice for golfers of all skill levels.

About

Holes 18
Type Public
Par 71
Length 6061 yards
Slope 110
Rating 67.7

Opened in 1929, Willowick Golf Course in Santa Ana is Orange County's oldest public golf course. It is a challenging layout that has garnered a quite a following over the years. The course features wide fairways and large greens that offer ample room. There aren’t any water hazards a few strategically placed sand traps come into play and there are also mature trees lining the fairways. Golfers will get to practice a variety of different shots on this course. It is player-friendly enough for high-handicappers but there are still some challenges for low handicappers. The excellent condition of the greens and fairways are inviting no matter what your skill level. In addition to the golf course, Willowick also offers a grass driving range and three practice putting greens.

Book a Tee Time at
Willowick Golf Course
Powered by GolfNow.com

Course Details

Year Built 1929
Golf Season Year round
Architect William P. Bell (1929)

Rentals/Services

Carts Yes
Pull-carts Yes
Clubs Yes

Practice/Instruction

Driving Range Yes
Golf School/Academy Yes
Teaching Pro Yes
Putting Green Yes

Policies

Credit Cards Accepted VISA, MasterCard Welcomed
Metal Spikes Allowed No
Walking Allowed Yes
Dress code Casual

Food & Beverage

Bar, Snacks, Restaurant
The Best Way To Book Is With GolfPass+ Annual
golf ball.svg
$120 in monthly tee time promo codes
waivedfees
12 rounds of waived fees
redeemtrophy
GolfPass Member Pricing
teetime protection.svg
Tee Time Protection

Reviews

3.5
1156 Reviews (1156)

What Golfers Are Saying

The 19th Hole is Great For:
Drinks 16
Brunch 7
19th Hole Specials 6
Course Challenges Include:
Bunkers 19
Undulating Greens 8
This course/club is great for:
Walkers 20
Locals 19
Beginners 17
This Course's Location is:
Convenient to the City 20

Numbers based on reviews tagged with attribute.

Advanced Filters
Overall Rating
Recommended
Handicap
Age
Type of Golfer
Gender
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
5.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your 5 star review. We appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 3
1.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Poor
Value Fair
Layout Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 36
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Sad shape

This course seems to be on life support. I really dont think they have a full time groundskeeper based on the condition of the course. The fairways are covered in weeds and bald spots. even some of the bunkers have weeds in them. Very sad because this use to be a nice course in a good location.

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your review.

Played On
Reviews 1
Handicap 10-14
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing
Hot weather
Walked

Play during the week

Played on the weekend and pace of play was atrocious. With limited staff and no marshals it can be difficult. We played behind a five-some and a four-some of friends that became a nine-some on every green. Watching each other putt out, then grouping on the next tee box. Would recommend playing during the week with less people, but never playing on the weekends.

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Difficulty Fairly Easy
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your review.

Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
2.0
First Time Playing

Dont waste your money or time.

Fairways sucked they look like the rough. Homeless people living on the course tagging every where. The owners dont care for the course they should just sell it. It is not worth the money they are asking to play yhere

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Fair
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Good time good weather enjoyed my round

Good day not pushed and still got dont in 4 hours. Nice staff, homeless on the course and tents on one hole, they didn’t bother us but I know it’s a problem in Santa Ana. Course was a little muddy In Some areas but at least there’s grass in the fairways.. couldn’t get a tee time in my area so I’m glad I was able to play here.

Conditions Fair
Value Good
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your review.

Played On
Reviews 14
1.0
Verified Purchaser

Garbage Course

Absolute garbage golf course. Slow pace of play ( many groups of 5), greens and fairways absolutely neglected. Should pay for than $10 to play. Never again.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Good
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your review.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Not worth the money.

Unfortunately, the golf course was not very well designed. Overall, staff was friendly, and the golf carts are great, but the course lay out is odd. The course is not well maintained, and the cost is higher than better courses in the area. I will not be playing here again.

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Poor
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 07/27/2020

Thank you for your review.

Played On
Reviews 29
Handicap 15-19
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played
Perfect weather
Used cart

Great course for the price!

I've been playing here for over ten years and I keep coming back. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The course is about average length for a local municipal and there are some mean bunkers to keep things interesting. It is hard to lose a ball, because it's on flat land but that doesn't mean it isn't fun and challenging. Every year I see improvements in the overall condition of the course. I'm definitely a fan and a loyal customer.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Difficulty Moderate
Played On
Reviews 7
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

What happened!

1st off the pro shop attendant wasn't in the shop, he was hitting balls on the range. Once he got to shop, felt like we were bothering him instead of being friendly. We were about to start and realized there was no score cards. We asked for them and was told rudely "dl the app!" We had to used a ripped up golf ball sleeve box for a score card. Overall during our round it was obvious the course was left for dead. Greens spotty, fairways dead. Felt like we were playing in a desert course. On the turn the group that jus finished the 18th, jumped in front of us and continue to replay the back 9. This course used to be a hidden gem in the heart of Santa Ana. Now it seems like another wasted opportunity for socal golf...

Conditions Poor
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Fair
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/15/2020

Thank you for your review and constructive insights. We value your opinion and take feedback seriously in order to improve our guests experiences.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Excellent
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Something is up here

Phone number disconnected and no golf carts so I will not be back

Conditions Average
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/02/2020

Thank you so much for your review. We appreciate your feedback, Sorry to hear that you weren't able to reach us by telephone.

Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Previously Played

Bang for Buck course

Solid lay out, fairways are tough and lush, but the balls roll well on the green. No flag sticks at the moment, but hole locations tend to be uniform after hole 1, all middle back placements.

Conditions Average
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Good
Amenities Good
Played On
Reviews 6
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Value Average
Layout Average
Friendliness Average
Pace Excellent
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/02/2020

Thank you so much for your review. We appreciate your feedback, and hope to see you back soon.

Default User Avatar
Anonymous
Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a month
1.0
First Time Playing

Dirty

Course is covered in cigarette buds and beer cans. The course itself is in horrible shape. No fairway just entire field of rough and long weeds. No flag sticks either just tree branches and some holes don’t even have that. Avoid this place

Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Average
Friendliness Poor
Pace Poor
Amenities Poor
Default User Avatar
Commented on 06/02/2020

Thank you so much for your review.

Played On
Reviews 6
Skill Advanced
Plays Once a month
I Recommend This Course
4.0
First Time Playing

Not a bad track in the heart of OC

Fun track and in pretty good shape considering. Tree branches for flag sticks, walked and carried bag, no pull carts or carts. Little over protective with all the restrictions but still great to be out there walking the fairways.

Conditions Good
Value Excellent
Layout Good
Friendliness Excellent
Pace Excellent
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/27/2020

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your support and feedback. Hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 1
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

Worth the price

Decent conditions, no flags but can’t complain too much for the price

Conditions Average
Value Good
Layout Good
Friendliness Average
Pace Good
Amenities Average
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/27/2020

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your support and feedback. Hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 4
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
I Recommend This Course
4.0
Verified Purchaser
First Time Playing

Lawn mower man

So the course was easy and fun to play. Pro shop staff was friendly and pace of play was decent. The cons are that homeless people live on the back nine. Also the grass cutting man followed for three holes, ran over one of our balls, and would not get out of the way when we approaches the green. That needs to be corrected.

Conditions Fair
Value Average
Layout Good
Friendliness Good
Pace Good
Amenities Fair
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/27/2020

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your support and feedback. Hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 2
Skill Advanced
Plays A few times a week
3.0
Verified Purchaser
Previously Played

No pins

So you just have to guess where the flags are no pins .. I guess it’s to much to have a flag on green haha they gotta be kidding me now On my way! Touches the flags now anyways

Conditions Average
Value Fair
Layout Poor
Friendliness Poor
Pace Excellent
Default User Avatar
Commented on 05/27/2020

Thank you for your review. We appreciate your support and feedback. Hope to see you again soon.

Played On
Reviews 9
Skill Intermediate
Plays Once a week
1.0
First Time Playing
Conditions Poor
Value Poor
Layout Fair
Friendliness Fair
Pace Average
Amenities Poor
Nearby Courses
Santa Ana, California
Public
3.713714129
1446
Fountain Valley, California
Public
3.670416524
968
Fountain Valley, California
Public
1.9019607843
18
Fountain Valley, California
Public
1.9019607843
18
Costa Mesa, California
Private
4.0
1
Santa Ana, California
Private
0.0
0
Costa Mesa, California
Municipal/Public
3.6152353339
2449
Costa Mesa, California
Municipal/Public
3.6152353339
2449
Newport Beach, California
Public
3.6888888889
512
Anaheim, California
Public
3.6573294038
573
Tustin, California
Semi-Private
3.7459383754
263
Huntington Beach, California
Public
3.7442694634
1114
Golf Packages

Monarch Beach Resort Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
ORANGE COUNTY, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria Monarch Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, the Montage Laguna Beach, or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links.
MB2.1.jfif

Monarch Beach Resort Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
ORANGE COUNTY, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Waldorf-Astoria Monarch Beach, the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Nigel, the Montage Laguna Beach, or the Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort & Spa and golf at Monarch Beach Golf Links.
Aviara Golf Club - Hole #18

Aviara Stay & Play Packages

Click Below
SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.

Aviara Stay & Play Package

Click Below
SAN DIEGO, CA | Enjoy lodging accommodations at the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa and golf at Aviara Golf Club.

The Lodge At Torrey Pines Stay & Play Package

CLICK BELOW
LA JOLLA, CA | Enjoy up to 5 nights’ accommodations at The Lodge at Torrey Pines and up to 4 rounds of golf at your choice of Torrey Pines – South Course and Torrey Pines – North Course.
Now Reading
  • Home

  • Memberships

  • Library

  • Account