Willow Springs Golf Course

This was my first time playing this course. My overall impression is that I'd like to come back in the late spring or early summer when the grass is green and trees are full of leaves. That would likely really make a difference. Stupid winter. :) But hey, we can literally play golf year round in central Texas. So we've got that going for us ... which is nice.

The clubhouse at this muny is basic. But it was well kept and clean. Personally, I never require anything from a clubhouse as I come prepared. So I have no complaints. I'm not expecting country club amenities at this type of course. Along with a smattering of hats/shirts/balls/tees/etc, they also had a small assortment of snacks and drinks (Gatorade, beer, etc).

Apparently there was a frost delay. We had tee time around 2pm. There were various groups getting ready to play. We were asked by 2-3 of them what our tee time was as they were wondering if they were before or after us. Turns out some of them got a text message that morning stating all times would be pushed back 45 minutes. Our group, however, did not get such a text. So this was news to us. And no one in the clubhouse mentioned it to us. That's something they need to tell every single person that walks in (all day long). A course marshal had been hanging around the #1 tee box while we checked into the clubhouse etc but he left right around that time and was never seen again. That left several groups standing around trying to figure out who was next up, who was missing players (now coming 30-45 minutes later than usual), a single walker who went off, etc etc etc. And there was a diverse mixture of carts, push carts, and even bag-over-the-shoulder players. I can't tell you the last time I saw someone carrying their bag. I don't think any courses I normally play allow it (for whatever reason). It was all a bit frustrating. We eventually walked up and teed off simply because no one else was stepping up; snooze or lose. Being one of the fewer nice weather days (and a Saturday), the course was certainly busy ... which slowed up the pace of play for everyone. Along with a more affordable muny come players of all skill levels. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy to have everyone on the course. I used to spray the ball all of the place myself when I first started. And I'm certainly not a 'good' golfer even today. But I hit quick and my shots aren't too crazy. Anyway, we would've normally been able to finish before sundown but ended up two holes short; that's always disappointing.

The big plus on the carts was GPS. There's a small screen mounted under the roof which allows you to touch it for specific yardage. It also shows an overview video of the hole you're playing. You can also see these virtual flyover videos on their web site: https://www.alamocitygolftrail.com/willow-springs-golf-course/. Note, don't drive your cart in the wrong areas (e.g. greenside) or the GPS will lock it up and you'll have to reverse out; my cart partner found that out the hard way. Club/ball washers are located on one side and space for a cooler on the other. Our carts did not have coolers attached; I assume you might need to ask for one (as needed). Other features included USB ports, bottles of sand, and four smaller style cup holders.

The course overall isn't anything fancy. It's certainly not the most manicured course. Grounds crews likely stick to the area of play and a fair amount of the rest seems a bit untouched +/-. I kind of expect that, but I also appreciate when attention is paid to general greenspace areas. There's a putting green (or two) but no driving range. I didn't see any water coolers on course. I also didn't see a bathroom although there may be one near the #16 tee box. Not sure if they run a beverage cart. They didn't have one during our 'busy with good weather' Saturday afternoon outing.

There are plenty of tee boxes available with ample real estate to adjust the tee positions around. Being an affordable course, this one certainly sees a lot of play. So the tees were a little chewed up. Winter grass and temps don't help this situation. You'll find a basic yardage sign at each hole. Normally I'd like to see a hole layout as well. But the GPS videos cover that (if you actually watch them).

The fairways were nice and brown with 'winter' grass. The unfortunate side was that there's a lot of hardpan. So don't expect to take a lot of divots. One up side to the fairways' current condition is that your ball will roll out a lot if you hit a screamer. The rough wasn't really rough. It, too, was cut short and simply not a factor. In fact, it probably gave me something more to hit out of -- a touch more grass and less hardpan contact. I didn't see any regular distance markers on cart paths nor fairways. I believe I saw a 150yd pole or two. The GPS takes care of this except for walkers.

I noticed a nice variety of trees on the course. Again, I'd like to see them in bloom. I bet it makes a world of difference. The creek however could use a little love. I saw far too much trash in it from runoff etc. You just shouldn't see trash anywhere on a golf course.

There are just a few water hazards on the course. And they're not really that much in play. I did notice one of them was a bit low with several feet of mud up near the bank. But we're not supposed to be playing over there anyway, right!? The bunkers, however, need some work. They were cut fine and had plenty of sand. But don't bother picking up the rake because they were about the hardest (compact) bunkers I've ever come across. I barely made a shoe imprint -- hard as hardpan dirt.

The greens were in decent shape. I noticed a few areas where they were trying to deal with dry spots, fungus, or whatever. Being short cut winter grass, they were running FAST which really amplified your breaks and downhill putts. We all lost a significant number of strokes due to this. I'm not necessarily complaining; it's just that time of year and we happened to catch them cut short. But cut short and hard underneath, they were not receptive to incoming iron shots; they didn't hold well. We quickly adjusted to hitting our short to land in front of the green and have the ball bounce or skip up onto the green. And that makes for even less accurate ball position on the green.

This course is ACGT's best kept and best shape course. The greens were immaculate. The rain must have done wonders on them. If you've never played this course I highly recommend it. Even though it plays long it's quite open for errant shots. Players of all handicaps ought to have a great time here. I've yet to break 80 here but getting pretty close. The pace of play on a weekday is great. San Antonio's munis are some of the best in the country, when you play Willow you'll see why.

This used to be one of the best munis in town, however, it's starting to take a nose dive. Almost all the greens had weeds growing on them, which is surprising because this course was in excellent shape last year. Another ding, was that our group was delayed an hour because of a morning frost delay, so it ended up being a 6-hour golf round.

I'm hoping that the greens keeper will actually start taking care of the greens to get it back to the great shape this course used to be in.

Course is in great shape. Greens are rolling well, fairways are nice and tee boxes are solid. I enjoy the course layout with some challenging holes and a couple tee boxes with risk versus reward choices.

I was really impressed with this course. It’s challenging but fun and plays super long. It also has a lot of history too, as it was the home of the Texas Open decades ago. Despite the course being air rated a few weeks ago, the putts rolled pretty true. PROS: lengthy course, wide open, didn’t lose a single ball,nice elevation changes, GPS on golf carts. CONS: bottleneck at the start, so we started a half hour later, no driving range. Bottom line, this is a great for the value. I’m putting it as my top three muni in San Antonio. You better believe I’ll play it again.

I booked on Golf now, but when I showed up they did not even have me in the system. When I produced the receipt, they still charged me full price even though the amount due at the course was less. You would think that they would make it right especially since I produced the reservation. Basically I'm out $6.15 WHICH IS NOT A HUGE DEAL, BUT I FEEL LIKE THE GOLF SHOP COULD HAVE MADE IT RIGHT.

Willow Springs was a nice municipal golf course. Wide open fairways on most holes. Some had OB on one side but unless you sprayed the ball it shouldn’t come into play. The course was wet and with the brown winter conditions, things were a bit muddier than usual. Overall, the greens rolled good. Not the fastest in town, but definitely not bad at all. Easy walk. Ample elevation change. Great utilization of the meandering creek. No GPS or driving range. Putting green is available. Enjoyable, fairly wide open municipal golf course.

Solid golf course that sits on nicely rolling land. Good variety of holes with some fun risk-reward par 4's. Great location across from the AT&T center, and if you play the course on gameday you can just leave your car in the lot and avoid paying for parking.

Course could use some water. Greens were dry but ran good. Overall good course

The front nine was closed when we started. The course did not notify golfers that the front was being top-dressed and was unplayable. This is not uncommon for the city courses however. Guess I should have asked before purchasing the rounds of golf. We were required to play the back nine twice.

Highly recommend playing this course. Great value for the price on golf now and in my opinion , top 2 muni's in san antonio. Not a really challenging course, but longer par 5's make up for that. I always enjoy playing this course and was in great shape.

The course was in excellent condition, pace of play was very good.
I just don't understand why they never have an on course beverage cart especially in the hottest part of summer and the weekend

They rarely have the blue tee markers on the back box but if you want to get a good test of golf then play the back box no matter where they have the markers set.

There was no Marshall to speed up play had a tournament going on got too late in the evening to keep playing

You will use every club in your bag on this long and challenging municipal golf course. The 17th and 18th holes were fantastic finish to a very enjoyable day at Willow Springs golf course.

The course is in good shape for this time of year in South Texas and it was cold and windy. So now on to the issues, had played 9 holes with our 4 foursome on a Saturday. Not a problem a little backed up and we weren't playing great! Stop to use the facilities and grab something for the back. 3 went in while I manned the carts, as 2 came out with beverages and hotdog. I went to get a dog. As I got to the counter my brother-in-law was just getting his hot dog and walking from the counter. The man on the grill ask me what he could help me with, I asked for a hotdog. He the abruptly tells me grill is closed and I'm out (assuming hotdogs). Now we have a problem the grill wasn't closed to every one else and there was nothing posted on the grill being closed. Also why would ask me if there was something you could do for me if the grill was closed! So I am now highly upset! I then see the individual take food tray to the pro shop offices. What gives!!? So this is how the Veterans and black golfers are treated! BTW my brother-in-law is not black. This is the second course on the Alamo Trail that I've been subjected to this blatant disrespect!

Course was in good condition and just had a few small spots under repair on some of the holes. It did not interfere with playing the holes. Greens were in good shape as usual. would definitely play again, especially for price on golf now.

The course is being worked on so one hole (#16) was closed off. Otherwise, the course was in great shape considering the dry hot weather we have had for 6 weeks. The fairways and greens were really nice, and the tees were good, although a bit uneven due to the small areas on some holes. Tight beautiful lush fairways and nice, though grainy, greens. the experience was great.

Course was in great shape. Staff were very friendly! Tee time was 2:09. Let us go at 1:20! Very nice.

Overall great golf experience! Unfortunately, hole 7 was unplayable due to irrigation installation. There were several ditches crossing cart paths that made it a bit bumpy. Everything else was well kept. Greens were soft but responsive. Keep up the good work! Definitely returning soon.