Winchester Country Club

I play this course often and is usually in great shape but it was TERRIBLE on this day. Reminded me of Morgan Creek if that puts it into context.

I have been waiting to play this course for years. They layout is exceptional, and you can't help but marvel at some of the homes surrounding, but the condition of the course, itself, even the practice putting green was very poor. Tee boxes, fairways and some greens have dirt patches, and a lot of areas are over watered. On balance one of the very worst I have played in the area for some time. This probably explains the Golf now deal. If you have never played it, by all means it is still a must, but if you have played before you may want to think twice

The condition of the greens is one of the worst I’ve ever seen, and the fairways are equally bad, with many areas devoid of grass. Some parts of the fairways are even soaking wet and muddy, despite the absence of rain for quite some time.

The speed of the greens for each hole varies significantly, and given the poor condition of the greens, it becomes extremely challenging to make any putts.

Considering the substantial green fee for each round, it simply isn’t worth it.

Course fairways were in horrible condition. Patchy grass and mud. Not worth the $120 per player. Should have been $60. Greens had mud and dead grass. Greens were ok but also dead areas and mud. Literally one hole had to putt through mud. If the fairways and greens were nice this could be an amazing course. Disappointing paying that price and having muddy fairways and greens during summer. Would not recommend at that price.

I’ve played Winchester Country Club a handful of times over the years and have always loved the course. The service has been great, the layout is incredible, and coming up the 18th hole has always made you feel like you’re playing in a PGA Tour event.

The last time I played there before yesterday, my back went out on the 7th hole and I couldn’t finish. I asked if they offered any type of rain/injury check for nine holes, and they kindly told me, “No, not here.” Fair enough.

So yesterday I went back. It was a beautiful day, and I was paired with two other singles. Great pairing, lots of laughs, and a really enjoyable group. One of the guys lives in Vacaville and had planned on playing Yocha Dehe but decided to try Winchester instead.

Unfortunately, the condition of the course was a huge disappointment.

He loved the layout, as I always have, but we both couldn’t believe the shape it was in. Many of the fairways were patchy with large bare areas, and several greens had bare or damaged spots and areas that just didn’t roll well. For a course of Winchester’s reputation and price point, it was honestly sad to see.

My back started acting up again, but I managed to hack it around and make it to 18. Then we discovered 18 was cart-path-only. Anyone who has played Winchester knows what that means. On that long par 5, getting from the cart path down to your ball and back—potentially more than once—is quite a hike. My back definitely didn’t appreciate that finish!

Winchester is a beautiful property and one of my favorite layouts in Northern California, which is why it’s disappointing to write this. But based on yesterday’s conditions, I couldn’t recommend someone make the trip or pay the green fee right now.

Hopefully they get things turned around soon, because when Winchester is in good condition, it’s a special golf course. I also have to wonder how the members feel about the current conditions.

I’ll definitely give it another chance—but probably not until next year after they’ve had time to get the course back into the condition Winchester deserves.

Course is in terrible condition - basically unplayable. Fairways are completely chewed up and look diseased. Course is way over watered, mud balls on every hole. Worst conditions I have ever played in, do not recommend!

Fairways were way over watered with a lot of muddy areas! I cannot state this fact hard enough. You can accurately hear the water running down the fairway #7. My golf partner and I are good golfers with an 8 and 9 handicap. We both lost 2 golf balls each on drives in the fairway plugged in muddy areas. When the ball didn’t plug, it stuck in the mud or what grass was there with no roll. I play a lot of golf in the Auburn area as well as Truckee and I do not see over watering like this on the other courses. The price you pay to play this course does not reflect the condition it’s in.

On a positive note, the greens were in ok condition. Well, except for green #3. They have never been able to fix that green and should just remove it and start over. The staff that we did talk to along the course were very friendly.

For a course that is so highly recommended and touted and for the price they really should be embarrassed of the condition they have allowed the course to get into.

And it seems self inflicted. I thought on the first tee box that was soggy with water that someone had forgotten to turn off the sprinklers over night.

Little did I know that it was pervasive for every hole.

We lost 3+ balls that plugged in the fairways. And spent a lot of time trying to find balls that were plugged.

The greens were often mushy and soggy. And several just did not have grass and large mud patches.

Most of the fairways had deep tire ruts. I do not know how they didn’t make the whole course cart path only.

The 18th which should have been iconic just illustrated which direction they mowed as the mud was just pushed one way or the other.

Their sand traps were even worse. Usually grass was growing as there was no sand left in the traps.

I really liked the layout and if they ever get a greenskeeper that is qualified I would like to come back, but for $150 I will pass for a couple of years until the grass grows back.

Winchester used to be one of my favorite courses, but it’s now in the worst condition I’ve ever seen. Muddy fairways, poor maintenance, and a clubhouse that felt completely disengaged. Paying $150 for this experience was a ripoff. Save your money and play somewhere else until they get this course back in shape.

Diamond oak’s is in better shape right now. Embarrassing

Greens inconsistent and many in poor shape on front… back better

It’s over watered and mainly in disrepair. It used to be pristine.. if your a golfer you won’t like it

They have been watering because of the heat, but instead turned the entire course into a swamp. And the greens are either half dead or half aerated. Pretty much unplayable. Might be worth $20 but would hate to be a member. Worse than any muni course within 100 miles.

Winchester is a great layout and in the past I have thought it was a great course. This time the fairways were in rough shape, seemed to be over-watered, and several of the greens had bare spots and other problems. It currently is not worth the price. When it is in good shape it is worth every cent.

Love the layout of the course. Greens were in great shape. Fairways were in terrible shape. Fairways were very bare and very muddy. Won’t play this course again until it regains full green fairways. Pretty disappointed with the conditions for the green fees.

Terrible condition. Not worth the money. I feel bad for the members who pay monthly dues to play here.

Beautiful setting but course suffer from neglect and is in horrible condition. Tee boxes are all chopped up, fairways have more dead grass than green and overwatering has caused mud and swamp conditions… water hazards are swamps…. Sad, very sad to see what was a premier course degrade to this condition!.

I do not plan on going back nor buying property in this “country club”