Northwood Golf Club

One of my all time favorite 9 hole courses with some of the most amazing trees you find anywhere on a golf course. This MacKenzie course appears to still have many of the original features and mostly intact layout. Several of the greens have been altered: 3rd, 4th, and 9th have been changed. But the remainder all have allot of the typical MacKenzie traits.

If anywhere nearby do not pass this one up.

Maintenance was excellent. Good mix of long and short distance in absolutely stunning setting with redwoods and wildlife. Great staff. Definitely recommend.

One of my all time favorite courses. Can be a bit slow, but that allows you to take in the amazing scenery. Staff is great, course is challenging as well.

I had a great time and would definitely 100% recommend it if you are in the area, just wish I lived a little closer to it. It was a beautiful day in the course was in great shape.

This is my local course I play often. Always in good shape but does tend to play slow because it’s often wet. Nice staff and not too expensive.

It was a lovely day to play and the course equalized the weather. I didn't have any expectations going in, and I was pleasantly impressed with the course--- the layout, how well manicured it was, and some varying holes that offered the traditional risk-reward elements of how to play them.

The trees, surrounding mountains, and overall nature were beautiful and getting a round in here was definitely a nice respite beyond being "just a golf outing" in itself.

Whether you'd come here to play a solo round or with friends, you're likely going to enjoy your time here!

Great course in a beautiful setting. Although there is not much yardage the course is designed in a way that makes it challenging enough. Had a blast!

What a gem! If you are visiting the area you will not regret making a stop here. The course has so much character and is such a representation of how special this area is. Cannot stress enough how much I recommend it and how much value you will get out of it.

One of the most beautiul gofl courses in Northern California

I’ve played this course every year for the last 25 years. Only course I’ve done this. Well worth coming back to. Beautiful and challenging but fun

I love many things about golf and two things are at the top of the list: Alister MacKenzie and 9 hole courses.

Northwood offers both and I am so glad I packed my Persimmon woods and made the 3 hour trek up to play on a sleepy Monday morning.

Verne in the pro shop was incredibly nice. Offered me a yardage book for free and a couple tips for the course.

Northwood is a magical place. The redwoods obviously are the distinguishing characteristic but the layout itself is fun and challenging. The greens are undulating and bold and pure MacKenzie. Only a few bunkers out on the course and the greens werent the quickest on the planet but that is just fine. Take it for what it is - a must play for any fan of golf history. Afterwards enjoy a cold drink in the awesome 19th hole.

Played this course for the first time today after playing a boring and slow course in the morning.

What a difference. Despite being 1200 yards shorter I still shot 4 strokes worse and smiled the whole time. Almost every tee shot forced a decision and every single green complex was interesting. Pace of play was fine , even though at one point I got stuck behind a pair of dads with 6 kids. They quickly let me play through and everyone was having a good time and delighted to be out there.

there's no water on this course and few (amazing) bunkers, and it's in the perfect most serene setting. it sets up relatively easy for average hacks and still poses a real challenge to good golfers.

Go here. Play here.

This simply one of the most beautiful spots I have ever see. It is a fun layout with great greens and nicely placed bunkers. I had to rent clubs (which were not great). Next time I am in the area I will have my clubs and play every day. The salmon and brie appetizer at the restaurant is crazy and there is a good beer selection.

Great 9-hole course and was in superb condition. Two of us played relatively early AM and walked the 9-holes in under 2 hours. Relatively flat course playing through the scenic majestic redwoods. Very much enjoyed the round.

agree with all laudatory reviews: beautiful setting, smell of redwood in the air, well kept conditions despite drought, etc., etc.
one demerit for me - reflecting my personal preference for the driver and not a fair criticism of the course itself - was that some holes were too short.

otherwise, beautifully laid out and well maintained. worth playing here at least once.

What a special place. Northwood GC is, located on the Russian River in Sonoma and the heart of Redwoods country. It's probably the world's most accessible and affordable Alister Mackenzie design. Northwood is a short, small 9-holer that is wonderfully casual. The holes that play through magnificent redwoods are an absolute joy. The yardage isn't much: about 2600 yards for 9 holes, but each hole is a little different, and the small greens roll wonderfully. There are even two par 5s, which might be the only times it actually makes sense to hit a driver out here. Other holes are narrow and doglegging, so if you can't shape your shots, prepare to hear the echoing of golf ball striking 8-foot-thick redwood.

What I truly adore about this place is how casual and welcoming it is to both true golfers and vacationers just interested in trying out the game. Sleeves seem optional. My wife and I, fresh off a busy afternoon in wine country, decided to stop by for a peek around and a drink on the patio. Naturally, within about 10 minutes I had talked her into playing 9 with me. We were wearing our workout clothes, but no matter, and got two super twilight tee times and a set of clubs for $36. We got around in about 80 minutes. Golf seemed practically secondary compared to the chance to walk beneath the trees in evening twilight.

I suspect, when you pass by Northwood on River Road, you'll want to stop in and see what the fuss is all about. You'll love every step. Just be sure to look down and know where you're going once in awhile.